Wednesday, October 31, 2007

I am in big trouble and I mean BIG trouble!

I went to see the handsome dentist today.
It seems my tooth is badly injured.
And to correct the problem, it will cost me a BIG bomb depending on my course of action.

Option 1: See a specialist for some less-complicated-than-extracting-wisdom-tooth surgery + crowning = $1,500
Option 2: Extraction and implantation = $4,000
Option 3: Extraction but no treatment (not recommended)
Option 4: Put on dentures (?!?!)

Imagine spending so much just to protect one tooth.
Imagine what I can do otherwise with that sum of money.

Oh what should I do?
But it hurts so much (even drinking water and rinsing my mouth caused so much pain).
Even more to spend that sum of $$ on my tooth.

I have to seek a second opinion.
And fast.
Before the pain become unbearable.

Though I hate pain.
Lord, I thank you that I can feel it.
It's your way of telling me something is wrong.
And that it need to be fixed soon.
Give me wisdom to know what to do next.
Meanwhile, keep the pain bearable Lord.

Posted by missyew at 9:03 PM

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Terrible toothache.
It's hurting so much.
I can't even drink water.
The moment the liquid touches my tooth..
Ouch....

I need to see the handsome dentist tomorrow.
Haha.

Posted by missyew at 8:57 PM

Monday, October 29, 2007

CTI is leaving soon (sob.. sob..)
After working with them for a month.
I do feel abit attached to them.

We had a evaluation with them today.
Everyone has something good to say about them.
They were really a very wonderful team to work with.
And I have learnt so much from them.

Their willingness..
To be inconvenienced..
To be stretched..
To do things they don't normally do..
To serve rather than to be served..

Jessie's endless thanksgiving..
Michelle's prayer about breaking her heart..
Shawn learning to get out of his comfort zone..
Tim trying to talk more than he wanted..
Eliot recognising God is at work rather than his own efforts..
Renee wanting to be better at small group interaction..
Brad doing what he would not normally do..

Hearing them share what they have learnt and benefited thru the time they spent here encourages my heart.

After that we were treated to a most wonderful lunch.
Pineapple rice, spaghetti, salads and kong ba bao!!
Plus the ambience was fantastic. (tks to tong xue, ivy and team)
It certainly helps to whet the appetite.
Took loads of pics with the team. (will upload some soon)
Ooh..I will miss them.

Lord, thank you for sending this wonderful team over.
Make them a blessing wherever you sent them.
Let their music refresh those who are weary and minister to those in need of You.
Watch over them till we meet each other again.

3 cheers for CTI!!

Posted by missyew at 9:10 PM

Sunday, October 28, 2007

I spotted a spidey in my room yesterday.
"He" seems to be in a rush.
To build his territory.
Among my pile of stuff.

Too bad, I have claustrophobia.
Can't have anyone move into the same room.
Not without prior permission. Haha.
So I have to relocate him.
Off to the dustbin.

This means that it's time to pack up my messy room.
Which I did today.
Cleaned up the more "visible" mess.
And stocked them up in the cupboard. Haha.

I really must get rid of my cupboard.
Adopt a minimalist concept.
Then I won't be tempted to be messy again.

Posted by missyew at 7:46 PM

Friday, October 26, 2007

114.
That's the number of people we are expecting for tonite's bbq.
Simply unbelievable rite?

It all started with just 24 and the numbers just kept rising.
I was practically running around from the market to my kitchen to the living room to the computer room.
Receiving alerts every now and then.
Updating on the name list.
Making sure I have enough food for the day.

I wish the people could see what we do behind the scene.
And know that though we "entertained" last minute sign up.
The whipping up of dishes and getting the food can be quite tedious.
(tks jy and ll for helping out!)

But thank God, help came in all directions and form.
Hopefully we wont be too overwhelmed.

We can only pray now that the dropout rate remains low.
That we will have a good time.
And the good news will be shared.

