AmAzInG

Yeah! I cleared all my pledges to God! =)

So excited to share this - When I first pledged all the amounts for the 6mths Building Fund, I was still working in PCF Kindergarten where my pay was stable so everything was ok (for the first two months) until I changed to a new kindergarten where my pay is lower, much lower. And the last 4mths was a rather a struggle.

Especially for the last 2mths it wasn't that easy ... even terrible devil came to disturb me with a thought - “is ok! no need to fulfill all. you got excuse not to fulfill. just wait for pastor to release and you be fine.”

BUT I didn’t accept that … I kept telling myself that it is a pledge I made towards God, I don't want to break it. I want to fulfill it no matter how tough it may be.

With my ‘new pay’ – half of it go into building fund then plus other commitments like hp bill, insurance premium, my daily expenses etc, I actually don’t left much but was I in lack?
The answer is … … … … NOT AT ALL!

For the last 4mths, not only was I not in lack … I even had more than enough! Really thank God for all the blessings that came along the way! Looking forward for the next opportunity that I can give to Him! God will never shortchange us when we give!

pRaYeRs WoRks

Holiday Science Camp
Together with one of my colleagues, we organized a two-days Science Camp during the first week of holiday.

Per child’s #1xx which includes breakfast, snack, lunch, transport fees, excursion to Sentosa’s Butterfly Park etc. For the 1^st time we did something like this in school, we received quite good response of 11 children. No doubt is tiring but is all worth it when the children enjoyed & benefited from the camp.

Blessings from God – our trip to Butterfly Park, my colleague & I were hesitating should we or should we not hire a tour guide (eventhough the children will get a free activity sheet but it will cost much $). In the end, we decided not and went ahead with our tour. Is so amazing, halfway through our tour, there was this tour guide who came to us and after short conversation, he offered us a short FREE guide. Haha! He even went the extra mile to get us this “special aroma thingy” to attract butterflies nearer to give the children a upclose experiences. Not only him, there was this cleaner auntie who offer us great upclose experiences too- not once, not twice but quite many times, she will opened up “cages” to let the children feel the different insects. And can you imagine … all this are FREE! =)

Another amazing about this camp – it acted as a extra income for me. Whatever we “earned” from this camp was divided equally between my colleague & I. My principal was nice, not only was she concerned whether will we earn much after all the hard works, she also rejected when we wanted to pay some to the school.

All in all … in two days, ~10hours … I earned myself $3xx. Praise God for the extra income that came just on time! =)

eNd Of ScHoOl TeRm 2

Last 2 weeks of term 2 was suuuuuuuuper busy … on top of the daily’s school works, I still need to prepare for Parent-Teacher Meeting, compile K1 & K2 worksheets, write K1 & K2 report books and prepare materials for Science Camp. All in all, thank God for His strength & grace to finish all on time!

Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM)
My prayer requests on my cg’s prayer list … 1) PTM to be a success. 2) wisdom & favor when I talk to parents.

Though talking to parents in “PTM-mode”, I had experienced it in PCF kindergarten but still I was super afraid & nervous for this PTM as new school = new parents. Towards this new kindergarten’s parents, I’m not so confident as most of them are highly-educated and can have high expectations. I don’t know what to expect for PTM.

Praise the Lord! God answered my prayers! The two Saturdays of PTM was a great success! I also received good comments from parents too! =)

cHeCk It OuT

This few days/weeks been busy, exciting & great! In the next few blog entries (go upward), you will get to see the "happening" event that took place! =)

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeks

First was dead mini mouse then was dead rabbit!!!

Participated in the “removing of dead rabbit” - my 2 colleagues very brave as they went ahead first (someone got to do the “job” before the children see).
After praying (hee! Spiritual hor?), I decided to help (thought at least can support & “jiayou” for them). Haha! It was a SCARY experience and after that, I have no appetite for breakfast.

We pushed (with a pole), we screamed … we poked, we screamed … we tried digging, we screamed! Haha! But we just can’t remove that rabbit out from the drain as no one dare to carry it and it seems the dead rabbit has somehow “stucked” so we just can’t move it into box.

Finally one of my colleagues decided to use a cardboard to “dig” the upper part of the rabbit so easier to push it into box … we screamed~~~. With her pushing and another colleague & me directing as she don’t dare to see (actually we also don’t dare but I managed to cover it’s face with a newspaper), we finally got the rabbit into box.

