Archive for category Compassion Child

The night before Chinese New Year is typically when families come together for the reunion dinner. For my family, the weekend before the 1st day of CNY is for my dad’s side reunion dinner and the night before is my mom’s. A family tradition done every year. Well, for my mom’s side reunion dinner this year, my family, my maternal grandma, my god-sister and her family, and Annabelle, our Filipino helper, came together over yummy food. Here’s a snapshot of the food, the important part. :P

Yu Sheng

Yu Sheng

Yu Sheng 2

Tossing of the Yu Sheng. The higher you toss, the better your fortune… Or so they say.

Mushroom

Some Mushroom Dish. (I stay clear of it. It’s full of vegetables, mushrooms & it’s been boiled out of its mind.) It’s a annual tradition dish. My grandmother’s recipe.

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken. Yummy!

Beef

Sauted Beef. With tons of spring onions. yummy.

Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie Chicken. My fav dish. I’m salivating just looking at this!
Sweet & Sour Pork

Sweet & Sour Pork. A classic.

Longan & Aloe Vera Bits

Longan & Aloe Vera Dessert. Refreshing!

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02January2009

My New Year Resolution

Garfield says it best.

Garfield

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22November2008

The Joy Of Old Friends

Today, I met up with two “old” friends. We’ve known one another for many years – one for 10 years, another for 12 years. It still amazes me that the Lord has blessed me with true friends, whom I know I can trust and rely on. Out of all my closest friends, I’ve known the longest for 13 years!

You know what’s great about old friends? The ease and comfort level. No need to be on the “best” behaviour, no need to do “little talk”, no need to be on guard. Just truly being myself. And another great thing? Even though we don’t meet up often, when we do, it’s like we never were apart. The joy from talking and laughing with them is priceless. Really thank the Lord for them.

Oh and another great thing? One friend told me that she’s sponsored a children from Thailand from Compassion. She saw the link on my facebook profile and the Lord prompted her to go sponsor a little boy. Truly amazing.

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06November2008

Go Read this NOW

Stop what you’re doing for a few minutes. And go read this.

If there’s any doubt as to how USD$32 can impact a child’s life, there should be none now. This is a life ministry, not just of one child. But of a whole generation after. It’s not just about money. It’s about the faith and hope that we can help bring to these kids.

If you would like a sponsor a child, go here. To read the blog posts of the Compassion Dominican Republican Trip, go here.

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The US Elections is almost over. It seems Obama has won. While I’m personally elated about that, two people today have put it in perspective for me. Shaun Groves and Lizzie.

Regardless of who won, God is still in control. This is after all, a human system. One that is inherently flawed simply because humans created it. Whether Republican or Democrat or Independent, these are human labels. What’s important is that God can and will still do His Will through His people, even through those whom we don’t feel can be used.

So, whether you’re happy or sad, Celebrate. As Shaun Groves wrote: “Celebrate that regardless of who becomes president, God is still King.

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When we think of poverty, which country do we usually think of? Africa? Indonesia? China? Mainly the 3rd world countries right?

On Monday, I added Singapore to my list. Singapore is a world-class 1st world country. And yet, there are still Singaporeans who struggle daily to meet their basic needs. Food, Water, Electricity and a Roof over their heads.

Poverty is a endless vicious cycle. Parents struggle to survive. Children work from young to contribute to the family. Education is put on the back burner. Children grow up and repeat that cycle. How do we break that?

Three ways that I can think of. If you have more, please share.

1. Active support and help for families stuck in this cycle. Of course, help them fufill their immediate needs. But we need to ensure their long-term sustainability. Educate the children. Train the parents with skills that will enable them to find better jobs and therefore better income. Educate the mothers especially, as she’ll pass that down to the children directly.

2. Promote. Share. Tell everyone who will listen of people who don’t know if they’ll be able to eat one day to another. This is more powerful than you know. For instance, I found out about Compassion International from Shannon and felt motivated to get involved. It’s not that I didn’t want to help before. But when I found out about this avenue for service, it jumped out at me.

3. Above all that, Pray. Not just in general like, “Lord, feed the hungry”. “Adopt” a specific family, find out their needs and hopes, and pray for each one of them specifically. By name. By exact current needs. Pray for the Lord to bring compassionate souls to make a difference in someone’s life.

We don’t need to go far to share our blessings and help others. I bet there’s someone in our backyard now that needs us.

9f4719e249b102631b8329579a946ac0834c9746 Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty

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She loves to draw. She’s starting a new grade in school. She’s excited to meet her new teachers and new friends.

Vanessa, my Compassion girl, is a young and vibrant girl who loves to learn. And I’ve made a commitment to support her until she graduates from high school, God-willing. As long as I’m earning an income, I have no excuse not to help this wonderful girl grow and give her more opportunities in life.

In Singapore, it’s strange to commit long-term to any “charity”. I found this out first hand while going to the post office during lunch to post a letter to Vanessa. 2 of my colleagues were walking with me and when they found out the story behind the letter, they said, “Until she graduates? That’s very long? Can’t you give a one-time donation? Why so long? You’re really like an American.

It’s strange to me that supporting a child long-term would be viewed as silly… and American? (!!). No, it’s not one nationality. It’s being a human being. Above that, it’s being a child of God who is listening to His prompting to share His love with a little girl in Indonesia.

Maybe because in the local culture, selfishness and inwardness is king. For charity works, a one-time big donation is enough. One-time donations are needed, yes, but the money runs out, and then what next? Should a child go to school for 1 year and than stop?

I believe that education opens up so many doors for these children. It allows them the chance to break out of poverty, to support their families, to have a choice. Giving them their basic needs and healthcare allows them to pursue their dreams without worrying about basic survival. Most importantly, teaching them about their Creator and King gives them eternal hope and joy… which no material thing or human being can give.

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25April2008

Special Letter

Works of God Weekend

I just got a letter from Vanessa, my Compassion girl. Or rather, I got a letter that was dictated to someone else by Vanessa and written by that someone else. But still, it’s a letter from my 5-year-old cute adorable girl in Indonesia.

It was such a blessing to read the letter, learning about her family, her hobbies, that she loves kindergarten and is one of the best in school. It’s great knowing that a few hours flight from me, a little girl can have the joy of staying in school, learning numbers and about the world, and most importantly, about the Lord.

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15March2008

Dear Vanessa,

Hi little girl. I’m so glad that I got off my butt, and decided to sponsor you as my Compassion child. I received your information packet today, full of details of your family, your likes and an amazing photo of you. I’m so excited that you are going to be able to attend school, study the Bible and eat nutritious food. Even more than that, I’m so happy that you’ll have the opportunity to come to know the Lord as your personal Saviour and Joy. I pray that you will grow up to be a Godly young woman who will be a blessing to your people in Indonesia.

I sent you a letter today, with a photo of Snowy and I. I hope you’ll get it soon and write back. Looking forward to hearing from you. I also look forward to one day going to visit you in your homeland. You’re in my prayers.

Love,
TransitionGirl

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