ChRiStMaS tALe

BREAKTHROUGH!

For JAMs, our weekly attendance 400+ & this xmas… by God’s grace, we hit 762! Praise the Lord!
As for my bus W5, though not many new friends came but thank God for almost 6 backsliders who joined us. Usual weekly attendance 22 & this xmas… 32! All credits to God!

JAMs’ Christmas Tale
I was once again given the great opportunity to lead games & this time with Rick! As usual, whenever is games for big day, “stress” will be all over me as not only need to come out with creative, very creative games but also need to make sure the props are grand, very grand.
The final week to xmas was the most buuuuussy week- rehearsalsSs, saturationsSs & visitationsSs. Special salute to the dancers, drama people & musicians who are in church everyday till very late and the next day still got to work.
I was in church for continuous 3 days and each night until 2am. Then the next day still got to go out early to Concourse (a must-go during big day), BraBasah Complex, Valueshop, Popular & ToysRus to get materials/props needed & presents.

Special thanks to Szeming, Karen, Huimin & Jinzhi… w/o them, I really don’t know how to manage alone.

* Two Mega Xmas Trees – we nearly gave up after others’ commentsssss but thank God for the perseverance & encouragement among ourselves. Eventhough is an expensive trees (as we spent alot getting the materials) but nevertheless at the end of the day, it stands out on stage & the students enjoy the game... is all worth it! I guess through the process, our friendship strengthens and we learnt a valuable lesson that will improve our next props-making.

* Two 3D Mega Stars – the one who made it happened: Karen who believed action speaks louder than words. So interesting, during our props making time, Karen will sit quietly near us as we discuss then all of a sudden, Karen will pop out a 3D mini tree, a 3D mini star then later a 3D mega star. To wrap the two 3D mega stars wasn’t easy. “Wrap until I want to die” was her reply but still, patiently & quietly (w/o complains), Karen did it all. The 3D mega stars really totally her idea! So proud of her!

* 20 unpump balls – “flipped” was my reaction when I was asked to get the 20 balls. Then “faint” when I knew that the shop doesn’t sell ready-pumped balls. But really thank God for Szeming & Jinzhi who came with me and used in all their might. They don’t just pump 20 times as along the way, some balls' QC failed so they got to repump and repump and repump. Can you imagine if I went alone… ...

This big day games’ props making, I will indeed looked back with pride- not cause of the mega props we made or how successful the games turned out but rather the FRIENDS who I can count on! Thank God for each of them who avail themselves willing, sacrifice their sleep, $ and time to complete this mega production with me. =) Thanks guys! Really appreciate you all.

ps: if you are interested to see the xmas mega trees, the 3D mega stars, the mega baskets & even the process of all this mega production... check it out at my webshots under lyn_strength!

wE jUsT nEvEr NeVeR nEvEr KnOw...

Just recently, one of my bus’ student’s dad passed away.
I was talking to one of my JAMs friend where she started sharing this real life story that happened in Singapore with me:

There was this boy with autism who has lost his mother.
Days at the wake, this boy was laughing and laughing and laughing and laughing. Even on the cremation day, the boy did nothing but just laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed.
The family and relatives was so upset to see him reacting in that manner but they just cant stop him from laughing and laughing and laughing and laughing.
When the wake is finally over, the family brought this boy to a physiatrist and this Dr begin to have a conversation with the boy.

Dr: Do you know what is happy?
Boy: Yes… (explained in his own words)
Dr: Do you know what is sad?
Boy: Yes… (explained in his words)
Dr: And what do you do when you are sad?
Boy: I laugh!

Oh… … …

I did went to send my student’s dad on his cremation day. Throughout I was looking at my student. Though tears was not flowing down from her cheek but I still can’t conclude that she is ok cause seriously, I don’t know how she feel deeply as she is someone who can’t really express herself well.

Many people tends to think that this group of special ones have no feelings.
But… that’s NOT TRUE!
All have feelings! Is just that they have different ways of expressing them.
So the next time if you happened to come in contact with any special ones, lets be sensitive towards them ya! =)

thank you

on the very last day of school, I received a card from a K2 student… it is so encouraging!

Thank you, Teacher Yanni!
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and love specially to you for your guidance, patience and understanding while imparting knowledge to us.
We will always remember you as we step further in our studies because you are special to us;
You are our first educator in our life!
We love you, Teacher Yanni!

with love from Nurul Syafiqah & Amirul Syafiq
not forgetting Amirul Aqmal

=)

Made a decision last week!

My heart sank reallll deep after that cause don’t know what’s going to happen next but nevertheless told myself I cant sobsob all day all night, I just got to move on. I just got to hold on to the little faith that is left in me.

God is good ALL the time! ALL the time, God is good! =)
That day after I made the decision, when my mind was in total blank, I was checking through my emails and received the weekly newsletter from Pst Phil Pringle’s leadership files – an msg right on time! That week’s service’s sermon by Pst too! Is so amazing! God speaks through many ways!
Was once again challenged & encouraged by Him and His Word.

God has done His part… now I just need the FAITH to step out & put my words into action!

cHiLdReN's MoMeNtS II

Times fliessssssss… 2006 school terms has ended!
For the “last” time… enjoy!

sCeNe 1
*Child L & Child J drawing*
Child J: Child L… Child L… what are you drawing?
Child L: a dinosaur!
Child J: It… is… so gigantic!
*Cher Yanni heard… shocked by the big word he used AGAIN*
Cher Yanni: Child J, what is gigantic?
Child J with a cheeky face: I… don’t… know!
Cher Yanni: Come on! Child J! What is gigantic?
Child J: Hmm… it mean very very big!
Cher Yanni: Oh… I see!

sCeNe #2
*Cher Yanni sit 2 girls & 1 boy near me cause they are not ready to play*
Cher Yanni: Child Y, come here! What happened to you today?
Child Y: *innocent look* I don’t know
Cher Yanni: Why are you not listening today?
Child Y: *innocent look* I don’t know
Cher Yanni: Child Y, you see other girls are all so quiet but how come you are like that?
Why? Why? Tell me why?
(did it purposely cause want to hear her response)
Child Y: *innocent look* Because… Because I cannot control
Cher Y: *trying not to laugh* What you cannot control?
Child Y: My head
Cher Y: You cannot control your head?!
Child Y: Yes.. Yes.. I cannot control my head to do bad things
Cher Y: … … … …

sCeNe #3
*children were given sweet by Cher S*
Cher Yanni: Wow! Child A, you got sweet!
Child A: *innocent look* Yes!
Cher Yanni: Can I have it?
Child A: *put sweet back in his pocket & kept quiet*
Cher Yanni: Child A, can I have your sweet?
Child A: *innocent look… thinking* Na… take!
Cher Yanni: Really?!
Child A: Y… Yes!
Cher Yanni: You give me already then you wont have anymore
Child A: *smile* Never mind!
Cher Yanni: *so touched* Woooooo! Is ok, Child A, thank you so much! But I think you can keep it.