Haha! 1^st time encounter! Hope is the last! Haha!
Heard from my colleague this is not the worse case … they ever had dead kitten and once after the Dec holiday there was a dead rabbit which only left head as the body decomposed.
EEEEEEEEEEEKS!

ps: hope you are not makaning as you are reading my blog! Heehee

NeW cHiLdReN's TaLk 2

Cher Lim: *after lesson* Child E, come! Follow me down, I want to talk to you
Child E: I… don’t… want
(children know that is no good sign when Cher Lim offers to bring them down)
Cher Lim: You weren’t paying attention just now. Come! Let’s go!
Child E: I… don’t… want
Cher Lim: Come! No more chance already! Let’s go!
Child E: (sad face) don’t… want…
Cher Lim: Then why were you not listening just now? Why were you walking around?
Child E: *paused a while* Because… I… naughty
Cher Lim: Why were you naughty then?
Child E: *pointing to his backside* Because… my… backside…
Cher Lim: *tried not to laugh* What happened to your backside?
Child E: My… backside… playful
Cher Lim: *secretly laughing* And then why is your backside playful?
Child E: *tears in eyes … serious expression* Because... that… time… mummy… bring… me to Vivocity
Cher Lim: And then?
Child E: There… got… a… cockroach
Cher Lim: Oh… so the cockroach makes your backside playful?
Child E: *sobsob* Y..e..s
Cher Lim: *speechless* Ok! Child E, Cher Lim going to give you one last chance ok? Next time if you don’t pay attention again, Cher Lim will bring you down. Ok?
Child E: O…K

*the next day*
Cher Lim: *saw Child E* Child E, how is your backside today?
Child E: *pondered a while … with serious expression* Still… alittle… playful
Cher Lim: Oh… ok!

*3rd day*
Cher Lim: Child E, how is your backside today?
Child E: feeling fine
Cher Lim: *flipped*

Thank God for all the miracles & breakthroughs! =)
Looking forward for the next big day of JAMs!

sUrPrIsE!

Last week been a loooooooooong & tiring week for me… every nights are JAMs rehearsal until past 12am. It was not easy physically but thank God for His strength that kept me going! =)

2007’s Easter Surprise been a good experience for me – not only was I once again given the opportunity to lead games, I was also given the chance to be part of the Easter production as “Ah Ma” and the challenges for me are to look like one, sound like one and also to SING! (if you ever hear me sing, you will know what I mean … haha!)
All the late nights & hard works are WORTH IT where we see 700+ of IDs came to JAMs! As for my bus W5, 25 came and among them were 2 new friends & few backsliders! Praise the Lord! =)

During the week, I went saturation with 2 of my JAMs workers.
Cant remember how many flyers I gave personally but in just one night, I received 4 calls and eventually this 4 contacts came and will be joining us again! *AMAZED*

First harvest field was @ the train station where we positioned there and met not just one or two but a GROUP of IDs! Wowow!
Second harvest field was outside a school … *shocked* … as soon as their flag-ceremony ended, we saw a “pool” of IDs and indeed “the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few”. There were just 3 of us so we just “conquered” as many as we can.

One nice incident which I will never forget – I saw this cute little girl who was running rather slowly towards the station and no matter how many times I call her, she just wont stopped to talk to me. Suddenly I shouted “L! L!”, she stopped and looked back … guess she must be shocked that I know her name and that is when I started to talk to her and pass her the flyer.
She called me the night itself and on our actual JAMs’ Easter day, I saw her! =) Praise the Lord!
ps: do you know why I know her name? discernment? Haha! Actually it was written on her big bag behind her. Haha! God is good!

hEy HeY

Recently set up an a/c at multiply for JAMs’ purpose … cant bear to delete my blogspot a/c so kept both instead. =)
Free? Do check out http://yanyan3101.multiply.com for photoSSs & videosSSS. Still, continue to drop by here for updates/happenings in my life!

PrAiSe ThE LORD

My 3mths trial is up! =) I’m an official teacher in Ca_n_n Kindergarten! =)
Praise the Lord!
I received a $xyz pay increment too! =)
Praise the Lord!

All in all, thank God for the favor among parents, my colleagues & principal who trusted me with many responsibilities.
Thank God for His creativity & grace to fulfill all projects/tasks given.
Thank God for His strength each day!
Praise the Lord!

