Building a Ship

Yes, I'm back in business.

Before I continue with all the tons of work that needs to be done desperately, I also need to write this as a reminder to everyone, so I'll keep it short and simple.

And particular, I hope that there is this certain group that will read it.

Lesson26#:
Openness

During the recent event, Merentas Desa 2010, which I wrote about in my previous post, there have been a lot of complains especially from those who were disqualified.

But the interesting part was this, news came to my ears that some who openly cursed them either upfront or even sarcastically, were called to have a little chit chat, and they were asked to apologize otherwise discipline action will be taken. And yes, news came to me that they were pissed ALL THE MORE.

So what's my point here? Now I'm not saying that cursing a group of people for their failed action is a good thing or it should have been done, I also do think that it is in fact not that good, but I want to shift to the attention of those receiving the criticism.

Openness, is something I've learn to develop over time. Its something hard to birth but yet it can be so very useful in life.

Basically, as insults and criticism is thrown at us, it is always not about reacting, but responding. Reacting would mean upon receiving an insult, an action is immediately produce to counter it, most of the time, it doesn't go through thinking, rather mainly emotional reaction. Whereas responding would require one to actually sit down and think before taking an action.

Perhaps those who insulted them should have apologized also, but to FORCE someone to apologize and to act as if being insulted is a BIG THING, something seems so wrong about it. Take for example the prefects, we practically get insulted from the time we start officially being a prefect, to the time we finish our term. Only those who stand out as a people person would be safe from harm, otherwise, trust me, no student actually likes the prefects.

So my point here is, be open about it, don't react and cause small things to become a big issue, to a point as if the world will fall. When I heard about the news, I was all the more sadden because when people know about this, it just speaks to the world that that group is just unable to handle criticism. I do acknowledge the hard work and effort put into all these, but since matters are bad, spend time fixing it than to make matters worse.

Please, be open.

Concerned runner,
Wai Leem

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Indeed like what Nicholas said awhile back, this year, there will be and have been a lot of "last" stuff. During that time, it was my last Gerko Day, today, was another one. My LAST Merentas Desa in Catholic High School.

After the announcement of results, and hearing people cursing and some crying because they were disqualified, I went to the CF. Throughout the time in the CF room, eating lunch and walking back home, I was just wondering how I could have done so much more, how meaningful this year's merentas desa really is to me, and how I will never be able to run as a purple house member in a cross-country race anymore (Unless I end up in Form 6).

Today was indeed an experience to remember.

Before today, there was a big hype of people just training and training after school. It was like some kind of health craze or something like that, but a group of us concluded it as peer pressure, seeing our friends running, we all also want to run.

To be honest, I was one of them. I've always liked running long distance, whether or not its time consuming or what, but its something I like to do. The odd part is, despite my liking to run, I have this weird dislike, that is I don't like getting tired, because most of the time, there is just so much work to do, getting tired is not a very good circumstance, energy is greatly needed. So that always held me back from running. But because of the recent hype, I was also excited, because now I know that "if he/she runs and gets tired, surely he/she also can't finish his/her work, die, then die together lo!" So I started training too.

Whether it was at school, the real track or even at my housing area, I've always had someone to accompany me, and it will always be part of the 2010 Merentas Desa experience. You know who you guys and gals are, Thank You.

So this year, as the whistle blew and we started running, I only had one thing in my mind, "GET THAT FREAKING POINT" So I ran without stopping, a pace way bigger than I've ever ran before. At first, I started getting tired, and the person I was pacing was slowly getting further and further, so I tried to pick up my pace and stride, but my legs were still getting me very tired. And as I pondered about something, can't remember what, tiredness left, I managed to gain control over my mind and the psychological aspect, I managed to press on and get ahead.