After reading that much… if you are interested to see my school’s kids, do check out at www.webshots.com at lyn_pcfsgn. =)

gRaDuAtIoN

1min on stage = 10yrs backstage
“Alice in the City” was the theme for our school’s K2 Graduation Concert 2006.

I was given the opportunity to be the Chairperson for the concert. Actually I took this responsibility rather reluctantly but nevertheless at the end of the concert, it been a good learning experience for me- the planning, delegating of duties, the admin, the logistic, the technical aspects etc. If ever I’m given the chance again, I will surely take it up willing and give my best shots.

Praise the Lord! The concert was a BIG success! =)

Thank God for His grace! =)
There was little miscommunication between us, the concert committee and the principals. Many stuffs seem to be undone/unconfirmed until the very actual day of the concert. Stuffs like banner & background which the concert committee is unsure whether there will be a not… are all in place and up at the end of the day!

Thank God for His favor! =)
Being the Chairperson, I was given the opportunity to give a speech infront of hundred of parents and distinguished guests like GRC members. Not forgetting our guest-of-honor: Mrs Lim (MP). As usual when I’m nervous, I will bullet-read but nevertheless want to thank God for the confidence to be able to stand infront of a congregation to give a speech.

Thank God for His strength & wisdom! =)
It was a busy day which started in the morning where we came together to decorate the hall & stage. Then back to concert venue in the evening to ensure all are ready.
Before the concert, I got to run up and down, here and there & to delegate duties for the volunteers.
During the concert, I got to run in and out of the backstage to ensure performers are ready and to make sure all the items went on smoothly.

At the end of the day, *tired* was written all over my face… especially my legs!
Times flies… sending off another batch of K2 children.

pRoTeCtIoN...

Last Sat at JAMs, together with Teacher Hensa, we brought Mr Sato for a walk around the church. Everything was ok until he came to Level 4 and forced his way in the hall. Normally when he made his way in by force, not many workers can stop him by sweet talk or by force.

Right inside, he was stopped by 2 male teachers from making his way to the sound system as he was totally not allowed there. He pushed, they stopped and he pushed, they stopped… for quite a while. Knowing Mr Sato for a while now, I know in this kind of situation, he will surely lose his cool and true enough, he attempted to bite one of the teachers’ hands but thank God the teacher was fast enough to escape the big bite.

In the midst of all the struggling, I was just right behind the teacher who is being attacked and I can actually see Mr Sato’s fierce expression. Thank God for His protection as I was so close to Mr Sato that it makes me a “possible candidate” too. Haha! I can only “quietly” hide behind the teacher as there is so little that I can do.

At the end of the day, he was “controlled” by a packet of noodles… with King treatment, served by the teachers!

Last Sun, on the bus back from church, everyone & everything was fine. Just when this group of higher students at the back went overboard in teasing each other. After some kind of joke, Std Y gave Std K a few gentle slaps and this provoked him BIG time! Std K by nature is rather a bad-tempered guy so this time he gets realllly angry! Immediately he turned and gave Std Y one hard punch straight on his face! That’s not end, he continues to try to hit him but thank God for Std P who covered Std Y.

The “best” part is that all this happened right in front of my eyes! I was so near to Std K that I can actually gave a gently tap on his chest to get him to cool down. (ps: I did this by faith cause I never know whether will he attack me as well since he is already so angry). But thank God he didn’t and also thank God for the few higher guy students who came to the rescue!

Thank God for Std P who covered Std Y as this stop Std K from beating him more,
Thank God for Std J and Std E who came from the front to hold on to Std K to stop fighting unlike Std Z and Std S who are just right beside the “crime scene” and do nothing. After the incident I asked them why they didn’t come and help, they laughed and said “Aiya! Never mind lahz! They want to fight, let them fight!”.
*flipped*

Guess this is a big “alarm” to me- not only need to pray for good helper but guess now must pray and hunt for good guy helper! Not only for security purpose on board but it be best to have a guy teacher to disciple my higher guy students.

cHiLdReN's MoMeNtS

sCeNe #1
Cher: Why you like Thomas, the train?
Child E: Oh.. Oh..
Cher: Why?
Child E: Once… upon… a time, when I was… was very young, not even 1 year old. 2 years old that time, you know what happened? I like to play car but my dad… … … so now I like Thomas, the train!
Cher: Wowow! Once upon a time!

sCeNe #2
(Child B ran and fell… didn’t cry, pick herself up and walks away)
(Cher M pretend never see as she know Child B will make a big fuss)

(back in class)
*Cher M heard Child B mumbling to herself* Child B: Hmm... Just now I fall down

(half an hour later)
Cher M: Child B, you fall down just now?
Child B: Y… Yes!
Cher M: Why?
Child B: *innocent look* I… I run… I run too fast

sCeNe #3
(Cher Yanni sitting with children who are preparing to do work)
Cher Yanni (supper tired after hrsssss of lesson): Children, once you get your paper… write your name at the back & you can start!

*10secs later
Child A: Cher Yanni, write my name where?
Cher Yanni: write on the table then throw your paper in the dustbin!
Child A: hey… … … … (with a cheeky look on his face)

*IMMEDIATEYLY
Child J: Cher Yanni, write now ar?
Cher Yanni: *volcano erupting* No no… do tomorrow! You can open the door and go home now!
Child J: hahaha

sCeNe #4
*work time*
Cher Yanni: Hey Child J, you are supposed to colour yellow over here, why you colour it orange?
Child J: But… But… But I cannot find yellow. So… So… So… perhaps I can use orange
Cher Yanni: *shocked by the word “PERHAPS” he used* Oh okok!
(Child J is only in K1)

sCeNe #5
Child J: Cher… Cher Yanni
Cher Yanni: Yes?
Child J: Child J… he makes the toys like this (show it with his hands)
Cher Yanni: Oh! Child J mess up the toys?
Child J: Yes… Yes! Only him does it! No… No one else in the universe do it
Cher Yanni: *shocked* Universe! What is universe?
Child J: Hmmm… Universe… Hmmm… is many many… countries together
Cher Yanni: Hmmmm!

(ps: this Child J in scene #5 is the same boy in scene #4)

hApPy HaPpY hApPy!

Praise the Lord!
In the month of Sept, W9 was birthed forth- combination of Eena’s & my students.
Wowow! Though this multiplication is not totally just from my bus (my next target) but is amazing to see W9 come to past! =)
Even in the midst of planning in the month of Aug, I was like kept asking my ZS- “W9 will come to pass right” Is so amazing that I myself can’t believe is happening right infront of my eyes!

