Memories in Singapore [Day 1]...

*Yawn!* It was 7 in the morning when my mother woke me up. We had to catch a cab to Penang to catch the flight to Singapore. We wanted a direct flight there, because it was faster and more convenient.

Aunty Nancy, picked us up from my house, and sent us off to the bus station, where the cab were. We got shocked though, because the cab that was going to send us there, was involved in an accident the day before. But luckily for us, there were a few cabs there waiting for passengers.

We had McD for breakfast. We later checked in. My mother bought some stuff there, for my cousins. We walked about, to kill time.

The plane...

This year, we were lucky and unlucky in some ways. We wanted to sit a big plane for a long LONG time. This year, we got to sit the B 777. This was quite a big plane. But the unlucky thing was, we had to wait quite some time to board the plane. BUT... Alyssa was still considered a young child, and we got to board the plane without lining up.

More pictures of Penang Airport here.

The flight took about an hour. We reached Terminal 3 at Changi Airport. It was a new terminal that just opened a few months ago. Last year, when I came, this terminal was not completed yet. This year, I found the terminal a little empty. I thought Singapore airports were always busy. My Uncle A. was already waiting there.

Terminal 3...

Look at Singapore's airport compared to Penang's airport. Their airport looks so much more stylish. It looks cleaner and more well maintained too compared to Penang's airport.

*Yawn!* It's late... I shall continue tomorrow... Tired.

Random Shots in Penang Airport...

Random shots in Penang Airport...

Departure hall...

Hanger

Zoomed in hanger...

The plane I sat to Singapore...

I'm back from Singapore!

Sigh. There is a saying that goes, good time flies, bad times crawls. It was just like yesterday, I landed at Changi Airport Terminal 3, the new terminal. Now, here I am, back in Alor Star already.

Sigh.

Memories.

I shall keep myself busy by blogging about my stay there in the next few days.

Singapore...

I'm in Singapore now... I took quite a number of pictures here. I got loads of things to blog. But unfortunely, not time to type it out... After I'm back in Alor Star, I shall blog about my trip in Singapore. I visited the Night Safari, a couple of restaurants, some dessert centres, etc... I also cycled round Singapore... Up till now, I have cycled about 40 km in Singapore. Tomorrow, if I'm still up to it, I shall cycle the other part of Singapore...

My group at NSCFL...

I finally got the pictures from Jonathan's facebook. I was waiting for him to upload. Anyway, Chrysolite ROCKS!

NSCFL [Last Day]...

Why did camp need to end so early? Sigh. I wish camp was longer. As I woke up in the morning, lying down on the bed, I thought of my group members, Sieh Jin, the two Audreys' (Chua and Joyce), Wai Yan, Natalie, Pit Inn, Jonathan, Kevin, CJ, Soo Ern... Sigh.... We were just getting to know each other....

We were allowed to sleep late that day. Late was 8:15 a.m. That was still early on my clock. We had a little worship and a short talk. One group had to leave in the middle of the talk. I think it's the Johor Bahru group. There was sending off after that.

It was very emotional. I was sad too. Sigh. Why? Why?

We had brunch after that. Everybody left first. At last there were two groups left, the Penang and Alor Star group. The Penang group left first. We left STM at 2 p.m. Sigh! I want to stay longer. *Sad*

We then took a bus to Pudu Raya... The Alor Star group was short by two people. Tim had left to stay with his uncle in KL, while Joyce stayed in Seremban with her aunty. We then met up with the Air Tawar group at the bus station in Pudu Raya.... But their bus was earlier, at 4:30. Ours was at 5:30. I met up with CJ and Soo Ern. While, Joseph met up with the others from Ayer Tawar.

The photo we took at the bus station (Minus the girls from ayer tawar)...

A problem popped up. Something was wrong with the bus ticket. But that was soon resolved.

I'm going to miss NSCFL and my newly made friends. Lets hope the friendship stays strong.

I reached back Alor Star at 11:30 p.m. Sigh.

NSCFL is a camp to go! I encourage all the younger ones to go. You'll learn a lot from it.

NSCFL... [Day 5]

The camp like started yesterday,
but it has passed so fast.
Sigh! How I wish it were longer.

