ONLY BY GRACE

It comes and it goes. When it is time to let it go, there is this unbearable feeling. There is so much to look forward to before it arrives but I can't say so when it has to go. What the heck am I talking about??? HOLIDAY!!!!! Suddenly, I thought of the Bata slogan - Back to School . I remember when I was schooling, I always made a trip to Bata when the holidays are about to end. It is like a pilgrimage. It is then that I stock up for myself new shoes, schoolbag and stationaries. I always looked forward to school so I can show off my new things. But now, I obviously don't think the same way anymore. It is this time of the year that I have to wrestle with the great inertia of returning to school (as a teacher now) and I cannot help but looked back to when it was pre-holiday season and try to experience the euphoria of it all. But as all teachers will be familiar by now, the week of Christmas (which is suppose to be a festive season and a time to be merry!) is often the wee...

My grandpop & I went on a secret escapade to the widely acclaimed Marina Bay Sands Casino 2 days ago. It is very much a secret because it is only known by my aunt and my grandpa is dead bent on not breathing a single word to the rest, especially my mom! Oh wellz, I just play along. He told my grandma that we were both going for a concert! A white lie for her Christmas gift :) Being a noob, my grandpop took on the roles of a chaperone and guide. After lunch, we toured the place and my learning journey begun. First up, we headed for the jackpot machines and we tried our hands @ those which require only 2cents bid. Yes...I never knew there were different kinds depending on the bid. In his words, it is truly brainless. Just keep tapping the "spin" button and pray hard that we will strike big money. But being a realist, I knew that would be a tall order! In 15 mins, the machine swallowed $40 and we did not win a single cent. Not surprising. Finally, we headed for my grandpop...

This holiday has got to be the busiest ever. 3 destinations in 2 months. Almost back-to-back trips. Ask and you shall receive; I think I got more than I asked for! Nevertheless, I had my travel bug satisfied, for sure. First being the Mt K.expedition, which was really one kick-ass trip. My kind of thing I would say and I'm looking forward to the next. Nepal is currently top on my list of must-go-trekking destinations. Everyday I stare at my trekking boots, jacket and backpack and I can't stop fantasizing. Hopefully it will become a reality in 2011. Then to Cambodia. I finally got to lead a team, which I did not manage to do last June. Led by 2 working adults whose timing was just absolutely wonky. It was a journey of simple faith and grace. Everyday things just fell in place, without much fretting and at the end of it all, we are convinced that obedience is all that is needed to see God's purposes and plans come to fruition. I am glad I took up the challenge of leading this...

My last entry was Oct 17!!! A month ago! Well, not difficult to figure out why coz strangely, I am found to be busier during the hollies than any other time. Beats me too. Looking back, November was filled with ODAC (my CCA) activities. 1 week for our Round-Island-Trek-Expeditions (RITES) and the following week to Kota Kinabalu for our Mt K. trek expedition. Before I could fully rest from one activity, the next comes along. Did I mention that in between these 2, I had to attend a 3days EL course? This pretty summed up my November. Some thoughts ran through my head as the Mt K expedition came to an end. My last (painful) trek was some 10 years ago with my OAC mates in TJ. To date, that would have to be the most memorable expedition as it kick-started my interest for the great outdoors and ever since, it made me the adrenaline junkie I am now. Then, I was a student being led by my seniors. This time round, I brought my students and the huge sense of responsibility that fell on me was mor...