This blog is not dead yet.

This blog has been left hanging ever since we left for our grand tour to Scandinavia, Italy and France. But i don't want it to end just like that. I've so much to blog about, so many experiences, so much joy, the many blessings and friendships, and the hardships too.

If time permits, i would really like to dig out my past memories (if they haven't already disappear), and blog about some of the more significant experiences. Perhaps, perhaps, i would be able to do so when fyp finally gets out of my sight, and mind, for good.

Updates

God has been really good to us thus far. The many blessings, we are really thankful for:

1. Both dear & i have passed 5 modules each. And 1 more which is not released yet.
2. We had a really wonderful trip to Scandinavia, and also in Switzerland (Geneva, Interlaken) with dear's family. It was a great time of family bonding, getting to know dear's family better, and had a marvelous time seeing God's wonderful creation of mother nature. Norway is really spectacular.
3. We managed to finish tying up most of the loose ends...packed our luggages, cleaned our rooms etc.
4. We're leaving for France & Italy tomorrow morning, and we're really excited.
5. For the new friendships that have been forged with the Seefeld home group, the God-sent Aunties & Uncles (Auntie May, Auntie Pooh Lii, Auntie Lee Hiang, Uncle Chung Chi, Uncle Frips, Uncle Clarence), the dietikon hostel-mates, and some friends and classmates we've made (Isabella, Rahel, Regula, Clementine, etc etc.
6. For all our friends back home, who have shown their love through little ways. We really appreciate that so so much :) Can't wait to get back home to catch up with them!
7. This exchange experience is really God-sent, as both dear and i prayed to go for exchange together, and we only applied for this university. What a rare-chance to be able to go on exchange together. I'm really grateful.

This exchange experience has been really enriching, exciting and meaningful, despite some little hardships faced here and there. Really, thank God.

Do pray for journey mercies as we leave for Paris tomorrow (there're lots of pickpockets), and also for our fyp! I really don't know which fyp i should go for, but i sense that God wants me to do this particular one...Well, if it's meant to be, God will make it happen. But do pray that I'll be able to have internet access in France. And also thakn God for sweet friends like Guo yi and Doreen who're willing to help me ballot if i can't do it.

Nevertheless, we're both really looking fwd to go home! It's time to settle down :) Think we had enough of nomadic travelling! hehe.

Doing the SEP thing...

....travelling!

I officially ended my exams last friday. Have to really thank God, because the exams turned out better than I expected. Not all our grades are out yet, but we'll just trust God that we'll pass :). So anyhow, we're leaving for Scandinavia for 1.5 weeks in about an hour's time to Zurich Airport. Then, we'll be back to Zurich for a week and travel around Switzerland, before leaving for France and Italy from 28th to 18th July...and fly back to Singapore on the 19th july...So we'll reach Singapore on the 20th of july :)

So it's a whole lot of travelling. We're not really going to a lot of places, but spending more time in each place we go, so that we see more of the country..rather than rushing here and there, which is pretty tiring. Hopefully our trip will be as relaxed as we like :)

And a prayer request I really need...i'm actually feeling a little sick since last night..down with slight sorethroat, and a little woozy, slightly feverish at times. I seriously cross my fingers and hope it's not swine flu. I doubt it is, because I didnt go out of zurich, and didn't exactly meet anyone that has fallen sick. So i hope it's just sorethroat due to eating thai curry a few days ago and the lack of sleep due to all the studying...Just pray that I'll get well really soon, because I don't want to be a burden to Matt's family when we travel around Scandinavia! Prayers much appreciated :)

Don't think i'll have much time to blog anymore. There's actually so much to say about my exchange experience, but i usually share it to matt all the time, that i feel so lazy to blog after that. hahaha. Maybe i'll do so when i'm back in singapore.

:)

The Rhinefall

(Picture Taken: Schloss Luafen Am Rhinefall, Switzerland)

Somehow, I begin to see things from a deeper perspective.
Perhaps I was too shallow back then,
thinking that I have to be nice to everyone so that people may come to know Christ..
thinking that christians need to be nice.
No, it was all too superficial.
I have been superficial.

Many times,
I volunteered to help,
I volunteered to pray,
I forced a smile,
I tried to be nice.
But no, that wasn't me.
I am no Jesus,
I am imperfect.
I am aware of my own iniquities,
that I am not always right.

Life is not a bed of roses for Christians.
It's a tough road, and i finally know why.
Christians face a road of persecution.
Christians are not guaranteed with successes,
not guaranteed to be popular,
not guaranteed to have many friends.
It's hard to swallow but
The Christian road is a life full of thorns,
yet, protected by the grace of God.
We just need to recognise the blessings He has given us.
Be contented.
Be thankful.
Believe that this is the right path.
Follow the light.

I believe God has a divine plan for me.
My role here on earth,
is not to spread the gospel to every single person I know.
Not to be nice to everyone.
Not to pretend to be nice all the time.
But, to be myself
To have a sincere heart,
help when I sincerely want to
So that people may see Christ in me.
I need to be who I am.


Often, popularity and attention seemed so appetizing.
It definitely makes one feel good to have many friends around,
to be involved in all invitations to dinners, parties,
to be well-loved by everyone,
to receive tons of facebook messages from friends.
Deep inside, many of us are nice for an underlying quest for attention,
or acceptance by certain people.
But it's all too superficial.
Life isn't that perfect.
We need to look into things deeper.
Plainly being popular or nice won't bring people to Christ.
I should stop seeking for the attention,
just to make myself feel good.

People choose who they want to be with
.People choose to form their own cliques.
But i never believe in cliques.
Just like a cell group,
it shouldn't be a clique.
It should always be an open invitation to others,
welcoming people.
I am tired.
Yet, I have a long road ahead of me,
and I will continue walking.
But in the light of Christ,
and not in my own light.