NeW cHiLdReN tAlk 1

=) To begin, let me introduce you Popular Child J from my new kindergarten.
Some background about him: he is only in nursery (4yrs old) but trust me, he can be quite n_ugh_ty. Eventhough I don't teach him but I often see/hear about him. The teacher who handles his class is rather soft so he doesn’t really respect/listen to her. He is often controlled by the assistant.
Beat his friends, kick his friends, shout during assembly, scream when unnecessary, push his friends, and run non stop… you name it, he did it.

One incident few days back… (whole conversation in Chinese)
*Cher Lim in class with her K1 children*
Cher Lim: *heard loud crying & screaming from outside*
Aunt Tan: *holding sobbing Child J* Cher Lim, Child J is not listening. I want to leave him with you.
Child J: *slightly afraid of me* No! I… don’t… want…!
Cher Lim: Come! Child J, sit down here with me in my class!
Child J: *crying* Why… must… I… sit… here?
Cher Lim: Because you never listen to Aunt Tan
Child J: *crying* Yes… I… listen!
Aunt Tan: No! You never listen. *whisper to me that Child J pushed his friend*
Cher Lim: Ok! No more chance! Sit down here for 5minutes!
Child J: *cried more loudly BUT still can connect when I reason with him* Why… must… sit… here… 5minutes?
Cher Lim: Ah… if you don’t sit down now, I will make you sit here for 10minutes!
Child J: *sit unwillingly*
*Aunt Tan left my class*
Cher Lim: Child J, what happened? What did you do?
Child J: *sobbing* I… want… to… study…
Cher Lim: No… I am asking you what did you do just now?
Child J: I… want… to… go… to… class
Cher Lim: Child J, who did you pushed just now?
Child J: somebody
Cher Lim: *tried not to laugh as his expression really funny* Can you push your friend?
Child J: *sob sob* No…
Cher Lim: *talked reasonSsSssss to him*
*minutes later*
Cher Lim: Can you push your friend again?
Child J: No… cannot. *tears in his eyes*
Cher Lim: What if you push your friend again the next time?
Child J: *looked/sound serious* Die
Cher Lim: *very shocked* No! No need to die! If next time you push your friend again then you will come and sit with me until 1230pm ok?
Child J: *sob sob* Ok!

*the day went on as Child J spent his time with his class*
… just before dismissal time, he created another problem. He asked his class teacher to play his VCD but instead of watching, he disturbed his friends and when is time to switch it off, he refused by screaming & crying loudly and even attempted to snatch VCD back from his teacher violently. After minutes of “drama”, he went to his teacher but instead of saying sorry, he said “I can have sweet a not?”. The teacher didn’t reply but got him to ask the principal where he got another round of scoldings again. Super sad face was on him as he received the scoldings and even as he walk towards gate, he looked like he going to burst out crying BUT just when he stepped out, he smiled & screamed his way to the school bus. Haha! This boy ar… he can really made you love and h_t_ him! Haha!

gUeSt-ApPeArAnCe

*back by special request* Hahaha!

Still remember Mr Sato, Miss Wennie & Mr Bryant – my 3 dearest angels?
Been a while since I last blog about them. Other than Bryant, the other 2 will only come JAMs once a month. These past few times when they came, they actually toned down, especially Mr Sato so they are now less “happening” for me to blog about.

Mr Sato = Mr Nice Guy !?
Few nice incidents that happened…

During xmas- Mr Sato was not just in the mood of receiving but also giving. On the week that he came to church, he actually gave me something!

Make a guess what is it?
..

..

..

..
A piece of wrapping paper! Just that, nothing else… interesting right! Haha! =)

During Chinese New Year- Eventhough Mr Sato doesn’t really celebrate Chinese New Year but he knows all about the tradition of Chinese New Year. On the week that he came to church, he gave me 2 mandarin oranges & one calendar! =) Not instructed by his mum but he himself wanted to. Haha!