Forgive me Lord for such little faith.
Thank you for showing me that You truly loves your people.
That none shall perish but have the opportunity to hear and respond to You.
Speak not just to their mind but to their hearts Lord.
That we may celebrate and usher new siblings tonite.

Posted by missyew at 12:53 PM

Thursday, October 25, 2007

I met jy today.
Had a good chat.
Didnt know jy is so determined.
I must take my hats off her.

On the way to ny today, met a ex-classmate.
Surprised that we can still recognise each other.
She is now married with two kids.
She's off today and going vivo shopping.
Woa, how I envy her. Haha.

Plan to join pep today but ended up having lunch with Matt.
It was quite an enjoyable lunch.
I need to eat before 1pm cos going for 2nd part of the health screening.
Ya, the truth will be out today.

The last time I had lunch at ny was almost 3 years ago.
A memorable lunch which leads to a movie treat thereafter and a friendship forged.
Unfortunately, I am left fighting to make that last.

Back to office.
Got my weight and height measured.
Took a urine test.
The nurse took my blood pressure.
And studied the results.

My cholesterol and glucose level is within the acceptable range.
But I do need to drink more water and balance between meat and veggies.
As for fat, it's also within the acceptable range "but" ..
It is strongly advised that I should "adopt regular exercise" to get rid of that extra around the waist.
"It's common for ladies like us to have the fats gathered at the waist", she tried to comfort me.

Then I received a sms from my ex-classmates.
You still looked so slim, she said.
I had a hard time believing it after hearing what the nurse said.
Haha.

I guess I had better stop procrastinating.
So goodbye chips and ice-cream.
I hope I wont have to see you any sooner.
And hello to my exercise gear!

Posted by missyew at 6:34 PM

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

I was recently "invited" to join Facebook by a couple of friends.
Usually I ignored such invitation.
Until my fren, XH, told me that it's for the young and youthful.
Hey, isn't that talking about me? Haha.
So how can I not have a part in it?

But it's really complicated and confusing.
With all the vampires, slayers and counter-strike invitation.
Hugs, punches, kicks, tickles and what have you.
I am totally lost.

Most people join such social utility to connect with old and new friends.
There is this strong voice crying out our desire to build relationship.
Or it is just a facade?
Do we really care who we are connected with?
Or are we trying to show that we are well-liked, with many friends on our network?

I was talking to two foreign students over the last two weeks.
And they both shared with me a common struggle.
They have difficulty making friends with their Singaporean classmates. Ouch!!

No one is willing to help them when they face difficulties.
Especially in their study as they dont really understand English very well.
They were practically left on their own all the time.
Their only friends were their own countryman.

So when my colleague and me offered to help a PRC gal to find lodging and tutor for her study, she almost teared.
Another Vietnamese gal I talked to, said to me ..
"I only have one Singaporean friend so far, thank you for being willing to be my friend."

Isnt it sad to hear this?
I wouldnt want such reception if I were ever posted overseas for study or assignments.
Technology hasnt draw us nearer to each other (even with msn, emails, skype).
It only distant us from each other.

In our search to build a stronger network.
We have neglected the very people so near to us who needs our help.
People who genuinely wish to be connected with us.

Posted by missyew at 9:19 PM

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

I think God "eavesdropped" on me yesterday. Ha.

I was evaluating with my supervisor yesterday.
About what I have done so far.
Reviewing if I have achieved the goals that I have set.

Fulfilled slightly more than half of them.

I have met more people than I have planned.
"Shift" some people temporary.
And manage to fix some meeting to meet some people to talk about the scriptures.
But I was lagging behind my own evangelism goals for the month.

Only 7 days left.
I wonder if I could find time to talk to more people about Him.
If anyone would want to listen to me.

God has everything planned out for me.

I went ce today.
Was expecting a crowd but most didnt turn up.
But we had a unexpected guest and two new friends with us today.

I paired up with an old pep member.
After a unsuccessful attempt to talk to two gals, we turned our attention to a gal sitting by herself.

We did a short introduction and she agreed to help us with our request.
But she did "warn" us not to take up too much time talking to her after that.

