Joyful reflections

As host parents, C and I had the joy of hosting RM and SN. Their presence added so much to the our family in countless ways. One of the things we like to do is have a mini Vesper before we sleep, where we would share about the day's happenings, learn Khmer (we were required to learn 5 new words each day) and English, close the day in prayer.

There was also the nightly arm wrestle between RM and my son J which proved exciting. We could see how much stronger RM got as the weeks went by - thanks mainly to Grandma's fantastic cooking. Both SN and RM put on 4kg over the one month stay with us!

SN spent many nights practising the piano and she has a beautiful voice. That with her bubbly personality makes her an excellent worship leader cum singer. RM is quiet, very intelligent and very unassuming. His birthday was coming up so we decided to have a small celebration for him. Little did we know this was a first for him and we felt so privileged and honored.

When they left, they bought us thoughtful gifts with the money they saved, and wrote us letters that touched our hearts. We are going to miss SN and RM for a long time to come. Even Reena our dog!

Thoughtful gifts!

Happy host parents !

Goodbye is the hardest word

Making it to the airport at 0400 is a super human feat and it takes a miracle to get there on time. Despite sleeping very little, everyone made it to Changi that morning. Deb showed up with 15 boxes from MMS to "tumpang" (piggy back) back to COSI. We thought that since they came with literally nothing, there would be plenty of spare luggage left. We were dead wrong!

The kids went home flooded with clothes, books, toys and so many other stuff generously given to them. Indeed, when I received them on Sept 11 at Changi, I was humbled at how little they have. Going back, I was amazed at how much they were taking back, all gifts of love from various people. If anything, the lesson that God provides abundantly for us was so clearly demonstrated. Deb had a lot of MMS boxes to take home that morning.

The mood was understandably sombre. Mobiles were busy with many of the kids receiving good bye calls from friends who got up early to say farewell. There wasn't many smiles, but plenty of tears. It was painful for us to leave them after growing so attached seeing them everyday for a month, and I'm sure for them too.

SC gathered the people together for prayer and before we knew it, one by one the kids entered the departure gate reluctantly. I stubbornly refused to say goodbye as I assured the kids that I will see them again soon, but that was just a brave front on my part.

Just as they have come so suddenly, they are now gone. Many homes and our church felt their absence in the days to come. Sad as it is, we were glad that we could play a small part through Project Tic Tac to help the 8 kids. Somehow, I know its a start of greater things to come for them as well for us.

But goodbye IS the hardest word.

3 days of R & R?

The last week were rest and relax days for the kids. Monday saw Uncle SC bringing the troops for a lovely morning walk at the new Southern Ridges walk from Kent Ridge Park, through the brand new Henderson Wave bridge, Mount Faber ending at Vivio City. RM rode my micro-bicycle and loved it! This was my first time doing the beautiful and green 5km walk. It is certainly a must do.

We then proceeded to East Coast Park to have a swim at the beach. The girls were shy to go for a dip at first but with Aunt C diving in, they soon joined in. They commented the water is not so clear compared to Sihanoukville Cambodia, and looking at the numerous ships littering the horizon, the reason was obvious.

Tuesday saw Aunt E taking them out to the famous Singapore Zoological Gardens. She roped in her brother and sister (you can always count on family) to sponsor the tickets and the kids had a lovely time though 2 sheep got lost for a while.

The last day belonged to Mother LD who brought them to the Jurong Bird Park and Science Centre. There were fascinated with the different species especially a parrot who could "speak" 3 languages. The Science Centre with its amazing exhibitions also intrigued them no end and they finished off at the Omni Theatre with its real life 3D movie. Many complained they got a headache after that, and I don't blame them.

Wed evening also saw a debrief at Uncle J's lovely house (Bedok Methodist) followed by a sumptous dinner sponsored generously by him. The kids got back just past 10pm and it was hard to sleep for they had to get up at 3am for the airport, and were swarmed with visitors and goodbye calls.

With all the numerous and exciting activities, I'm not sure if they got much rest and relaxation the last 3 days but no one complained.

Forging friendships over fire & song

Farewell dedication by Rev Dr MC - Proverbs 3:5,6

Playing with eyes closed

Gals bonding

The last weekend for the kids proved to be another exciting one. It was an easy morning with their house parents and then off to Sat worship practice at 2pm. Many of them participated as worship singers and V, played the guitar at service together with the YET band. Those chosen to share also had to overcome stage fright, and were taught the basics of public speaking. Then, it was off for a farewell BBQ at Highgate Condo by the pool.

About 40 folks showed up for this feast which included all sorts of meats, corn-off-the-cob, noodles, fruits, otah otah and the #1 item to finish quickly was satay, skewered meat on a stick dipped with peanut sauce. We were honored to have 3 guests from Pentacost Methodist who were no strangers to the kids. I learned about their latest project at COSI in profiling each personality for the possible vocations/interests. This was for kids leaving COSI soon and I'm so glad our Lord has put this critical burden on their hearts.

