The school just had a farewell for our founding principal. It was a rather emotional one, as expected. Anything lesser will be disrespect to the man who put in much effort for the school. From raising funds to arm-twisting the contractor, he done his best for the best deal for the school. His best, I mean, to his knowledge of what is best.

Working with someone for five years and now it is time for a change. It is not going to be easy. I am going to miss his style of leadership. He has his flaws, but overall, he has a good heart, and a big heart. Afterall, he gave me the chance to try out as HOD and overlooked my flaws and mistake. I mustn't forget his graciousness and generosity. No one is perfect. And at this point, the most respectful thing to do is to look at his contribution and be appreciative of it.

It is funny how so many people changed their attitudes and opinion when they know someone is leaving or have left. They tend to be more positive. Experience tells me that students always, almost always, praise the teacher who just left them and resist the new one. They forgot their complains etc. And I think it is a good thing, to appreciate people good points and to be more forgiving. Afterall, God is like that to us. Otherwise, none of us would survive His wrath. The Bible says He is quick to forgive and slow to angry (Psalm 86:5). We, being made in His image, naturally are able to forgive, especially those who are leaving.

Perhaps, the challenge is not forgiving those who are leaving, but those who are with us too. I suspect it is easier to forgive those who are leaving or have left as their problems or habits will not come back to irritate us. But those who are with us, their habits will constantly bug us. Don't have to look far, it could well be your siblings who share your bathroom.

For me, I struggled to forgive someone who sort of played me out. Thank God, the struggle wasn't too long and too tough. It was His grace. How about you?

Dear Lord, pls help me to always ready to forgive. Amen

Had been so busy that I didn't have time to update. Wanted to write some reflection on my Birthday and my dotta birthday, like what I did for my son's. But, no time, no time, no time.!!!

So some summary.
Was busy marking setting prelim, marking prelime, then setting finals and marking finals. And I barely met the deadline in marking!! Was realy tired. There were a couple of 2 hours sleep nights. Of cos, there was the checking of papers and keying in. And then there were remedial for graduating classes and sec 3 classes. And some individual requests too. Which I am happy to accede. Unfortunately, I got so much admin duty, I wish I had more time for my students. Felt so bad to turn them away.

Then there was a parenting workshop on streaming. only 34 of them came!! and later i got parents calling asking those questions that would have answered if they were there. Shall made it 'compulsory' in the future.

And there was this Thailand lecturers and teachers. I was coordinating it. Did the logistic arrangement plus a presentation. Again, so little time I had.

Then, there was streaming. My first time doing it. I think i was too soft-hearted. What to do, it is someone future. I need to be careful. I hope they understand that.

On the happy notes:
SOme of the students have woken up! Ppl in 4A, 5A and 5B. Not that all were sleeping. But more have woken up.
Celebrated my dotta birthday. She is talking more, singing more. And she likes to join in conversation " Mei Mei also..."
Son could draw a clown and an antelope!! :-)
My sun nui, PL and Cheryl got me a nice album for my foto colection. So.. arty!! I felt so pro as a photographer now.. haha Had a good time chatting. miss it..
My son got his first bed and he is so so excited over it.
Catch up with alumni.
And of cos, now time to update a bit.

Well, thank God. We grow in challenges and I suppose i have. And in good time, we thank Him for the gifts.

Had been very busy lately. So I think pic speaks more. Found this, pic of my first Form class, when I was in GMSS. Guess it also speaks about my mood - searching through the past.

They were a bunch of fun people. You would notice, so many more guys than gals.

Hanern's first portrait piece - A Clown
Completed on 23th OCt, Sunday, afternoon. After Lunch.

Today's pract wasn't too tough. I think overall, was easier than last year. Thank God!

Hope most of them did well. Just have to trust God for that.

Hope to talk more but got to complete tomorrow work - powerpoint presentation for a group of Thai visitor and streaming exercise.

past week has been busy, with marking, revision etc. Have not had complete night sleep.
Hope to blog more. Perhaps later of the week.
Just want to post this pic, taken with some of my closest students/friends.

Took this the night before official opening. will never forget the months of hard work, esp that week, when school hols is not hols at all.

"The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them."

It has been a while I have not share a verse. Kinda busy so no time to type much.

Probably the headlines on earthquake will catch the attention of most. I saw the pic of how the whole town was wiped out. Katrina was another example. Then there are the evil of human too. Just heard of how 2 persons tried to 'sabo' each other in their workplace.

But for us, we can learn to fear Him. And God promises that His angel will encamps around us. That's the best army, the best body guard.

Worried? Rest assure, He is faithful to His promise.

Dear Lord, I am glad that I have your angel watching over me. Amen

My son submitted his art piece "I like turtle" was published in our Church's Faith Link Kidz.

Found this site that causes me to tear, not because it is sad, but it is so human and authentic.

www.wannaknowwhy.com

These are late photos. Why? The shop was renovating and my photos were trapped inside. haha.

My children birthday celebration. It was for both of them though Karis' one should be later. That's why there were 2 cakes.

Like this photo alot. So cute and playful. Took when his hair was very long and he was only 2+. Children really change alot.

Bought some Ma Lai Kau "Malay Cake" for my wife. She likes it while I don't really.
She commented that they don't taste as well as when she was a child. I suggested maybe it was because we are nostalgic about our childhood, so it seem to taste better. My other theory was that while we were young, we have not been exposed to much, be it various type of food or toys, so those simple pleasure seem to be so nice. An infant won't mind a plain cereal but will demand soya sauce for their soup when they are exposed to more tasty food. As we grow older, we are exposed to lots more and then, simple pleasures are diluted. We become more 'sophiscated' in our taste. Simple pleasure are taken for granted.

And maybe that is why we need to be reminded by our Lord, that we need to approach him like children. To appreciate His grace, as it is. "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:3). We get to see the complexity of human relationship and stop appreciating His simple love, which is unconditional and without pretense, in full measure. We stop to appreciate things, pleasure in full measure because of the various 'pleasures'.

Dear Lord, help me to be like a child when it come to appreciating Y

our love and grace, and the pleasures You gives each day. Amen.

Guess, what is this?