once bitten twice shy?

*during dismissal*
“Goodbye Teacher Yanni… Goodbye Friends!”

“That’s fast! Child S is at the playground… Wow enjoying her biscuit some more!” I thought to myself as I wait at the door with the rest of the children,

“Hmm… something is not right! Child S’ mother is not on her left, Child S’ brother is not on her right, Child S’ grandmother is nowhere to be seen too!” I thought.

“OH NO! Without me knowing, she walked over to the playground on her own, despite her guardian hasn’t come yet!”

“VOLCANO ERUPTING” was written on my face! I immediately walked to the playground, without any questioning… I grabbed her hand and brought her back to classroom, threw away the biscuit she was eating and started my scolding! Guess where did she got the biscuit... she asked it from a stranger (her friend's mum) by the side.

I scold… I scold… I scold… I SCOLD and SCOLD… *Child S cried*
*believe me… at the point, I was realllllllllly very angry! The thought of “what if” she is lost just frightened me!

Not only did I just scold, I also did reason with her- telling her the danger of her going/being alone. So when the mum came, I tried to tell the mum what happened as she was on a important call but she did replied me- “Yes! I understand… she naughty!”

After that… I was talking to one of the auntie who knew what had happened, she made a statement:
”Children like them… maybe they will only learn after something really happened”

But I myself think that… that is only 1% true because afterall they are children, young children. We really cant afford to let ‘one’ thing happened to make them learn their lesson.

*Just like- the day before this incident, our school actually received a call from the police, to check on our 2 K2s children- trying to ask how they were being dismissed, as their form of going back are by school bus. Shortly after, we knew that both of them was being send up to bus from school and by school bus, they were sent back home but they were lost when their parents brought them out to playground and without the parents who was busy chit chatting knowing, this 2 children wander off and get lost in a unfamiliar place. But thank God they were found not long after by one of their mum’s friend.

Conversation we had with one of the child who came back to school the following day:

Chers: So, Child B, what happened yesterday?
Child B: *smile shyly*
Chers: What happened to you and Child P (another child who was lost)?
Child B: We go playground… then we walked… and walked
Chers: Then you cant find your mummy already?
Child B: Yes…
Chers: Then what happened?
Child B: Then… I very tired… so I sit down… at bus-stop
Chers: Then what about Child P? She was not with you?
Child B: I don’t know
Chers: Oh… then after that?
Child B: Then… my uncle sees me… he carries me to police station. Police station there, I saw Child P.
Chers: *flipped*
Child B: I hug my… mummy
Chers: Did your mummy scold you?
Child B: No… she talks to me only… she said next time cannot do it again
Chers: So are you afraid, want to anyhow walk away from mummy again?
Child B: No…
Chers: Then why Child P never comes to school today?
Child B: Think… she is very scare… so never come

*ALL things are possible*

"today the title of my message *Living out God's best*" said my CGL

“oh… this title sound familiar, think heard before already” me thought to myself

*BANG* something hit me!

“during my QT yesterday… didn’t I tell God that if He is willing, to give me the peace through His Word or His presence during cg/service?”

*listen doubly hard to the Word of God*

“All things are possible” … is a very “common” verse in the bible. I’m very sure all of us know this verse verrrrry well… can even read it the other way round. For myself too… each time I heard this verse, it will always be a “Amen!” reply from me. But during cg’s ministering time, when my CGL is praying… for the 1^st time! 1^st time I wept when I heard my CGL saying, “all things are possible”,

At the end of the day… though somehow the sermon didn’t really show the direction God want me to take, the path God want me to go… but this is a very good encouragement and assurance that truly with God “ALL things are possible!”

THANK YOU JESUS! =)

Qualification I don’t have… Confidence level going down and down… Situation around me don’t seem positive BUT I just want to trust God with whatever I have. Been telling myself this few days, “ALL things work out good for those who love Him”… just got to trust God that He is in control. =)

whatever little u have will become much when placed in God's hands...

HmMmMmMm....

Just last week, I went to visit one JAMs student, E (not from my bus). My helper, Xiaoying who been to his house before was sharing with me the few times she been there with E’s Bus Captain (BC), they seldom meet the mother at home and the BC ever shared that is better without the mum, not so “scary”. Jokingly, I told Xiaoying: “Hmm… maybe today special, I come mahz, so maybe the mum will be at home!”