Ever since W5 transferred out 8-9 students to W9, 3weeks in a row, W5 has the attendance of 21. Haha! I can’t believe my eyes too… before the transfer, were seeing 26-28 and even 30 sometime but now big drop to 21.

Just last Sunday, W5’s attendance 23 with 1 absentee! Trust me… I am so so so so so so so so happy!
Though increase by 2… but to me, that’s so great!
Few more months to year-end… trusting & leaning on God that W5 going to end it with a big BANG!

Just want to take this opportunity to thank my helper, Xiaoying who also transferred to W9 to assist BC Huimin.
Struggled to “release” her to W9 at first but for effectiveness, just got to “release”.
Pray that she will be a great help to BC Huimin and together both of them will bring greater breakthrough to W9. Amen! =)

Xiaoying- always and always available and ready whenever I need her help, even last minute!
Though at times she can’t avail herself for busing due to cg but she is always on for visitation… she will even initiate the date for visiting. And to me, that’s the most important cause I believed in being consistent in visitation so like she will also know the family better and the family will feel comfortable in sharing with her. And of course I don’t have to search high and low every week for a visitation helper (that’s what I am doing now… arggghhhhh).

One incident where I never forget is when I was off to Thailand, I prepared her that she will visit for me with Yiwei. I was amazed that she started visiting alone at 5pm plus to visit those “out of the way” before meeting Yiwei who was sick to continue visiting, She really shocked me with the effort of going the extra mile and doing more than what is expected.

Not forgetting her love & patience for the students in W5. One awesome thing is that she “click” very well with my bus’ higher students (that’s important too cause is not easy to disciple so many higher students all by myself) and she is one who the higher students will go to without pressure.

From the bottom of my heart… THANK YOU THANK YOU! =)

=)

Found this interesting passage in my kindergarten...
Do read it with some "attitude" ar! Heehee!

Said also don’t listen.
Listen also don’t understand.
Not understand also don’t ask.
Ask also don’t do.
Do also do wrong.
Wrong also don’t admit.
Admit also don’t correct.
Correct also not happy.
Not happy also don’t say.

An UnFoRgEtTaBlE tUeSdAy

I went to school as usually… just when I saw one of my colleagues standing outside the school and it got me more puzzled when I saw another colleague and my principal outside too. Just when I got near the school, I saw our entrance’s window broken. At the moment when my colleague asked me to peep in, I actually don’t dare cause didn’t know what to expect. Haha!

Incident which I heard in news before & just dont understand why... all happenED right infront of my eyes!

Burglary took place in our school… kindergarten! (wondering “why” right?) Me too actually!
Quite “big scale”- with police and CIDs questioning, checking fingerprints and footprints etc. Only missing thing is media! Haha… just kidding!

The culprit/s broke through the window and with the assistance of our school's hammer, knocked out a hole on the “wall” (made of wood) of the office and opened up all the lockers, leaving a BIG mess… taking all the $ they can find.

Few "interesting factors" about the culprit/s that was among us staffs' talking points-
. while climbing in the window, the culprit/s dropped his workplace’s name tag
. instead of easily opening the door to escape, the culprit/s actually took the extra effort and went to my class (2 rooms away from office) and with all the might, bended the window grill and escaped
. beside having the time to munch on some biscuits from our kitchen, the culprit/s drank a bottle of vitagen from the fridge and threw it on the floor (leaving down his saliva for the police)

Still the culprit/s left us some “thinking” to do as is such a coincidence that the burglary took place during the week of intense school fees’ collection, somehow know the location of our hammer & even know that the “wall” of office is not fully wall.

=) Kept my school & the children in prayers!

Is amazing to see how school went on per normal on Wed… of course still a “talking topic” among parents and us staffs. This incident made all of us in school to always be cautious and to ensure doors closed at all times. One thing for sure is that this incident has somehow left a little “fear” in all of us.
My school's cook (the 1st to witness the scene) was extra more careful when she came to school today, double check her surrounding before fully open the door. Haha! Even I myself- during my break time, I was sitting at the lobby, just then there was few hard knocks on the door... it caught me BIGGGG time! I was afraid for that second! Haha! They are actually the HDB people who came to mend the wall. =p

=) Will surely continue to keep my school in prayersss... for protection!
No doubt about it... thank God this doesn't take place during school hours which will somehow danger the children & staffs in school.

PrEsChOoL tEaChEr...

We soar when we see a child “get it” for the very first time.

We worry while we drive home about that child that just seems lost.

Not much grosses us out.

We know when it’s been too quiet for too long and we need to investigate.

We can pretend to be interested in slimey things- from a safe distance.

We can make almost anything sound like a fun and interesting choice.

We save bubbles wands and the lids to dried up markers.

We’ve perfected the “I don’t think so” look and can guide children’s’ behavior often with just a facial expression.

We get excited about little things.

We know that a band aid does more than just cover a scrape or cut.

We save things that other people consider junk… and when we see “junk” we wonder what can we do or make with it.

We know the current most popular children’s television shows, based merely on the shoes the kids are wearing, who needs nelson ratings?

We will pick things out of the garbage for our school, but not for ourselves.

We respond to things like: “Miss Cathy!” being yelled enthusiastically (and with a degree of bewilderment) in the grocery store.

We inwardly groan when a child comes in with an action figure, or with McDonalds because they “didn’t have lunch yet”.

We are often heard to say the phrase: “Use your words” as a mantra.

We usually know when problems at home have started, even before a parent tells us.

We know how to make a bathroom accident seem like absolutely no big deal.

Some of us know we don’t look very graceful getting up from sitting on the floor anymore, but we know that that’s not what’s important.

We love Velcro and we love the dollar store.

We instinctively know when a child is about to put a serving spoon in their mouth.

We usually have a tissue on hand.

We go home very tired at the end of the day, but usually happy.

As a group, we tend to have a genuine love for life and fun, and appreciate that quality in children. We know that what we do is important.