I had to react fast on the spot.
What should I do instead?
I decided to talk about something that interests her first.
And thank God, it was a good move.

She shared about the course she was studying.
How every lesson amazes yet crippled her at times.
How her recent internship make her realised how fragile life can sometimes be.

That gives me a very good platform to bring in the gospel.
Sharing with her about the two deaths in my family, I was able to answer questions she has about God.
It was amazing.
What's more, she listened to me attentively though she look at her watch repeatedly. Ha.
Before she left, she even assured me that she enjoyed the sharing and would love to talk further sometimes.

I was elated.
I sms her shortly after to thank her for the time and ask if she may be keen to meet up soon.
Her reply excites me..
"...sure...when we are free..you can speak to mi again.."

It blows my mind how God works sometimes.
I can only thank God for leading me through that tricky situation.
Only He is able to make all this possible.

Lord, thank you for humbling and teaching me.
That it should not and must not be just about reaching a target.
But it's about making You known so that lives can be changed.

Posted by missyew at 7:42 PM

Sunday, October 21, 2007

I have been sleeping late.
Playing too much yahoo games. Ha.
Takes my mind off.
Serious stuff.
But I think I should stop.
So that I can "deliberately" make time to talk to mum.

So happy mum went church with me today.
Somehow was prompted while bathing to ask her along.
No special meeting.
No special speaker.
Just normal service.

She went.
Pastor remembered her and acknowledged her presence.
Michelle came and talk to mum.
Gave mum some vouchers to do up her hair.
And invited mum for a outing with the church.
(tks Michelle!)

I think I will just sign her up.
And bring my little nephew along.
It will be fun.
11 November.

Nel leaving that day.
I hope the Lord will watch over her and her ministry.
Use her to touch many people's lives.
I am inspired by her.
Must make time to pray for her more.

God, please take good care of my dear fren.
Oh I missed Grandpa Ian and Grandma Rachel.
Watch over them too, dear Lord.

Posted by missyew at 11:56 PM

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Went for a recee at Little India today.
My second with ah-go-gong.

Got some extra help from my two indian frens, dj and ilango.
Interestingly, both are a mix of chinese and indian parentage.
(tks dj, I found the restaurant u recommended)
(tks ilango for the info on the garland)

The street was much crowded this time.
Everyone's getting ready for Deepavali.
New clothes, new ornaments, new tidbits etc.

I celebrated Deepavali too, last year.
Was invited to dj's house.
It was kinda memorable.
Firstly, dj and juli are new frens so it was an honor to be invited.
Secondly, it was quite a test of courage for me as I am not a big fan of Indian food. Ha.

Don't get me wrong.
The food was nice.
I was just not adventurous enough when it comes to Indian food.
Unlike ah-go-gong.
He seems to know a thing or two about Indian food and enjoyed it.

But my stomach is only ready for naan.
I think you need to have an acquired taste for certain food.
And for me, I guess I am still very Chinese when it comes to food.

Anyway, Little India is worth a visit.
A treat to the eye - colorful saris, bangles, sweets.
A treat for the nose - spices, scents, food.
A treat for the vain and rich - walk down the streets of glittering gold.

Isn't God very creative to make us all so different and unique.
Let's learn to appreciate and enjoy the richness of these differences.


Can't rembr the name but it's potato with yoghurt
and a special sauce inside a crispy dough.


Naan with curry chicken and curry with cheese.
Woo-la-la, my favourite.

Posted by missyew at 10:05 PM

S-H-M-I-L-Y (taken from www.christianstories.com - heartwarming stories)

My grandparents were married for over half a century, and played their own special game from the time they had met each other.
The goal of their game was to write the word "shmily" in a surprise place for the other to find.
They took turns leaving "shmily" around the house, and as soon as one of them discovered it, it was their turn to hide it once more.