We walked past a living room, saw through window this lady sitting on sofa watching tv, her eyes was starring BIG at us, “unfriendly” was written on her face. We reached the doorstep, looked at the unit number & double check on our address list, “OH NO! This is the house of E… and that must be E’s mother! “Aiyoyoyo, today really special ar!”. We struggled a while before we knocked on the door by faith…

“YES?!” … said the mum (unfriendly face still)
“Hi… we’re looking for E and S (E’s sister).”
"WHO ARE YOU?” … said the mum (currently no smile on face)
“We are their church teachers from JAMs” … (forcing a smile on our face, hiding our “fear”)
“THEY ARE PREPARING TO SLEEP ALREADY!” … said the mum (no sign of smile appearing)
“Oh… they usually sleep early?” … (Yanni and Xiaoying knowing the time is only 8pm!)
”YES! NEXT TIME PLS COME EARLIER” … said the mum (face constant)
“Oh okies! But is it possible we see them for a short while?”
“NO! THEY ARE PREPARING TO SLEEP ALREADY” … said the mum
“Oh okok… then can you help us passed this to them and let them know we came”
“OK!” … the mum took it reluctantly
“Thank you! Sorry to disturb you!”

Just when we walked past the living room, we saw E through the window beside- my heart break when I saw his position! Not on bed preparing to sleep, not on table doing work BUT sitting on a chair peeping through his room door. Next moment I heard the mum shouting “E, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!” I guess at the end of the day, E wasn’t preparing to sleep, the mum purposely kept E in his room and despite how much E wants to come out to see who came, he was totally not allowed to.

Xiaoying and I quietly called for him to the window and talked to him… just for a short while and quietly too cause we don’t want the mum to hear and come and scold him. How I wish we could stay longer to talk to him and I’m sure he hopes us to too cause I could see his excitement when he see us but to avoid any scoldings from the mum, we didn’t. But thank God we still get to see him though, I left him by telling him to always love his mother no matter what. Really pray our that short visit to him at the point of time will really cheer him up.

Some background- E the only son, position #2 among sibling. Mum don’t like E, totally don’t like! The mum always scold E and find faults with him (really very bad one). Mum is a Catholic, to her- having E (special child) is a curse, a punishment. How I wish I can go to his mum, give her one good shake to wake her up... if to her, E is a punishment then I dont know what other parents will feel when their child's intellectual condition is not so good like E. To me, the most saddest part is- E himself know that the mum dont like him.

The reason why I blog this visit down is really cause this “hit” me a lot- after that visit to E's house, my heart really went out for him, E kept coming to my mind! That Sat when I went JAMs, I made it a effort just to say HI to him. When I was praying for him, I was reminded about one thing for sure- though E's mum's love to him change and is not strong, but God's love for E will never never never ever change!

Jesus for All Minds! =)

*MC*

I was down with fever and flu last week… was given 2days MC to rest REST rest REST. Is a great feeling to be off from school for 2days- freedom from my “little angels”.

Some responses from the children when they see me back in school on Monday:

Child: Teacher Yanni, why you yesterday never come?
Cher Yanni: Of course! Yesterday was Sunday, of course I never come!
*repeated many times in a day… cause many children asked when they see me*

Child S: Never come, go hospital
Cher Yanni: Who go hospital?
Child S: Teacher Yanni!
Cher Yanni: Why Teacher Yanni go hospital?
Child S: Teacher Yanni got fever!
Cher Yanni: HmMmMmMmM...

Cher Yanni: Children, so who teach you when Teacher Yanni never come?
Class of Children: Teacher Grace!
Cher Yanni: So what did Teacher Grace teach?
Class of Children: Patterning!
Cher Yanni: Good right?! So Teacher Yanni should often don’t come right… you all happy when Teacher Yanni never come?
Class of Children: Yes!
Cher Yanni: What?! You all happy when Teacher Yanni never come?
Class of Children: No!
Cher Yanni: So is yes or no? When Teacher Yanni never come, you all very happy?
Class of Children: No… … …!
*Child G shouted… “Yes!” with a cheeky smile on his face*

~ Is rather interesting and sweet that after 2days of MIA from school… the children do pay special attention to it. And when they see me back in action again, they will use their own special way to show their concern.

WoOoOoOoOoOo!

“Where is the office?” was asked by a man from the window.
Minutes later, my principal walked in to my class, “Be careful when you dismiss the children later, there is a man with revolver around this area! A Chinese man dress in black”

*remained calm*
But my eyes was constantly looking out of the window… can be quite scary where there was once this old man was looking into my class for quite long.

Shortly after, at the carpark behind our school… we could see police cars, even CIDs around! Guess if you had watched the news, you roughly know what’s happening.