This was what I wrote in my camp book on that day. Sigh! I'm still camp sick. We had something special that day, that is silence and solitude. This is my first time being silent for 3 hours. And surprisingly, I found it too short. I like silence.

But before that, there was a session. I can't remember what the title is already. But I know I learnt a lot from it.

Taken from 1 Peter 4:13-14
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, do not be frightened.

Sometimes, when someone is so eager, Satan might try to get in the way to tempt the person. We need to be physically and spiritually prepared, determined, eager and will powered.

After the session was silence and solitude. After that we prayed together in groups. I enjoyed the silence. I read Jeremiah during the 3 hours. I don't know why, but I found the book to be rather heavy. The book was full of complaints. I then thought further, I found that I complaint a lot too. I need to change.

I wrote a few poems after the whole thing was over.

Open my heart,
Open my mind,
Open my soul,
So that you will know God.

Strive to make a difference!
Strive to be different!
Strive to be the best!
For God, anything is possible!

After that we had free time. But we had to prepare for prom night. I enjoyed that the prom night. It was fun. But half way during it, I felt down. Because tomorrow we would be leaving each other. Sigh. The bonds made between my groups members. Just when everyone got to knew each other, it was time to go home. Sigh!

Well, the prom night, was basically the officers preparing dinner for the campers with entertainment also. It was like when we prepared lunch for them. They were as creative as us. I enjoyed it. The pictures shall be out soon. When I recieve them from my friends and from the officers.

We had to present our song and skit after the dinner. It was cool. Seeing everyone going out to perform. Our group didn't win, but still CHRYSOLITE ROCKS!! Pictures also later wil be out, when I recieve them.

We had SG reflection after that. We had it until 1 plus a.m. Way over the lights off time. Hahax. It was fun. Being together as a group. It's a feeling I've never felt before.

NSCFL ROCKS!

Last day will be out later.

4th day in NSCFL....

I wonder why they planned NSCFL during SPM time? I want to go next year! Sigh. I regretted not going last year. *Regret* Sigh! I wish I had a time machine.

By the fourth day, i had already got used to making up at 7:15 a.m. I need not people to wake me up =).

Plenary session 4 was about QT. That stands for Quiet Time. It is important to do QT. It is like the only time, God can speak to you alone. Well, I have not being doing it quiet regularly, because I'm lazy and sometimes just too busy. We have to learn how to prioritize our time. God must be in our time no matter what. He is the most important. Sometimes, your own thoughts might be God speaking to you. You just need to differentiate.

We took a group photo after the session. And all the campers shall be receiving it soon by mail. I can't wait! I want to see the pictures. There was another plenary session after that.

In the afternoon, the workshop was about BGR. BGR stands for boy girl relationship. There were two different sessions running at the same time. One for the younger group, one for the older group. Well, the talk Sieh Jin gave was good. It made me realize.

There was a big let down on the fourth day though. Because the games were canceled. Sigh. Due to rain. Toothpaste rain! We had free time instead.

I can't remember the night's theme talk was about what. Because I think I was very sleepy. I couldn't absorb much that night. Sigh. What a waste!

Five day coming up soon... Remember to check soon.

NSCF [Day 3]...

The first two days passed so fast. The links to the 1st day and 2nd day are here. I wished time would just slow down a little. Half of camp gone.

There was something special about today. In the afternoon, there was to be a special project. I didn't know what it was about. I was waiting in curiosity. The plenary session, the talk was about 7 reasons why the bible is God's word. The seven reasons are:

1. Amazing Unity
2. Indestructibility
   
3. Historical Authenticity
4. Scientific Coherence
5. Prophetic Fulfillment
   
6. Absolute Meanings
7. Life-Transforming Power
   

After listening to the speaker, I was reassured that the bible is God's word. If not, the bible may be just a story book, or a book of songs. The bible is God's word.

The special project turned out to be planning lunch for the officers with entertainment. They gave us 2 hours to plan while they went out shopping. It was cool.

We had free time today. I played basketball others from other states.