Because of that, I have achieved my own personal goal. I've always wanted to be in the top 60, and I FINALLY DID IT! Form 2 I got a point, but was way back, far from 60th placing, Form 3 I failed, Form 4, I got a point, but didn't get any number, but was suspected to have gotten about 60 or 70 something, around that area. So this year, with clear determination, but honestly, a bit of uncertainty and low confidence, God was ultimately there to bring me through, and help me 58th placing. Perhaps not THAT GOOD compared to the 57 placings in front of me, but God has given me enough to remember what an awesome Merentas Desa it has been for me.

So congratulations to every house and every runner, you all did your best, I HOPE. And to every person on duty, I would prefer that you ran, but its okay, someone needs to be on duty, and you filled in that gap, and a special thanks to the PBSM for rescuing some of the runners and taking care of all runners medical needs, WELL DONE.

But it ain't over yet people, this is just the beginning, and more is yet to come.

Purple House runner,
Wai Leem

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So what so different about my birthday this year?

EVERYTHING.

Let's start from the eve, on Friday, 29 January 2010.

I came to school, already knowing that there will be a party at my house at late evening, but that's all I knew. To be really honest, I was also wondering whether I would receive any other stuff. Anyway, I went to school, and on normal routine, went to the CF room for morning watch.

People started to come in, Jo Fan came in, but this time his face was suspicious. He took out a birthday card for us to sign, but it was for Jaclyn's birthday, on the 31st. Nothing for me went on in the morning. As usual, school started, and more work piled on.

After school, as usual again on a Friday, it was CF time. Quickly set up everything and got it running. Everything was going on well, until I ask Jo Fan about something concerning that week's CFprogram, he gave an odd reply. I was suspicious AGAIN, but I was more worried whether the program is going to be okay or not. And as I expected, they called all the January babies and we sang the birthday song CF style. Had a great time laughing while being called oldest among the January babies, it was really a fun time.

Anyway, after that, CF was over and we put back everything in order. Then Jo Fan revealed Jaclyn's card. Had a great time laughing out loud, but at the same time, was wondering whether I would get a card this year, cause in my entire 16 years, not once have I receive a card made by friends. After laughing and all, Jo Fan said "switch sides". I was "huh" then they turned towards me and Jo Fan presented my birthday card, which was followed by deafening screams from Laine, Mellisa and other crazy fellas. Yes, it was heart warming. While the rest was making sure everything in the classroom was properly set in its original position, I took a quick glance at the cards and everyone's wishes and I stumbled across Aaron saying "I hope you like ice cold water" How could I not be suspicious AGAIN? I asked Jo Fan, and he ignored me, but he was also busy, so I didn't want to pester him.

Rumah Ungu was about to start, I wanted to go and change my clothes first, but Jo Fan asked me to wait for awhile. We all then went down together, and gathered in between the CF and Prefect room. They pointed to me a corner where a lot of boxes were stacked up. They told me that it was my birthday present. So they asked me to open it by tearing the boxes. I was firstly scared it was some sort of prank, so I was ready to run. After much hesitance, I placed my hand on the box, and as I was about to tear it, Aaron jumped from within and was pouring water over me. So from my running stance, I RAN, and once everything was over, only to realize that because I ran, half of my body was wet, the other half was dry, it was so weird.

So after all these, I met Ms Koh! and went for Rumah practice. After which, I got ready to go back home, Timothy and Lie Keat followed me back for the small party. After taking bath, only then one by one some started coming. We had fellowship around my house' marble table. Had a great time again talking laughing and what not. We even went to Mr Wong's idolized website, ngsir.netforms.com, which was actually good. (I'll put the names later) We had dinner at ss2, though wasn't classy but I felt so much more relaxed, not to mention they bought me a birthday chicken, literally. Like how a candle is put on a cake, they bought chicken and put a candle. LAME but AWESOME. =D

After dinner, came back home and had the real cake. And as expected, they tried to push my head into the cake. Well, half succeeded, and that was all thanks to my mum, EVIL mum. Again, sat around the table eating and eating food made by Tian Yoon. Then slowly one by one, everyone started to leave, only Nicholas stayed over for the night.