It was great to see the teens chasing each other in, out and around the pool, and having lots of fun. The houseparents and friends too had fun exchanging notes and enjoying warm fellowship. It was a beautiful evening!

At Sunday service, CT, VN and RM shared beautifully about their experience and expressed gratitude for this opportunity. Mrs P, B's houseparent, said it was disruptive having a guest stay with the family for a month but she would not hesistate to do it again. Such was the joy a COSI kid brings to the home. With the COSI teens as my back up singers, the worship was exuberant. I shared a short slide show about Project Tic Tac and with communion, the service lasted nearly 2 hrs but nobody minded.

After service, it was photos galore among all the teens and tears were shed among the hugs and laughter. It was clear that friendships were forged that weekend over fire and music. And that is priceless!

Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family. Proverbs 18:24 Msg

Of feet washing and toilets flushing

Cultivating a serving spirit

Toilets flush automatically here. Fascinating!

On our last English lesson, we did a revision and wrote collectively a letter to Mother LD of MMS. There is no doubt that the kids are able to write better than a month ago, and the ability to communicate by writing effectively will put them in good steed for the years to come.

K also taught them the finer points of being a lady and a gentleman. Proper table manners, how to sit and stand, open doors for ladies etc while I taught them telephone etiquette. Our last devotion was on the famous passage of Jesus washing His disciples' feet in John 13. The lesson here is humility and the importance of cultivating a servant attitude. Most of the kids got their feet washed the first time and were thrilled. I was pleasantly surprised when they on their own accord reciprocated by washing their teachers' feet.

It was a fitting end to our English class... Below is the collective letter they wrote.

Dear Mother LD,

How are you? As for us we are fine. We are very happy to meet you in Singapore. The country is very beautiful.

The food here is very delicious. We like to eat Chicken Rice, Dim Sum, Laksa, Happy Duck and McDonald Hamburgers.

Our houseparents are very kind and good to us. Especially RM's houseparents because they spent a lot of time with him. We enjoy staying with them as they are all very friendly.

May God be with you always,

S, D, C, C, Vn, Vn, RM & B

ps: Every house has toilets that flush!

Tiong Bahru's famous Char Siew Rice - thanks to Uncle K & Auntie A

The University of Aircon

The boys had a hands on training session today with Mr Leong, my regular aircon service technician and his side kick, Ah Kong. This is a skill that they will certainly be able to use immediately back at COSI. Their practical ability impressed Mr Leong and he was of course very pleased to play Professor of Airconology.

RM in the books of Prof Leong, was most impressive. They learned quickly how to take off the aircon casing, clean & wash filters, brush, vacuum and wipe the internal parts of a split unit system. The real test came when putting the unit back together, whether the unit worked.

And on that count, all the 3 units worked flawlessly and with cold efficiency. All the boys passed with flying colours from Mr Leong's Aircon University this morning. Anyone needs their aircon service?

Professor Leong, Associate Prof Ah Kong and Graduands

Independence Day

Congrats CT. You are finally independent!

Step 1 - check the bus route

Step 2 - Hop on

We take getting around Singapore forgranted. It's so easy isn't it? Jump onboard the ever efficient MRTs or the frequent aircon buses. Just a quick tap on the EZ Link card to board and alight. How difficult can that be?

Well, it can be daunting if English is not your lingua franca and you are barely familiar with landmarks. Does not help too that most MRT stations look exactly the same and the sign boards are in English. The announcements are also in English so if you've spend all of your life in the countryside of Cambodia where transportation is often the bicycle, the bullock cart or simply walking, finally learning how to get around in Singapore is a huge achievement.

CT after 3 weeks, finally tried travelling by herself. Armed with a mobile phone, just in case for those wandering moments, she actually made it to my home and back. We are all so proud of her and especially her host parents, SC and R who have faithfully drove her everywhere, everyday. Their car can finally get some rest...

Independence Day has arrived for her, and we celebrate with great joy!

COSI's MRT - a superbly green form of transportation

A COSI bunch @ lunch

I'll have 2 Ice Kachangs please!

SN tucking into Nasi Lemak

Yummy chicken rice, or what's left...

It's Hari Raya today, the Muslim New Year and a public holiday. Yet, almost everyone came for the optional English class held at my home today. That is enthusiasm with a capital E. I got them to write what they enjoy about their stay in Singapore thus far, and the subject of food inevitably comes up. Well, this IS the food capital of SE Asia not for nothing.

Chicken Rice seems the #1 choice followed closely by Nasi Lemak (they like rice dishes). Noodles are also enjoyed and some of the braver kids who tried Laksa are pleasantly hooked. They normally bring their own drinks to save $ and I've been noticing how prudent they can be.

Laksa for the braver palate

Here's a cosy bunch of them enjoying lunch at BT Food Centre on a typical weekday, sampling Singapore's best fare.