There's always time,
always time to reach out,
always time to make friends.
But we choose the friends we want to make.
We choose the friendships that will last.
And I know who are the friends that will stand by me when the currents are strong.
And I appreciate and treasure them a great deal,
even if I don't express it outwardly.
But deep inside, I really do thank God for each and everyone of them.

I don't believe I am meant to be friends with everyone,
for that's just too idealistic.
There are people whom I am not meant to be friends with,
people whom I am not meant to share Christ with.
Then, I should spend my time and effort on others,
looking back to help those who have been left out,
those that have been rejected by many,
rather than trying to be their friends.

I think,
our role as a christian is not just about reaching out all the time but
We must always remember our fellow brothers and sisters.
Remember them in prayers, and build a community of faith.
Just like the church,
the people must build a strong foundation of faith,
in one body of Christ,
before they can go out together to spread the gospel.
A body cannot function without an arm or leg.

Too many times,
I feel disappointed with people.
Our love,
our friendship becomes transactional,unreciprocated, unappreciated,
and leaves us jaded.
The world always fail us
because of the expectations that we set,
failing to think of what God wants out of us.

Perhaps I have made wrong turns in my decisions, in my life,
and said the wrong things,
but I will move on. I have to.
And I will.
Time moves on and I still have a long way to go.
And I take joy with every disappointments that have come,
for there's always a message from God for every boulder that comes my way.

I will continue to pray for friends that have come and go.
For people whom I no longer am friends with.
For people that seems so hard to love.
For friendships that are so hard to go deeper,
For friends whom have too different principles from me,
that always lead to conflicts and disagreements,
For unreciprocated friendships,
For the hi-bye friendships,
For the people that haven't received God's love.
I pray that God's love will come shining through their lives one day,
not by my will but His.

Life isn't in my control.
I cannot control who I want to be friends with.
I cannot control the people I want to enter God's kingdowm.
But I know God has a plan.
He always has a plan for every friend that I am meant to be with,
for every circumstance and situation.
Life is no coincidence.
And I pray He'll give me an extra portion of faith,
for this road is too rough for me to handle alone.
And I know I won't be lonely,
for even if I have only one friend,
God's with me.
And I know my darling will always be my side,
walking with me.
That alone,
I take joy.
And am contented.
Count your blessings.

God, take control of my life.
This, I ask of you,
for I need to be broken,
to wash away all my imperfections.
I am a sinner.

When you really don't know what to say...

There comes times in your life, where you just don't know what to say.
When there are problems that come; and they just really stay.
Amazing, how it sounds, but as true as can be,
This is life, this is my story, this is me.

There's time to play here, time to see,
there's time to watch the clouds go by.
Rainbows, waterfalls and mountains ahead,
but pity; the rain came out today.

Home is far, a million miles,
while Dietikon seems a little bit dreary.
Its not the place, its not the time;
but its something that caused me to sigh.

This is my story, this is my life,
my life in the land of cows and cheese;
Switzerland, and Zurich, the best place to live;
but not the best place to come.

Its sad to see how things are like,
its depressing to know what i am.
But little by little, the sun comes out.
You know you're loved again.

Not by people, but by God,
not by those who want to be free,
But far away, a little bee came,
he told me "He" still loves me.

God loves, in all eternity;
some people know but don't see.
What it takes to be Jesus,
we try our best; but still others don't see.

Have faith, not cries,
for the end is near, and hope has come again.
For one to know what is fear,
and to know that all is lost; but not gained.

People come and people go,
but i'm glad for those who have stayed.
for thats what friends are to me,
my friends, my smiles; who i believe.

i have to say i miss them,
for it has been meaningful to me;
the understanding, the hand they reach to me.
no one else can see.

Many think i'm random,
because of what i'm like
but inside my heart, it all has a purpose;
it takes more than eyes; to see light.

Through every danger, toil and snare.
i've lived my life with integrity;
as honest as i am, and as much as i believe;
i did the right thing for "Him".

My dream for an entire community;
housed in NZ to be,
is actually just a little thought,
of what heaven would be for me.

Its sad, though, to know,
what life here has become,
it seems like the river has stopped its' flow;
the ducks have herded; the fish are gone....

But, somehow; God still made me happy.

Its a little pokemon game.
You've just gotta catch them all!
Raichu buzzes, and jumps from tree to tree
caterpie sleeps in his little cocoon
Little butterfree flits around the room
while the Eevee is not as cute as it seems.
Dragonair is as strong as it comes,
while the Exeggcuter grew, just from a harmless egg.
Also, Wartotle, water guns and bubbles;
all just seems such a fun little puzzle.

Thanks yiling! :) you're soooo sweeet! :) :)

Appreciate your encouragement loaaddss! :D

Love travels over distances...

(Picture Taken: Changi Airport, T1, Family farewell picture before i left for Zurich)

It means so much to me when my mom sends me an sms, no matter what the content may be or when i received it. It never fail to bring a smile on my face. For every single exam that I have taken or about to take in ETH, my mom would always send me a message the day before the paper. Just when i felt so saturated from studying, I was just wondering if my mom would send me a message before she goes to bed tonight...and suddenly, my phone vibrated. I knew it was her. As usual, she would ask me to not overwork, drink lots of water, sleep early, eat more fruits, do my best. Even though she always say the same thing, it means so so much. And i feel so much encouraged now, ready to go a mile further in my revision.

Family, matters so much, even in the simplest way.

He will carry us through :)

(Photo taken in Lake Geneva, Montreux)

Photo credits: Matthias

Prayers much appreciated!!

2nd June - Envt sanitation in developing countries (Matt & Me)
4th June - Project Management (Me)
5th June - Human Resoruce Management (Matt and Me)
12th June - Mathematical Modelling in Process & Chemical Engineering (Me) --- the HARDEST one....