-by Cathy Abram

cHiLdReN's TaLk V

sCeNe #1
*Cher Yanni helping to look after Child B who are being put in “special corner” by Cher N who went away for a while*

Cher Yanni: Child B, how come you are here?
Child B: *crying dramatically*
Cher Yanni: What happened? Why are you crying?
Child B: I want to be leader!
Cher Yanni: During the assembly?
Child B: Yes…Yes! *still crying away*
Cher Yanni: You had been a leader before, now is your friends’ turn!
Child B: No! Is mine!
Cher Yanni: You should let your friend be a leader.
Child B: No…No! Later I bring all my friends to the zoo!
Cher Yanni: *shocked* Why you want to bring your friends to the zoo? Your friends are not animals!
Child B: They go zoo and be zoo keeper
Cher Yanni: *secretly laughing* Then how about you?
Child B: I will stay in school and be leader!

sCeNe #2
*class of K1 children being questioned by me*
Cher Yanni: Children, there is a reason to everything you do. So now your friends are going to tell me and the rest of you why they did what they did!
Cher Yanni: Child S, why did you hop to the toilet?
Child S: No… that is jump!
Cher Yanni: Hmmm… Okok! Why did you JUMP to the toilet?
Child S: *think for a moment* Because… Because… Because I not tired
Cher Yanni: Oh… you not tired so you jump?
Child S: Yes!
Cher Yanni: What about you, Child X, why did you run to the toilet?
Child X: *innocent look*
Cher Yanni: Come! Tell me why you run to the toilet?
Child X: Because… Because I happy
Cher Yanni: *flipped*

sCeNe #3
Cher Yanni: Child B, how come you are late for school today?
Child B: I walk…
Cher Yanni: Child B, Im asking you, how come you are late for school?
Child B: there… there got many human beings
Cher Yanni: *shocked* So the human beings all block you from coming to school?
Child B: Yes! *walked away happily*

sCeNe #4
Cher Yanni: Child B, come! I got question to ask you!
*Child B came*
Cher Yanni: Child B, how come you didn’t come to school yesterday?
Child B: Hmmm… I sick!
Cher Yanni: *knew the reason why she was absent* No… you are not sick! You went out with your cousin right?
Child B: Hmmm… Yes!
Cher Yanni: Where did you bring your cousin to?
Child B: I bring him to xxx, yyy and zzz!
Cher Yanni: Where did you bring him to eat? And what did you eat?
Child B: I eat crab! I also eat prawns!
Cher Yanni: Wow! And what else did you eat?
Child B: I eat all the sea creatures!
Cher Yanni: wowow… *stunned by the words she used*

sCeNe #5
*after giving out vitagen to the children*
Cher Yanni: Hey Child B, can I have one of your vitagen please?
Child B: No!
Cher Yanni: Why?
Child B: Because my house got a lot of people!
Cher Yanni: Who?
Child B: All the human!
Cher Yanni: *shocked by the word she used* Got animals?
Child B: No! Only human!
Cher Yanni: *jokingingly to disturb her* Can I bite you?
Child B: No!
Cher Yanni: Why?
Child B: Because I am not healthy food!
Cher Yanni: *flipped*

sCeNe #6
*Cher Yanni saw Child D being alone at this corner*
Cher Yanni: *purposely went over to disturb* Hey Child D, why are you sitting here?
Child D (NURSERY child, 4yrs old): *super innocent face*
Cher Yanni: Child D, why are you sitting here and not joining your friends?
Child D: Because… I… naughty
Cher Yanni: Oh… Cher S made you sit here?
Child D: Y…e…s!
Cher Yanni: What did you do then?
Child D: I… shout…
Cher Yanni: Oh no! And why did you shout, Child D?
Child D: *innocent look* Because… I… like… to… shout
Cher Yanni: Oh… … …

On one of the day this week, I wasn’t myself and was feeling super down, so bad that I felt tears “flooding” in my eyes. Just then I took out my hp and wanted to sms someone to share… I paused for a while & kept my hp back. It was like a 'terrible moment' as is not cause I don’t want or don’t know how to share but rather don’t know who to share with. Don’t know how to explain further but is totally not a good feeling- like friendSSSS I have many but friend who I can share my “problem” with comfortablely and freely not many. So far till now only got 2. =)

I am so blessed to be a child of God!
Eventhough I don’t have a “physical” friend to share with often but I always have God! He will always be there! Cause I know and I know no matter what, He will always be there to listen & to encourage. That night after a good time in His presence, I felt so much better... filled with His love & peace again!

Thank you, Jesus! =)

aaaaawesome!

Last Sunday- I was on board with my last student and I went over to “fellowship” with him eventhough I know the response from him won’t be that much besides naming me many timeSSS his favourite ‘pigeon’. I had a good time with him, laughing away with the words & gestures he made. In the midst of the relaxing moment, something got me- “today busing been smooth, the atmosphere on board wasnt so tensed & Miss Wennie and Mr Bryant was ok on board”. Then was immediately reminded that the night before I prayed, asking God for a peaceful journey & especially in the atmosphere as past few weeks I felt it had been rather bad cause of the crowded-ness and Mr Bryant & Miss Wennie will made it worse by creating "scenes" like hitting friend, squeezing friend's hands or screaming. But last Sunday had been great! So reallllly thank God! Wowowow... God is indeed with w5!

Also want to thank God for the moments of “good” behaviour of Mr Bryant & Miss Wennie.
My happiest moment was during returning on bus, I was sitting beside Miss Wennie (the always-hungry girl who wants any & every food that comes her way) and I was holding on to HER packet of prawn crackers (HER all-time favourite). To ‘test’ her, I put it in the net that is infront of me which make it super easy task for her as she know the full meaning of “fastest hands eat”. Haha!
Firmly I told her not to take from there if not she wont have it at the end of the day and then I walked away, leaving her ALONE with the prawn crackers. Is a BIG temptation for her… to see her favourite prawn crackers right infront of her eyes but yet she got to control not to lay her hands on it. Minutes later I came back, and surprisingly the prawn crackers is still at there. Is really a MIRACLE as never once I see Miss Wennie so polite with food. This obviously show that she is able to control herself when she see food, we just need to “train” her and to erase her from her mindset that church = food. Haha!

tEsTiMoNy...

Recently at our JAMs’ Breakthrough Conference, I had the chance to share my testimony to my fellow JAMs workers on how JAMs ministry has impacted my life. A rare opportunity so thought can leave my testimony in my blog.

Hi everyone, I’m Yanni and I’m 22years old this year. I joined City Harvest Church in 1998 when we still in the former Hollywood Theatre. I used to be a person with low self-esteem and this made me a very quiet person who doesn’t like to speak out, especially in big group settings. I can still recall my first few visits to church events; my members had to try very hard to get me to talk. Usually I will just answer their question briefly and then stop. A “wallpaper” is how you would describe me then as I blended into the wall perfectly. Talking in a big group has never been something I could do, not to mention speaking on stage.

I joined JAMs Church in 1999, when I was only 15 years old.
JAMs Church has really impacted my life a lot.

I started serving as a bus helper in W5, during then was known as Penguin Bus. Shortly after, a new Bus Captain took over the bus. She was none other than Joli. Under her discipleship and guidance, I really learnt a lot. She is currently my Zone Supervisor and till now, she has always been a role model whom I look up to. Over the years, many opportunities were given to me. I had the confidence to take up these new tasks and roles because of the trust I know she had in me. It took a few years before I was official promoted as the Bus Captain of W5. I had been with W5 for quite many years, W5 came a long way. By God’s grace, last month W5 experienced a great breakthrough on a normal weekly service- 32 with 0 ama! All glory to God! To all BCs, if God can bring breakthrough to my bus, God can do it for yours! Just keep believing and leaning on Him!I just want to take this time to say a big THANK YOU to Joli, for always trusting and believing in me and in W5.

