Reflecting 2012

Looking back at the year that went by quickly, 2012 was a year of discovery for me. God showed me so much about Him, and so much about myself that I didn't know (or didn't want to know haha..)

What happened in 2012?

I quit my first job at Harvest Center, and started a new job at FrogAsia.
I won't deny, I still miss my students VERY MUCH. Often wonder how are they doing. Having worked in Harvest Center was definitely God's opportunity to open my eyes to a bigger purpose in my life. To have compassion for the needy and to be ready to give.

FrogAsia is a totally different environment. I travelled to so many schools around Peninsular Malaysia, had the opportunity to meet many amazing people, communicate with teachers, engaging the students, brainstorm etc. It's a new door opened for me and I believe for greater things to come.

Went back to visit the Orang Asli at Raub

I love going back to Raub - because I get to meet pastors who sacrificially travel bumpy rides every week to visit the orang asli's villages and conduct services. I didn't get to meet the children because I went there a day later due to work. But I was blessed. To be able to have fellowship and cook with the people from the villages, to be able to pray for the sick and see healing happen.

Went to Philippines for the 1st time

With the worship team and pastor, and a medical team, we went to Philippines to lead praise & worship in a youth conference while the medical team opened a mobile clinic. Thank God for that free time in the afternoon. I went and sat on a branch when children came and I learned some Tagalog from them :) They were a bliss.. Love them!

Carolling at an Orphanage

Every time I go for missions I thought I'm there to blessed. In the end I was so touched and blessed myself! The children there do not live comfortably but they looked so jolly. During the part where I distributed goodies, a boy carried a 1 year old pastor's son. And he laid his hand on my head. Caretaker said he wants to pray for me. *teary* 

Went to Bangkok and Hanoi for the 1st time

Not for mission trip :p It was a sisterly holiday and although I was not well during the trip, I enjoyed my time a lot! And I get to learn the different culture outside Malaysia.

Had Sub Zone Big Day (Ohana Night) and Sub Zone Christmas Party

Which bonded all of us leaders in the sub zone :) And lives were blessed.

And the many weddings I've sang at and attended...

So despite all the events happened in 2012, I considered to be quite withdrawn because I was spending more time discovering more about who I am in Christ :) It was a good year. I was blessed, and I look forward to this year! God's going to do amazing thing!

Closer

So pull me a little closer

Take me a little deeper

I wanna know Your heart

I wanna know Your heart

I was very encouraged after having dinner with 2 great friends of mine

To learn we came from different walks of life, different upbringing, different calling (still discovering), and yet in the end it's all for One audience - God.

He works in mysterious ways, ways we couldn't comprehend. We will ask Him "Why???" all the time but in the end still find joy in doing the things He called us to do. Funny. I love Him.

To my 3 email friends, I know you read this wan lah he he he... keep the faith!

I need You

I need You more, more than yesterday

I need You more, more than words can say

I need You more than ever before

I need You Lord

I need You Lord

More than the air I breathe

More than the song I sing

More than the next heartbeat

More than anything

As time goes by 

I'll be by Your side

Cause I never want to go back to my old life

We give You the Highest Praise!

We give You the Highest Praise!

Job

You know you love what you do when you forgot there's a holiday coming. When you don't apply for leave to get the whole week off. It's no longer just a 'job'.

I enjoy being here, being part of a huge huge project that could possibly transform the mindset of teachers, bridging the gap between teachers and students, having personalised learning platform for students. And I don't work with people who are here for the money. They are here for the future generation. For education.

These 2 weeks I went through an internal company training where there were talks about the history of the company, the company values, vision, mission, understanding every department in the company, understanding the product, team building, public speaking, creative thinking.......

The best part was, even the receptionist joined in the training. Everyone started off from the same foundation again.

Imagine a company where people from different departments just mingle around, sending each other notes of encouragement, inspiring videos, being generous with compliments and smiles are everywhere.

I think unity is the key to keeping a company together and making the vision happen.

I'm looking forward to go into schools across Malaysia. And carry the culture of the company with me.

Nostalgia

Went to a school today to shadow a teacher. (for work purpose)

So early in the morning I head out to this school, and a teacher brought me to the class. Form 5. A teacher was in there, students stood up and greeted "Good morning, Miss Phoebe" and I was directed to the back of the class. Hmmm. I was never greeted Miss Phoebe before in a class... It was always "Good morning teachaaa". Gave an awkward smile to the students and took my seat.

Ah, felt like I was back in school. Just that I never sit at the back of the classroom before! I scanned through the class, prepared my notebook and started scribbling my observations.

I've never seen a class where EVERY student were attentive. Not once their eyes were off the teacher/the whiteboard. The teacher was fun, interactive, and she went to the level of her students' interests. She knows what's the latest news in the entertainment world, she knows which K-Pop, Bollywood, Hollywood artists they are interested in. Most importantly she managed to cover the objectives of her lesson.

I was inspired. "I want to be able to teach like that," I told myself.

I had so much memories coming back to me as I sat there and observed both the teacher and students engage in discussion. They were discussing English Literature past year questions. But the past year questions were based on 'The Pearl'. Now it's different haha. Wow. 'The Pearl' was during MY batch.

On my way back to work I went to withdraw money. The bank is situated below the school I used to teach in. Harvest :) AND I met my students again :') Really miss them and they were so excited! First thing they told me was, "Teacher, I passed my Maths!" I can even remember their scores.. 51, 71, 89, 90, 94..... I know they will ace UPSR.

I drove back to work after that :) Happy that my previous students are doing so well!

If you can't change the world, change yourself, then try again. One person at a time.

2 months

Been two months since I stopped teaching at Harvest, one month entering my work at FrogAsia.

I enjoy working at the new place, but I still do miss my students.. they have been a joy.
My current office is just across the road =)
I think that's a good thing...

I went over to the school's cafe 2 weeks ago to collect some muffins, cookies and scones for a few guests who were at the office. It was coincidentally the same time my students were having their breaks. When they saw me at the cafe they looked like they have just seen a ghost haha.

Some of them came over and hugged me
some thought I went back to teach
some asked why did I left them
some asked if I will ever go back to teach them
Some asked if I have forgotten them
some asked where am I working now...
some just shyly waved at me and whispered to their friends "Hey Teacher Phoebe is here!"

These children are precious. They left a great impact in my life and I really want to give back. I'm planning to volunteer there on the weekends whenever I can.

I wish the society have more awareness about who these kids and how they survive as a family here in Malaysia. I wish I have more to give and to help.