That was just the eve, and now on my birthday,today, actual date itself, there wasn't any party or whatsoever, but it was already awesome for me. Had breakfast with Nicholas and by noon he too went back. Not too long after, I headed off to church for Kidzone! Had another great time of fun with the kids and they sang me a birthday song just now =). Really, another family to me. Had dinner with my bro, then came back home, on my computer and starting typing this.

After what has happened, I still haven't mentioned the countless sms by so many friends and relatives. Not to mention calls too, and not forgetting a call that I would surely remember, by Callie Foo, who called at 1.35, around there, intending to wake me up, but sadly, I was still awake, haha! Indeed, she's an awesome friend. We talked a bit, I was very speechless, as always, laughed and hearing her voice made me remember of so many other friends that have either switched school or migrated, like Matthew, Jonathan, Kimberly and so many more.

So that is my birthday, 17th birthday, in year 2010, indeed, a remarkable and memorable one. A big thank you to Tian Yoon, who organized the little party at my house, Shu-Li, Amy, Lie Keat, Timothy, Nicholas, Yu Song and Aaron, who came to my house willingly to celebrate with me. Also Jo Fan, Mellisa, Germaine, Eelaine, Justin and other CF fellas who enjoyed it with me. A separate and big thank you to Jaclyn for making my card, my first ever card signed by people. And finally everyone who at least took a few seconds to type "happy birthday" on my facebook wall. Thank you everyone, thank you all!

Now off to say my "thank you" to many people!

17 liao,
Wai Leem

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Well, I don't know about you, but after quite awhile, I've been anticipating this post, just waiting to write it.

If you were following, well, I decided to leave my blog's 100th post for the eve of my birthday which also happens to be my blog's 2nd anniversary. Just a brief history, 29 January 2008, I started off in blogspot, then after awhile, I moved to mediarakyat.net and then not long after, shifted to mejournals, here, and I believe I'm here to stay. =)

So, how was the last 16 years of life?

Well, I started off as a kid, naughty and talkative kid wherever I went, and so friendly even to a point I would let anyone carry me (according to my mum). I used to like lying, *gasp*, and still have clear memories on the times I have to bend over and get spanking from my mum, but it all was for the better. Entering primary school was no different, still remember the times I chased people around the school or played 'pepsi cola' and how I used to be the MASTER of it, I owned that game. I also almost stood a chance in my school's table tennis team and I just had one more set to win, but nah, didn't make it.

Very soon, I shifted to over to Selangor, and at first, it was YEA! But after awhile, it was HAIZ.. But then, my life in Kidzone started. I've mentioned kidzone in my blog many times already, so you could check it out if you don't know what it is. As I starting to get used to the lifestyle, my spiritual life then started to grow and accelerate so much more. This was when I started to change from kid-ways to more perhaps matured-ways. (Although you see me sometimes acting like a kid, remember, its ACTING. =). As I used to tell my mum when I was in primary school, that somehow, I never had problems mixing around with people. And no doubt, changing to Puay Chai when I was in primary 4 wasn't a problem as I blended in quite well. Then came primary 6 being the tai ko and bullying prefects (ironic eh, since i'm one now). And in primary 6, being under peer pressure and facing teenage-hood, I had my first girlfriend! *gasp* I bet many of you don't know about this, even my family. But very soon I broke up, because I was convicted by God through what my pastor shared about BGR (aka BurGeR or Boy Girl Relationship). Ever since I was proud to tell people that I've gone through it, and having that kind of relationship is a no no at this point.