After dinner was, a little worship and the third theme talk. The theme talk was an interesting one. The speaker talked about who lives in you. And what do friends need. Well, the person that lives in me is God. God uses us to speak to the non-Christians, because they have not invited Christ to live with them. We are like God's ambassadors.

Galatians 5:14 says "Entire law is summed into one command "Love your neighbor as yourself."

I sorta wrote a song after listening to the message. Here goes:

What do we need as Christians?
O... What do we need?
We need God.
Yes! God!

Let's all get together,
and unite as one!
Make it possible!
Spread the gospel!

I didn't finish the song, cause it was time to break into our small groups to share about what happened that day.

Fourth day coming up soon...

Here are some pics that I got from a friend of STM...

NSCFL camp was held at STM, seremban. STM is a really cool place. It's very green and cool. My future house will be like that.

EntranceHall (Front view)Hall (Back view)Greens...

NSCF [Day 2]

To read what happened during the first day, click here.

Btw, here is a picture of stm campsite.Ah... When the first day was over, I was really conked out. Because of two reasons. One is during the bus ride to Seremban not enough sleep. The other was the whole day was rather energy consuming..

The started with Leader's Assembly. Why does it need to be so early? It starts at 7:15 a.m. Almost like school time already. *Yawn* A good thing Tim is just next door, I'm not a morning person, and I sometimes can't even wake up when the alarm clock is ringing (no matter how loud it is). The second day's Leader's Assembly was about the stoning of a woman had committed adultery. After that was QT, which stands for quiet time.

We had a plenary session and a workshop that day. The theme talk was to be at night. The morning plenary session was about SCF, which stands for School Christian Fellowship. In my school, it's called SF, which stands for Student Fellowship. After hearing that talk, I'm all fired up to not let SCF fall. A study was given by the speaker that, once the SCF in school is closed down, it will be very hard to start it back. So, schools with CF, stay strong! Don't give up! I'm going to try my best to make sure my CF in school will not fall.

The afternoon workshop was about personalities. There are four main personalities. They are melancholic, choleric, phlegmatic, and sanguine. I'm a melancholic choleric. My melancholic is stronger though. This wasn't new to me. Cause I've taken the test online before. There were very few main choleric in the camp. The speaker also told something very funny.

If a melancholic sees a cockroach in a cupboard, he will think and ponder of how to get rid of it.
If a choleric sees a cockroach in a cupboard, he will immediately take something and kill it.
If a phlegmatic sees a cockroach in a cupboard, he will say come lets live together and close the cupboard.
If a sanguine sees a cockroach in a cupboard, he will scream!

After the workshop, there was games. I suddenly realized, how fun it was to play in a group. After talking to people from other states, they said it was normal. But in Kedah, people don't seem to be out with friends playing together outdoors. I wish I was somewhere else. Not in Alor Star. Alor Star should be named Alor Stuck. Alor Star is so useless compared to other states, like Perak and Selangor. Sigh. Games was fun. Really fun. But I had body aches after that, because of intensive exercising.

At night was theme talk 2. The speaker talked about we us christians are the living stones to build a house, where non-Christians to meet. That is very true to me. Who is going to share the gospel with the non-Christians? The Christians.

After the day was over, we would go into our small groups to share about our day. I enjoyed that time the most. I wish I were still at camp. I shall post the third day soon. And more pictures too... Waiting for my friends to send them over to me.

NSCF.... [Day 1]

Well, for all the Alor Starians attending the camp, we had to leave a day earlier. We were suppose to leave at 10 p.m., but as usual Malaysian mentality, always late. Never early. I couldn't sleep well in the bus. One reason was, because I think the bus was speeding. It was a double decker bus, and we could feel the bus rocking sideways. Another reason was, Aaron and Ji Xun was talking in front, and we could hear them talking. All of us had slept only a few hours. We all had panda eyes.

We arrived at 5:30 a.m. at Seremban. It was so early. *Yawn!*. We had to walk 15 minutes to the church nearby. I can't remember the church's name. We had to wait till about 8:30 a.m., so that the van will pick us from there and send us to stm. We had breakfast while waiting at a mamak shop.