The “incident” happened two blocks away from my school so afterall, we were not that affected. My colleagues and I was like asking “what if the media will to come to our school and interview us what we been doing to safe-guard the children in our school”… maybe we will tell them, “Nothing much! But we’re making full use of the police cars around to 'tell' our very active children that police cars & policeman all around so cannot be naughty if not they will come and catch you all". Ooooooops!

This is only the fun side and naughty sides of us teachers… but seriously thank God for protection over our school and now is to pray that the “naughty man” will be caught as soon as possible!

cHiLdReN's TaLk III

sCeNe #1
*Child S decided to be very “helpful” and helped Child R take her water-bottle and without grabbing it properly, the bottle full of water dropped and landed terribly on Teacher Yanni’s toes!*

Cher Yanni: Ouch… … … … … … !!!!
Child S: *with a innocent look, look up to Cher Yanni*
Cher Yanni: Child S… … … … you hurt my toes!
Child S: *no response*
Cher Yanni: *endure the pain and walk… but it was quite hurtful so took Child S to one side*
Cher Yanni: Child S, next time can you please take your own water-bottle. Your friend R will take on her own.
Child S: Yes!
Cher Yanni: Now you see you hurt my toes!
Child S: Because you never wear close shoes!
Cher Yanni: *state of shock* What?!
Child S: You see my shoes, I wear close shoes.
Cher Yanni: So how now?
Child S: You go buy another leg
Cher Yanni: *shocked by her response so decided to play along with her* But I don’t have money
Child S: My … brother … My … grandmother! My … grandmother … have … many … dollars
Cher Yanni: Ok! So you will ask your grandmother to buy me one leg
Child S: Yes

sCeNe #2
*after clearing up, children are asked to sit on the floor in their groups*
Cher Yanni: Children, those who keep the toys already, I want you to go to sit on the floor

*seconds later*
Cher Yanni: Children, I want you to sit on the floor now!
*it will usually take decadeSsSsS for all the children to hear the teacher’s instructions*

Cher Yanni: Child S, sits down!
Cher Yanni: Child S! SIT DOWN!
*gave up after few trys*

Cher Yanni Child S, come here!
Cher Yanni: CHILD S! COME HERE NOW!

*Child S walked slowly towards Teacher Yanni*
Cher Yanni: Child S, what happened to you? I called you so many times, ask you to sit down but you like cannot hear. You didn’t bring your ear out today? Did you bring your ear out?

Child S: *nod her head*
Cher Yanni: You said you got bring ear right then how come I call you so many times but you never hear!
Cher Yanni: *pointing to her ear* So Child S, what is this!
Child S: spoilt ear!
Cher Yanni: *flipped*

ps: this Child S in sCene #2 is the same child in sCeNe #1

sCeNe #3
Cher Yanni: Why the two of you run?
Child A: Child B run!
Cher Yanni: Child B, why you run?
Child B: because I love him
Cher Yanni: huh?!?!?!?!

sCeNe #4
Cher: Child J (boy) & Child P (Girl), why are the two of you holding hands?
*Child J & Child P shyly let go their hands*

Cher: Child P, you like Child J?
Child P: *smiling sweetly nodding her head*
Cher: Child J, you like Child P?
Child J: Yes!
Cher: Cher P, you want to bring Child J home?
Child P: *shake her head* No
Cher: Why?
Child P: My house got sister!
Cher: *confused* Okok! Child J, you want to bring Child P home?
Child J: *nod his head* Yes my my my mother say can!
Cher: Child P, why you like Child J?
Child P: *smile*
Cher: Child J, why you like Child P?
Child J: because she 5years old, I 5years old
Cher: Oh okok… Child P, so why you like Child J?
Child P: *smile sweetly*

sPeCiAlLy FoR ... ... S02 & E322!

Brothers & Sisters in S02 & E322!

Actually I did prepared my speech for you guys during the chalet but was too paiseh to take it out so here I am right now, to type it down cause I know few of you will read my blog! =)
Just want to take this time to say a big THANK YOU to all of you out there in S02 & E322. Though in 2005, I only have 6months with you guys but it has always been great!
Before I made a decision to cross over to JAMs cell group… seriously it is really not a easy decision to make especially when I have the thought that I wont be in the same cell group with you guys. But with God’s confirmation, I went over and thanks guys for your prayers and Jiayous… right here right now, I’m coping well in JAMs cell group- growing strong in/for Him! But no doubt about it… I miss you guys!