As the years past, greater opportunities were given to me, to do service segments. I was shocked when I was told for the first time that I am to be the cheerleader. Though I was fearful, I did it to the best I knew how. Soon after, I was given the opportunity to give the announcement! More than just cheering the girls on, now I need to speak out on stage. I was even more afraid so I guess I really did it by faith. Till now, I always remembered what Sis Lily said before- everything there’s a 1^st time so don’t be afraid, have the right attitude and give it a try. You never know until you try!

Subsequently, I got a chance to do games and just last year, for the first time, I was given the opportunity to teach during tuition segments. A greater privilege came when I was given the chance to do segments in big day- announcement & games. To do games with Yucai, Karen and Santhi has been a good learning experiences for me too. I was also given the opportunity to do offering segment, the segment which I least see myself doing in JAMs service, greater faith was required from me as I got to be serious and talk about God’s Word. All in all, really want to thank Sis Lily & Santhi for believing in me and for all the opportunities given! Most importantly, I want to thank God for the faith and boldness.

Last year in May 2005, I took the biggest step, to cross over to JAMs ministry cell group. Really thank God for the privilege to serve Him in a greater way. Throughout all these years serving in JAMs, I have changed and grow a lot. All this exposure in ministry, serving the students, communicating with parents and taking service segments has really built up my self-confidence a lot & enables me to open up more.

Last but not least, want to thank God for the friends I met in JAMs Church. My cell group members in JM1 & JM2, my 2 leaders- Sis Lily & Adiel and the group of workers who I usually hang out with after JAMs service & not forgetting the workers who I serve together with. To end off, serving in JAMs has always been a privilege to me- not a chore/routine but out of passion & love. To all you workers out there, let’s keep our fire & passion strong serving in JAMs.

Thank you! =)

1min on stage = xxxxhrs backstage

This JAMs’ National Day celebration, the Chinese saying of “one minute on stage, 10years backstage” pop so alive to me! One week before big day, I was like little stress cause got to think of creative ideas for announcement, got to think what fun game to play and got to plan for busing. Even the day before actual day, I was given the responsibilities to buy prizes for contest, stuffs for decoration and my games props. I spent the night preparing my games alone. Seem to be so much work & preparation but after 2hrs of celebration, everything end! Still, no doubt about it- it had been a good experiences for me! =)

Before big day, my ZS gave me a super great faith target… for w5 to hit 40. w5 ever hit 38 during big day. The thought of digit 4 just shocked me so couldn’t really see it so waiver a bit and gave 38 as target.
With the grace of God, w5 once again hit 38 with 2 regulars who didn’t come (if not guess w5 can hit 40 for the first time). But to me, the most awesome thing is not the number 38 but rather my 2 backsliders & my 4 super irregulars who came. Really thank God for every single one who came!

Praise the Lord!
Great faith produces great results!

I'm amazed!

Last Sunday, I was at West Mall with Bro Szeming & Sis Karen. As we have quite some free time left cause we changed our makan venue, we decided to spend a while at West Mall as there was a function and there is many people so we thought, “Since we have time, why not go for ID-hunt!”.

Actually when I first reached West Mall earlier with my helper, something prompt me when I saw the crowd that it is a potential crowd but cause was rushing to meet up my students so didn’t walk around. But thank God after the lunch, we still managed to go around the function area.

3 of us walked through the lobby, with our eyes wide opened. We walked to the end and nothing happened. Just when Bro Szeming said, “I never go to basement before, lets go down and take a look!”. That point of time, cause we already finished walking the entire lobby so I was thinking to myself, “Lets go! We already walked the entire lobby so I don’t think we will meet any ID”.

The moment we reached basement, Bro Szeming spotted 1 ID!!!! And we followed on and at the right timing, Bro Szeming & Sis Karen approached them and guess what, they are keen to come JAMs & they stay Bukit Batok (area I’m in charged of). Praise God!

I’m amazed, really amazed! =)

That particular Sunday, we supposed to have bowling games for my bus’ higher students. Is also a chance for them to invite their non-christian friends along. The night before I called up my higher students to ask whether they got any friends, their reply is either *don’t have* or *im working until 1am* or most disappointing one- *don’t know*. So looking at the “situation”, I decided to postpone the bowling games till I get to talk to them properly regarding inviting friends those kinds.

I’m amazed! =)
That morning to JAMs service, I was on the way to fetch this high student, I was told that her house there, including her will have 3 people boarding the bus. After checking it out, is actually 2 new friends who are with her! After JAMs service, as promised earlier, my helper and I went lunch with my bus’ higher students. During then, 2 more backslider came (my higher students invited them).

Wowowow! I’m amazed! =)
I truly believe that… just like how God used all the workers in JAMs Church, God can also use the students in JAMs to make a difference! They will shine in their workplace & school. And also be the ones that God used to bring revival & breakthrough!

iNtErNatIOnAl sChOoL??

3 weeks in school has just past! Counting down to 7 more weeks! Hahaha!

Been rather interesting till now- just this new term, we have few new students who came and join us.
We have a boy from Taiwan, a boy from Philippines, a boy from Korea and a boy from Balangesh!

Communicating in Chinese with the Taiwan boy is not that difficult. One occasion:
Cher Yanni in English: Child T, sit properly!
Child T in Chinese: What is that?
Cher Yanni in Chinese: That’s mean to sit properly!
Child T in Chinese: Sit properly is what dong dong ar?

But to communicate with the pure Korea boy is super challenging. He has no foundation in English, can only speak and listen to very very basic English. His first day of school, I greeted him in Korean (the only thing I know how to say in Korean), he turned to another teacher and pointed at me and said, “Korean teacher?”. Haha! The child’s very common sign when he don’t understand what we say is to put his finger near his ear and gave us a “huh” look! =)

PAP- not only a multi racial school but also a multi country school. Haha!
Malay! Tamil! Singlish! Broken English! La-Lei-Lo Engish & La-Lei-Lo Chinese… all must know a little!

32!!!

raise the Lord! Last weekend, my bus W5 has a breakthrough attendance on a normal weekly service!
*drum rollsssssssss* W5 hit 32!

32… w5 ever achieved during big day like Easter or Christmas BUT for a normal weekly service, this is the FIRST FIRST time!

Of course, the credit doesn’t belong to me. It totally belongs to JESUS! =)
Still remember the day before Sunday JAMs, I am still worrying for my bus attendance. Just at that particular service, when Pst Tan is ministering to the cell leaders towards the last part of service, he mentioned “lean on God, don’t lean on our own strength/ability, that is when we will become weary”. That is when I was reminded and made the decision to stop worrying and lean on and trust Him! And when Im back, I pray to lift up everything to Him!

