My First Mission Trip Abroad

12.9.2014 8.55am
Ve not updatedmy lifein herefor three months.  currently in the bus headingto lwv for a one week mission trip with twelve bros and sis..

woke up this mlrning qoth worsen sorethroat...last week wwnt to sembaneng waterfall with friends in kapit. fearered im infected by leptospirosis...jeng jeng..

is it the syndrome of growinh old...thoughts of  dying appear in muy mind occasionally.  im 27 and i intend tomlive till 87. god's willing. ive so much sreams to achieve yet. lasr week, a bat flew into my bedroom and was trapped inside for a night. being the timid me, i dare not shoo it out thus wonder if i'll turn into a batwoman the next day. bluek.  last few months, a spid
er, big one was spotred outside mynbedroom door, i dare not enter and thankfully colleague came to rescue.

what will god speak to me this trip? i just feel there is more to life than this. bus stopped, driver went down to grab rice..such coincidence J P bus besides us. we're going to our cg retreat coming 4-6 oct! and praise the lprd i can attend old buddy huey wedding on 19th sept! coming back w joanne earlier by one daybwith an "escurt" from lwv!!

typing this via asus transformer tablet for the first time. pardon the typo.

time to rest my tired body. it was quite a journey from kapit last night. i pray that our loving father will  help me with mybtransfer back to kuching soon. i understamd there are more senior teachers with family commotments whomwant to get outof kapit too...dont get me wrong, kapit is indeed a lovely ntown but ive been there three years and i really missed  home a lot...solid reason?

hello Ipoh =D

10:53pm, runny nose yet dare not take my favourite Piriton as I've tons of unread journals and assignments to be ...started. So yeh, the school holidays started last week, but we're here at UPSI.  The good thing about 'how time flies' is that...can you believe this is our final semester?! Geez, can't wait for this to be over.


For this third semester, we have:
1) BIP 6034 ESL Course and Syllabus by Dr Intan Safinas Mohd Ariff Albakri (am I super glad to have her back!!)
2) BIP 6024 Assessing Language Competence by Dr. Che Ton Mahmud (retiring in 4 years yet her bubbly and dramatic nature didn't fail to make the class entertained!)
3) BIL 6034 New Englishes by Dr Ainon Omar (so we're going to study the English language policies from different countries....hm....it might be interesting to know and compare our Malaysian education policy with others)

Studies aside. So yesterday, Yvonne and I had the golden opportunity to visit Ipoh.  Thanks to Ah Lun, Ah Jia and Vanessa~ 

haha, look at Marilyn Monroe's face, effects of eating too much! The moment we reached Ipoh, we literally eat non-stop.

 

bought a skirt in there and a pair of earrings. recently, have the special feelings of dressing more girly. haha..

   

Thanks Vanessa, for bringing us around your lovely hometown! You are one friendly and awesome tour guide. We were very much entertained :D

   

This 3D master piece by Ernest does worth a thumbs-up, right?

  

Ernest Zacharevic's work in progress...an old man sipping coffee~~ too bad he's not around,they say this ang moh is pretty handsome.

  

by Eric Lai. A local I supposed. Many paintings along this street...there, you see tourists snapping away their cameras. haven't been to the orang utan's wall painting in Kuching, have you?

  

Due to traffic jam, we managed to reached Ipoh after a 2:15mins ride from Tanjung Malim. First thing off, fill our tummy with this famous bean-sprouts chicken. yummm~  the coffee shop is really packed!

 

yeap. this is it. the famous Ipoh Old Town Coffee's DAD's shop! and you must order the kueh tiao from the opposite shop. this coffee shop is very crowded, and you can see tourists like us queuing and taking photos with takeaway  coffee under the sun! haha!

  

Who would have thought? friends that have met each other years, can actually feel so relaxed with each other? it's really a blessing to have friends :)

   

Last but not least, wishing all Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai~!! Satu Malaysia spirit eh :D

  

I've so much to blog~ About my friends' visit to Kapit on my birthday, about the Remedial Instruction Workshop...about my baby niece and baby nephew...about my rejected transfer...about....a VIP in my life =)

Life is goooooood.  Okay, as any other human beings, I've my down moments too; just every challenge really pull me closer to God and nowadays when non-VIP gives me cold shoulders etc, I no longer give a dam_. You want my respect, respect me first. haha....likewise, if I want your love, I will love you too. haha....above all, love one another. The greatest commandment, no? =)

May 2014 was Merry~~!! and June 2014 will be Joyful~!!