SIS IRIS! THANK YOU for everything… really EVERYTHING! =)
Under your leadership, I must admit that at times I may not be very obedient or teachable towards you but you never fail to overwhelm me with your care and your love! THANK YOU for loving me the way I am, despite what I have done. Seriously, I’m not afraid to say it out because I know that both of us have overcome it together! =)
So happy to be able to “clear” every misunderstanding with you! Last but not least, though I may not be in S02 but for sure one thing- you will always be the LEADER in my life! I love you, Sis Iris! I always feel so loved by you everytime I see you!

CUIQI! =) THANK YOU for everything! You have been an awesome friend! Thank you for always been there, be it in msn or call or sms… you’re always there when I needed a listening ear! Thank you for all the advices, all the “waking up”, all the Jiayous!
You don’t know how BIG a difference you have made in my life … do you? =) You know… I seldom share my problem out, always to God of course. You’re the person who I will feel comfortable in pouring out my problems too. THANK YOU!

YAJING, YUNYUN & SHIHUI! I MISS YOU LADIES! =)
You sisters are the best sisters I can ever wish for … and of course I really thank God for YOU! Really miss fellowshipping with you ladies!
You know… each time I see you sisters at Expo, I can’t help but to “run” to you all. Thank you for being a great sister, a great friend to me all this while!

CHRIS, TRICIA, LIHONG, KAREN, GUIYI!
You sisters are simply awesome! THANK YOU for great friendship & a great members-ship in the year 2005! I really appreciate ALL of you! =)

BRO JINZHI, BRO GLENN, BRO YIWEI, BRO ZHENHONG, BRO DANNY!
THANK YOU for being a great brother to me! =) You brothers are the BEST!

TO ALL OF YOU in S02 & E322!
Yanni love you all! =)
Really appreciate all your thoughts… you guys never failed to invite me to your cg outing, your cg dinner, your cg birthday dinner & even your cg chalet, THANK YOU!
All this thoughts really made me very kandong and really feel super loved by all of you!

...yEaR 2005...

Been wanting to blog about this... finally us up! =)
As I looked back to 2005 … there are many things I want to thank God for:

1st in the area of my spiritual life
~~ Don’t know how to describe in words… but is just awesome! My walk with God in 2005 was verrrry different from the past few years! Breakthrough in my walk with Him! =)

2nd in the area of cell group
~~ Being in the normal cell group for so many years… is indeed a challenge to cross over to ministry cell group. There bound to be fear- mental & spiritual fear! I have to decide whether I want to take the step of faith to step out of my comfort zone! Also especially when I have the thought that I won’t be in the same cell group with my brothers/sisters in S02 & E322 (they are the ones who I feel comfortable and myself when I’m with them), it was even a tougher decision.
But with the confirmation and grace from God, the support from Sis Iris & the opened arms of Sis Lily… I crossed over officially in the month of May! Really thank God for the opportunity as well as the faith!

3rd in the area of my ministry
~~ Breakthrough in W5 attendance! Want to thank God for the brand new friendsSsS that God has added to w5 in 2005. within a few months!

Bryant– 10^th April
Wanjun– 26^th June
Benghock– 4^th Sept
Malcom– 18^th Sept
Tingting- 9^th Oct
Jonathon- 23^rd Oct
Ian- 27^th Nov
WingYew- 11^th Dec

LOOK at the dates that all this new friends were added to w5, it was so amazing! I can’t believe it when I write out too. Never in my service to w5 have I ever encountered this before! Thank God for them, not only they came but they stay on and now, most of them are faithfully coming every week!

~~ Thank God for the opportunities to try out different JAMs service segments! Not only I get to do cheer, games, announcement, birthday celebration… I was given to try PRAISE! And the one that I least expected I will be asked to do: OFFERING! Really really thank God that each time when I’m asked to do offering, never once I don’t have ‘sermon’ to preach. Everytime God will always give me a word. Like for the past 4weeks continually, duty roster for service I am to do offering … thank God I never run out of “sermon”.

4th in the area of work
~~ 2005 may not be easy/happy for me in school but thank God for the strength to carry through. Of course thank God for the favor- many times, there have been conflicts after conflicts between my colleagues but really thank God, never once I have any conflicts or argument with any of them or they against me.

5th in the area of friendship
~~ My Kakis!
We can say we experienced multiplication? It started with 3- Rick, Winnie & I but now we are like 10 in strength. In 2005 when our JAMs service is still Sunday 4pm- without fail, every week after our busing, we will all come from different places to meet up for dinner where we will fellowship till rather late before we leave home.
In 2005… we also have our birthday marathon and each of us have a memorable birthday celebration by Mr. Mastermind & the rest of the kakis. A lot of people used to say that ministry workers’ friendship are usually hi-and-bye cause only get to meet up during our ministry time. But I guess this is not true for us- this group of kakis who I usually hanged out with, they are ones who I really thank God for! They truly have made a difference in my life!

testimony!!!!!