Well, another big part as I came over is, Kidzone, as mentioned earlier, made up a lot of my life. Starting as being a kid, spectator, to a helper and teacher. Its been an excellent journey and a joyful one no doubt. Meeting people like Ps Andy, Uncle Kim Soon, Aunty Karen, and so many more, especially those who faithfully send me back home every saturday. All their little effort or even much, impacted me one way or the other, they all filled some sort of gap in my life, whether big or small, it was all important nevertheless. Here, this was I grew so much more in my walk with Jesus. Despite not going for youth, I always pressed on to go for Kidzone, and God has blessed me so much. My commitment was so high that there were certain areas that my mum stopped me from going, that was how much I loved it.

So what about my secondary school life? Form 1, 2 passed like wind. If there was anything to remember, I was the assistant head prefect, but the years after that, I regretted not doing so much things, so much things I want to do now but can't do. So form 3 came and PMR was the pressure. Thankfully, God helped me to ace it, except for my chinese. Then quickly was science stream, form 4. Tough year doing many new subjects and going into 'club politics', but although I didn't get what I wanted, God showed me that He had more things planned for me, and it was evident. I managed to buck up my final term exam results, and the year soon ended with me going for 4 camps during the school holidays.

28 days from the 1st of January, and here I am today.

This is going to be a longer post than you think, cause I just have one more thing to write.

You would have noticed, I changed my blog title from "The LIFE Bomber" to "Building a ship" Why? you might ask.

During this years Kidzone Teacher's Retreat, Ps Andy talked about relationship and he touched about blogging, for say 3 minutes? But whatever he said made me do what I'm doing now.

I made one very big mistake throughout my 2 years of blogging, I've always wanted to write to "impact lives and change lives". I've realized one thing, that I can impact lives, but I cannot change lives. Why? This is because I can only do so much, only God can change lives, and takes you to believe it. There was nothing wrong in my previous blog title, because I really just wanted to share my life experiences with everyone. But I also feel that this year, what I really lack, is a relationship with many people. Many times its just high and bye, or perhaps touching on homework. But have I really build a strong relationship with people? Yes, with some, but not with many.

This year and from now on, I want to learn to build that relationship with many people. I have this vivid imagination, that if one day, someone comes to me and says "Wai Leem! I'm very touched by your post!" And then sadly, I have to secretly peek a glance at the name tag and cook up something to encourage or to seem as if I understand what he/she is going through. This ain't the way its suppose to be. I don't just want to cook up some words of encouragement and be off with it. I really want to know that person and really be a what a friend means, that is to know someone WELL.

I'm going for a start!

And now, thanks to a group of AWESOME friends I have in school, I'm off for my pre-birthday party!

17 years old in a few hours time,
Wai Leem =)

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If I'm not mistaken, this is a title of an album by Reuben Morgan.

Today's CF committee meeting really opened up my eyes on certain things. Certain things that I realized I have not been doing or perhaps avoided or even neglected doing.

After much talking with Jo Fan, which he seems rather frustrated (sorry Jo Fan). I nevertheless needed answers. In the end, I realized 2 things.

Relationship and the Expression of it.

In CF today I talked about relationship with God, and ultimately, that is what he is looking for. But what I didn't share, was what would or should happen next is actually the expression of it. What kind of expression? This is something Jo Fan didn't explain but he put it in a way that I realized something.

When we were talking about recess revolution, I asked him what are we going to do, he said we will do something, but I don't know what. At first, that to me, is not my culture, but I accepted his premise anyway. But what I think he meant and perhaps what is also true, is that when we have a relationship with God, we will slowly catch on to His heart. When we have the heart of God, one words stands out among the rest, that is COMPASSION. Compassion in simple words is this, loving from the heart to the hand, which in itself defines the relationship with God from the heart, and the expression of it through our hands.

Then I concluded again, that this is indeed, seeing the world through His eyes. But it cannot be done without a relationship.

So despite my restriction to Kidzone for this year, I believe that God has a reason for it. God is calling me to do something, perhaps like Jo Fan, I DON'T KNOW WHAT, but I believe just as he believes, God will ultimately show the way, all God is waiting for, is our one step closer towards him.