God bless each and everyone of you~! \(^_^)/

JB - USS, Singapore - Kch - Kapit

 

Taking 15 mins off my research to store my precious memories here.
Rewind back to March's holiday......
Hui Yi and Colin came to pick Yvonne and I at Senai Airport in their new VIOS. Woots~ We were invited to stay at their house back in Batu Pahat. Get to carry little baby Arissa Tan :) She doesn't cry much and HY, you are doing a good job as a mummy! =)

  

Congratulations ED~!! Finally, our bestie got  married! To our junior in IPTI. How's it going so far? Haha. Glad to reunite with our Cohort 4 TESLIANS. One thing obvious, most of our Malay coursemates came to Tangkak, with babies~! Haha. Oh man, Yvonne, when will our turn be? Haha.

  

Well, we single ladies enjoy our singledom too. Straight after the wedding reception, we boarded the bus to Bugis, Singapore~ It was a spontaneous decision. We booked this lovely backpackers the night before at HY's via Agoda. Good dea, RM 66 per head for a female dorm~ 5FootWayInn It's located at.. (should have blogged when my memory is still good) Bugis.  Breakfast is included.  Wi-Fi too. I enjoyed my stay here =) Get to chat with a French who speaks fluent Mandarin, over breakfast.

  

Marina Bay~ Wee Chuan says there's an Light Event going on that week. So we headed over after USS, Keppel Bay, Labrado Park and by the time we took the new line, it was near 11pm... Took this view from Helix Bridge. Saw a couple hugging each other so tightly for ... 25 minutes? same position, face-to-face, not much talking. Guess it's pretty cozy with the night breeze caressing their bodies. haha.

  

Tada~ My second visit to Universal Studio Singapore~ Yvonne's 3rd. Lol..so this time round, Human and Alien were under maintainance.  Am I glad to experienced Transformer and the Jurassic Park's Water ride this time round~  Our new friends, Philip Ho & Min Wei :)  Not exactly new, just this spontaneous getaway was so random.  Recalling back.....3 years ago. MW came back fr Aussie after his masters, Yvonne intro me to guide them for Santubong Mountain climb. That's it,followed by a few rounds badminton, go-kart race, karaoke, dinners and CNY visiting....we hardly keep in touch after that 2011 year end holidays...then they suddenly drop by for a CNY visit this year. And voila, our USS trip came true~ haha. Thanks guys, it was really a wonderful trip :)

 
One of my favourite shot~! 

 

Before heading to Changi, Philip and I took the cab to this so-called famouse bak kut teh shop. They had more spices in it. And it's served with Mee Sua. We took the train back to our hotel. It's just a short distance on the map, but I think it took us nearly an hour to get back. Running to catch the train and waiting for a bus. Nonetheless, I am now looking back with a smile on my face (^_^)

  

What's next? Once I touched down Kuching, I rang up my childhood buddy. She's back from London!! And look who she brought home along. Mr Cornel! He's never seen a real crocodile so this Jong's crocodile farm sorta impressed him. haha.This lovely birds are back in Romania now. Wish I spent more time with her, our holidays is only but a week.



  

15 hours before heading back to Kapit, Philip invited us for Laser Tag. Met his brother Jabez and invited Yun and Wong along. The more the merrier. Oh man, do you remember this game at Pending? Played it for a few times after SPM. Running in the dark, shooting your enemies. So they've this new Laser Tag at City One.  RM 30 for two games. As predicted, I lost. If you want to be an easy target, wear White and smile while hiding (if you uses Darlie). Red team won.