They dragged "shmily" with their fingers through the sugar and flour containers to await whoever was preparing the next meal.
They smeared it in the dew on the windows overlooking the patio where my grandma always fed us warm, homemade pudding with blue food coloring.
"Shmily" was written in the steam left on the mirror after a hot shower, where it would reappear bath after bath.
At one point, my grandmother even unrolled an entire roll of toilet paper to leave "shmily" on the very last sheet.

There was no end to the places "shmily" would pop up.
Little notes with "shmily" scribbled hurriedly were found on dashboards and car seats, or taped to steering wheels.
The notes were stuffed inside shoes and left under pillows.
"Shmily" was written in the dust upon the mantel and traced in the ashes of the fireplace.
This mysterious word was as much a part of my grandparents' house as the furniture.

It took me a long time before I was able to fully appreciate my grandparents' game.
Skepticism has kept me from believing in true love - one that is pure and enduring.
However, I never doubted my grandparents' relationship.
They had love down pat.
It was more than their flirtatious little games; it was a way of life.
Their relationship was based on a devotion and passionate affection which not everyone is lucky experience.

Grandma and Grandpa held hands every chance they could.
They stole kisses as they bumped into each other in their tiny kitchen.
They finished each other's sentences and shared the daily crossword puzzle and word jumble.

My grandma whispered to me about how cute my grandpa was, how handsome and old he had grown to be.
She claimed that she really knew "how to pick 'em."
Before every meal they bowed their heads and gave thanks, marveling at their blessings: a wonderful family, good fortune, and each other.

But there was a dark cloud in my grandparents' life: my grandmother had breast cancer.
The disease had first appeared ten years earlier.
As always, Grandpa was with her every step of the way.
He comforted her in their yellow room, painted that way so that she could always be surrounded by sunshine, even when she was too sick to go outside.

Now the cancer was again attacking her body.
With the help of a cane and my grandfather's steady hand, they went to church every morning.
But my grandmother grew steadily weaker until, finally, she could not leave the house anymore.
For a while, Grandpa would go to church alone, praying to God to watch over his wife.
Then one day, what we all dreaded finally happened. Grandma was gone.

"Shmily." It was scrawled in yellow on the pink ribbons of my grandmother's funeral bouquet.
As the crowd thinned and the last mourners turned to leave, my aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members came forward and gathered around Grandma one last time.
Grandpa stepped up to my grandmother's casket and, taking a shaky breath, he began to sing to her. Through his tears and grief, the song came, a deep and throaty lullaby.

Shaking with my own sorrow, I will never forget that moment.
For I knew that, although I couldn't begin to fathom the depth of their love, had been privileged to witness its unmatched beauty.

S-h-m-i-l-y: See How Much I Love You.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for letting me see.

If only we learn to love each other deeply this way.
Lesser divorce.
Lesser brokenness.
A better world.

L O V E - the hardest word to live out.

Posted by missyew at 9:39 AM

I have not cry for a long time.

I just did.

It feels good.

Yet painful.

But I am relieved to bare it all out.

At last.

To the one who needs to hear it.

About a secret I have never dare to make it known.

Life is more than meets the eyes.
What you see may not be what you get.
What you get may not be what you want.

Posted by missyew at 12:42 AM

Thursday, October 18, 2007

I am only at page 37 and already I am inspired by this amazing man.
James Hudson Taylor.
He is a English missionary to China.
Founded the China Inland Mission which at his death included 205 mission stations with over 800 missionaries, and 125,000 Chinese Christians.

How his journey as a missionary started humbled me.
It started with a prayer of his parents, James and Amelia Taylor.
"Dear God, if you should give us a son, grant that he may work for you in China."
Wow.

His life, and his family, is characterised by much prayer and love for the Lord.
I am glued to this book.

Will update after I read some more pages.


James Hudson Taylor

Posted by missyew at 8:10 PM

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

I have a bruise on my left arm.
I went for a blood test yesterday.
A funny experience.

I was early.
But a long queue was already forming.
Everyone looks high-spirited.
That calms me a little.

Actually I am not scared of a simple blood test.
Not until...

One of my colleague suddenly asked.."May I have permission to scream?"
Haha.
That freaks me out a little.
Is it going to be painful?