Cher Ni: Come! Sato, let’s go and buy coke to drink!
Mr Sato: *silence*
Cher Ryan: Come! Let’s go!
Mr Sato: *silence*
Cher Hensa: Sato! Come! Let’s go and buy chips to eat!
Mr Sato: *silence*
Chers: Come! Let’s go!
Mr Sato: *shaked his head … too engrossed with sound system*
Cher Ni: Sato……………………
Mr Sato: *ignoring ALL teachers, overly engrossed with pressing the buttons on sound system*
*minutesssssssssss later*
Mr Sato: *stood up and left with the 3 teachersss around him*
Cher Ni: Sato, after we buy drink, you cannot go back to hall ok. Today Cher Gina never comes so you cannot go to sound system. When you come next month, Cher Gina will bring the earphone for you ok.
Mr Sato: no come ar
Cher Ni: Yes! Cher Gina never comes so no earphone
Mr Sato: *no reply*

Throughout the ~1hr where service is going on, Mr Sato wasn’t in the hall or on any chair (is a MIRCALE if he can sit still for 5minutes)… Mr Sato was up and down, here and there the church, and of course being "escorted" closely by a security.

Cher Ni: Come! Sato, let’s go in café and look for Cher Simon to chit chat
Mr Sato: *walk in like VIP with 3 chers around him* SIMON ar!!!
*all teachers around burst out laughing* ps: you should hear the way he shouted
Cher Ni: Whey! Sato, Cher Simon is your friend ar!?
Mr Sato: *cheeky smile*

Thank God for the improvement! =)
Now he listens more and when we don’t allow him to do what he want (especially “working” at his favourite sound system), he don’t get angry easier. He has a “clean record” now, past few times he came, no incident of hitting/punching/biting teachers but just gentle massage on female teachers’ hands. Haha!

Still got to keep him in prayers that one day he can be totally well-tempered on his own and not so much on medication. And the most important is his “motive” in coming church will not be for sound system but for God! And hopefully his once-a-month attendance can increase!

arrrggghhhhh

Had a bad Monday in school yesterday! Children having Monday blues?! Yesterday both levels of children was "uncontrollable".. usually they are not like that.

After a round of “mental & voice” battle with K1s, I got myself to relax as I made my way down to battle field #2 where I faced my next opponents- K2s. Compared with K1s, K2s are much stronger opponents who nearly got me defeated.

I was welcomed by a chaotic class me where children was everywhere, talking loudly to each other (at times more like yelling & shouting to each other). Shortly after, I managed to get them settled down before I start the lesson.

Cher Lim: Can I start now?
Class: Yessssss!
Cher Lim: … … … … … (teaching)
*within few seconds*
Cher Lim: Child A & Child B, can you two stop talking?
Cher Lim: … … … … … …
*a while later*
Cher Lim: Child C, what’s so nice about your shoes? Pay attention if not later you won't know how to do your work!
Cher Lim: … … … … … … … Child A & Child B, can you two just stop playing behind!
Child D, why are you playing with your fingernails, pay attention!
*Cher Lim continues to teach * Cher Lim’s volcano formed*
Cher Lim: Child A & Child B, are you two listening?! Child E, stop playing with the water bottles!
Cher Lim: … … … … Child A & Child B, Child F & Child G .. can you all stop talking and pay attention!
*Cher Lim’s volcano erupting*
Cher Lim: … … … … … …
*Child H tried to interrupt LOUDLY*
Cher Lim: *paused to let Child H speaks*
Cher Lim: … … … … …
*Child H tried to interrupt loudly again*
Cher Lim: ... ... ... ... ...
*Child H attempted to interrupt again*
Cher Lim: Child H, can you let me finish first. And you can please speak softly.
*Cher Lim continues teaching and Child H continues to try to interrupt*
*the louder Cher Lim goes .. the louder Child H goes too*
Cher Lim: *volcano erupted BIG time* Ok! Since all of you are not listening, I am not going to teach! I will let you all do your work now! If you don’t know how to do, I’m sorry!

*during work time, those who raised their hands and said they don’t know how to do are those who didn’t pay attention ... this is the most angry part*

Above just a “brief” description … that day, the class really drove me up the celling! They just made me sooooooo angry that at the end of the day, I just felt so drained- 95% energy gone, don’t feel like talking, don’t feel like smiling. I told my colleagues, after that day of battle, my life will be shortened by 2 days.

*haiz*

sO fAr sO gOOd...