The van was late, 15 minutes late. I must say that Seremban is quite a well maintained city from what I observed. Pity I did not bring a camera along. Sigh. Many beautiful shots I've missed. The roads in Seremban are quite well maintained. Not many potholes could be seen. The roads are quiet wide and straight. Some roads are single way roads. The first thing came into my mind when I saw the roads were Mat Rempits. Mat Rempits in Seremban must be having a gala time.

When we reached stm, it was 9 something. Registration was at 3. *Yawn*. So many hours to kill. We occupied ourselves by playing hp games, some slept.

Finally, it was time for camp. The ice-breaker was great. We had games like finding the same month of birth people, 5 cents 10 cents games, and some others. It was a really good way of meeting and interacting with new people. We broke into groups. I fell into Chrysolite. Chrysolite ROCKS! It's the best time as Sieh Jin said. Tim and Joseph were in the same group. I was alone. Lonely. But thankfully, there were people in my group that made me feel welcomed. And Sieh Jin was my group leader! He is a good leader.

After ice-breakers, there was a short break for us to bathe, then dinner. Dinner was okay.

Session started with a little worship before it. I learnt a lot from the speaker that spoke that night. It really touched me that we have God to turn to. He asked an interesting question, how would you introduce your Christian life? That got me to ponder further. Frankly, at that time, I didn't know how to answer.

He also showed us a mtv video clip, "Welcome to My Life" by simple plan. The song talks about a someone being rejected.

Do you ever feel like breaking down?
Do you ever feel out of place?
Like somehow you just don't belong
And no one understands you
Do you ever wanna run away?
Do you lock yourself in your room?
With the radio on turned up so loud
That no one hears you screaming

No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me

To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life

Do you wanna be somebody else?
Are you sick of feeling so left out?
Are you desperate to find something more?
Before your life is over
Are you stuck inside a world you hate?
Are you sick of everyone around?
With their big fake smiles and stupid lies
While deep inside you're bleeding

No you don't know what it's like
When nothing feels all right
You don't know what it's like
To be like me

To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life

No one ever lied straight to your face
And no one ever stabbed you in the back
You might think I'm happy but I'm not gonna be okay
Everybody always gave you what you wanted
You never had to work it was always there
You don't know what it's like, what it's like

To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like (what it's like)

To be hurt
To feel lost
To be left out in the dark
To be kicked when you're down
To feel like you've been pushed around
To be on the edge of breaking down
And no one's there to save you
No you don't know what it's like
Welcome to my life
Welcome to my life
Welcome to my life

This song really hit me, after his message. I nearly cried.

Back from NSCF...

NSCF rocks! In case you do not know what NSCF stands for, NSCF stands for National School Christian Fellowship Leaders' Camp. And again I say, NSCF rocks! This year, the theme of the camp was Living Stones in a Broken World. Passage 1 Peter 2:4-14.

I have been attending NSCF for the past week, and I must say, that I encourage all the young Christians to attend NSCF if possible. It was a mistake that last year I couldn't attend this camp. I wish I went. Sigh. Too late to regret.

I'll be writing what I learnt there and the people i've met there for the next few days. And my journey going there and back.

I wrote this on the bus yesterday, because I had nothing to do.

Life passes on,
the present becomes history,
and history will be soon forgotten.

I get older by the day,
time passes without you noticing,
sometimes so fast,
that sometimes you think it wasn't there at all.

Treasure time.

A brief encounter with a grass snake...

Just before NSCF, I had to encounter with a snake. Is it God's way to say not to go? Or to go? Is it Satan's tempting not to go? Hrm...

Anyway, the snake has been killed and burned. My mother, hates snakes. She said she was just talking about snakes yesterday, and had to encounter one today. So unlucky of her. My mother noticed the snake, when she was about to heat up food for lunch. It was about 3 feet long.

Here is the video of the snake being burnt:

Snake head...

Ambitions...

What will I do when I grow up? I still don't know. There are so many jobs to choose from. Who thought choosing a career would be so hard? One must make the right decision so that one will not regret later on in life. That is a million dollar question for me.