"Father, forgive me, for at times, I have been ignorant and unteachable. Teach me Lord your ways that I may know you more. And ultimately, may your name be glorified and magnified in my school, that not just CF will have a relationship with you, but the school, students, teachers, admins, will come to know who you really are. In Jesus name, Amen."

God is awesome,
Wai Leem
p/s: I believe God also had his timing because I recently obtained an album by Steven Curtis Chapman, and about 5 songs spoke so clearly to me. I knew I had to write this post.

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Yes indeed, for many of you bloggers, this last post for the year is like a must!

Honestly, I didn't read many blogs to see what others have written and to know what they perceive of this year. Well, my previous post are all generally long, so I'll keep this as short as I can.

Honestly, this year is indeed a good year as a whole, though there were some bad parts here and there, nevertheless, it didn't stop me to do what I do.

Let's have some good news then, starting off with winning the drama competition national level and getting a opportunity to become a CF president. There is nothing much I can say, just look back at those previous post and you will know what happened.

As for the bad parts, results, sadly is one of the factors again, which includes my first time failing in a subject. Thank God I never went into depression or that sort like last year. Another major issue is in the board of Prefects whereby I didn't succeed in getting the position of a Head Prefect.

But what do I really think of this year? Despite the good and bad?

Well, personally for me, I lost my sense of priorities. Which subsequently affected my results and personal relationship with some people.

I'm glad on one issue is that I have a stand, and I placed my stand so firmly on the ground, that whatever has happened in the board of Prefects cannot shake me. Ray Aun asked me to work my 'magic' and I am, and I'm glad to know that what I do is not based on peer pressure, not based on the surroundings, but on my belief. Previous years, I have always easily conformed to certain standards and agreements by following the majority. There is a post that I have written, a lesson in fact, called "stand". It clearly states that if we do not stand firm, we easily fall for the world. I made my stand, that is why nothing can take me away from what I believe in.

Which brings me to the Christian Fellowship. I'm very grateful and thankful to get this opportunity, and I really appreciate the current committee that I have. This is another perfect example of a crazy yet serious bunch of people, aside from Kidzone. They really have the desire and passion in what they do, and I pray that as we enter 2010, nothing can stop them.

Speaking of which, Kidzone has indeed risen another level, grown their capacity. It is simply amazing. The joy every week, despite a tiring week, and the enthusiasm to serve the kids is just spectacular. Nothing can beat this team of people. And no doubt, I'm not just glad to be a part, I'm excited. Each and everyone of them have been an example to me in various ways, as I bring it into my school, I have indeed learn so much, more than words could express.

More than words could express the joy, of victory, as I am reminded yet again on the joyous victory of the national level drama competition. I love acting, and I have indeed got this opportunity and this honour. I doubt I will join next year, but this is really a great experience, something I will surely never forget.

Speaking of opportunity, I was asked to go for a camp done by the MPPJ city council. In the end, its about forming a child council to basically make PJ city a Child Friendly City. What I went through this year, really was just the beginning, and I'm anticipating more to come. Finally, my dream to serve the community around me is slowly coming through.

Well, these are just the major ones which I have experience throughout the year. 2010 is surely another set of different tides, different waves, but bring it on, I'm ready to step into the first decade of the 21st century.

So, I'm ready, are you?

In for another awesome year,
Wai Leem

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"Wake up! Its the season of the year!........"

For those who knew, my church had a musical for the Christmas season, the musical was entitled season of the year. But don't worry, I'm not going to talk about the musical, though it was splendid, I should say.

Well, Christmas is over, A new year is dawning. For me, this season of the year, wasn't as grand, wasn't as WOW, wasn't something that I looked forward to. Not that there was something unhappy or discontented about it, just that, it didn't have that excitement that it used to be.