And so, this is my exam schedule. As you can see, i've 3 in the next week, and matt's exams will be done really early!! *envious* but i can't complain, cos he's been and will be cooking meals for me till the end of my exams. How lucky i am. And his meals are really sumptous! :D

Do keep us in prayers. Jess, i know you'll be there praying...thank you so very much. you're always there =) i hope u're doing well! miss you loads, and keeping u in prayers too, despite the fact that u've finished ur exams. huggs.

btw, yuting and sandra! i made kaya toast today (with your kaya paste of course), and it tasted sooooo goood...!!! i took a picture of it, but currently too busy to upload. will do so when my exams are done! :) :)

Sorry dear.

I did you wrong today.
And am reminded by God.

I need to change,
for the better of course.

I must, and I will,
No matter how hard it may be.

"Once bitten, Twice shy"
I need to remember that,
and imprint it on my heart.
You know, it's always so tempting to keep making the same mistakes,
to keep making the same sin.
The vicious cycle.

Change is always the hardest thing to do.
But something that's not impossible.

Be with me,
hold my hand and lead me to the right path.
Have faith in me.

The Measure of A Man

This world can analize and size you up and throw you on the scales
They can I.Q. you and run you through
Their rigorous details
They can do their best to rate you
And they'll place you on the charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there's more to what you're worth
Than their human eyes can see
Oh, I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are'
Cause I've found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man
Well, you can doubt your worth
And search for who you are
And where you stand
But God made you in His image
When He formed you in His hands
And He looks at you with mercy
And He sees you through His love
You're His child and that will always be enough
For there's more to what you're worth
Than you could ever comprehend
Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are

'Cause I've found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside
To the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man
You can spend your life persuing physical perfection
There is so much more
More than ever meets the eye
For God looks through the surface
And He defines your worth by what is on the inside
I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are'
Cause I've found out the measure of a man
God knows and understandsF
or He looks inside
To the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
Oh, I say the measure of
The measure of a manIs not how tall you stand,
How wealthy or intelligent you are
Oh, I've found the measure of a man
God knows and understands it
For He looks to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
Yeah, what's in the heart defines
Yeah, what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man
I know, I know

"Its all but lost"

God Bless The Broken Road - beautiful song

Geoff Moore \ God Bless The Broken Road

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love
Along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
I wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to You

That every long lost dream
Led me to where You are
Others who broke my heart
They were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way Into Your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to You

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have them back again
And give them all to You
But You just smile and take my hand
You've been there and You understand
It's all part of a grander plan
That is coming true

That every long lost dream
Led me to where You are
Others who broke my heart
They were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way
Into You loving arms
This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to You
Now I keep rolling on into You loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to You

On the Other Side.

I was talking to kings earlier online, but she had to go sleep for her grad ceremony the next day.

And i decided to continue writing what i thought here, so she could read it.
I was talking about crusade.

1. the staff that kinda understood my p.o.v. (at least where i was coming from) were leaving
2. there should be more focus on the evangelical foundations in crusade
and so on...

So i was telling her, that i'm really a conservative thinker. Many of the other students on exchange here have said i have a very narrow way of thinking, and i dun ever change from my values/perspective.
Which is weird...
beacuse, i was a scientologist when i was young, and turned into a fundamentalist just a few years back; before i finally subscribe to the "evangelical" way; that is the word of God is all encompassing and what we should follow, not just in the new testament, but in the wholesomeness of the bible.

and its interesting, because modern day christians think very radically different from christians in the previous generation. We believe, unequally yoke might be okay, we believe that prosperity gospel might be okay, we believe that women should have their rights and definitely be seen as equal and allowed to work, we believe that women can lead our church.

And although i might not be the perfect bible scholar, but i believe i've read and studied enough to know that my conservative values are probably right. That girls and women will probably think i'm chauvinistic to claim that women shouldn't concentrate so much on their work, but put their efforts into the family. That i'm too narrow minded to say that God planned for man to be at the head of the family, and the church. I've talked to the younger staff about much of this, and everytime; it seems like i'm wrong.

I understand we are living in a liberal world right now, and women stand on equal footing as men. And they always have, just that their roles are different. Its not that they are unimportant, rather it just seems their role is not as glamourous, but to me, definitely more important than working.

Likewise, i aslo believe that while the great comission has its place, it is important that each and every believer roots himself in the word. This issue came up because i always felt that the crusade materials that they gave us every week; was not helping me grow as a christian. That i was being felt the milk again, when i really needed the bread. And my old SM used to understand me, but yet, in other ways, i'm seen as a rebel for my opinions. There are also things, how i believe that not everyone should be doing "public" evangelism; because we are simply not called. And that you can't push everyone to do it; although we know we need to evangelize. I'm a good example of this, "i know its not my place, its not my gift".

To me, My christian values remain as firm as it should be.
Since primary school, i always remember my teacher saying that I was someone that kept hold to the principles i knew, and held fast to it.

And the funny thing is, the older generation definitely understands me. I've talked to many adults about my view points, and they definitely understand where I am coming from. They also agree with my point of view, and the values i have within me.

But sometimes around the younger ones (both christians and non-christians alike), i feel alone. Feel like i'm fighting a lost cause, that many ways of how God planned things to be will be lost by many. That my friends openly talk about their acceptance to premarital sex, about their acceptance of homosexuality, about how women should work if they earn more; make me sigh more, for the values are lost, and i can't change it in anyway.

Another more pertinent point is what this adult was saying about what he thought. About the "feel good factor", and how the young people just go to where it "feels good". Which is what is happening to many christians today, and as i was pointing out to one of my homegroup members here in switzerland. That the minute we say some new liberal christian value "is okay", thats the moment we have compromised on our christian values. E.g. homosexuality, we cannot say its wrong, but we can accept it. We might not even accept it, but we accept that other people can accept it. Or how it "feels good" just to be earning your money, or claiming that all the activities for fellowship are to really build up bonds, when its more of just fun and games for our personal pleasure.

