Building a Ship

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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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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Have you ever attended a camp organized by the government? Well, now I'm glad to say that I have!

Well, in an effort to promote a Child Friendly City (CFC), in accordance with Local Agenda 21, MBPJ have organized a camp to invite youths from PJ to be trained as a leader and to learn the CRC (Convention on the Rights of a Child). The camp was open based on recommendations of different NGOs, communities and some of those parents who work with the government. I was fortunate enough to be invited through Generasi Gemilang, an NGO.

To start off, I went to rendezvous at the MBPJ office with 34 other participants, among which, I only knew 2 of them. One happens to be a family friend and the other a church friend. I looked at 33 other people and wondered what would the result of the camp be, if you wanna know, read on!

So the registration started, and Uncle Sonny called our names one by one. After which he briefed the parents on what is going to happen for the next 3 days. The bus came slightly late, but came at last, and we all boarded and headed to Selesa Resort, Bukit Tinggi, my third time there. In the bus, some of us took the opportunity to speak and break the ice and got to know a couple of new people and how they knew about the camp, their age and etc. Upon arrival, we had a short short orientation and we split into groups and proceeded with some ice breaker games. Groups were Sirap Bandung, Teh Tarik, Limau Ais, Teh Ais. After having some fun, we went on with learning about child rights. Indeed it was interesting! But a bit draggy, as some started to doze off. So we learned about the 4 categories on why the child rights exist, that is for survival, protection, development and participation. Throughout the whole day and right until at night, we started with understanding want, needs and right and then an understanding of the 4 categories in detail. At night, everyone was so filled with information that it was hard for some to sit still anymore. Nevertheless, we understood something important, also, all these was done by 2 representatives from UNICEF. After the sessions and all, we all went back to our rooms tired.

On the second day, it was filled with games after games after games. Many of which is to train our leadership skills, to make us realize things about being a servant-leader. Its hard to describe every game, and I better not also, because you must experience them in order to learn. So the second day, it was just filled with fun fun fun! But of course, there were a lot to learn. And I believe the greatest thing taught was LOVE. Because everything else wouldn't work without love. We discussed about giving, leading, thinking about other first and many more. At the same time, I personally really got to strengthened relationship with many participants there and it was great knowing them.

Finally, on the third day, we didn't play as much, this time, it was a lot of thinking. Each group a category and brainstorm and choose one issue regarding the category and discussed about that topic. It was really interesting because a lot of people had a lot of views on certain things. But in the end we all had one goal, to make PJ a Child Friendly City. After the session, packed up, ate lunch and headed back to MBPJ. The night before I was asked to do a short sharing on the camp and so I was preparing it on the bus. The closing ceremony in MBPJ was interesting and exciting because we met top people! like the ADUN of Kota Damansara and some others.

It really was an interesting camp, and like what I said in my facebook status, from knowing no one, to missing everyone. It was that good and that inspiring.

Well, in the end, the camp is the starting of a great cause, to change PJ city, to change my city to become a child friendly city, not just by protecting them, but by providing an environment for them to develop and to participate in society. Before the camp, You and I know that when the government does things, a lot of people like to ridicule and look down on it, well, I stand before those people today, to say that the government at times don't achieve anything because of people who don't care. The saying goes "If it is to be, it is up to me". I'm glad that I can now say, I am a part of a cause organized by the government, in an effort to make PJ city a Child Friendly City, and when that is achieved, I tell you, the city will be filled with values, because being child friendly requires values, strong values.

So its time to show love to people around us and be a role model, than kids will learn after it.

Love,
Wai Leem

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And.........

Got up about 6.30, rushed to change clothes and got into Fay Cheng's car and headed to church.

Day 1

I was stressed. Went for briefing, prayed and lifted up the camp to God and soon later, we started to be with the kids, get to know them and have fun together. My team, Mercury, was a very 'mixed' up team with kids coming in blur and seemingly unexcited, but to my surprise later on, they were full of excitement and enthusiasm. My team's cheer, "Mercury, Ganbatte. Mercury, Ganbatte. Mercury is the best, we will beat the rest!" We taught the kids our cheer, and of course practiced with them a couple rounds and started to 'compete' with other groups already.

