I was in touch with Hlg and we wanted to do a get-together with Jy at the Old Chang Kee coffeeshop near Selegie end of Jan. Because of it, I texted Jy today. The shocking news I received from Jy was that she has quit her job near Selegie due to her mum's stroke.
I was not able to get the news out of my head so I contacted LP who did not respond. The next person I contacted was D, who had a whole lot of back story to tell me but apparently he had kinda fallen out with Jy. Oh well.
On 13 Jan, we held our inaugural Chapel at 118 JCR and it was anchored by our Advancement Team (Jn, EK, Jsh, A & I). EK was instrumental in all the technical aspects of pulling things together with D, Ry and CV. Jon introduced CCH (who gave the Chapel message) and did the closing prayer. Jsh was our Emcee who welcomed the participants along with Jn and A and organised the Menti word game as an ice-breaker as well as gave the announcements together with Y. Aitee anchored the Praise and Prayer section. Z and I led worship with three songs - Give Thanks, Standing on the Promises and Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me. I thank God that internet connectivity went well throughout the service and we did not have to carry out Plan B to send out videos/PPTs by Whatsapp. Praise God our inaugural Chapel went off smoothly enough, with 37 online participants (as some were in groups of 5/6 people).
This morning during our Adv Team mtg, we evaluated the Chapel and generally gave ourselves a pat on our backs. Although, EK did mention that the technicality part had increased in complexity because of the hybrid nature of the broadcasting to different rooms on-site and online at the same time. Jsh learned that while doing his Emcee role, the stage should not be left empty or blank, so as to facilitate flow of events "on the stage". As for myself, I felt I had done my best even though at some point I could not get some lyrics right, as the screen was not showing the right words. Still, I was glad at least one student H Zhong texted me to tell me that she was being ministered to during worship and she cried. (Jsh kinda made mocking remarks, at least to me, it felt that way... or maybe it was his dry humour about, "Thank Jesus I cried" or something to that effect, and that I did not appreciate - I felt that was uncalled for.)
Also, Jsh was a bit harsh in the manner in which he was coaching me to use Powerpoint to edit an image. Generally, I did learn something from him, but... It was not the most fun nor enjoyable experience to be learning from him because he kept wanting to make it hard for me to learn, or at least that was how I felt... even though he probably did not even realise it. His tone sounded as if he was some army sergeant. So dictatorial. Haiz. Why can't he even learn to speak in a more gentle tone? There is still much for him to learn for sure. Anyways, perhaps it may be due to his recent army experiences in life. I am not sure. He definitely still has a lot of rough edges, in terms of communicating with people in a palatable manner. Or am I expecting too much of a 25 going on to 26 year old young lad? Our interaction was rather awkward to say the least but still, thankfully, I learnt something. haha!
But one thing he did learn after I told him off about remembering to say goodbye is that he will now remember to say goodbye at lunchtime or at the office (tho, not so much at the office). One thing that was rather cute that came up was that Jsh asked about my dog in JB through Jn and they thought Brownie had died! It kinda tickled me that they had such thoughts but at least he cared enough to ask after Brownie. Especially after I had asked him to pray for Brownie's well-being a while ago. It registered with him after all. That is rather sweet. :)
I heralded the New Year of 2021 by attending ARPC's Watchnight Service with I (my MGS classmate) and GP (my AJ coursemate). We had an early countdown in church as the service ended by about half past eleven. By the time we left the church and got to my car, it was nearly 11:55pm and we were five minutes from the fireworks display at Bishan. Still, by God's grace, we zoomed right down to Bishan Road and caught a most magnificent display of the fireworks for a good two minutes at least. What a splendid way to welcome the New Year!
December has been a busy month of celebrating my birthday and catching up with beloved friends. I had a very lovely birthday lunch with mum and sis at Fullerton Bay Hotel's french restaurant and after lunch, we walked across to Fullerton Hotel for pretty pics to commemorate Christmas and my birthday. My birthday fell on a Friday and sis took leave to celebrate with me. That was really sweet of her. On Saturday morning, I had a birthday surprise from Su and I (planned by Su!). They came to my home to surprise me with fresh focaccia bread (baked by Sue) and a fresh bouquet of flowers (a sunflower arrangement) bought by I. I was pleasantly surprised by both of them! It was also their first visit to my home. We had tea together later that afternoon with a proper celebration with cakes and two rounds of birthday songs.
My brother's family took mum and me to Goodwood Hotel's Ming Jiang for dimsum and the food was delectable. That was also on Saturday and it was a birthday treat for me too. That was really generous and kind of them, aside from kor buying a pair of progressive glasses for me. Also, I had celebrations with YL together with GP and G. I also had joint celebrations with WT at Fat Burger at Novena Square. Furthermore, during our TCF lunch meeting at Irene's, I had another joint celebrations with Irene. :)
Man, December is really full of festivities for me... plus I had over 160 wishes and blessings on my FB profile. I know I am abundantly blessed, and my cup overfloweth because God is overwhelming good to me. None of it is because of what I have done and because I deserve any of it. All of it is because of what God has done for me. I can only humbly bow in my heart and thank Him from the bottom of my heart for His goodness, mercy, kindness and love that is unfailing. In His time, He makes everything perfect. :)