   

Time to head back to Kapit. Hate to admit, but life here is really comfortable. A quiet Sunday afternoon, back from Sunday service and marketing, listening to the birds chirping, surrounded by greenery. Don't you think it's more of a relaxation holiday here rather than my activities-filled holiday? That's why...pls, send me home~ Approve my transfer back to Kuching....Yeap, I just submit my application. Kindly keep me in your prayers k? It's my 3rd year serving here. I love my kids here, my work, church, life..but I really miss my family. I don't want to keep my future husband waiting too long. haha. (might privatize this entry again)


 


  

Look how loving my colleagues are~ Capturing and documenting these wonderful moments here.  (Pic 1 leisure walk up the hill, pic 2 Nong's signature green beans soup, Pic 3 Chan's homemade soy drink Pic 4 home-shaved banana icecream.) haha


4 more days to Good Friday's holiday~ Have a spiritual and meaningful Palm Sunday guys~ The Holy Week starts =)

A day to remember.

Today, 27th February 2014 (Thursday) ... sends shiver down my spine. My fingers are shaking, exaggeration, my eyes are swollen, from crying.  When was the last time you cried?


The first news Tiing told me early in the morning, while we punched our cards, Wen Mei passed away. I ... I double confirmed three times. It's a shame I don't remember her Chinese  name.  She's been unwell for years; it's a good thing she no longer has to face the pain for she's now free and loved in our heavenly Father's embrace.  I don't know her well.  What I remember are her smiles, her devotion to Christ, her positivity.  I remembered she told us to do our best for choir, for she wanted to, but her breathing difficulties prevented her from pursuing that interest.  Nevertheless, she served outstandingly as a bass player, guitarist...I remember she held me by my arms and took this selfie, it's our first and last...

Alice, thank you....

I thought that's enough to bear for the day.  But guess God gave me another assignment.

I received another news.  3 of my Form 3 girls were caught by the police at the hotel last night, no, this 2am... My heart torn into pieces.  While attending prayer meeting tonight, God keeps telling me...instantly, it struck me:  have I failed as a teacher?

I talked to few friends about this.  I felt bad. Yes, I'm deeply affected.  Why have I not taught them to cherish their bodies.  I never really sit down and really talk to them.  They are considered the good girls in my class.  By good, I meant paying attention to class, doing their homework and trying their best to answer my questions, in English. 

They're still ALIVE. They're SO YOUNG!  They're....oh Lord.  Why.... Are their parents aware of this?  Some say, yes, their parents allowed them to do so.... for money.  Geez, money is THE ROOT to all evil!

From the other perspective, what if they really NEED the money? 

I'm not their parents nor am I their principal, form teacher, counselor, moral teacher.....but still, God planted me here. Why have I not ... how many more are there?  It's my 3rd year working here, I've heard many cases but this, these are the girls I've taught since my first year... what will be become of them?  how many more will they drown... how many unscrupulous heartless men are out there preying for an underage girl... 

I am glad, really grateful they were caught red handed... Please girls, learn and don't.... *breathing...*

who says teaching is an easy task.

Back to Alice.. Just last Saturday, we received the news of the passing of Mr Jimmy, a MUET teacher at St Jo... and the following day, the demise of our ex-colleague's husband. And today, Alice...and Amanda's beloved Sookie (dog).  I can't imagine how their families go through this... What is it like to loss somebody you loved so much.  When my hamsters died, I locked myself in my bedroom and cried under my blanket... It tore me to see my students dying, metaphorically. 

THERE'S HOPE, IN GOD.  God is faithful.  Yes, everything happened for a reason. Once again, I'm reminded of my purpose here on Earth - here, now.

My Form 3B! So pleased to see them putting in effort. 

  

Prayer & Words of Encouragement

Hallelujah!!!! 

Finally, our 5 weeks course is over!  Geez, how time flies and it's unbelievable I managed to survive. 

Dear God, 
I wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart, especially for today.  Yesterday, I was so anxious and nearly burst to tears before the quiz, the presentations to come..and I've no idea being a two-year-old teacher, I still suffer from stage fright.  How I admire my coursemates  who  appeared so confident and eloquent on stage.  

Thank you dear Evelyn for burning the midnight oil with me last night to prepare the powerpoint slides...and praying together with me this morning before presentation. Yvonne just complimented me that I did a good job this morning, saying she was amazed 'Wow, is this Lucy?' hahahahhaha....okay, I can't remember what I presented this morning, nor did I remember I stood out away from the rostrum and my hands actually .... flew up and down?