Is reallllllllllly soooooooooo amazing when on the actual day, all my core students came (usually there will be few who can’t make it) and I got 2 new students who came! And by His grace, W5 hit 32! I myself can’t believe it either, didn’t expect attendance to shoot so fast cause past week weeks has been hovering between 24-25 (can’t cross that 25 mark). I really believe is God! I really don’t know how to describe but truly believe this time is really God who made it happened!

The feeling of seeing the bus packed is so great! =)
Thank God for the safety too… imagine 32 people on a 20-seater bus! Haha!
2-seaters, I squeezed in 3 students.
4-seaters, I squeezed in 7 students.
On the bus engine (beside driver), I got 2 students to sit there.

NOW- the most important thing is to pray for retention that it will not be a one-week thing that w5 experienced but is going to be every week which leads to MULTIPLICATION. Amen! And of course to pray for greater capacity to contain the growth and capacity to watch over all the students under my care!

LEAN ON HIM!

gOOd!

5 Days 4 Nights… spent at Bangkok! =)
More than just the shoppingsSsSsSsS and makaningSsSsSsS… it had been a good experience for me to see the life/people at Bangkok.

I’m truly amazed by their shopping centre’s foodcourt! We’re welcomed by the friendly staffs and of course- the grand-ness of the place. It surely doesn’t look like foodcourt in Singapore, by the grandness you will thought you are inside a restaurant instead (check it out at my webshots once the photos is uploaded).
After purchasing food at the food counter, I made my way to my seats and before I even reached… one of the waitress came to me and took my tray and helped me laid out the bowls on my table! Wowowow… I’m truly amazed by the service provided at the foodcourt! They actually have waiters and waitress positioned everywhere in the foodcourt, all ready to serve the customers.

Not only at the foodcourt… the Thai peopled we met along the way, at the restaurant, at the shops, at our hotel etc… are all very friendly and approachable. =)

On the very last day, together with Bro Jinzhi & Sis Winnie, we decided to walk back from MBK to our hotel after a full feast of dinner. Looking at the map, we saw this church and so decided to make the turn there. Our intention is actually only to see the building but amazingly, we saw this 2 man inside office- with a simple smile from us, they came out and “entertain” us by bringing us around to see their main halls. Divine timing! That particular day is their once-a-week prayer meeting day so we decided to sit in since we have no plan for that night.

Entire service was in Thai- praise and worship, preaching, testimony and prayer meeting. Though I don’t understand what they said/preached but could really feel the presence of God during worship. Not many members there, guess just slightly more than 10 including the musicians but I’m amazed by their simple love and faith for God. We are treated like their VIPs, they are truly good hosts… we are greatly welcomed by the members! Before we left, we exchanged emails and took photos with them (check it out when is uploaded).

To our surprise… the 2 man who “entertain” us at the beginning was actually the senior pastors of the church! We are shocked! Senior pastors bringing 3 of us around the hall. I’m amazed by their hospitality. Even one of the ladies who has been a great host to us and who also interpreted for us during the service was also one of the pastor there. Wowowowow!

?????

Just couldn’t understand these 2 students from my bus- don’t know is because they don’t understand what my helper and I said to them? Not teachable? Or just trying to test our patience?

The famous Miss W- unlike other JAMs students who need name tag for identity and security purpose, Miss W don’t need cause EVERYONE know her, even church cleaner know her well. Just make a trip down to JAMs svc and she will leave a DEEP impression. Haha! =)

She can be very well-behaved in bus, usually “entertained” by the Hokkien songs requested by her to driver. Despite my helper and I can tell her many times and show her the rewards (this usually catches her FULL attention) but on the condition that she behaves herself all the way to church, in church and back home.
She agreed BUT the moment the lift door opened, she will automatic squat down and refuses to go in hall. Even if you managed to get her in, it will only be for that 10mins then either she will walk out on her own or she will be brought out by me cause she misbehave by either physically hurting friends, opening friends/teachers’ bag, or disturb service by her shouting.

After checking with her mum that she is not like that (sooooooo verrrrrrry desperate for food) at home and in school, only in church. Guess last time we used to give in to her too much, for food and stuffs and now to her, so long she come church she got food, so long she throw tantrum at lift lobby she be serve with food. Together with my helper, we made a decision that we will not give in to her anymore and got to start “training” her. If she want stay outside hall, by all means but we got to make sure she is not entertain by any food. Don’t know how long but surely this will take very long before we can get her bad “habit” out. Got to keep keeping her in prayers too!

Actually even when she is outside at lift lobby, she won’t be that well-behave either. Most of the time, she will entertain herself by “activity”. Here are some she did before:

* pushed/hit a female zone helper… instead of feeling bad, she laughed her way through
* grabbed a teacher’s spectacles, and refused to let go
* snatched food that comes her way
* lie full flat on the floor
* chit chat with cleaners & JAMs security… most of the time asking about food
* took off shoes and attempt to throw at teacher
* aim for dustbin… waiting for people to throw food in

Just last week, she did something which really makes my heart break for her- I was with her majority of the time at the lift lobby. She was already not ok at the start- screaming and shouting (as she know she wont get any sweets/rewards when she return). At this particular moment, she pushed down the dustbin and digs out stuffs from there- an empty sweet box & an empty mineral bottle before the dustbin was brought away by the security. That scene was terrible… I didn’t do anything but I just stood there helplessly. I just think to myself… is she really that hungry?

rain rain go away!

Just yesterday, together with some teachers, we brought some of our JAMs students out to Sentosa. Everything went off well- the program we planned went on smoothly. At the end of the day, both the students and we teachers had fun. We even tried the new Skyrides (something like cable car except there is no 4 walls around you. You get to sit side by side with your friends on kind of like a metal bench, with just a chain locked infront of you and up up up you go. But of course the height from the ground is not as high as cable car's). Though scary at first but it was good experience. =)

The most AMAZING thing to me that I can’t stop talking about it throughout the day --- the weather! For the past few days it had been raining, even on Sunday it was raining cats and dogs so is rather worrying what if it rain on Monday then everything we plan for the students to have fun will go into waste BUT on Monday, it wasnt raining! We didn’t need umbrella to shelter us from rain but think we need it to shelter us from the hot sun. At Sentosa, though may be sweating badly by the burning hot sun but secretly am enjoying every moment of it. Hahahahahaha!

That morning when I woke up, I can’t help but to keep looking out of the window many times, to check out the clouds… just when I was reminded “you have prayed… don’t doubt! Just believe!” and from then, I didn’t look out or think about the "what if". And true indeed, God answered all our prayersssssss- by giving us a good weather!