To cut a long story short, we got the kids together, lined them up and brought them into the sanctuary. The kids were awed to see the stuff from the corridor onwards, not to mention the spaceship itself. They were all indeed, so hyped up and so excited for what is to come. We started the camp with really a blast, and every team shouting their cheers and Ps. Andy giving points to various teams. Then was games, my part. Well, I could see that they were excited, but I felt that I could have done better, a fault on my own part.

Then was a break time, and I had a great time with the kids. After the break, we started with praise and worship, then the awesome drama where the kids really loved so much. Bible lesson followed, which was very clear and straight to the point, then was lunch. After lunch, the 6-9 had an outing to the science center. They really had a great time watching and playing with things, as for the teachers, fun was surely there, but so was extreme tiredness. Once they got back to church, the kids were dismissed and everyone went back safely. After that was debrief where various comments were made. After that, some started to go back home, some stayed for drama practice and other stuff. We went back about 10 pm.

Day 2

Same like the first day, briefing started, and after that, fun with the kids and fellowshipping with them. Then they were brought into the sanctuary. Because of the first day, they were all the more excited and enthusiastic the next day. Everyone had fun cheering and also at games. Then went for a break again. After the break, we carried on with praise and worship which was like a concert style and the kids were so overjoyed singing songs unto the Lord.

Not to mention, the intriguing drama that simple captivated the kids in awe. Then was a bible lesson which the kids was a bit rowdy, but controllable. Yet Uncle Kim Soon and Aunty Karen did a good job teaching about the enemy within. I do believe that God was doing something in their lives. Then was lunch and after lunch, we had a movie time for the kids, where they were equally excited. the pre-teens and 6-9 years old split up after the movie time and since I was with the 6-9, we had a short video, an interesting video on creation and asked kids some questions. Then the kids did some tile painting about creation and some were really really nice. Soon it was dismissal, and debrief, then like the day before, many went back, some stayed on for various reasons.

At this point, I was extremely worried and stressed, BUT BUT BUT, thank God for Shin Neng, because I already had no more ideas for games for the third day, and he came up with 4 fresh ideas, AMAZING!

Day 3

I slept well, knowing that today's games is prepared. Thanks to Shin Neng. Likewise, after briefing, we were with the kids, but this time, on the last day, it was different. We managed to get every team involved to play a "bomb" game. Which was really really really fun. The kids really enjoyed it, and it really brought the kids to get ready mentally and physically for the day.

Started off as usual, and games was a bit chaotic but yet, it was still really really fun for the kids. Then it was break time. After that, praise and worship intro was really cool! and so was the whole worship time also. Some kids cried and poured their heart out. Then it was the awesome drama, which I personally also cried at the end, because indeed, truth will always reign. Ps. Andy did an amazing lesson on 'The father heart of God". Towards the end, it really brought many kids and teachers included to tears. Lunch was next, and after lunch, was again, movie time.

After the movie time, the 6-9 years old had station games. They really had fun though it was a bit chaotic and messy at the beginning, but in the end, they did an amazing job and they still have much to learn but at least this is the stepping stone. The kids really did have fun and they were excited for some stations. There were 5 stations in total and 10 teams altogether. Well, soon it was dismissal and then by the time we got back upstairs, some were already starting to shift the chairs back to where it belonged. Everyone quickly fell into place wherever needed and played their role. In the end, without grumpiness or discontentment, the job was done really really fast and everyone still had their smiles on.

Soon it was debrief and it was also a time of short sharing. So there were a lot of 'thank you' going around, and others acknowledging others. It was a splendid time, as during that time, I've learned one of the most important things in my life, maybe not learn, but a tight slap, a big wake up call, something that also answered my issue on success of others (some of you might know this from my FB status awhile back) Well, it was indeed an important lesson to learn, and I will not forget it again. Did the final clearing up and once everything was done, we packed up and left the place.

Kidzone Fun Camp 2009, Nova One X: The Enemy Within, had ended.

As of now, I still think about it and remember the time we had fun with the kids, and to see the smiles on the kids, it makes everything worthwhile. No doubt it was tiring and exhausting, but it was really an encouraging experience and an unforgettable journey in life.

Nova one crew,
Wai Leem

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What happens when you have 300+ extremely excited kids? You get an amazing and spectacular event, not to mention, with the assistance of over 80+ teachers and volunteers. Indeed, Kidzone Fun Camp (KFC) 2009 was splendid with it ran with the title Nova One X: The Enemy Within.