Hmmm.... What to be? An engineer? An architect? A banker? A marine biologist? A judge? A psychologist? A dermatologist? A composer? A lawyer? An accountant? A designer? A neurologist? A stock broker? A editor? A economist? An auditor? A chef? An ecologist? An interior designer? An aeronautical engineer? A journalist? A geologist? A mathematician? A musician? A dentist? A photographer? A professor? A doctor? A paediatrician? A botanist? A writer? A reporter? The list can go on and on...

What to choose?

NSCF...

I'm going to this camp called NSCF, that stands for National School Christian Fellowship Leader's Camp. Frankly, I'm a little scared. I don't know why. Maybe, I have anthropophobia, that is the fear of people. I am, sometimes, scared of strangers. You will never know who you will meet.

When I googled this camp, I could not find any results on it. I wonder why... Where am I going to get information about this camp?

Anyone got any links?

Parents can sometimes drive one up the wall! [Part 2]

Continued from Part 1...

2. They can't wait.
Agree or disagree?
Agreed. When parents want something, they want it instantly. They cannot wait a little while. Not even a while. When I'm using the computer, if they ask me to get something for them, if I say wait. Their reply will be "Daniel, off the computer!". With this, I'll be forced to leave the computer and get the things they want. Why can't they ask after or before i do something? I don't mind doing it for them. Just hoping they will be more patient and considerate.

Maybe a Part 3 will be out soon...

Parents can sometimes drive one up the wall [Part 1]

Parents can sometimes drive one up the wall! Why? Here's why:

1. They like to ask you to do something when you are in the midst of doing something yourself.
Agree or disagree?
Agree. When I'm using the computer, sometimes sleeping or reading. Either my mom or dad will call out for me to do something for them. An example, when I'm using the computer, either my mom or dad will call out "Daniel, can you get me a glass of water?" And I'll need to stop half way what I'm doing. Why when they want things, they need to ask when I'm doing something? Can't they ask before I start something? I don't mind doing, but please please ask before? Can?

This is the first part. Second part coming up soon...

Divorce...

I was reading about divorce a few days ago. After reading the article, I feel that when I want to get married, I must find someone that is the same wavelength as me. And when quarrels or misunderstandings happen, we will both try to solve it without involving our children.

When a parent fills in a divorce, who suffers the most? Children. Where do the parents lepas their anger during a fight? Children. Who will be brainwashed by the other half about the other parent to stop communication with the child and parent? Children. Children are the victims of a divorce, innocent victims.

After reading of a few cases of divorce in the net, I have made a promise to myself that I will never be involved in divorce. My wife shall be my partner until I die. I can't bear to see my child being traumatized.

Eight-toed Baby?

Picture from Asianewsphoto

Eight-toed baby? Wow! What next? 3 legs?

Do you think anyone can be PM in Malaysia?

The prime minister said that anyone can be Prime Minister in Malaysia. Somehow, after hearing this statement, I don't think it will somehow happen. Can you picture a Chinese or Indian Prime Minister? I can't. Not yet. In fact, I can't see that happening in the near future.

Recently, Obama has been voted by the people of the US to become the president of United States of America. He is the first African-American to become the President of the US. That is a change. When shall Malaysia have that change? In the next 100 years?

Malaysia, to me, needs to change still. There are still much to be improved. Even our neighboring country, although small, is more advanced that us. That is Singapore. Singapore, compared to Malaysia, is just a small dot in Malaysia. Yet, Singapore is so much more advanced. Why can't Malaysia be as advanced or more advanced than Singapore? We need a leader like Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of Singapore to lead the country.

Sigh! I will pray and hope hard for a change in Malaysia.

A book I bought today...

I wonder if this is will be a good book to read. I bought it at Popular. when I went to Pacific today with the Loh's. This book cost RM 28.50 after a 15% discount.

I shall start reading this book after I have finished The Amber Spyglass.

Currently Reading...

I'm am currently reading this two books. I just borrowed these two from the library today. The Northern Lights (now filmed as The Golden Compass) and The Amber Spyglass. Unfortunately, I read the second book first. The Northern Lights is the first book, followed by The Subtle Knife, and the last book, that is The Amber Spyglass. I have now read the first two books finish. This is really a good book to read, if you like fantasy books. I will blog about what I think of these books when I read finished the last book.