Been a month since I started work in my new kindergarten! =)

Thank God for strength!
Having used to wake at ~7am (sometime even 730am) for school at 8am as I’m just 10mins away from school. Now is a challenge to wake at ~6am to catch bus to reach school as early as I can as teachers there are used to reaching at 6am plus.
Though dark rings already surrounded my eyes but still every morning when I wake up early despite sleeping late, I won’t struggle to be awake or even to keep awake throughout the day.
*the JOY of my LORD is my STRENGTH*

Thank God for the favor of man!
- No problem with my new colleagues.
- Trust from my new principal … she seem to see highly on me & entrusted me new “projects”.

- I established good relationship with new parents. Actually they are my real “fear” working there as they are all highly educated & have high expectation of the school so it certainly add pressure on me.
Recently I met quite a few parents from my ex-kindergarten. “Hey!” is how I greeted them. Even throughout conversation, I totally have no pressure and just like talking to friend.
But to new parents in new kindergarten, I got to carry myself well and speak “unusually” (as I seldom speak so politely & nicely … haha!). But so far things between parents & me doing fine, at least no complains from parents. =p
Guess my big pressure will come in May when we have Parents-Teachers-Conference. *stress* Do keep me in prayersSssS wor! =)

- Not forgetting my little angels! =)
Compared to ex-kindergarten, I handle lesser children BUT in term of discipline level, almost sama sama! Haha! So far so good … they like me I like them! =)
They do respect & understand my authority … you be surprised to find some who don’t … but still, I am not a “scary teacher” to them who they don’t dare to approach me. They just know the time when I will/can play with them & when I’m not (that’s good about them).

To sum up … so far so good! Of course all this won't be possible without my Jesus! =)

=)

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

sAfEtY...

Let’s always be careful, especially on the road… be it driving or by feet.

Few days ago, my Eldest Uncle passed away. It was so sudden!
*shocked* as didn’t expect that cause I knew he has no record of illness.
It was an tragic accident- he was on his way home on his motorbike when he was hit by another bike. The bad collision caused my uncle terrible injuries on his head which caused him to die immediately and the other motorist survived with slight injuries. *is so unfair!!!*

Days at his wake, whenever I looked at his photo near the coffin, I still really cant bring myself to believe that he is not around anymore. =(

Being the eldest, he is very well respected among his siblings & us, his nieces & nephews. Though I am not close with him but to me, he is not an unfamiliar uncle as often will see him at family gatherings. Partly also my parents, his family & few other families are the often-get-together ones.

Every year without fail, on the 2nd day of CNY- all relatives will gathered at his house and as he is the eldest, many will sure be there so his house can be considered a must-go-house.
Every year at his house, he will cook his famous dish- claypot noodles. He will always be so busy cooking pots and pots and pots for families after families to enjoy. I can’t remember when actually I started eating his claypot noodles, really been yearsssss!
Is not just about the food but I'm sure it would be so different without him around during Chinese New Year.

Kept my auntie & family in prayers…
Let’s always be verrrrrrrry careful when we are on the road or near the road.

nEw!

C_n_an Kindergarten- my new workplace! =)
Been a week already, everything so far so good! Am really happy to be back working with children!

* New colleagues
All of them are very nice to talk to (not arrogant kind) and are willing to share & guide me along,
The most shocking to me is that I’m given an Assistant Teacher, actually I am more prepared to be one.
My new principal very nice too, I don’t have any pressure approaching her. I find that she really trust me a lot as just on my first day, she left 2 classes completely to my charge and even the collection of $$. When I’m teaching, she didn’t interfere or check on me much.

* New Children
Mama’s boy & Papa’s girl- as I’m “duty” to stand at the gate to welcome children, I get to witness the “good life” of the little ones. Everyday either they will be sent by their parents on their big car (for once, I don’t look out for parents to identify the child but the car they in) if not they will be sent by their maid if they stay nearby (all terrace houses or condo). Haha! For the 1^st time when I want buy gifts for the children, I must think twice not cause of quality but the price as too “paiseh” to give to princes & princesses.
Though only teach one K1 & one K2 class but both levels can be challenging, especially K1 where in just 5mins, I can be calling this same particular boy to return to his seat or this same particular boy to stop jumping at the whiteboard or even this same particular girl to stop chit chatting. My assistant told me that when they are in nursery last year, they are more “upside down”. Guess I have a lot of “work” to be done.