It gets even more interesting when I saw that this afternoon it was raining… HAHAHAHAHAHA! God is good ALL the time… ALL the time God is good! =) Thank you Jesus!

Special thanks to:
TEACHER EENA, TEACHER HENSA, TEACHER HUIMIN, TEACHER KAREN, TEACHER SIMON & TEACHER FRIEND! =)

cHiLdReN's TaLk IV...

interesting incidents just before school holiday... =)

sCeNe #1
*Child N found a bottle on the shelve*
Child N: this Child X one
Cher Yanni: No… you should say, “this X’s bottle!”
Child N: *innocent look* this X’s bottle one!
Cher Yanni: flipped

sCeNe #2
Cher Yanni: Child B, comes here!
Child B: *came happily*
Cher Yanni: *rubbing her stomach* Child B, what did you eat, how come your here so big?
Child B: *smile and think*
Cher Yanni: Come! Tell me, what is inside?
Child B: fish and soup!
Cher Yanni: Woooo… only fish and soup?
Child B: Yes… fish and soup!
Cher Yanni: No lahz! Cant be… I think inside got dinosaur! *knowing Child B is crazy for dinosaur*
Child B: No… only fish and soup!
Cher Yanni: I know already! You eat elephant, that’s why your stomach like that right?
Child B: No… mummy never cooks elephant

sCeNe #3
Cher Yanni: S! Why you so handsome?
S (the only child Cher Yanni will show favoritism): *smile shyly*
Cher Yanni: S! Why you so handsome?
S: *smile shyly, covering his face*
Cher Yanni, Why, S?!
S: like that!
Cher Yanni: is daddy handsome?
S: No! *smile shyly*
Cher Yanni: Is S handsome?
S: *nodded with a shyly smile* Yes!
Cher Yanni: Why handsome?
S: like that!
Cher Yanni: Why?
S: just like that
Cher: =)

sCeNe #4
*during assembly time*
Child B went over to sit on the chair when ALL children were standing
Cher Yanni: Child B! You got to stand up now! Is assembly time!
Child B: *ignore what I said*
Cher Yanni: Come on, Child B! You got to stand up now!
Cher B: No! I battery low!
Cher Yanni: *flipped flipped*

Xie Xie Ni Men

As I get “younger and younger”… I don’t really feel like wanting to have a grand bdae celebration but just a simple meal with my friends will be great. But most of all is the smses/calls made by my friends to send their greeting… is AWESOME to know my friends still remember my birthday.

(ps: if you are reading this blog and you realized you haven’t send your greeting yet… is not too late cause Yanni’s birthday celebration is one month so flood in your smses/calls. Haha!)

Shall I propose a toast to my beloved kakis!
Thanks guys for everything… for your time & for your money! I’m shocked to receive 2 presents from you guys… hope you all didn’t spent much on me. Really appreciate and will surely answer your prayers soon by “wearing” the blessing real soon. =)

Shall I also propose a toast to my great ZS Joli!
Thank you for the most-filing lunch at Jack’s Place! Will also make sure I “wear” your blessings too! =)

Another toast to my cell group JM1 & JM2!
Thank you for the blessing! Truly now I will WATCH and pray! =)

My beloved w5!
Thank you for the little presents & also the self-service to celebrate my bdae on bus. I’m shocked when my students took out the cake and shouted 1 2 3 and got everyone to sing together. Cause all along is we teachers who do it but that day, I was left doing busing alone so I cant possible sing to myself, wasn’t prepare to do it also. But think my helper “rehearse” with them beforehand.

My helper Xiaoying!
Thank you for the cake! That realllllly surprised me cause didn’t expect anything on bus so all that really shocked me.

My always-generous Yanjie!
Thank you for blessing me with the 2 books! Will read and write you a book preview? Haha… just kidding! Not forgetting the $xxx voucher… is more than enough!

Shihui & Yajing!
Thanks for taking out your time to come for the dinner at GlassHouse! Be blessed as you blessed!

Sis Iris & Chris!
Your presence really made a difference! Thanks for coming despite the late hour!

surprise-less BDAE adventure...

On my actual bdae, I met up with my kakis at GlassHouse for dinner.
My “surprises revealed adventure” started when KN asked me what time SH is coming. I was shocked… you mean SH is coming?! Then when I turned to look at JZ and SM, there was a unnatural look on their face like “oh no! surprise burst!”. =p

Just when I was told that not many will turn up for my birthday dinner by JZ… from the staff at GlassHouse, I overheard that actually our seats has been reserved beforehand and from not many will turn up for dinner, I heard the staff telling SM, “Ok, table for 10 right.” Hahaha… I thought not many will turn up for dinner.

As we were waiting for the rest, I received a sms from CQ that she will be late for dinner. Wowow, I wasn’t told that CQ is coming, was only told that SH came on behalf of all. Just when SH reached, she told me about YJ who is on her way and I was again shocked that “YJ is coming too!”. When I told JZ about CQ and YJ, he got a ...... look! muahahaha!
Other than them, I also happened to know other (YJ & YY) who also being invited but couldnt make it. Think all this, the "organiser/s" for my bdae meant it to be a surprise for me. Heehee! =)

The dinner went off well… except for an embarrassing moment where I am being sabo, not by my own kakis but by the staff of Fish & Co. as I failed to accomplish their task to blow off my candles on my cake on the table while standing on the chair without bending my body/head. I was asked to dance! When I failed to do it, I was asked to “invite” someone from other table to dance with and it must be a guy. It was really a moment of embarrassment… (hello! I am 22 years young! not keen on all this already). I rather be splashed with flour or water or powder! =)

The night was completed when Sis Iris and Chris came after their cell group meeting. Though only fellowship for a while but was a fruitful time. Was kandong that Sis Iris and Chris took the extra mile and came met me up despite of the late hour.

My “surprise-less adventure” didn’t end just like that… on Sunday before service, JL turned to me:
JL: Why you didn’t wear your skirt and jacket today?
Me: Huh?! What jacket?
JL: They (kakis) brought you a jacket right?
Me: Hmmm… don’t have. Just a shirt ar!
JL: Oh… they got buy you a jacket also
Me: Hmmm… don’t have lehz
JL: Maybe later they will give you
Me: Oh.. … … … OK!

Hahahah… a meant-to-be surprise from my kakis to give me my 2nd present was again revealed so when my kakis passed me the present, before I even open it, I already knew it was a jacket.

Still I want to thank ALL for making my birthday a interesting, great & memorable one!

pArT 2...

What made all my tiredness on Sunday all worth it? =)

After sending all students back, I was at West Mall with my JAMs friends. We saw this big crowd queuing to get free bottled coke so we decided to join them too… so interesting.