Few days ago I was on my friend’s car, everything was okay UNTIL suddenly he lost control of his sterling wheel and the next moment, the car was going left and right left and right (don’t know how to describe). It was rather scary as I was at the front seat so I can actually see him swirling his sterling wheel left and right vigorously and seeing the car losing control right infront of my eyes! [due to the slippery road and the sudden change of lane]
Thank God my friend managed to step his brake on time before we hit the road divider. But I think the most amazing thing is when finally the car comes to its stationary position, the car’s side was facing the incoming traffic. I immediately looked to my left and really thank God that at the point there was no incoming vehicles … though there was a bus coming on our lane but it was meters away and seeing us in that position, the bus actually managed to slow down.
WOWOWOWOW … in my entire life, this is my 1st time experiencing such thing! Really thank God for His hands of protection that is on us! More than the car being safe from “external injury”, I think is amazing to see us still “alive” as actually the route that we traveling on are usually heavy in traffic, every week when I go through there to my JAMs busing, there is always many cars but for that time to have not many cars, it was really thank God. And when the car comes to its stationary position, I am actually nearer to the incoming traffic so if the bus were to come speeding, I think … … … … …

drama queen

Miss Wong, after suspection from JAMs for 3weeks … finally she made her appearance this week. All was okay UNTIL dismissal time, she made her way to the toilet and the next moment she was squatting on the floor outside the toilet, with her head covered. Immediately I “smell” something fishy, I know she going to start her “drama”!

Miss Wong’s drama business started 3weeks ago …
1st scene (Sun A) – she hid herself behind the curtain in the hall and REFUSED to come out despite the teachers using soft or hard approach. Then on the bus, she continues her drama by singing super loudly a song that nobody understands, she even attempt to beat and bite herself … all that she did, creates discomforts to the students around her and in the whole bus’ atmosphere.

2nd scene (following Sun) – she was found in the toilet, sitting on the floor, crying super terribly. She REFUSED to open the door … the more we soft-talk her, the more loudly she cry. And of course her favourite weapon- beat and bites herself. Finally we got the cleaner to climb and unlock the door. With us inside, she still didn’t stop and REFUSED to leave with us. So without any choice, a JAMs security went in and after struggles, he managed to carry her into the lift (actually she is not that small size and that day she was wearing super soft texture clothes so challenging to carry her).
Even inside the lift, she didn’t stop … she started to roll on the floor, bang her head against the floor and continues crying non-stop. Interesting thing is at once, she actually stopped and peep at us as we stopped coaxing or talking to her, then she continues. For her image, we didn’t want to carry her out so we got a wheelchair … it was tough carrying her onto it and keeping her there. Finally she is being carried up on the bus, still crying with her head covered. Minutes later, she was okay already.
I guess the most challenging battle is when on the bus, shortly after, she said “I love you, Teacher Yanni” … I have to bite my lip, control my anger and replied her SWEETLY, “I love you too!” Argghhhhh

3rd scene (following Sun) – I purposely observe her secretly as I know her drama will start during dismissal. First she was on the chair then she went to the floor and uses the stage as table to do her stuff then she went back to her chair again and DRAMA STARTED.
She used her jacket to cover her face and despite friends and teacher going to her, she REFUSED to open up. The next thing … she slide herself from chair to floor and begins mopping the floor – she rolled herself all over, back and forth (believe me! she rolled!), she bang her head against the floor, she threw her slippers, she threw her bag. I didn’t go to coax her because I know once she starts, it will take “decades” for her to stop. When all the students left the hall already, she is still on the floor, rolling and with her face covered with her hands. One teacher went to her, soft-talk and even prayed together with her … no use! Then finally many female teachers and male security came, soft-talk and hard-approach … no use!
A wheelchair was brought in, we had tough times getting her on chair, perhaps cause security is guy then student is girl so they are quite limited too as she will twist and turn when the security lift her up. Finally we got her on the wheelchair, she was rather calm at once- even can stop us while she put on her hair clips back nicely … then continues. And before we are on time to stop her, she slide herself down from the wheelchair to floor again. The drama continues and continues … for at least an 1 hour before she decided is enough and get up and leave. I got to bring her back personally as my bus of students has left with another teacher.