Well.. let's start with before the event. 3 days before the event, on a Sunday afternoon,  a team of teachers started to bring stacks of chairs from one floor to the other. Some went shopping for stuff, some were cleaning up masking tapes on the floor. I was involved in transporting the chairs, and indeed, it was really really really exhausting carrying few hundred chairs up one floor, despite having a lift to our aid, nevertheless, those involved always kept the enthusiasm running. Not long after having all the chairs sent upstairs, I started helping out in the rewiring of the sound system from the wires, to the mics and musical instruments, at least this part, I know how to do, so it wasn't that much of a problem.

It soon was nearing night time, when Uncle Eric, who did most of the lighting, ask for my help. Since I was free and had nothing to do at that moment, I offered my help with wiring. Now, this is the part I never expected. That is, I had to help him do wiring for the lights, something which I have never really done before in my life, so obviously, I was totally blur and had to start from scrap. Fortunately, Wei Shuan was there, so he aided me in my distress and taught me what I needed to know. While I was intensely fixing up wires, worship practice was running concurrently with a full dress rehearsal. A couple of us sang along while we were doing the electrical stuff. Well, the wiring and all took up almost the whole night for me, and the remaining one or two hours, I observed Uncle Eric use what I've done and connect more wires and etc, and formed a circuit running along the whole corridor. Then after he was done, Sunday more or less, ended.

Early Monday morning, I already had the intentions of going to church, so I used the LRT and bus to get there. As I entered, despair came upon me. Why? Because along the corridor were a lot of boxes hanging on the wall and also some specially designed Styrofoam to make the whole corridor look like a spaceship. Well, sadly, a lot of those styrofoam and boxes fell from the wall, causing some wires to disconnect. At that time, I didn't know what to do and I was the only one there. Luckily, some of my peers, girls, came not long after but they also didn't know what to do about it, so we proceeded with doing the name tags. Soon, Nicholas came with materials for his point system and I helped him in the early stages. During a short break, I took time to stare at the fallen wires, suddenly it was as if God threw back my memory of KH and I started to remember how to handle wiring and how to form circuits and how to connect this and that. Then, I looked at the wires again, I saw it no more from a blur perspective, I knew what was needed to be done to fix it up. Immediately asked permission from Veng Lye to do the necessary adjustments and I got to the job right away. But, it wasn't that easy too. From late afternoon till about 9 pm, I did nothing but that, just wires, wires and wires, partly not to mention that those boxes continued to fall (some of them). With wires, wires and nothing but wires, I ended Monday.

Knowing the amount of work that still needed to be done, not to mention some alterations here and there, I knew I had to go in the morning again. So likewise, went there, took my necessary tools and got down to work without wasting time. Everything seemed to be going really really well, and by late afternoon, I was almost done. But then, during that time, I started to stress again. Why? because I have not finalized my games yet. Not that I totally left it aside, but the fact that the camp is the next day, all the more I was stressed terribly.

By evening, I got the wiring already done, but there were some tubes (hard to explain what it is) that weren't done yet, so I had to do it, not knowing that it is actually hard. So that in itself took awhile. Thankfully, people like Alvin, Aunty Nancy and Jimmy came in to assists when I needed most and I must say this, they really helped me out greatly and not just that, they did an excellent job doing it. By around 8 pm, I had to help out for the drama lights, so I couldn't handle the corridor deco anymore. After the drama, I still couldn't really handle the corridor deco, because of games! So I discussed with Shin Neng and Ps Andy. After done discussing just the next day's games, we immediately went to prepare it. After that, helped out Nicholas to finish the last bits of the point system. The spaceship deco was also not finished yet, so we helped wherever possible and cleaned up the place. After doing this and that, guess what? It was already about 4 in the morning, and we got to be in church by 7, 3 hours later for the briefing! So some of us went back first and took bath and a very short nap and woke up, prepared,

AND.....

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Many many months ago, Zara and her team, consisting of Aaron, Wei Shaun, Stella, Vivian, Joanne, Calvin, Natalie and I, we set out to prepare for the Kidzone Merdeka Celebration on the 30th of August 2009.