And many of them (these younger generation) even refuse to listen to my point, choosing to argue their way through their own biblical interpretations. And i'm judged because i'm don't seem to be with the majority on this. Makes me JADED! but... i'm okay, i understand as well =)

And its funny, because a lot of biblical notions can be argued. The most common one is "we now live in a post-Jesus period, and as such, we live by the notion of grace and a life redeemed by the blood of Christ". But, then the biggest flaw is that we, as humans, as sinners; where have we not taken advantage of grace?

The best thing is that the bible shows clearly; the prophecies of all these!
And even if people don't believe me, its clear to see, its the end of the times.
And many prophecies about the degeneration of mankind's society is as plain as day.

I still wonder how people can think that I'm narrow minded.
Because i've always explored; and even one staff once told me, that i like to stay on the borders of christian values; i like to explore the boundaries.
I told him then: "that from that point, on that line, i get to see everything, that is why."
"but at the end of the day, i'm still firmly on God's side".

And the interesting thing is, now it seems, that so many others are "on the other side."

ps//

please do keep matt in prayers, for his exam tomorrow. The module is called prospective environmental assessment, and it'll be an oral exam. Pray that all things go well, and that the exam will be a smashing one.

your prayers are greatly appreciated! :)

Feeling somewhat feeble...

I don't know what went wrong with my body, but I've totally lost my appetite since yesterday. Somehow, i just couldn't force the food down my throat. And perhaps because of the lack of food, I am feeling so weak, listless, and energy-less.

This morning, I woke up with an immense jolt of pain in my lower stomach. It was so painful, i was in cold sweat, and I quickly rushed to the toilet. The pain was totally unbearable, I couldn't even sit properly on the toilet bowl. I had to sit on the toilet floor and i wanted to puke, but nothing came out. Then, my head felt dizzy, and my limbs turned cold and numbed. I couldn't really walk properly, i went straight to my bed, and clenched my stomach...but it didn't go any better. And I seriously don't know what went wrong, because i didn't have diarrhoea. I felt as though my time was almost up.

So, I ran as best as i could to dear's room, knocked on the door so hard. I know he's still alseep cos it was pretty early in the morning, but i couldn't take it any longer. I needed help. I rushed into his room, ran into the toilet, and poop-ed. No diarrhoea. No vomit. But immense pain. I dashed to his bed to lie down, breaking out in sweat, and i couldn't move my fingers at all. It was stiff, and i had to ask dear to bend them for me. I was really scared. What made it worse was I had to go to school in an hour's time because both of us have a presentation to do which is 50% of the grade. I think i made him worried sick, he kept asking me what's wrong what's wrong..but i kept saying ' i don't know, it's just so painful!!' So anyhow, he gave me carbon tablets. After eating 14 pills, i had to use the toilet and diarrhoea came. So, we concluded it was food poisoning. At first we thought it was menstural cramps, but i don't usually have them, so i don't really know if that was it. Slowly, he rubbed my tummy, and massaged my limbs to get my blood circulation back in order, and thank God, the pain subsided and i was able to go to school for the presentation. Sorry for the scare today, dear.

I seriously never felt in such great pain before. Totally horrible. But thankfully, the big hooha lasted for just an hour or so. Unfortunately, my appetite hasn't regained a single bit. I haven't eaten much since dinner last night, and i haven't felt hungry at any point in time since then. Weird, and it makes me really hard to prepare dinner...cos i've no appetite, and the sight of food doesn't really give me any joy in cooking. This sucks. Hopefully, i'll be well by tmr.

__________________________________________________________________

That being said, I wanna say to my dear bitsies, that your parcel came in real handy! Even though i'm not well enough to use those pastes now, i'm really looking forward to using them! It brought such great joy to me, and it came at the right time, cos i'm pretty stressed with my 3 exams that's coming next week. Your thoughtfulness and love really encouraged me a great deal :D Matt didn't exxagerate when he tagged the tagboard. Truly can't thank both of u enough. Really can't wait to go back to give both of u a great big hug! :)

Of course, we really appreciate and am very grateful for all our friends. For jess, for min hwee, yiling, lan anh, sylvia, kingslin, cell group, tim, reynard, for every single one that has been keeping both of us in prayers, in thoughts! :) we're truly so so so blessed!

About half an hour before my exam. haha or presentation.
Made my nice slides as usual, on Singapore!
I really wonder what the teacher will think...
Tomorrow another presentation.
Then on Wednesday the biggest exam remaining.

There's always a big exam remaining.
That said, this trip and experience has been wonderful.
Nothing short of thanks to Uncle Chung Chi and Auntie Pooh Li, Uncle Frips and Auntie May for arrangning the many lunches and dinners for us; plus the amazing home group that we go to; Susan esp. for being so friendly, and even church.. I do miss Pastor Richard; the most respected pastor i've ever seen in my time (by me). He has great balance, amazing tone and articulation; and the warm spirit of a "father".
But there are sad things that come and go; that all you seek for in unity, has been disbanded by disunity. And its sad to hear what happens around, and what is happening around.
I remember reading this book which was titled, "If standing together is so easy, why is it so easy to fall down"?
And thats exactly the fact. And you wonder.

People fall down, because we are weak.
And everyone wants his/her own group.
Everyone wants their life to be secure/to be safe.
But then again....

The concept of love and service, is to help others before yourself.
To help others at the expense of yourself.
And to help those that need it.

What i don't understand even more, is the fact that everyone thinks so "short-term"
Is life just about the next 2 years, or the next 5 or 10 years? Or even the next 30?
This i don't understand, yet i'm very sure many don't understand my POV as well.