Thinking that 3weeks suspection is enough since she likes to come JAMs. But I dont think so, this week she came, she also started her drama and even worse this time - she ran out of church to the block beside and does her drama there. With all this weeks of drama, it really show one thing- she trying to attract attention! She can cry cry then stop to peep at us to see are we looking at her a not then continues, she can cry cry then stop to adjust her hair clips and even looking herself into the mirror in the hall. I visited her many times, she promised she wont do it again but each time, she breaks her promise. The 2nd Sunday where I alighted with her, to talk to the mum ... the mum asked her why she did all this ... guess her reply? - she said in chinese, "I fake fake cry one".
PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY … got to PRAY for her!

who say ??!!??!!

To some of my friends … they may think I don’t speak good English!
To some of my friends … they may think I live in “mountain” so everything to me is new!
To some of my friends … they may think I only have little knowledge about the things around and when I seem to know a little bit more, they are verrrrrrry stunned!

But to God … He doesn’t think the way my friends think about me! =)
I was reminded again by the Holy Spirit - “I must know who I am in Christ!” … others may say I am no good etc, but that’s not important! Because God won’t say and think like my friends … my God use ordinary people (like me =p) to do extraordinary thing!

What matters is not what others say/think about me but what God say about me!
I am who God say I am … not who my friends say/think I am!

Just a thought: Our mouth can be very powerful- words/comments that we made to our friend/s can either be life or death. The person who said it can meant it to be a joke but a joke must always have its limit. To me … I felt that a joke is not a joke when it cause hurt to someone!
Never carry too far with a joke, especially when your ‘joke’ goes too far to the extent of embarrassing the person you are ‘joking’ about feeling terrible cause you said it infront of many others! “Do to others what you want others to do to you”
Let’s us all be sensitive … and always be watchful/caution with the remarks we made.

sPeCiAl dEdIcaTiOn

This blog entry is especially dedicated to all my blog readers!
I know you guys out there … some of you are ‘faithful’ readers to my blog but it seem you guys only read.
So I urge you, my friends … START tagging, START commenting! =)

yIpEe! yIpEe! yIpEe!

PCF K2s Graduation Concert- the moment all K2s’ parents & teachers have been waiting for! =)

* 6hrs before the concert starts – Final preparation to the concert hall, ensure stage’s props in place, puts up the children’s work along the corridor, rolls up the certificate etc etc.

* 3hrs before – Children in their individual costume came reporting. Excited parents with them ... they were adjusting their child’s costume, combing their child’s hairs, makeup for their child. Of course their aim is to let their child look stunning on stage! =)

* 1hr before – Parents started flooding into the hall, trying to get the best seats as is first come first serve. Children having their snack at holding area. Basically at that time, the room is SUUUPPPPPEEEER noisy … just imagine not 1 not 2 but 3 center’s children in the same room! Believe me! Is noisy! But I guess all teachers are “well-trained” already, all like numbed by the noise, so numb-ED that no one try to get the children to quiet down. Maybe we know that afterall, it will make no difference.

* 15mins before – Nervous teachers & happy-go-lucky children all ready!

** during the concert … everything ok, the transition from item to item was okay too. Children afterall are children - throughout the entire concert … they never show sign of nervous-ness or stage-fright! To them is like another get-together moment with their friends, just that they may be wondering how come the teachers today so nervous and kept bringing them round and round the hall, in and out of stage. Hahahaha!

** end of the concert, all children are “returned” to their parents. Not all left immediately, some actually stayed back- to take picture with us the teachers and of course to say the last ‘byebye’.

~ The touching moment for me will be when the parents came to me with their child, the child actually gave me a hug and said, “thank you!” Wowowow… that very second a thought flashed, “All my year of teaching, of scoldingsSsS, of naggingsSsS is all worth it!” I will missed this batch of K2s the most as they are the ones whom when I first came to this school, they were still in nursery and now – wowow they have graduated! And many of them are actually like friends to me!

~ more than just the items performed by the children in this concert … I’m also touched by the effort of the children & their parents. Is like before the actual day of the concert when we had our final rehearsal and on the actual concert day, many children (believe me! many!) are actually sick. But yet during the final rehearsal, the parents brought their child to the rehearsal … even having to sit through with them or just run through the child’s item once, they are willing. Double thumb up to the sick child as well … seeing a usual active child quietly sitting on the chair waiting for his turn really touches my heart.

3 cheers for my K2s children .. Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!

cHiLdReN

Children should be …
seen and heard
and loved and cherished
and nurtured and hugged
and enjoyed and admired
and protected and encouraged
and supported and praised
and respected and appreciated
and valued and helped
and complimented … and NOT HURT!