Last year, another team of youngsters did the Christmas celebration, and it was wonderful, simply spectacular, and it was also our first time doing it. We managed to get everything done and ready at least 2 weeks before the event itself, it gave us ample time to prepare the hands-on work. This year, was the opposite.

Yes, we started way much earlier, but until the last week nearing the event, there were just too many things unsettled,especially the whole lesson part. It looked like we were so doomed. So did it go well?

Previous post, I talked about the Prefects Annual Dinner. And one thing i mentioned was that I really cried out to God for help, and I really sincerely was trusting God that everything will turn out well. God did come and God saved the day. Now knowing that I had only 1 week left, I did the same thing, hoping that God would really supply some help for the Merdeka Celebration. Adding on to that, I had 7 girls coming to my house on Thursday to stay over for 2 nights. 1 of them is my brother's batch, the other 6, was my friends, long time friends from Kuching. Now, I had to prepare and yet from Thursday to Saturday, I have to accompany them.

So again, I cried out to God for his help and wisdom to prepare, and everyday I could hardly do anything, it just seems like my lesson can't move on, I was stuck, don't know what point to lead to, how to bring out this part of the message and etc. A short talked with Ps Andy really helped me to understand what is it like to prepare a bible lesson and how to prepare it. But i didn't feel like God was helping me. To me, it was like, "God, where are you? I thought you would provide help!" Days past and thursday came, the girls came. They came at night, so thursday was pretty much over with. Then came friday, where I had to bring them to Mid-valley.

I brought them there, but I couldn't be with them because I really needed to prepare my lesson. So I went to Macdonalds and did it, while they went to do what girls do. During lunch, I met up with them to eat, but because I was so stressed, I couldn't even eat. In the midst of all these, I was attentive to what they casually talked about, because sometimes God really does speak to you when you overhear others talking, Interesting eh? But nothing, I didn't catch anything. From lunch onwards, I followed them shopping, but I was constently revising on my lesson, just keeping an eye on the girls while my mind was in a chaotic rush. We left Mid-V in the evening, and went back home. My plan was to go back home, take bath and start preparing the powerpoint slide. Little did I know, my brother offered to send them to 1 Utama at night, and with the sound of that, some were already rejoicing, how could we not go?

We went there at night and ate dinner there. Some left to go shopping while some stayed to chat because we were just too tired and lazy to go. Finally, we ended up going to MPH, while I stayed outside waiting for them. Nearing the time of departure, we gathered and headed for the car. By the time we reached the car, Ashley, forgot her DSLR. Darn, I followed her in to find it. and after a long while running here and there, another group of girls who were also on the run managed to get it. It is actually a much more interesting and an adventurous event, but it is just too long with details that I can't type it. Its another blog post by itself, haha.

So because of that adventorous event, everyone was so hyped up, while I was still stressed. Finally went back home and I rushed to start preparing my lesson. While I started, the girls went to take bath one by one. Then some of them started to see how my preparation was. I thought since they have nothing to do, they just wanted to help and see whether they can help in anyway. To cut a long story short, each one of them threw in some comments and surprisingly, it made me ponder over certain issues. Then everyone started to become tired, but mainly 2 girls, Caryn and Eu Fern, stayed up with me to help me finish up my lesson. I put it as they were hyper and not tired, so since its already about 3 in the morning and they had nothing to do, they just helped out. Suddenly, the thought struck my head, "What if they weren't here?" Then I knew, that this whole 7 girls coming-to-my-house thing, was God planned. One reason could be instead of me going to Kuching to meet them, God brought them to KL to meet me. But what I felt more important was God send them, whether to help in a big way or a small one, they were really helping angels to my lesson. I mean, who would stay up so late, or early in the morning, to help you on something that they themselves have no part in it? They were indeed God sent, and I believe God is the only one who can kill millions or many infinity of birds, with one stone. With them coming, I got in touch with them after many long years seperated, they had fun shopping, and most importantly, my cry to God for help was fulfilled in another whole new way. And that was just simply amazing.

So that was a short story on the 7 girls and 3 guys. Back to the Merdeka Celebration.