All is fair and love and war, and is less fair in a game of love and war.
But its love that rules; and not yourself.

1 time was enough.

Twice, was too much.

Three times, was something that ought to be forgotton.

But the fourth, deserved something not for me to decide.

Thank God and you :)

I've just finished 2 exams this week, and I must really thank God for guiding us through..and i can't thank you more dear. Thank you for your infinite support and help. I want you to know that i truly appreciate all that you've done and sacrificed for me :) love you.

It's my 1st time taking an oral exam today and it was an experience. The feeling is just so different from written exams, but i probably don't have a good gauge or opinion about this since the lecturer for this module is from Hokkaido and there were only 4 students including me.

All in all, i just want to thank God, thank my other half, and the friends who prayed for me. The following week, dear would have 2 exams and both of us would have a presentation to do...so do continue to keep us in prayers!

It's my turn to support you! :) :) huggs.

Only God truly knows our needs...

Let Us Pray - Steven Curtis Chapman

I hear you say your heart is aching
You've got trouble in the making
And you ask if I'll be praying for you please
And in keeping with conviction
I'll say yes with good intentions
To pray later making mention of your needs
But since we have this moment here at heaven's door
We should start knocking now, what are we waiting for?

CHORUS:
Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
For the Father above, He is listening with love
And He wants to answer us, so let us pray

So when we feel the Spirit moving
Prompting, prodding and behooving
There is no time to be losing, let us pray
Let the Father hear us saying
What we need to be conveying
Even while this song is playing, let us pray
And just because we say the word, "Amen"
It doesn't mean this conversationi needs to end

Let us pray, let us pray, everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence
As our prayers draw us near
To the One who knows our needs
Before we even call His name
Let us pray everywhere in every way
Every moment of the day, it is the right time
Let us pray without end and when we finish start again
Like breathing out and breathing in, let us pray

Great and Mighty is our Lord!

(Pictures Taken at Europe's highest mountain lift, Zermatt)

The Great & Mighty Cross, towering over the Swiss Alps.

Isn't it just wonderful to see people recognizing and dedicating Switzerland's beauty to God's creation? :)

ABRSM - another chance?

It's Mother's Day today, and so, we webcamed and had a good chat with her, as well as my dad, my brother and gf. They told me that they were considering to buy a new piano cos the one we have now is too old, plus it contains my vomit stains when i was really young. (yes, i vomitted on the piano when i was little...imagine, a new piano and their little precious daughter vomitted on it...must have been painful back then hehe)

My mum mentioned that my ex-piano teacher tried to contact me recently, and she said that my teacher's kinda sad to know that i'm not really playing the piano anymore. So, my parents are kinda encouraging me to take up lessons again after i graduate, and finish up my grade 8. Yeah, I failed grade 8 when i was in jc 2 taking A levels and SYF at the same time...and it's kinda a pity to leave it hanging at grade 6 since i skipped grade 7. Yet, I know what ABRSM exams are like...it freaks me out and i don't really have a talent for classical music. And the thought of sight-reading and oral doesn't help! But, on the other hand, i really do want to hone my piano skills and play really nice christian songs. It still makes me go green with envy whenever i see someone playing the piano so fluently and elegantly.

Should I take up piano lessons once again? If i do, i would want to pay the tuition fees myself cos i know it's expensive and i shouldn't let my parents pay when i've started work.

And what about driving lessons? baptism classes? I don't think I have that much time available when I start work! At least, I think i've about a year to consider. Afterall, there's no need to hurry. I'm still young right?! :P

Dedicated to my Mum

To the Best Mother in the world:

(Picture taken in Mirabel Gardens, Salzburg where Sound of Music was filmed)

Life is like a Tandem Bike

"At first I saw God as my observer, my judge,
keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognised his picture when I saw it,
but I didn’t really know him.

But later on when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was
that He suggested we change places,
but life hasn't been the same since.
When I had control
I knew the way.
It was rather boring, but predictable ...
It was the shortest distance between two points.
But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains and through rock places
at breakneck speeds.
It was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
and I started to learn to trust.


I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed.
Gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey,
my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again.
He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage,
too much weight."
So I did ... to the people we met.
And I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
but He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the Strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful, constant companion, Jesus Christ.
And when I'm sure I just can’t do anymore,
He just smiles and says... "Pedal!"

-- poem by Richard Farmer

Blessed

2 days ago, marked our 30 mths of being together.

(Taken in one of the gardens in Prague)

Thank God for you :)



Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
-Ecclesiastes 4:12-

The wonders of God

Sunset from the balcony of my hostel room, Dietikon

- Psalm 148 -

Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD from the heavens,

praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens

and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;

he gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,

small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,

you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and maidens,

old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up for his people a horn,

the praise of all his saints,

of Israel,

the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.

Dear Lord,

Grant me a heart that's pure and holy.
Grant me a heart that seeks after You and not the worldly pleasures.
Grant me a heart that fears You.
Grant me a heart that truly loves You.
Grant me a heart that is truly repentful for all the sins i've made in my life.
Grant me a heart that is self-controlled.

I want to surrender my everything to You. Help me to do so.

And may You look at me, and smile and not regret for this creation that You've made from Your hands.

I pray to know You more,
Amen

when time stands still

"come what may"
its really in-between; and you kind of feel numb at this moment in time.
The swine flu around, people going everywhere, people studying; and those in singapore so happy its all over.
And you feel just so lost, in between that huge gap between nothingness.
And you can keep waiting;
but the excitement never dies down.
And you know, that something is coming, something big and marvellous
yet you have no idea about, and that people are all lost in what they're doing
and they forgot to remember, what's in store.

its more than june, thats for sure.

here comes the exams!