It gotta be the God who helped me pouring out the words. lol... p/s thanks darling for your constructive feedback. As always, you did a wonderful job too, so natural in explaining all the Ivan Pavlov's Behaviourism theory, Thorndike's etc...how do you remember all that....? you're awesome!

Behaviourism:  Rewards & Punishment (Operant Conditioning)
                           Stimulus-Response (Classical Conditioning)

Introducing our Issues in Literature's group members:  Dinesh and Shiva :)

 These two men appear to take things easy, but no, when they present, they've so much talk about...the floor is literary theirs!  A reminder from them "Relax~" hahaha.....

Not forgetting to thank the man who love me most in the world: DADDY! Guess no matter how old we are, we'll always find comfort in our parents' loving encouragement.  Thanks to my mentor too, "Fake it until you make it." hahaha.

Went home last weekend to witness Cynthia's wedding. So happy for them!  and our dear Hui Yi is pregnant! Can't wait to see baby next March! 

Being posted so far away from home, and having this part time masters really make me doubt my decision at times. I really missed out A LOT, especially the quality time with my niece.  and nephew.  Parents are getting older, I really hope I'll get my transfer soon.  May your will be done, Lord. But one thing for sure, no matter where I am, there's always this lovely place called - HOME.

p/s Time to do our portfolio - teaching plans & material designs. Come back to you again, bloggie :)

Priorities

A fruitful night~  Feeling accomplished!

Our ever dedicated group leader just uploaded our 'Important Dates'. 

Seeing the dates and things-to-do, I feel like a superwoman.

Presentations, 3 Journal Reviews (Individual), Portfolio, Textbook Checklist, Quiz, Error Analysis, Blog, Online Forum, Final Exam, Behaviorism Presentation, 3 research-based article review, another final exam, Literature in ESL Presentation, Report on Literature Teaching Approaches, Quiz and another final exam.....All these (excluding the finals, which falls after CNY, and excluding our daily lectures), will be accomplished in 10 days time.

The good news is, I'm not alone on this ark :) That's why God created friends for us, they're like angels sent to protect me.  The sad thing is friends come and go.  It's a sad fact I've to accept.  An occasional 'How are you?' meant a lot to me.  Knowing someone out there still remembers me never fail to warm my heart.  Nonetheless, not everyone thinks alike. Your concern might not be returned with an expected warm response.  But that's okay.  It all boils down to priorities and how important you are to him/her. 

Good night world :)

p/s It's December! Merry Christmas in advance! Where will you be this Christmas? =)

Learning together.

Read from a study somewhere that women are better at multitasking than men.  Do you agree?

Am currently updating my blog while waiting for the journals to be printed out.

Today is the 6th day of our second semester.  Two presentations to go tomorrow and yes, we are really exhausted. 

For this semester (5 weeks), we are doing 4 subjects:

1) Grammar for English by Dr. Mazura @ Mastura Muhammad
2) Methods and Materials for ESL Teaching by Dr. Intan Safinas Mohd Ariff AlBakri
3) Issues in Teaching and Learning of Literature by Dr Lajman Janoory
4) Issues in Applied Linguistics by Dr. Wan Mazlini Othman

Just a little sharing and memory-jotting of my experience here at UPSI (University Putra Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak)

I always find it a challenge to teach my students Grammar, especially the weaker students.  Dr Mazura totally changed my views on Grammar by making the lessons so lively!  Yes, we do have to revise all the terminologies, and more in-depth.  And yes, she cleared many of our doubts.  I especially fancy the ice breaking activity and group tasks.  Super 7 consists of young Dinesh, humble Bannecy and generous Azizi,  and I.

I love all these 4 lecturers.  Dr Intan is really a gem!  She makes the lesson appears stress-free yet at the same time, her in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, her soft spoken nature, her effective way of summarizing the heavy materials just make me admire more each day!  The way she encourages us and uses Krashen's theory to remind us of the importance of lowering down learner's affective filter so learning could take place effectively, is something I must apply in my classroom.

Would love to write more. But my shoulders are yelling for the bed.  Good night.

Learning, like friendship, gets more intriguing and meaningful when we plant the seed of love in it. - JY