Now my lesson was more or less prepared, everyone was ready but because it was so last minute, everyone was so unsure. And I told che che Fay Cheng one thing, "If Merdeka celebration actually turned out well, it was nothing, totally nothing that we did, but it was God that was there." On Sunday morning, just 2 hours away, I surrended that event to God once again. And with His mighty hand, amazingly, everything went well all in all. Although there were mistakes here and there, but the children got the message and they responded really really well to it. Indeed, at the end of the day, it was all God, we played our part, and God finished it up for us. Again, God was there to sustain another event, when we cry out to Him. Yet we still have to play our own part, and one lesson I learn this time round, is that preparations must be done way ahead, otherwise, things can just turn out the opposite way that it should.

I just want to thank God that he was there for all of us yesterday, and I believe in the future, when we play our part, God will surely play His WHEN we ask Him for it. And I also pray that the children will really be able to break free from the control of sin over their lives, that they will turn to Jesus in times of need.

So all in all, the event was a success, but the "shelling/bombing/shooting" from my Pastor, because of unprepared-ness, is this Thursday, and I believe there is something that we all can learn from this.

Love,
Wai Leem

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If you haven't read part 1, scroll down and READ IT FIRST. Because this post is meant to feel in the missing pieces and gaps. Even the earlier post was already long, imagine if you add this in, WOW, TOO LONG! so i decided to split them apart.

The night before CF camp started, Sunday night. Aaron Ng Jin Ting, asked me a question which i believe, was the reason why this camp succeeded. He asked "What do you expect to see from the camp? Because Ps *****(can't remember who) Once said that when you come to a camp with an expectant heart, God will give you more than what you expect." At that moment, i was stunned, the words was indeed true, but i was so caught up doing all the physical work like games, preparing this and that, i really forgot to take time and pray to believe what God is going to do in this camp. Taken aback, i started slowing down in what i was doing, just pondering on that question. Just before i went to sleep, I made a decision saying "This camp will bring about a breakthrough and revelation to the campers that CF will not be the same anymore when they step back into the school." And i believed it.

Our camp speaker was Ps Steven Wong, from Segamat. Surprisingly he was an old friend of my parents, way before they were even married! This was his first youth camp and I believed that he has a word for us this camp that would be able to help us realize and change the core of our attitudes and character. With him, he brought 7 or 8 youths from his church, Bao Qiang, Bao Yi, Tan Min, Joel, Eileen(a-lean, i don't know how to spell it), Tan Min's sister (again forgot the name), Zechariah, and i'm not sure whether there is anymore. They were really cool people to meet, very friendly and open to all of us. Great people indeed.

We also had a very good friend present although she has already left CHS, she is none other than Callie Foo Ai Lin! She came back and that alone brought joy to many of us who knew her.

Talent Time Night was one of the main highlights of the camp. Every team was given one fruit of the spirit and a bible passage. They had to act it out in any way they want, and style they like.

Red - David and Goliath
Green - Sick Women and Jairus' Daughter
Orange - Paralyzed man being lowered by his firends
Purple - Feeding of the 5000
Green - The prostitute being forgiven

That was what team had to do, and i would clearly say very well, that each team did spectacularly well, and it was awesome seeing people throwing out their talent. The surprise for the night was that 2 spontaneous items were to be thrown in and they must use it at once. I think the Man of the Match for that spontaneousity was none other than John Koon, Leslie's brother, he was awesome when he said "No! this is a shower cap!" Everyone enjoyed it greatly.

We did SOAP for devotion, Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. Everyone did it wholeheartedly and seem would agree that it was really good because it leaked out truths from the Word of God.

Everyday after everything was over, at night, the committee got together and did a debrief. Which was a discussion done so that we can improve on our failures and strive for a better service to God. It was productive, just a bit mellow, i believe it was because everyone was tired, but there were some who doesn't take criticism so easily, setting the mood a bit low. But surely everyone was tired by then, even i was, but it was still fun in the end.

In this camp, I as the camp commander, believed that i didn't do much work, because it seemed as if everything was readily set smoothly, Thanks to my beloved Camp Committee. They did their various roles and responsibilities excellently, although i did hope that they could improve here and there, i still believed that they were the backbone of this camp, holding everything together in unity and one accord. This was a great team, and i will never ever forget it.

There were 5 sessions altogether, each session content was this:

Attitude comes from the heart, not by following rules.
Effortless change
Anger management
Dealing with temptations
Staying full of God

I believe the last session was really the greatest of all, because it really taught us that in the end, when we are full of God, many times we get distracted and forget about it. That's why we must remember to STAY full of God.