And so, the aftermath of travelling leads to the upcoming of exams.

I have been travelling quite a bit, and i really enjoy it albeit the tiredness and cumbersome planning. During Easter, we went to budapest, vienna, krakow, prague, salzburg. And during the last labour day weekend, we went around Switzerland...stayed 2 nights in Zermatt which was truly a winter wonderland (even though it's may now, there's still plenty of snow there), went up to the highest mountain lift in Europe to have a fantastic aerial view of the mountain ranges and the famous Matterhorn mountain, afterwhich we headed to Montreux where we had a beautiful view of lake Geneva and then to Lausaunne.

Still got many places in Switzerland unventured yet, but probably got to give them a miss due to lack of time and budget constraints. The next, and probably the last trip in Switzerland would be Schauffhausen which we plan to go on the 16th May.

Anyhow, i've got 2 exams upcoming next week...
12th May - Food Fermentation
15th May - Physics of Ice

Hopefully, i'll pass them! :)

Anna's birthday; BBQ at Auntie May's place (25th April 09)

The pastries Anna baked for her birthday. They were superb.

Half of our home group! (a bible-study group we're attending in IPC)

Anna has dozens of beautiful roses in her house! (Anna is the lady in red)

The very yummylicious food Uncle Frips bbq-ed for us

The really lovely and beautiful garden Auntie May has

Lovely Dinner with lovely people.

It was a nice gathering, and a nice get-to-know occassion with Auntie May's nephew (Wei Ren) and his girlfriend (Eileen) who are currently in St Gallens doing an SMU 1 month summer programme.

We've truly been very blessed to be able to meet these wonderful people here.

some pics taken from the wildlife park and silhwald forest

Through the river, as it flows
A rock tumbles,
grinds; battered and bruised
Weathered down into a little stone.

The river rages
havoc on these stones,
the water carves a picture;
never once foretold.

The stone tumbles
and grumbles, and falls
by the wayside
It remains, but never alone.

A little favour...

I would like to sincerely ask all our christian friends out there, who reads this blog, to say a little prayer for Matthias. He'll be having his 1st oral exam in ETH tomorrow, and thus, he doesn't know what to expect. Do pray for the following:

- calm mind, calm heart, God's peace
- clarity in speech, good articulation, succint points
- that his answers will be relevant to the question
- grant him favour in the lecturer's eyes
- warm and friendly atmosphere between him and the lecturer
- to know how to answer the questions
- that God would grant him a pass
- faith in God that He will guide him
- focused and in the best physical state

His Exam Details (i only know the rough one):
Topic/Module- Ecotoxicology
Time- 2.30 -3pm (30 mins)
Venue: ETH Zentrum

Thank you so much for your prayers. They're greatly appreciated :) God bless all of you!

p.s.// keeping u in prayers dear! i'm with u, God's with u, and u'll do well i'm sure :) - huggs -

Bad cooking experience...

Well, cooking is really fun when the result turns out good. But when it's bad, u just sigh cos of the waste of food and wished it was better. As dear will be having his 1st exam next wednesday, I've been cooking both lunch and dinner for the past week and most of them turned out pretty well. But today's dinner was a tad disappointing. I planned to cook sweet & sour chicken wings but somehow, i probably didn't mix the starch well enough with the tomato pury and added too much lime. It turned out too sour and too starchy, making the entire dish taste weird. Perhaps i should have tried the taste while cooking and add some sugar... But it's okay, i'll try it again another time. Thankfully, the corn rice didn't turn out too bad.

Not only did the chicken wings turned out bad, these other things happened in the process too..
- didn't hold the bag of rice properly while pouring into the cup...so a lot of rice came spilling out...wasted almost half a cup
- pulled the kitchen drawer too hard till the whole drawer came falling down, along with all the knives, forks, spoons...

i could have been hurt by the latter...imagine if the angle of the knife is wrong, i would have been injured badly. Thank God that i didn't get hurt at all. My roomie was so funny...she heard the loud crashing sound, and ran to me, and when she saw the knives lying on the floor...she got so worried that i got hurt. Thinking i was in shock and needed to cool down, she insisted on rinsing all the fallen utensils for me haha. so sweet of her.

Somehow, today wasn't a good day...considering that i didn't do much work too.

Cycling arnd Zurichsee; Hiking in the Sihlwald Forest

Just last sunday, we did cycling with the rest around Zurichsee and it was really fun though pretty dangerous since we had to go through all the traffic and cars and whatnot. Worse thing was the bike sizes are all standardized, so imagine me riding the same bike as dear's. My legs couldn't even tough the floor when i'm on the bike! We had Teddy as our tourguide, and he brought us through all the busy traffic to zurich lake. The weather that day was pretty nice, and it felt really good cycling down the busy old town of Zurich. And the best thing was that it was free! You can rent a bike for free here, anytime!

Yesterday, both of us headed down to Langnau, where we went to visit the Nature park. It was enriching and exciting. We managed to see mountain goats (huge ones), wild boar, wildcats munching on a fresh lamb leg, real wolves, fox, moose, deers, horses, wicent etc. And again, entrance to the park is free! :) :) So it felt like we were in a zoo for free. It's really nice, mainly because the park was totally natural on the mountain, and not like the man-mades ones we have like our singapore zoo. The entire park is hugge, and we walked quite a fair bit up and down the slopes. By the time we finished visiting the park, it was 2pm. So, we headed to start our hiking trails by taking the train down to Horgen.