It doesn't help that another of my colleague commented..
"Don't be too tense, or else the needle will break and stay in your arm"
Ya right, thanks.

This is making me jittery.
But the "best" is yet to come.

Apparently the nurse had difficulty drawing blood with the small needle from my colleague who is before me.
She then decided to use a bigger needle.
Bigger means 5 times the size of the one she used on the rest of us.

This makes me nervous.
What if she can't draw out any blood from me?

Thankfully, it wasn't so dramatic for me.
In fact, it was a painless experience.
Except for a ant bite sensation.

Next week, we have to be back to be "counselled" on the results.
And I am not going to be near these 3 colleagues of mine. Ha.

I thought about this whole experience.
And wonder in amazement, how God make us in such a way that a tiny pint of blood can tells us so much about our health.

That same red liquid, not any of ours, were also used to redeem us from the penalty of our sin.
For us who don't deserve it.

Thank you Lord for your shed blood.

Posted by missyew at 9:22 PM

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Dinner was good today.
Had steamboat at purvis street with some long-distant frens.
And made a new fren today, Eng.

It's interesting to hear from another point of view about what it means to serve God.
To hear about how he uproot his whole family from Canada.
To leave behind what is familiar.
To trust the Lord to lead him to what's unfamiliar.

It reminded me of Abraham.
Uprooting his family to a land where he lived as an alien.
The land that God promised to give to him and his descendants.
And off he went.
Empty-handed but full of faith.

I want such faith.
That gives me courage to go where others dare not tread.
I want such faith.
That I may believe and trust in my God, Abraham's God.

4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, for he has glorified you.
(Isaiah 55:4-5)

Posted by missyew at 11:15 PM

Posted by missyew at 12:22 AM

Monday, October 15, 2007

It's been ages since I last hang out with my churchmates.

Posted by missyew at 7:04 PM

Saturday, October 13, 2007

I am feeling heavier these days.
That's demoralising and frustrating.
After all the food events.
Bbq, food tour, breakfast reception...and more to come in the next two weeks.
Arrgh...I need to do something about it before my checkup next week.
I wouldn't want to be dignosed with "over-weight" problem. Ha.

But then again, I think I wouldn't be able to lose some weight in time.
I have been reminding myself since the time I knew I was going for a checkup.
Yet I have not make any progress yet.

Just two weeks ago, I allowed myself to be tempted.
There were some kind of a promotion at Hougang Mall.
After browsing through, I just couldn't resist it.
Ended up burning a big hole off my pocket.
And 2 bags full of Jap foodstuff and snack.
I should have just walk away. Oh no....!!

I really must get WS to drag me to do some exercise soon.
And honor all my tennis dates with my ny frens.
Before my weight gets too much for me to carry it around. Ha.

Posted by missyew at 6:22 PM

Friday, October 12, 2007

Another energy-zapping day has ended.
I am getting bad at keeping late nites lately.

Posted by missyew at 11:21 PM

Thursday, October 11, 2007

At first, it was 1.
Then 7.
Then back to 1 again.
Then 6.
Then 14.
And finally 25 of us, excluding CTI.
(Tks winnie & the team for all the hard work!)

We had a great time at the beach with our overseas friends.
Food was going abit slow though and not enough to feed the hungry mouths esp Eliot (ha!).
But overall, I thank God for making things turned out well.

Glad to see the CTI taking the initiative to talk to the students.
Making them feel welcome (isn't it suppose to be the other way round???).
Sharing heartfelt thoughts about life.

We were all so tired by the time we say goodbyes.
Almost 1030pm.
By the time I was ready to sleep after washing up, it was already 12midnite.

I said a quick prayer to God.
Complaints actually.
About how things should have been done better.
I know I did ask God to grant me patience to work with the diff individuals.
But I can get forgetful when I get intense.
I prayed that God would help me to manage the people that I have to work with.
Tricky business, but I am still learning.