During written work, my heart can “drop” as majority of them have slight difficulty in writing and concentrating as either they don’t try at all or they be writing in some special language. The “best” is there is this girl who I got her to write her name and cause she doesn’t know how, I wrote on another paper for her to copy. Before I left her alone, she wrote “C” and nearly 10mins later when I returned to her, she is still at “C”. *flipped*

* New Parent
I was told that the parents can be quite demanding and with high expectations, afterall they paid $600++ per term for school fees.

* New teaching method
Worksheet! Workbook! Exercise book! All are what I don’t use at my previous kindergarten. The teaching method over @ this new school is very different where we are told to cut down worksheet but now is the parents who strongly encouraged worksheetsSS and homeworksSs.
Seriously I am still trying to adapt to the changes as suddenly from a carefree teacher, now I need to bring home stacks of worksheets to mark- just one week, they can have up to 3 worksheets and that haven't includes worksSs from workbook or exercise book. Also from a teacher who only teaches Math, now got to include English, Phonics, Math & even Science. Going to be challenging but guess I be fine after I get the hang of it.

tHe JoUrNeY cOnTiNuEs.

* Little angels!!!
Many friends asked me “Fun to teach children right”, “Children very cute right”, “Children very easy to teach right” etc- 50% 50%, good & bad times. When they are nice, they are very fun to be with. But when they are bad, they can really drive you up the wall.
If I have to choose one thing, that be to able to endure children’s noise. One occasion outside school, I was with my friends doing something and there happened to have many children walking & running up and down as is toilet area. One of my friends said, “noisy right, you all want to change place?”. I replied, “noisy mehz?! ok lahz!” Haha… guess my ears numbED.
3yrs in PCF, I came across many children- good ones, na_gh_y ones, cheeky ones, interesting ones, chubby ones, smart ones. Some children so outstanding that they have left a BIG footprint in my life.

(WARNING! below is going to be loooooong! You better stop here before you find yourself zzzing. Haha! No need to read ar, I just want to blog to keep as “memory” so when I grow old, I can read to my grandchildren as bedtime story. Haha! ).

Child A- to me, he is like small adult in the way he talked & behaved. Sad to say, he is not a obedient but quite rebellious (ultimate) and every teachers who taught him before will agreed. He left behind many “bad records” and once I remembered is when he saw his girl classmate talking to her mum at the window, he went to push her head against the wall. When teacher-in-charge brought him to the office to prepare to call his mum, he started crying DRAMAtically- saying his mum pregnant, no one to take care of her if he go “jail” etc! Really can’t describe his “naughtiness”, you just got to see him in action. Even after he went to Pri 1, we heard from his teachers that he is not doing well. Didn’t get to see him since he graduated from our school in 2004 but only like in late 2006, he made a visit to our school on his own, claimed to visit the teachers. I asked him, “You got good boy in your school a not?”. He replied, “Yes but I got caning once before lehz!”

Child B- a child who needed extra coaching & patience as he has some difficulties in speaking & understanding. His condition was quite bad when I first took him in nursery (my first year working), thank God for the experiences in JAMs if not wont know how to handle. Eventhough he attended K2 for 2yrs but throughout the 4yrs, he really changed a lot.
A child who can’t recognize/write numbers to one who can perfectly write and read aloud. A child who can’t colour properly to one who can colour patiently inside a given box. A child who can’t communicate with his friend to one who not only can communicate but even made his friend laughed. A child who is not independently to one who can take of himself and his belonging. This boy successful went on to pri one in 2007, really pray that he can cope. I was thinking if one day I were to see him again, I think I will hug him and “cry in joy” to see another level of change in him.

Child C- Taiwan boy who was in K1 when he came, no nursery experience so he took very long to settle. During early few weeks, either he will come to school crying or with “attitude”! For couple of weeks, he just won’t participate in activities, he will just squat outside the class (as he want to see the clock, to wait for dismissal). When I talk to him, I must squat with him and tried to add Taiwan accent in my speaking. He answered back but some still with “attitude”. He liked to share with me about his life in Taiwan… the train, the building, his family etc.
Slowly he “upgraded” to squatting inside the class but still not participating. It took weeks before he started to feel comfortable with the place and opened up to friends & teachers. From squatting when doing work and playing with his friends, he finally realized that the chair is more comfortable and is willing to join his group. He is very interesting- few occasions, he came to me in his Taiwan accent, “Your school’s clock so ugly!” & “Your school’s toilet so dirty, I am not going to use!”. Haha! A year later when he went K2. Haha! Can you imagine, he can be so cheeky & playful, creating “problem” when he with his boys gang.