The routes:

1. Aabachtobel Forest Educational Trail, waterfall
Bus stop Käpfnach - Käpfnerweg - Rietwiesstrasse - Dow - Eichenbänkli - Aabachtobel - Wasserfall - Bus stop Arn


2. Horgenberg mountain pond, swimming, barbecueing
Postauto bus stop Enderholz - Horgenberg mountain pond – Post Horgenberg

The 1st hiking trail was the best thing that we had ever experienced here. We went through the forest, with hardly any guide for us...we had no maps, so we just had to follow our intuition hehe. Pretty dangerous actually, but since we were heading to the waterfall, we just had to follow the river streams and go upstream. It was so fun, cos both of us went down the muddy slopes to the river stream itself. We were so excited, and it was really rewarding esp when we ended up at the waterfall....the beauty we saw in the forest took away all the physical tiredness we had. Truly rewarding! Do wait for the photos! The waterfall is just a mini one...but still, it's natural! haha. The entire route probably took us about 2 hours, thereabout.

Still having some time, we decided to go for our 2nd hiking route. This one wasn't as exciting. It was more challenging than anything else, cos there were too many alternative routes, and there were many logging paths as well...so we don't really know which is the right way. We just kept walking and walking, in search of the mountain pond...but all that we saw was a huge depression in the midst of the mountain, covered with snow. There wasn't any water or ice at all. So we figured that this route has probably been abandoned already. Anyway, to cut the long story short, we couldn't find our way out...so we just had to walk down the 30 degrees inclined pasture slope, and end up at the main road so we could find the nearest busstop. This hike was terribly exhausting...cos it was muddy and full of horse shit. We just had to keep looking at our paths, and kept walking and walking until we gave up finding the right path haha. So anyhow, we managed to get to the road after stepping lots of cowdung, cos the entire pasture slope smelt as smelly as cow dung. After walking along the road for several minutes, we managed to see a busstop and guess what, we were just in time for the last bus! I can't imagine being stranded there if we missed that last bus. Really thank God for guiding us safely through our entire hiking encounter.

We were both dead tired by the time we got back, and could barely walk. Nevertheless, the experience we had was once-in-a-lifetime! :)

Daylight Savings

I've never encountered daylight savings before, and it's just weird cos suddenly, the day seemed so long. Now, the sun rises at about 6.30am, and sets at 9pm. Good thing too is that the time zone difference between singapore and zurich is now reduced from 7 to 6 hours.

Because of daylight savings, both of us didn't manage to go to church last sunday. Thinking it was just a normal day, we went to the train station, only realising then that the clocks have been adjusted 1 hour ahead. It felt really weird haha. But it's really nice to have long days, definitely makes travelling much easier!

A christian song I liked since secondary school...

"Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

Swiss Friends

It's really nice that we formed a project group with the locals today for one of our module, Environmental Sanitation in Developing Countries. We were quite a diverse group; 1 coming from Germany, 2 Singaporeans (that's us), and 2 locals! Both of us came here, wanting to make some swiss friends, and get to know more about their culture and their lifestyles but we both found it very hard despite us being very initiative already. The swiss students tend to keep among themselves and always sticking to their cliques...we felt as if we were aliens or something. But thank God for some really friendly swiss friends that we've made. Like Bea, she's really nice, she almost joined her usual clique to do the project, but decided to mix with us :) And she added that singaporeans doesn't seem very sociable (except for us! haha), but she said it was partly her fault too for she didn't make an effort to really speak to them. That was so nice of her. Other international friends that we've got to know from our classes are Isabella (from Austria), Clementine (from Switz), Rafael (from Switz), and Max (from Austria).

Thank God for them, for making us feel welcome here. It really means a great deal! =)

people have come and people have gone;
and yet the same few remain.

And, sad as one may be; so may the sun rise again.
For, God never meant for us to be alone in this world;
But undoubtedly, a modern christian feels alone in this world.

For what he strives for, only few will see.
What he dreams of, only few will know of.

People have gone,
But we remain happy.
For the ones that remain,
remain in love,
and we are blessed.

I think i'm getting quite jaded with people these days, probably because i feel unappreciated, or rather we. Many times, i do not understand why certain actions and words have been said. Things seemed to be getting kinda bleak here.

Many thoughts, but hesistant to blog it down...

Never ask for more.

If only everyone is just like Jesus, how nice this world would be.

I guess that only happens in heaven. And i pray I will be able to enter the narrow gate, together with my loved ones.

Something amusing!

Do you know that a 35L garbage bag here costs 2 CHF each? That means, it's SGD 2.66, which is almost equivalent to a plate of chicken rice back home. Gosh. And for a 17L garbage bag, it's 1CHF each.

Crazy.

It's so expensive!! I was just wondering why was it so expensive when they wanted us to be environmentally friendly? If it was much cheaper, then people wouldn't throw their rubbish indiscriminately since it's affordable to get garbage bags! Then dear said that by doing so, then we would really learn to separate our garbage since the fines are so heavy here.

But then again, they have recycling bins for paper, cartons, and glasses. But how about plastics? Almost all the meat we buy here come in plastic boxes. Throwing them inside the garbage bag would take up so much space! It's still something I need to work out with, I need to optimize my garbage bag!! Funnily, i like singapore's garbage bags...so cheap, so big, and it's everywhere. You know, we could only find the right garbage bag that we had to use in 1 supermarket. Elsewhere, we had to buy additional stickers. So troublesome right!

And another thing, people here don't understand the word 'rubbish' or 'garbage'. We have to say 'waste' before they understand what we meant. Haha.

Room Cleaning...

... is something that i don't like to do, but have to do.

It's quite a chore, really. That's why it's called household chores haha. (so lame). But seriously, ever since i came here, I really start to realise how precious my maid Mable is. It is here that i finally learn how to appreciate all the work that she does for my family and my home. I don't clean my room everyweek, I try to vacuum it every once in 2 weeks. And even so, it's so tiring. I have to admit I have been pretty pampered, or rather, very. Back home, I don't have to care about how dirty my room is; I can simply just sweep eraser rubbings onto the floor...but here, i would think twice and sweeped it to my palm instead and throw it in a bin. Back home, i can just use as many plates as i want, and my dear mable would wash it for me and everything will be spick and span. Here, I would think twice and use as little plates as possible so i can save some time from washing. Simple things like these.