Anyway, going back to ECP brings back fond memories.
I love ECP.
Always enjoyed those times that I spent with my best friend.
Walking down the beach.
Catching up.
Sharing secrets.
Spending time with each other.
Till this June.
Something happen.
Never going to be able to do that again.
It's only now that I realised.
That revisiting fond memories can be such a painful task.

Posted by missyew at 2:37 PM

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

It's going to be a busy and mad day for me.
Went marketing at 8am and returned only at 10am.
The bags were so heavy and I am so tired.
Bought charcoal, wire gauze, bread, honey, hotdogs, chicken, mushroom, stingray, sotong, corn, potatoes, trays, brush, firestarters, container etc.
Just mum and me.

S&S is coming by later.
More cutting, chopping, washing and wrapping to do.

I know it's kinda weird to have a bbq in the middle of the week.
But hey, it's WEDNESDAY today.
And anything can happen on such a great day.
But there were so much confusion about the bbq today.
And I am sorry for causing it.

Actually, this is just a very simple program.
But the coordination is enough to kill me.

Thank God I am reminded late last nite...
Use God's supply to do God's work.

Ya, I needed to be reminded.
Lest I get carried away.

God, teach me to depend on your supply.
Help me to be patient when things don't go the way it should.
Fill me with an inclination to trust You for everything.
And make me a cheerful servant.

Posted by missyew at 10:47 AM

Monday, October 08, 2007

I am feeling sleepy after a heavy lunch.
Brought the CTI to the pep.
I observed that the guys are less chatty than the gals.
And so I have to be the one to keep the conversation going.
Help, I am running out of stuff to talk about soon. Ha.

But it's interesting learning new stuff from them.
Or rather hearing things that are done differently in the states.

I still have many opportunities to know the rest of the team better.
And I am looking forward to it.

This aside, I must share about a brother that I have been "observing" in pep.
I am rather encouraged by him.
Though he is small in size, the way he talks about God..
Makes me go away appreciating that I serve a very BIG God.

Even in his prayer, he recognises that God is always in full control.
And that whatever that we need comes from Him alone.

Such faith.
May I learn to recognise that and submit to His full control too.

Thanks Ed for teaching me this through your action.

Posted by missyew at 2:39 PM

Thursday, October 04, 2007

I have a very fruitful day today.
Met two bros-in-christ - Jonah & Joshua.
Wonderful conversations.

I learnt from the first brother how we must not take things for granted.
Stability.
Comfortable life.
Security.
Good leadership.
And even cleanliness. (thank God for SemWaste! Haha)

From the second brother, how we must be responsible in our evangelism.
Dont just win soul without wanting to feed that soul.

It's true that we couldnt care less for many things until and unless it affects us directly.
May we all learn to live soberly and wisely and redeem our time for eternity!

I thank God for 'affecting' my thoughts through these two brothers.
Thanks to the 2 Js.

Posted by missyew at 9:22 PM

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

I helped to babysit my little nephew today.
For almost 4 hours.
He was quite a handful to handle.
And I am exhausted.

I really take my hats off my sister and bro-in-law.
How in the world did they survive with 2 hyperactive kiddo?

It's alot of effort to bring up a kid.
Even more to raise them with the right values.

My nephew, who is only in K1, is too smart for his age.
What went through his brain sometimes amazes me.
He talked like a little adult.
He analyzes situation and makes his own conclusion.
Asked endless questions.
Reminds you when you make mistakes (like remembering what we have said before).

What did my sister feed him?
Haha.

Thankfully, I have not come to a point of avoiding him yet.
In fact, I do enjoyed my time with him and dote on him alot.
Much more when he is well-behaved.

I learnt so much from him.
About how simple a kid can be.
About how evil an adult I can be.

May God grant us wisdom.
To train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old, he will not turn from it. (Prov 22:6)

Posted by missyew at 7:32 PM

About me

:: Commonly known as Ms Yew or 星期三
:: Hangs out at the bathroom, in the bedroom, on the couch and inside the fridge
:: Helpless without God, family, food, frens, books, pillow, ezlink and my lappy

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