And i believe that the reason this camp succeeded is because God is our midst wherever we went, whatever we did. He was there for us. For example, it was about to rain during the game time, but guess what? Natalie gathered a few of them and started praying, and true enough, the clouds flew by and there was no rain! I was glad to see that they knew who was really in charge of this camp and they strived to seek Him first.

After the 5th session, the Pastor prayed for everyone of us, I do not know whether everyone got a word from God, but i did, and i thank God for it, because he revealed to me His calling, although still unclear, but i know he will not leave me hanging, he would not surely.

I expected this camp to have a breakthrough, I believe God has surpassed all that, and not just a breakthrough, but direction and understanding for the CF to grow to become a CF that will impact generations and change lives. God has truly surpassed my expectations. Now faith without deeds is useless, CF! We have to rise up and go forth, Marching for the kingdom of God in our own school, Catholic High School. As for Callie, I do not know what the Pastor prayed for you, but if you sense God calling you to start a CF there, sit down, and start planning, God does not wait for us, we have to catch onto God's very own timing.

Love,
Wai Leem

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This was indeed the first ever CF camp that I have been to, and also the first ever CF camp after many years.

First question many would ask is, "How was the camp?" My simple reply would be, It was so spectacular, that it was so obvious that the camp succeeded not by our means but by God's grace and mercy and power. Surely! It has to be.

Well, that was my simple answer, here, i am going to present the more, complex answers to that question.

Before the camp, surely there had to be planning. So many meetings were organized, but attendance was not consistent, except for a few. Plannings didn't seem to go anywhere, until the last 2 weeks before camp. Then again, exams were nearing, we avoided study interference as much as we could. As camp got even nearer, i started to worry (yes, worry is a sin as i said in my earlier post) And i started to suddenly rush people for things, and to finalize this and that. Everything somehow still got done, the only thing was, the real final product could only be seen on the first day of camp, meaning that even if i didn't like it, it still had to be done. (by the way, if i may sound too authoritative, it could because i didn't tell you that i am the camp commander, surely i panic when things doesn't get done!) That being left aside, the last thing left to ponder about was games. I didn't even know what games to be played and whether or not materials are going to be attended to specifically. Still, making various calls, I believed that they can do it, though I prepared backup activities, just in case.

So Monday, June 1. First day of camp. Aaron and I headed to school in the wee hours of the morning to open the CF room and set up some stuff. Soon people started coming one by one and as people started to flood in, the committee started to prepare. At exactly 9.30 am, everyone gathered and headed to Taman Jaya for some games. Aaron and I lead the games, starting with some old school games, followed by some newer ones. Chicken dance and the banana dance was one of the highlights of the day. After about 4 games, before we headed back to school, we had a little surprise birthday cake for Chieng Lie Keat. Then the guys carried him back all the way to school. We ate lunch there, and then soon, got everything and headed to the bus who was already waiting. To cut the long story short, everything went unto the bus and we headed of the STM (Seminari Theoliji Malaysia). I believe that the games were tiring, causing a number of them to sleep on the way, which actually was to my surprise, because who sleeps on the way to camp? haha. We sang songs on the bus and laugh and chit chatted all the way. Finally we reach. We got everything down and headed straight away to the hall to settle down. By the time we reached, our lovely friends from Segamat with Pastor Steven Wong had also arrived. After settling down with some rules here and there and also groups introductions and familiarity,  we finally got our room keys, thanks to Nat and Hong Ken for helping.

After entering the rooms and scouting the area, everyone gathered back at the hall for what? MORE GAMES! Again led by Aaron and I. We played Human Blob, Weighing, Costing, Snake and Save The Fortress. Mostly originated from Kidzone. I hoped everyone really had fun. Especially so of the times where there was moments of honour and laughter. For me it was great! really great. After games, everyone headed back to their rooms to take bath and finally came back to gather for dinner. With awesome food, we ate and after an hour, prepared ourselves for the session, first session. After a wonderful session, we had supper and soon headed back to our respective rooms to sleep.

Second Day! Woke up and washed up. And soon, we all did devotion together. After that, breakfast! then followed by session 2. Another awesome session, then we proceeded with tea and then group work to discuss the play on talent time night. Soon it was lunch and after lunch, Session 3 started! YAY! then followed by another round of awesome games by Grace, Thong Ding and Germaine. They did very well. After 3 hours of fun filled packed games,we took our baths and then proceeded with dinner and finally session 4! Soon after that, comes the biggest highlight of the day, the talent time night! Everyone had so much fun and that night was simply spectacular. A night not to forget.