Before Christmas came, a group of Kidzone teachers were just sharing about what Christmas means to them. Well, for some, they didn't grow up celebrating it, yet for some, it was a gathering of families, and for some, it was a indeed a season of relax and remembering the reason for the season. I grew up in a Christian home, Christmas was celebrated every year, and I DO KNOW what its all about, and indeed its about the birth of Jesus, who came to sacrifice His life for many. Every year, I hear and at times say the same thing, because no doubt it is true, but over the years, it became a knowledge than a conviction.

Because of that, I didn't feel the "wow, Jesus came to save me" feeling.

As I pondered why this is happening, I remembered seeing this video in my youth camp, the camp I mentioned in my earlier post. Its called "That's my King" As I just happen to remember about it, and since at that point in time, my computer was right in front of me, I went to search for it in Youtube and watched it again. After I watched it, I could only think of one thing. How can I not celebrate, if 'THAT'S MY KING'? I surely have to!

Not that I'm obliged, but because he is that kind of KING, I want to celebrate! Then onwards, I celebrated Christmas this year a very different way, though not loud and screamy, but subtle and truly from my heart. This is year, is indeed different.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, remember, That's OUR King.

Wai Leem

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Narrowstreet (NST, no, not New Straight Times) is a youth group in my church. And this time round, they had their camp from the 16-19 of December.

If you read my post earlier, you realized that my mum fetched me from Timothy's place after the annual sleepover at 6.30 in the morning, why? Because I had to rush off to church for NST camp.

I will not go much into detail, but for all 4 days, it was indeed a very very tiring camp. This time, it was army style, but it was only army style for only 3 hours per day. The rest was the sessions where either Ps Sam Phun or Ps Andy Loh would share. Knowing them itself, really, the sessions just come to life and it was really really good.

First day, once we reached Felda Trolak, we started off with some games and also went into our first 'military training'. I was also the group leader and because of that, I had to do suicide runs for 6 times, and that can kill at times. But with that 'military training' left me dead tired, and didn't even give me any appetite to eat dinner. At night, after the session and supper, that was when I realized, I have to suffer without brushing my teeth for the next 3 days, because I left my toiletry bag in Timothy's place, so not cool.

Second day, started off with prayer meeting, devotion, and sessions, and it was all good. Likewise, after lunch, we prepared for more military training, which was once again, TIRING. Nevertheless, my team endured much and we managed to secure our prisoners. There were much more than what I'm saying here, but that would be in too much detail. There were a lot of decisions to make, a lot of dilemmas to go through, and surely, a lot of letters to hold. At night, dinner and then sessions again, which was again, EXCELLENT.

Third day, more of less the same like the second day, just that in the morning, Ps Andy did the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. During that session, I could feel God really moving mightily in the midst of many and lives were really filled with the Holy Spirit and lives were given wholly unto God. After lunch, was the last military training. I expected a bit more, but it was tiring enough. In the end, when we all ended up in the hall and at the final part where we lifted up the word IMPETUS. Not just everyone clapped, but everyone clapped in unison, and the sound of that was like the roar of an army of God as one body, fighting the enemy. After military training ended, we all were so relieved. Night session was once again,wonderful.

The last day, there wasn't much, besides one more session and a photo shoot. Here comes the part where I really share about the camp. I will talked on different segments of the camp. Firstly, the praise and worship is awesome, especially when they sing songs which have actions done by kidzoners, Ps Andy, che che Alice and myself would be happily dancing behind. Praise and worship was indeed a very lively moment and I enjoyed God's presence A LOT, though there were hiccups here and there.

The 'military training' was indeed tiring, but I did feel that it could have been a bit more intense, a bit more awesome and cooler. Perhaps the army style, could have been the camp, rather than just that 3 hours. BUT, I also do know why it cannot, but, i mean, the real sense of 'army' wasn't enough.