While Miss Tang & I was queuing, Mr Sia & Mr Cher went to “check out” this boy who was with his father as he looked like special student as Mr Cher already spotted him before we arrive. After we’re done with our freebies, we went over to join them and soon, approached the father & the son. Right! This boy used to study in a Special School and the rejoicing part for me is… they stayed at Bukit Batok! (Hahaha… the area I’m incharge). Just when I was talking to the father & son with the teachers around me… Miss Tang spotted another girl who looked special too. When I got hold of the particulars of the first contact we saw, I went over to approach the girl who was with her mum with Miss Tang… Right again! She is currently studying in a Special School and they stayed Bukit Batok too!!!!

Amazing right?! =) Praise God! Praise God! Just in like 10minutes… we met 2 contacts! And these 2 contacts are actually very potential & have given their word to come. Best of all is that their parents are actually very opened. The girl’s mum actually was so “quick” that on the spot she confirms her daughter’s attendance for the following JAMs service with me. When I asked for her number for the first time, she was like “no need lahz! Want come now say already… no need so troublesome! Will let her come one!” And I was like “wowowowow!”

Thus I ended my day with great JOY & not the “presents of tiredness” from Miss W & Mr B. =)

so "happening"

Sat JAMs- special appearance by Mr Sato who came with great expectancy as he can only come once a month. Without any obstacles, he freely made his way to the sound system and sat down on the floor. Overall he was ok, just that at times he will: attempt to bend his tape, stand up and jump for no reason, give painful massage on female teachers’ hands & suddenly shout to give you a heart attack.
One rather funny incident I remembered was Mr Sato knocked on a teacher while trying to stand up (just imagine his size! a gentle knock from him made a BIG difference), 2 male teachers came and like trying to “grab” and stopped him, then our half-Japanese boy shouted “Help! Help!” in Chinese. And throughout whenever he did something wrong like making a chip on the headset peeled off, he will just gave us a cheeky & innocent smile which made it hard for us to scold him.

Sun JAMs- “drained” is the word I’ll used to describe after that particular day of serving.
Miss W- due to her past few months’ behavior and attitude, she has been named “Ah Lian”.

Actions that she is famous of:
. freely come in/freely go out of the hall
. if she is outside, she walk/squat freely whenever she want at the lift lobby
. if she is in the hall, she will sit at her secret corner and munch her tibits
. walk like a supervisor to the stage area and look for food and if there is food, she will freely grabbed and walk to her corner to eat
. if we stop her from taking the food, she will lie on the floor to show you her ‘power’
. if she is being spotted/stopped she will freely shout
. open teachers’ and friends’ bags freely
. grabbed people’s food to eat (warning! she is quick, very quick!)
. (WORSE OF ALL) don’t know is it she is too hungry… her habit/lifestyle/hobby is to EAT. So bad to the extent that food on the floor or even in the dustbin, she will pick it up and eat. (trust me! I am not exaggerating)

That particular Sunday, she is like Queen of the Queens… as usual she didn’t want to go in to the hall and she happily squat at the lift lobby and don’t know from where, she was “served” with sweet and cake which I STRONGLY am not happy cause it will only made her think that “is good to stay outside of the hall cause I will be provided with food”. And when finally she decided to go in, she went around to open 2 teachers’ bag to take their sweet and bread to eat then when she was asked to sit on the chair, she decided to greet the people around them by pushing/beating. Not only that, on the bus back home, she beat hardly on the head/pull the hairs of the friendS sitting infront.

Seriously I really don’t know what to do with her… she is really getting out of control. Soft & hard approach just doesn’t seem to work. Her ‘addiction’ for food is really so bad that sometime I wonder her purpose of coming to church. We tried using food as reinforcement but no use cause she is not able to understand that she will get her reward of food only if she is good. She want food means she want food NOW and if we give it to her, once she finish eating she will forget all that she promised us and start her “business” again.

Mr B- famous of grabbing (realllllly grab) male teachers’ hands real tightly. That particular Sunday he was extra full of strength… he grabbed a male zone helper at the lift lobby, our service guitarist & our security head. Once he grabbed, is very difficult to ask him to let go… most of the time when he grabbed… I was/got to be there to pull him away so physically is really very tiring.

Throughout the service, I think my time was spent with Miss W & Mr B… on one side of the hall, I need to watch Miss W as she kept opening teachers’ bag and disturbing her friend & on the other side, I need to grab Mr B back to his seat as he kept walking toward the stage. The workers on Sunday JAMs is really not many… that’s why I got to self-service! So bad that when Mr B is in the toilet taking his own sweet time, I just felt like dashing in to get him out or even bringing a big boy like him to female toilet cause there wasn’t any male teacher around who I can asked to help.

So at the end of the day, during returning trip when Miss W is asleep (FINALLY!) and Mr B who usually ok on bus… I just sat on the chair, too tired to move or talk. “SURRENDER” was written on my forehead… physically surrender to Mr B & mentally surrender to Miss W. =(

*to be continued… testimony!*
(what made all the day’s tiredness worth it)

tiring~~~~~

Last week had been a longgggggg & tiring week. In just one week, I got to help out in the walkabout for 2 days (cause my school’s “big boss” is one of the Candidate for Election 2006).

1^st day- togther with other volunteers, I went around to 4 HDB flats, going to every single floor to knock on nearly every single house. In a block, there can be like 4 stairs-linkway so we got to take lift up to the highest then one floor one floor go down then again took lift up to the highest floor and take the 2nd linkway down and again and again again! It was still fun when I walked down the stairs of the first block but when it come to third block, could feel the tiredness of the feet already. And the most tiring part is after walking for non-stop for like 3hours, I still got to head back to school to teach for 4hours. Toward the last few hours, basically is like… Teacher Yanni: “Children, do something to self entertain yourself k.”

2^nd day- last minute was called to help distribute flyers to terrace houses. Was at the branch waiting for the flyers to come from 2pm then was told there was a delay and flyers will only come at 430pm. Shortly after, was again told that printing machine jam so flyers will only come at 630pm. *flipped*
Was back again at 630pm… waited and waited to like 7pm then the flyers came. Off we go in groups to different areas of terrace houses we are assigned to. “Bark! Bark!” was the welcome lines we received whenever we reach a terrance house. We were extra cautious cause we 're told there was a lady who was injured that morning while "throwing" the flyer over the gate as the dog jumped up and bite her finger.

That particular week also wasn’t a good week for me in school… children extra “active” and extra “not obedient”. In this one particular active class (where almost ALL children are active)… I actually lost my cool (somehow it do made a difference in keeping them quiet but only for like 10mins before they are back to square one). After the incident, I do felt bad about it. The next day feel like I went to school with a “heavy heart & heavy legs”. Really got to pray for greater patience and love towards the children in school… especially towards this particular class of children.