Child D- Have you ever saw an old granny trying so hard to grab to control her granddaughter along roadside, to stop her granddaughter from wanting to dash across? Or an old granny chasing after her active & never-say-die granddaughter who dashed to playground straight upon reaching school?
This girl from China, you will often read about her “history” in my blog’s Children Talks. She can let you like and “dislike” her to the core! But she is very clever- the way she work, talk, think & imagine. According to mum, all this is all on her own through media/books as both her parents & grandparents can’t speak good English but this girl not only speak good English, Chinese but also Malay!

Child E- in my entire 3yrs, I must say I never met a boy like this who really drives me up the ceiling! All this just because of a smile! Actually this boy is with slight autism- we brought up the issue to mum and the mum knew about it but no action was taken.
Everything turned upside down, just by a smile! At first when he came and join us in K1, he too has no nursery experience so he gets very shy, very quiet & very timid when he see the teachers. I used to “win” his respect and fear just by opening my eyes BIG but ever since few times I play with him and SMILE at him……… that’s it! Ever since then, think he know I can be play with so then and then, he is no longer afraid of me (really no longer).

During my class, only at mine he will super misbehave. His achievements:
- many timesssss of doing 360degree turns on the floor
- crawl from one side of classroom to another
- jump to step on chairs and partition
- from chair A to chair B, he don’t walk but step across table
- he caused harm to his friends, at times physical pain like pinching, kicking, or beating
(you may think I am exaggerating… but seriously, I am not. wait till you see how he attack his friends, it will really pain you)
- he has no eye contact and can’t reply accordingly to what you asked
- he can cry for 5secs then next moment, you will find him laughing away (really!)
Everyday I will surely take his class, some more twice a day! He is really one student who I must say I got to “surrender” to. In 2007 he should be in K2… wondering how he is doing.

jOuRnEy StArTeD... ... ... ...

3yrs working in PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Kindergarten- started when I was 19 yrs young.
To me, is not just “dream come true” but also God's miracle! Who can ever imagine someone who don’t have a complete o’level & no working experience can successful become a teacher. Thank God for the friend who introduced and not forgetting the favor of man.

Looking back, I myself also “shocked” to tell people when they asked that I am a T-E-A-C-H-E-R. The day when I took my o’level result for the 2^nd time, I thought to myself that I will never get to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. With man it may be impossible but with God, ALL things are possible!

These 3yrs in PCF… I learned a lot, gained a lot and also been through a lot.
* I was sent to Cert in Preschool Teaching course (a must for all preschool teachers) . Not only was I sent to attend different courses, workshops and talks to equip & upgrade myself, I didn’t have to pay for it but I was paid after completion.

* I was given the opportunity to be the Chairperson for K2 Graduation Concert in 2006. I got to give a speech infront of hundred of parents, GRC members & guest-of-honor, Mrs Lim (MP).

* I established good friendship with my colleagues. Being the youngest, I’m always “pampered” and well taken care of by them. Like what I told the school cook, I will never forget the cup of milo she made for me when I’m sick. The school cleaner who always prepare my favourite dish weekly and special dessert for me on my birthday.

* I established good relationship with students’ parents. At times when I met ex-students’ parents, they will acknowledged me. The most interesting is even the students’ grandparents saw me, they smiled and greeted “Yanni Laoshi” or “Laoshi”. Sometimes I also don’t know to react but it really shows the respect they have.

* In 2006, I met a super challenging class! In this particular class, there is not just one or two or three active children but almost ¾ of them need my special attention. Is a class that everyday before they come to my room, I must “set” my face to be smile-less and if unnecessary, keep it that way throughout the lesson. Been there 3yrs, never experience any class as challenging as this. 2007, they promoted to K2 and I believed there is not much change so can expect them to be in the same class. Come one day when I am free, I would want to drop by to visit them.

TwO-zErO-zErO-sIX

CaReEr
2006 been a challenging year at work- many unhappy incidents happened. Thank God for the strength and to always stay positive.
Is also a year where I faced very challenging class of children- this particular class don’t just have one or two or three active children but rather ¾ of them need my close attention. This is the only class which I got to remind myself that when they entered my room, I must start with a smile-less face and if unnecessary, just keep it that way.

