The Little Things

Here's a list of little things that I've observed the past week. 

It is not arranged in any particular order. (: Ready? Let's go! 

The trees grew a tad taller.

Thick fluffy rain clouds were invading the clear blue sky.

Electrical cables were being stretched along the sidewalks.

Community home-guards were offering a salute of "hello".

An elderly couple were doing some gardening together. To be precise, I saw them transferring a small plant to a new pot. 

A boy was crossing the street with a bag of chips in his hands.

A brown canine was sitting quietly by the gate, waiting to be acknowledged. 

The basketball court remained silent in the midst of the bustling and hustling of the city. 

The cars zoomed on roads, oblivious to the setting sun that emanated glorious streaks of orange and yellow. 

A cheeky seven-year-old bragging about his shaking tooth and his opportunity of meeting the tooth fairy; to him, it's a sign of maturation, a new step to growing up. 

Pictures captured to document the week...

This little bunch of flowers were so intriguing. It being by the window made it even more fascinating.  

I know what you're thinking...the cheesecake ain't mine.

The contrast: man-made skyscrapers vs. the sky 

There's something about sunlight and the warmth it emanates.

It's nice having 4 mothers once in a while. (: 

When you don't have a fish eye lens...use a spoon! Works pretty well, if you'd ask me. :)

We paid a visit to VCR, a cafe located in KL, it's 5 minutes walk from Hang Tuah Monorail Station. The ambience was lovely for conversations to take place over some authentic food that can only be found in that cafe. After that, we took a little adventurous journey all over KL. From VCR, we enjoyed a little air-conditioned air in Berjaya Times Square. Then, we took the Monorail to Tun Sambanthan, where we paid MCKL a visit. We couldn't reject the refreshing cendol that was sold not too far off the MCKL campus! It was delightful and it definitely gave us the boost we needed to complete our adventure. Our last stop was Kinokuniya that is located in KLCC (the very heart of KL).

It was a day filled with sweat, laughter and fun. It also made me appreciate public transportation more. The convenience it brings to little children, like us, who have random impulses to go to random places. Public transportation like the LRT and Monorail were our solution. 

Yup, I was at the Sunway University Campus too. 

Everything about Sunway is big. Everything is so widely spread out. It grants a sense of openness, and I must admit (although I'm still a HELP fan) that Sunway University has a pretty campus. I had the honour to enjoy a good RM4.50 garlic chicken rice with the Sunway gang. I also had the opportunity to tour the campus. We hit the library (yup, the library. we managed to get our hands on some IDs.), the (fake) grassy balcony, IT labs and we also got to test out the elevators that were functioning pretty brilliantly. 

University adventures are always fun. So, what are you waiting for? Invite me to your university campus now! You can contact me via Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or here! Just leave a comment! :)

notice the two ponnies!

 Yup, we had the golden, golden opportunity to witness these two beautiful creatures last Sunday. They were transported to the field that is located nearby our church to attend a six-year-old's birthday party. And, of course, we couldn't help but take a selfie with them! They seem pretty innocent and innocuous at first glance, but when we tried to get a closer picture with one of them, it slowly raised its hoofs and started approaching us without any warning! So...here's a head's up before you want to take pictures with horses! 

a throwback. because I miss.  

much love! <3

Nights like these

"The point of living in a fallen world is not for us to try really hard to carry our heavy burden, but rather realize we can't do it alone and surrender to God instead." 

-- Relevant Magazine, 7 unbiblical statements christians believe.

This sentence stung and it struck me straight to the core. 

How many times have I tried to be my own "hero"? How many times have I allowed my self-reliance take control? How many times have I doubted? How many times have I missed the point?

Tonight, thankfully, has been a night of silence. A night where I allowed my thoughts to wander and run wild because it is in this silence where I am able to seek and find true Rest. One that will satisfy my all. There were a lot of inner thoughts and wars, many truthful self-reflections and repentances. 

I do miss nights like these. 

Chasing Wind

The wind, as invisible as it is, is mysterious.

It carries the warm scent of our unchanging season and emanates a sense of serenity. Gently, it whispers a greeting and it never cease to make one smile in reply. A melodious tune resonates whenever the wind dances carelessly with the leaves. During its perpetual adventures, time flies along with it.

If time were human, he would be rather interesting. Time slips and flies, runs and never waits. Before I knew it, 2015 is here.

The past year has been eventful. My days were filled with a mixture of joy and genuine happiness. Although the challenging times were inevitable, they added a tinge of sourness, making life a tad more tasty and memorable. There were also nights that were filled with inner wars and thoughts–a lot of reflecting and a lot of learning.

However, no matter how flawed I am, He still loves me. His undying love is steadfast and His grace is new every morning. I can never comprehend this perfect love. It overflows and it satisfies. It comforts and it encourages. “If it were an ocean, we’re all sinking.” Truly, in the midst of all the changes in this mortal life, God is the only constant variable.

Summarizing 2014 was tough. But here are two points. I tried, really, I did.

Epic tea time. Ban Chou & spring rolls!

(left) Win, Shaan 

#nicannsterjen #plusamanda 

Add caption

1.  15 days in Cambodia

I ended 2014 with a trip to Battambang, Cambodia. Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia after Phnom Phenh. It is also well known for being for the leading rice-producing province of the country.

I signed up for the STORM program – a program that allowed me to dive into the cultures and daily lifestyle of the city. I, along with my team mates (#nicannsterjen), was assigned to teach English at a local English center or at a village, which requires motorbike rides on bumpy dirt roads (for 15 minutes or sometimes even till 1 and a ½ hours), do marketing at the local markets and house chores. You can read about my 15-day adventure in Cambodia here!

Redeeming love 2014

Seniors!

BK Quiz 2014

BK Quiz 2014

2. SMKTS CF
Words cannot express the gratefulness I have towards SMKTS’ CF. CF has always been my second home and a safe haven. I vividly remember the times where my burdens and worries were enlightened whenever I hear the strumming of guitar and the gentle beatings of the cajon. The generous smiles that I receive whenever I step into the classroom never fail to warm my heart and touch my soul.

It has definitely been a great honour and privilege to have been able to serve our great God with each and every individual in CF. The passion, the energy, the excitement that they carry each week never ceases to amaze me. They each emanate a distinct trait that left an indelible mark in my life. I honestly do not know what I would do without them. It’s a great joy and blessing to be able to worship God in a school; and this experience will always remain in my heart.

All in all, I’m eternally grateful for 2014 and I can’t wait to see what 2015 will bring!

Here’s a very, very late New Year’s wish, but hey, it’s better late than never, so… Happy Happy New Year to you! All the best in all that you set your heart to do!