The Northern Lights

The Amber Spyglass

After reading these books finish, I will move on to Twilight. I heard from my friends that it is quite an interesting and a read and cannot stop till the last page kind of book.

Card No.2...

Well, after a week plus, my hands were itching to make cards again. But once I started, I was lazy to make a nice one. So, I just simply did this. I think the first card is much nicer than this.
What do you think of this card? Ugly right?

Currently Reading...

Uncle T.P. lent me this book. I better read it and return it to him. I wonder what is it about...

Seat belts...

Starting from next year onwards, all car users, that means passengers AND drivers need to buckle up. To me, it will make some difference, because I only buckle up when I sit in front, and not at the back, because when you sit at the back, wearing the safety belt makes it a little uncomfortable.

Why are safety belts fixed in cars? It is fixed in cars reduce the number of casualties in car accidents. I learn in Physics about the safety features installed in cars to protect the car users, and this is one of them.

So, who will be fined if they don't follow the law? The drivers or the passengers? I think both should be fined. Why do I think that the drivers should be also be fined? Because, in my opinion, I think the drivers should be responsible in telling the passengers to buckle up. The passengers must also be fined because of breaking the law.

Safety belts are called SAFETY belts for a reason. It's for your own safety. I think, without the law, we should also buckle up for our own safety. But, sadly, people don't see the benefits of buckling up.

I must make a habit now to buckle up, when I'm sitting behind.

An intersting e-mail I recieved...

Confusing Chinese Names

Caller : Hello, can I speak to Annie Wan (anyone)?

Operator : Yes, you can speak to me.

Caller : No, I want to speak to Annie Wan (anyone)!

Operator : You are talking to someone! Who is this?

Caller : I'm Sam Wan (Someone). And I need to talk to Annie Wan (anyone)! It's urgent.

Operator : I know you are someone and you want to talk to anyone! But what's this urgent matter about?

Caller : Well... just tell my sister Annie Wan (anyone) that our brother Noel Wan (no one)has involved in an accident. Noel Wan (no one)got injured and now Noel Wan (no one) is being sent to the hospital. Right now, Avery Wan (everyone) is on his way to the hospital.

Operator : Look if no one was injured and no one was sent to the hospital, then the accident isn't an urgent matter! You may find this hilarious but I don't have time for this!

Caller : You are so rude! Who are you?

Operator : I'm Saw Lee (Sorry).

Caller : Yes! You should be sorry. Now give me your name!!!
======================================================
This is hilarious ...

Why Chinese shouldn't have Christian names:

Anne Chang => Dirty (Mandarin)
Anne Chin => Keep Quiet (Mandarin)
Faye Chen => Dusty (Mandarin)
Carl Cheng => Buttock (Hokkien)
Monica Cheng => Touching your buttocks (Hokkien)
Lucy Leow => You are dead (Hokkien)
Jane Tan => Frying eggs (Mandarin)
Suzie Leow => Lose till death (Hokkien)
Henry Mah => Hate your mum (Mandarin)
Corrine Tai => Poor fellow (Hokkien)
Paul Chan => Bankrupt (Mandarin)
Nelson Tan => Bird laying eggs (Mandarin)
Leslie Tong => Rubbish Bin (Mandarin)
Carmen Teng => Leg hair long (Hokkien)
Connie Mah => Call your mother (Cantonese)
Danny See => Squeeze you to death (Hokkien)
Rosie Teng => Screws and nails (Hokkien)
Pete Tsai => Nose droppings (Hokkien)
Macy Koh => Never die before (Cantonese)

Ain't it just hilarous?

Something I learnt in MYF...

Yesterday, Aunty P.L. taught everyone in MYF something very important. that is daily devotion. We, as Christians, should fix a regular time for daily devotion to God. Everyday, take some time, to devote your time to Him. After all, He has done so much for us.

The bible is a good study guide when doing daily devotion. Normally, to me, we should focus on a passage on the bible. This would be easier.

I'm going to start devoting time to God on a regular basis. Even a short 10 minutes a day, counts.