Looking forward for the new working environment in 2007. Want to shine for God in education line!

MiNisTry
I always remembered one of the years serving in w5- my ZS came to me, “Yanni, you started the year with 18 and you ended the year with 18”. Hmmm… no growth! *flipped*
But 2006 different! W5 started the year with 20 but it ended with 27 (almost can hit 30). Not forgetting in the midst of Sept, we experienced multiplication which births forth a new bus W9. Praise the Lord!
And 2006 is a year where many backsliders who not only came back but stayed on, even till now faithfully attending.

Looking forward to greater breakthrough in 2007… not only in attendance but in the spirituality of my students, especially the higher ones.

FrIeNdS
Jm1Jm2 members- established good friendship. Though we seldom meet up on our own beside cgm & service and we also seldom has cg outing but nevertheless our bonds with one another are still very good. Really hope to get to know them more individually in 2007.

Kakis- No matter how many present, each fellowship will always been a fruitful one. No matter how busy our schedule is, we will always take time off to celebrate one another’s birthday.

S02E322 friends- my great great friends always! With them, I never run out of topics to talk! With them, I can surely be myself! With them, I always feel so loved! Though paiseh (haha!) but always feel so “honored” to be invited to their cg outing & even their cg thanksgiving!

My GS ladies- thank you for the yearsssssssss of friendship! =) Lets keep it going and going and going and going!

TO my members, my kakis & my beloved friends in s02e322… I love you guys! =)

BlEsSiNgS
Beside the bonus in July, I also got one in Dec. Civil servant so 2.2!
At first still don’t know will get a not since I’m leaving my job but thank God not only I received my Dec pay but also full bonus!

I'm blessed with an ADIDAS watch, from just 3 of my sec friends!
I’m blessed with an CASIO watch, from my cell group!
I’m blessed with a IPOD NANO, from my brother & mum for Christmas.
Not forgetting all the presentsSssS I received during my birthday!
And the little little & big big blessings throughout the year!

To sum up 2006… is awesome to be a child of God! =)
God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
(if you don’t know Jesus yet, you missed the real meaning of life! not too late still… more to come)

everything ALRIGHT

To my beloved faithful blog readers aka friends! =)

Thank you for ALL encouragementsSsSs you all have gave after reading my recent blog.
It realllllly means a lot to me… that will be my best motivation!

Decided to blog this so to give all of YOU the assurance that Yanni is alright! Yanni is out of the sobsob-period already, Yanni is all ready to stay up strong & fight for her dream!

Ignore my negative statements made in blog ya… haha… I’m sure in weeks time, I will have a good news’ blog (maybe that is why I like to blog about my valley first cause I’m very sure God will bring me through the valley and I will come of it victoriously).

=) Nevertheless… do keep me in prayers ya, for more OPENED DOORS & OPPORTUNITY & FAVOR! Thanks guys for your concern & support! Will surely updates you guys!

uPdAtEs.......

If you been a faithful reader to my blog, in one of the entries I blogged that I made a very crucial decision. After keeping it to myself for quite a while, recently I started telling my parents & friends. Is “terrible” keeping it alone as many times, I felt … … … but yet I can’t share with anyone but of course to God!

The crucial decision … … I resigned from my teacher-position!
Is a decision that I thought about it for long, been wanting to do so but don’t have the courage as I don’t know what will happen if I will to leave my verrrrrrrrrrrrrry comfort zone. Trust me, verrrrrry comfortable.

On my last visit to bid farewell to my colleagues, I found little tears in my eyes as I left the school. It been solid 3yrs working there, I may be disappointed with the management but surely not with my colleagues or the children or even the working environment.

I am going to miss my colleagues, even the auntie cook & auntie cleaner. I always feel comfortable and can be myself when I am with them.
Not forgetting my little angels!!! Eventhough at times my patience will be tested STRONGLY by them or even drive me to the wall but still they are a group of lovable & interesting children who I always feel very carefree with. Realllllllly going to miss teaching them, playing with them, talking to them & bringing them out. *sobzsobz*

Was a little lost when I woke up today… the day where every student & every teacher starts school. =(

Will I ever step into education line again… Will I ever get to teach little children again…
????????????????

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)