Coming to the most important part, the sessions. This time around, sessions were no doubt good, but the thing was I didn't really feel much. There was no stirring in me, there was really nothing for me that made me like cry out to God, kind of a thing. I was really sad and angry why this is happening because for many years, I have always received something, but now? why Lord? So I asked and pleaded with God to tell me why, and what I felt God was telling me was, that he was already shown me things last year, things which I personally realized I have not fulfilled, because I am not done, God is doing a step by step fulfillment, he will not reveal until I accomplish. Along the years, I've always received something from God, and those things come and pass, God comes with something else. This time, I personally have not fulfilled, that was why God doesn't want to bring me too far yet. Because of this understanding, I began to think why, why I have never succeeded in accomplishing what God had told me, and at one point, I felt that my whole year was wasted, wasted on things that I shouldn't have done, or gotten myself involved with. I believe, that this is indeed the greatest lesson of all, that before we ask God for more and more, we must also remember to do what God has asked of us step by step.

So this year, NST camp, with the theme "IMPETUS" may not be the BEST in some parts, but it did teach me a great lesson, a life long lesson.

NST camper,
Wai Leem

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A couple of days ago, once again, I went for another camp. But before the camp, I went for the annual sleepover at Timothy Goh's place. Both events took exactly one whole week, consecutively.

On the 14th of December, Timothy organized yet again the annual sleepover for the board of prefects. As a whole, I would say that it was the BEST sleepover compared to the past few years.

That Monday morning, around 10+ I got ready my stuff, and headed off to fetch Tian Yoon from her house. Around 11, we were surprised to actually be the first to reach Timothy's place. Not too long later, other started to pour in. We had our lunch and as usual, the guys owned the computers, which left Tian Yoon sitting alone, carving floral designs on paper for Leong Hooi's little surprise gift, that alone, took 4 hours. All of us signed the little paper carving by Tian Yoon and gave it to Leong Hooi during lunch. As usual, the part I love most of the sleepover is the meal times, where we just fellowship and talk and have fun with each other. We watched Zombieland, and continued playing some games, not to mention the dancing PS2 game, twister and my dutch blitz card game. Of all things, we also watched the nostalgic Tom and Jerry movie, which was really fascinating. At night, after dinner, we practically did the same thing, computers were set up like a REAL cyber cafe, and those who didn't play somehow found something to do.

Next morning, we all got up early, which was surprising, and we ACTUALLY played some sports, basketball in specific. All in all, we had fun and enjoyed one another, not to mention Leong Hooi and Kai Lun just totally owned the game, and the rest of us just fooled around. Sadly, Tian Yoon got her injury and interestingly, Timothy Goh actually can play! Besides him NOT knowing some basic rules, but its still cool. =) After having our breakfast, likewise, just our own activities and games. Soon it was lunch and after lunch, that was when the highlight of the sleepover came, the WATER part. This time round we had a string across the yard, and like last year, balloons and pails of water. We really had fun this time round, for whatever reason it is, it was just a more exciting experience, and enthusiastic one compared to previous years. When it ended, we were all dead tired and very hungry, dinner later was finished really quickly. After hanging out outside just talking, it came to the 2nd highlight of the sleepover, the campfire. Likewise, we had it outside at the playground and it was just so relaxing and unwinding. Indeed, a wonderful experience. By the time we finished, packed up and went into the house, it was already about 4 or 4.30 am. That day itself was a Wednesday, which I have a church camp starting on that very day. I changed my clothes and somehow couldn't sleep, so ended up talking to Tian Yoon until about 6.30 when my mum came to fetch me.

Nowadays, I describe events without going into much detail, but as I left Tim's place, I said this earlier and I say again, that this year's sleepover may be the last, but it was surely THE BEST. We had new people, first timers and we ALL had fun in the end. Splendid indeed.

Consecutive sleepover attendee,
Wai Leem

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Kidzone 2009 has ended! Everything now, is just a memory, mere reflection of the past.

Indeed  it was a great year, ever since January right up till today's Christmas Celebration, the Kidzone team have indeed grown in stature and in favour of God, the unity and one-ness has increased tremendously. In the end, ALL GLORY and PRAISE to our father, Lord and KING!