LEARNING corners

When you see me up in my elbow in paint,
Or standing on an easel,
Or moulding and shaping clay,
Please don’t let me hear you say,
“He is Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I just might be a teacher someday!

When you see me cooking or tasting food,
Please don’t think that because I enjoy it,
It is “Just Play.”
I’m learning to follow directions and see the differences.
I may be a cook someday!

When I’m building in the block room.
Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
About balance,
I may be an architect someday!

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body,
Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be doctor, nurse or an athlete someday!

When I’m getting all dressed-up,
Setting the table,
Caring for the babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m “Just Playing.”
I may be a father or mother someday!

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
Or some “playing” at my school,
Please don’t feel that time is wasted in “play”.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.

I may be in business someday!
When you ask me what I’ve done at school today, and I say, “JUST PLAYED”
Please don’t misunderstand me,
For, you see, I’m learning as I PLAY.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I’m preparing for TOMORROW!
TODAY, I am a child and my work is PLAY!

mAtThEw 25:40

WARNING! Is going to be a longgggggggg blog!

Yest JAMs were like a mini “warfare” … and guess who’s my “opponents”?! Believe it or not … they are my own bus’ people! Miss Chiam Wennie (as usual) & Miss Wong (a super rare case).

Battlefield was peaceful- Mdm Yanni happily enjoying every moment UNTIL Opponent Wennie took the 1st strike – squat immediately when the lift door opened!

*Mdm Yanni succeeded in acting blind and let Mdm XY and other teacher handle* =p

Shortly after, they managed to get her into the hall and tone her down … using SWEETS! But it was a only for a short while before she took her next strikesSsS – she attempted to beat the people around her, she sneeze and sneeze and SNEEZE & she was shouting real loudly! Seeing that she is out of control and disturbing the service preaching time … we got her out of the hall, to this little corner.

*Mdm Yanni can’t act blind so was there with her together with Mdm JJ*

When she there, she didn’t realize her mistake and stopped – but she continues: she refused to sit down, and like making a big fuss. The more we ask her to sit down = the more she refused = the louder she scream (been hearing her scream all this while but this time realllllllly scream … somemore plus the eyes contact she gave me is simply equals to SCARY! … so bad that at that moment I thought: “God, I really don’t know how to "control" her … help me!”)

She can be quite ‘strength-ful’ if she want to, had a hard time controlling her physically. So basically throughout we were like ‘making’ her sit … firm and soft approach but she just refused! Somehow after much struggles … she took her final and most powerful strike – pulled my hairs!

*see! ‘full of strength’ right … she can attack me even when I am holding onto both her hands*

She got hold of my hairs for quite a while … she didn’t really use force when she pulled but the pain come when both of us struggle. Opponent Wennie believe in ‘making every strike effective” … besides just pulling my hairs with both her hands, she also decided to kick! (that is when the struggles were bigger = the force of her pulling my hairs is larger)

After a while then she let go (with strands of my hairs on her hands)! Though I was asked to leave by a teacher … I REFUSED! As I won’t/don’t feel good just to leave her like that after those strikes! Though felt my eyes “watery” and speechless … but still bite my teeth and stay on!

*** the battle with Opponent Wennie is really very bad already … making me drained emotionally BUT that’s not the end as Opponent Wong decided to begin her strikes! From church all the way onto the bus! There was only total peace and silence when she alighted! *haiz*

At the end of the day, though messiness was all over my hairs (so bad that 3 persons asked me to go Yunnan Hairs Salon for treatment) … there was also “PAIN” was on my forehead!
Not so much physically pain … though few strands were gone!
But I guess my heart hurt more … to see my own bus’ people ‘behave’ this way and some more the ones who I dote and love the most! At a moment had this thought- spent so much on them – time/effort/love … but at the end of the day, that’s all I get back. =(

But was reminded what I’ve told my helpers before … though sometimes JAMs students may be ‘difficult’ to handle, ‘violent’ at times but isn’t this what that makes JAMs unique? JAMs … a ministry with special and CHALLENGING people! And what is the key elements that keep me going and going and going in JAMs and loving them the way they are, despite of all … is LOVE & PASSION! =) Though I may not get to see immediate "results" in my students' lives & behaviour, but believe one day I will! And I will never never NEVER grow weary in serving and loving them!

Matthew 25:40
“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”

*cApAcItY*

Just that Sunday itself, it makes me understand what’s really "capacity" and also fully understand the importance and the need of asking God to ENLARGE my capacity! I want to be grow stronger and more able to serve in His Kingdom and service to Him! =)

Isaiah 54:2
Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes.