I had to come all the way here to learn how to use the washing machine, hand-wash my clothes, clean the toiletbowl, wash lots of dishes quickly, mop and vacuum the floor. I have seriously been too pampered. Thank goodness i realise it here hehe.

I'm not complaining, but instead, i'm happy that i'm learning. This way, when i go back home, I won't take my maid and mom for granted anymore, and i guess, it'll be good for me in the future. Honestly, whenever i mentioned to anyone that i wouldn't mind being a housewife, I always think about cooking for my other half and taking care of our kids. Cleaning toilets wouldn't come into my mind instantaneously...and now i'm starting to imagine cleaning the entire house everyday. Oh my goodness. Cleaning my own room is already such a chore, i can't imagine an entire house! Haha.

Seriously,
If you're not ready, you're just not ready.

You live in the present, not in the future.

When the basis is to always focus on the things that are eternal.

So drink your milk and eat your bread first.

Congrats Familee!

The Lee family is getting a new member! Congrats to Gen, she's really good hahaha...it's gonna be their 3rd child. It's been a while since i lat talked to them, partly cos i left their cell group, and hence didn't really have much chances to talk to them. But nevertheless, i really thank God for allowing me to go through follow-up with Gen, and having Ben as my first cell group leader. I really like to have them in cell, but a pity that i couldn't get along well with the other cell members, prob cos of age difference. Well, but i've been keeping up with their blog almost daily cos it's so nice to read about their growing process as a family (reminds me of Jon & Kate plus 8 in discovery channel), thus I was really happy for them to know that there'll be a new addition to their family! They're truly blessed. I really think Ben & Gen are really really good parents! :)

____________________________

On a side note, i've been attending cell regularly @ Lars Nilson's house, and it's been really enjoyable. There're no guitarists, so we sing accapella for worship. It's different compared to back home, and i think i prefer doing worship just with voices alone.

Blessed with a cute and sweet roomy

I guess I haven't really talked much about my roomy other than the time when i whined and got upset about her drinking. It's been 7 weeks now, and i must say, that i really thank God for her. Even though she's always pretty high, get frequent mood swings, and can get herself drunk quite easily, she's really adorable! One thing that i really admire and like about her is that she doesn't hide her emotions. She's doesn't put on a facade, and portrays who she really is all the time.

My roomy is a very happy-go-lucky girl who is always so optimistic and doesn't worry unnecessarily. Through these 7 weeks, she has unconsciously taught me to see things from a different perspective, to count my blessings and not focusing or worrying over little things. She gets happy so easily, and she makes me laugh so much. The fact that she's 2 years younger than me makes me feel like an elder sister to her. I've joked with her that i would want to adopt her as my younger sister haha! She's learning to be more sensible and practising more self-control over alcohols these days. There was a time when she started drinking in the room cos she was feeling very upset and vexed over something which i won't disclose, and it pains me to see her doing that. And i have to say that i'm really impressed with her teachable spirit. Ever since that only once incident that she got really drunk, she promised me that she won't drink to that extent again...and true enough, she didn't. She still drinks now and then, but she knows her limit and i'm really proud of her for that.

I finally have come to understand why God wanted me to have her as my room-mate. Many times i get to share about my relationship with matthias, and she'll ask questions about certain things..and from there, i can share a bit more about our faith. Perhaps one day i could share with her more about God. Haha, and on her facebook, she wrote "I love my roommate". So sweet and adorable she is, always making people around her happy.

That's my roomy :)

Of plastics, environment and fines

Are tourists really the main cause of litter and environmental pollution in Switzerland? Indeed, Switzerland is a pretty clean country, but i really feel the rules and regulations here are too exaggerating and too rigid.

So far we have 3 fellow singaporean friends in our hostel getting fined. 1 got fined for throwing rubbish in a plastic bag in a public area (and not using the proper garbage bag), another 2 got fined for using a zurich garbage bag but not the right one for the region Dietikon and the latter one was fined CHF100 each. It's ridiculous. Firstly, we don't know which is the right garbage bag, and we weren't really taught what's right or wrong. It's not indiscriminate littering, and they don't give us any warning whatsoever. It's a lot of money, really.

But i guess this is what it takes to be environmentally friendly, and to aid/facilitate their recycling processes.

Somewhere out there, beneath the pale moonlight.
Someone's thinking of me, and loving me tonight.

Somewhere out there, someone's saying a prayer
Then we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there.
"An American Tail"

How apt.
If dreams came through; how wonderful it would be.
While the Alps are nice, it is still not wonderland.

Cruise to Rapperswill from Zurichsee

@ Auntie Pooh Lii and Uncle Chung Chi's Place

There house is our dream house haha.

And the dinner they kindly cooked for us was fabulous!

Stroll down Zurichsee with Rahel

Walking down the longest wooden bridge in Switzerland @ Rapperswill

On the cruise towards Rapperswill ( 2 hours ride)

The magnificent view we witnessed from the cruise

Lugano

Dear and i went to lugano about 2/3 weeks back, and it was a very lovely town. Sorry that the pictures are uploaded in reverse order haha.

Lake Lugano in the eveningSunset

Bike-race we witnessed that day

Lake Lugano from the hill which we climbed

Old Town

One of Lugano's park, where we had our lunch

Lake Lugano in the morning

Us!

View from our lunch place

Another beautiful garden

Trip to Germany (08/03/09) - Hiedelberg, Titisee

Finally, pictures! :)The hostel we stayed in (20 euros per night)

Igloo at Titisee

Germanz's black forest

Hiedelberg (Redhaus castle)

Titisee's iconic glacier lake