Then last day, day 3. We woke and again devotion time. Breakfast was next, and again awesome food. Session 5 proceeded with a great time of prayer and worship. Then we went back to our rooms, packed our bags and came back for testimony time. After which, we ended the camp with a blast by singing to songs, My Redeemer Lives and One Way, while everyone played what Chia Lit called "tu-tu train". It was really a blast. Everyone was highly spirited and even a downcast soul would turn happy by just watching us, i could assure you that. We had a time of fellowship during lunch and photoshoot. Finally, sooner or later, we had to hop onto the bus and headed straight back to school. I talked with Lie Yang and Shu Min on the bus on a lot of various issues that we currently faced and how it should be related to God, i honestly have learnt a number of things from there.

We reached school, seemingly fast. Time flies. And as i got down from the bus, i really do not know how to react, but i did feel a great workload lifted from me. At that moment, CF camp has ended. I could have cried, i could acting like i didn't care, I could have just be happy that all is over. Want to know my reaction? Read the next post. (But if you somehow read the next post first, then i suppose you would be able to fit the pieces of the puzzle together.)

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THIS YEAR IS AN AWESOME YEAR!!

BECAUSE...

PURPLE HOUSE
WON AGAIN!!

Well, this year was to me, the most anticipating year of all. Only leading by 180 plus marks, was a very risky gap to have. Yet as everything happened today, it seemed so smooth for us, exactly like how i prayed it would be. Thank you Jesus. See? God can work wonders even in this situation.

To me, i really regretted not being part of the team, although i really tried my best to help out, time just would not give in to me. A big THANK YOU to all those who stayed back till late hours to finish the deco especially, and for those marchers who have indeed willingly gave their time to be THE TEAM! indeed, you all are a wonderful team to work with.

I heard that during the practices and also deco time, you all were very easy going as compared to many other houses who are so strict and all, well it just proves my point that at times fun is really the key to success, although certain amount of  "strictness" is required. But thanks to the seniors, it became a joyful time spent together.

Also, a big THANK YOU AGAIN to all the runners, you are also really the best! Chang Meng, Chye Leng, Joyce, Abhilash, Leslie, Jerry, Rui Hua, Wei Pang, Tat Shing and many more. You brought the fame, you brought the joy, you brought the smile on every one's faces.

But what i really was glad to see, was the spirit of Catholic High School. I realized that the seniors knew each other really well, the harmony between houses was inevitable. Nearing the end, during the prize giving, each house really supported each other, once awhile cheering each other, with "thank you" and "welcome" that went across the crowd. I also realized that every house had that certain amount of strength and unity, which made almost everybody equal. Yes, those fellas at the back usually never say anything anyway, still, whoever cheered and shouted, that strength and power was there for all the grasp.

Even as i write this post, I'm still overwhelmed by the success that PURPLE house has made, not that i'm boasting, but i'm just so overjoyed that other people who say they don't care about their houses just makes me so irritated. This year is really an unforgettable year, i will never forget it. The smiles i kept seeing on fellow purple house members, just really kept the spirit high.

Because of being so overwhelmed, I started to get pressured even before Chang Meng took the podium. I don't know whether other's felt it, but i surely felt the standard we have to meet next year. Names of talented people just started pouring into my head, although i tried and tried to keep it out. Everytime i hear the cheers, next year just keeps coming to mind.

But all in all, i believe the we can do it again next year, i believe that purple house will rock again, before i leave school. We will show them that....

PURPLE HOUSE
WILL WIN
2 YEARS IN A ROW!

The third year is up to the juniors, but as for my dream and hope, is that we will own the field next year. Watch out my friends, purple aliens are coming back, this time, in........(wait and see la)

This comes to the end of this year's sports day, the time spent together and joy shared was really something to treasure, especially knowing new seniors(which some i never knew existed) like Yu Bin, Khai Xian, Qi Hui, Su Ling and many more, Thank you all for setting the example, I assure you that we will reset it next year, this time, higher than you all! haha.

A true Ungu!
Wai Leem

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