This year, we added Kidzone Day of Prayer, a mv challenge  game (Wheel of Fortune), even revision games were all raised up to another level. Even from bible lesson, to memory verse, to object lesson and life application, everyone improved in their own special way, and most importantly, everyone learned and in whatever circumstances, was able to give God the glory.

I truly believe that the Kidzone team has really increased their capacity, in accordance to the church's theme, but it all starts with a willing heart to increase. For many, even myself, wherever I go, I will never find the same team that is present here today. Someone once asked me whether I will want to go back to Kuching to stay or not, I said that I would be really really happy to do so, and the only thing that will hold me from doing that is this team of teachers and helpers, faithfully serving God every week without complain but with full excitement and enthusiasm to impact the lives of children. This is a team and more of a family, that I will regret leaving behind.

Kidzone made up a lot of my life. I started as a kid in Kidzone, an audience to the teachers. Then when I was 11, I was selected to attend a Monday night cell group thing. There I really grew in the Lord under the leadership of my dearest Pastor, Pastor Andy. So as I became 13, I started to serve in Kidzone as a service back to them, more of a sign of appreciation for what they have done for me. But as time grew by, I caught unto the vision, the vision and goal of Kidzone, that is "to train a children in a way that he should go, that when he is old, he will not depart for it" I truly believed in that vision and that was when my service in Kidzone was not people centered but turned into God centered purpose. Even after 4 years in the ministry, I'm glad to say that I'm a Kidzone teacher and I'm also glad to say that I'm not free on Saturdays because a child's life is important to God.

Many people started to come on board, some adults and some youths like me. And those who knew my 'grieve' when I saw people around me start to pick up in skills and start to excel way better than me, I was discouraged. Well, those people did come from school, but there were some who also came from church, from this ministry. Not that I despise them to be better than me, but I've always wondered where would be prominent. I write this post, is because everything suddenly dawn upon me that when the phrase, "not everyone is prominent, but everyone is SIGNIFICANT" is spoken, it really carries a strong meaning for me. Also, my Pastor has also been saying, "I have seen many increase their capacity, NOT JUST IN SKILL SET, but also IN GOD" I took it very well, but I never really had that kind of revelation that I just had, to realize that people define you not as what you do, but who you are. In fact, Christians should not look at skill set, rather focus on the person, and the relationship with God. I was blinded by trying to be someone prominent in what I do,  obviously to the fact that my relationship with God is far more important than skill sets. For this year, I tried being on top, but instead, I've really learned to understand that there is also a need of people to "fill in the blanks". I'm glad that God indeed gave me that chance to "cover holes".

Before I finish, I would like to thank every teacher and helper, because you all gave essence to the whole team and to me. Giving me a sense of belonging and I know truly, that this team is more than a team, its really a family. In the prefect board, we like to say that we are family, but I would like to propose that you join Kidzone and really see what a family is, then you would understand how awesome and exciting when a strong family is present.

Specifically thanks to Pastor Andy and Alice for being there whenever I needed to really give me the sense of family, also to che che Fay Cheng for faithfully fetching me home without complain, che che Wai Yi and Shen who have been patient with me when I was playing piano for Kidzone, Uncle Kim Soon, Aunty Karen, Uncle Nick and Aunty Noelle for being excellent superintendents and keeping Kidzone in order, koko Vincent, koko Veng Lye, koko Nicholas and the rest of the gang for always brightening up our day. Many more indeed, but I can't remember all, sorry people. But remember, everyone is SIGNIFICANT! Amen?

So that's the end of Kidzone 2009, and it has been a fantastical, awesome, splendid, indescribable and BREATHTAKING year. I believe, we have a lot ahead of us, so all of us! Let's get ready for another year of EXCITEMENT!

Kidzone teacher,
Wai leem

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