^a WOWOWOW sunday^

The Sunday !!!

Is really not easy … even from the start when practicing with the musicians for praise, I felt so much to give up cause having no experience in leading praise- I don’t know the cue, I don’t know the flow, I don’t know this and I don’t know that … felt the ‘stress’ immediately!

*on stage ... I sang and did the actions to the best I know how ... "what a mighty God we serve!" and "I love you Jesus deep down in my heart!" =)
Thank God … I managed to sing and endure through the entire praise!
Hmmmm … how did it went then?! Hmmmm … super off keys! =( I totally can't hear the music beat when I sing!

When I came down … just felt my confidence level went zooooooooooom down! I just felt like hiding in the toilet! Just when I tried very hard to forget about it so to focus and get ready for tuition – the next challenging task in my hand ... I walked out and saw this familiar girl sitting beside the dusbin, trying means to dig out what inside! Yes you guess it! Is MISS CHIAM WENNIE! I was like … “Argghhhhhh! God, must everything happened at one time?! Cannot weekly installment?!”

Just when I managed to get her into the hall … she started her own "entertainment" – she beat pple around her, she said sorry, she beat, she said sorry, she pinched, she said sorry, she pinched, she attempt to open teachers’ bags, she untied all my shoes laces, she beat me, she tried flipping my shirt … you name it, she done it! Before I can do anything to “cool” myself … I got to standby for tuition!

The 1^st step is usually the most difficult - after a no-good praise by me, after a ‘war’ with wennie, I totally feel terrible! And the next thing I knew it is that I have to 'force' a smile and go up to stage to teach. Find myself having problem saying, “Boys and Girls, are you ready for lesson time” at introduction … but thank God it got better after that and the lesson turned out well … got good feedback too! PTL!

*the Joy of my Lord is my strength!*

^opportunity^

Usually in JAMs … I will take service segment like cheerleading, announcement or games. Ever did before offering … but was long way back – challenging cause can’t imagine Teacher Yanni being serious on stage and preaching God's Word. *oooops* heehee

Just recently, I was asked whether am I willing to take up tuition – another highlight of JAMs so of course there is a certain level of "pressure" in it. So typical Yanni’s first reply – “I am willing but I scare I can’t do a good job!” But thank God for Sis Santhi who believe in me and encouraged me all the way … so took up the challenge by faith!

Just when I thought everything is “calm” already … I saw this on the service duty roster:
Praise : Yanni

I was like … hmmm did I see wrongly or did Sis Lily typed wrongly ?!?!?!
I double check with Sis Lily … and it was not a mistake! It was another opportunity given to me to come up to the next level.

One thing hit me when I ask Sis Lily can I don’t do it - after listening to all the faith msgs by pastor and cgl (especially during this season), at the end of the day … if we still look at situation with fear, then perhaps we are just allowing the Word to touch and leave us and that we didn’t put our trust in God. So despite of all the fearsssssss I have, I took up the challenge!

F.A.I.T.H - Forsaking All I Trust Him

beauty of SILENCE

Down with fever so was on MC from school for 1 day … then is when I realized the beauty of silence! =)

Looking at the clock from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm … there was moment of peace in my ear and surrounding – not the case if I am in school at this timings as I will be flooded by children’s talkingssss, children’s shoutingssss and children’s complaintssss! Argghhhhh …

The day before I was on MC … was experiencing headache IN school – for the 1^st time. I guess part of it was cause by the noise created by the children and even the persistent complaints from them. So bad that within seconds, this particular girl can come to you several timessss to complain, “Teacher Yanni, this boy like this”, “Teacher Yanni, this boy like that”, “Teacher Yanni, this boy and that girl like this”, “Teacher Yanni, this boy and that girl like that” etc etc. Trust me, it can really get you ‘crazy’ when they over-complain, especially when you are experiencing headache! Not forgetting in the midst of all this complainssss, there is still noise made by the rest of the children in the class. Despite several times of asking them to reduce their volume or even switching off the classroom’s lights to get their attention (cause tired of shouting) … for the most 5mins they will be still but after which they will be back to square one again!

My point of view- sometimes the children’s noise can numb you – so much so that when the class is super noisy, you can don’t feel anything and carry on with your own stuffs but when a outsider were to walk in, he/she will feel is super unbearable! But still sometimes the noise level can really get you MAD! Just imagine 23 little children talking and talking, shouting and shouting at the same time.