Finally, I am more free to update after some breather.
Firstly, I went for community service in China Sichuan. It was quite an enjoyable trip as the group members were good and helpful. All was helpful and there was no major conflicts and all was cooperating and learning and helping one another. Originally, when I signed up for the trip, I was hoping that I would play more of a support role and less responsibilities...haha try to siam...but in the end, things turn out differently and I have to take up some responsibilities but thank God the team was good and I don't have to worry too much.
Well, something I caught from the trip was the resilient spirit of the Chinese. Even after one year, much of the aftermath of the Wenchuan earthquake could still be seen and chit chat with some of the locals there on what happened at the ground. It was encouraging to hear that people help each other during that time of crisis. That I think there's still hope in humankind and there's a kindness in everyone.
During June time, I was also busy preparing for CodeXtreme Apps in July, a 24 hour programming competition. It was the first time I used Python, a functional programming language that I just picked up. We also tried to use Wii remote control but only managed to do it with limited success. The end product was not really what I hoped to achieve but thank God at least our team won a merit award for this. So not a total waste of effort and I also managed to pick up python and learn the technology behind a Wii mote.
Latest work was writing a paper to be presented in conference in Sep, just managed to finish the first draft so that's why I have time to do some updates.
Concurrently, am also involved in NDP motivators this year from May to National Day, occupying all my saturdays.
Am also busy organizing a bonding + campfire @ pulau ubin on 22 Aug.
These few months also trying to settle my house. Had sold my flat and bought another one at bedok. Will be moving in Nov I hope...Still getting all the admin done. It's really a big hassle moving house.
Personally, undergoing some adjustments in church. Also seeking what to do in the future and also what's the end in mind. Well a pity I missed today's service as I think the message should be good for me. I heard Pastor Khong preached on "What do you see?" Well, will have to watch it online. Recently have been also reading a book called HalfTime....Not that I am that old but I have been working for more than 8 years now. It's quite unthinkable then when I just graduated from university. But time really flies.. But soon, I will probably reach the mid-life crisis. Well, I hope to see the next half will be better and end strong. And I was inspired by the author's epitaph. "100 times more" Indeed with what God had given me, in whatever talents and abilities and time that I have, I hope to multiply that 100 times too.
Recently, I have also been asking myself am I effective and contributing to youthnet and the next generation really must be given the best and not the second best. Today as I was walking back to my car from expo, I also linked back to one question that was posed by one of my colleagues. He asked me..."What is a calling?" (in the teacher sense) I told him that it's sort of destiny, that in your heart you know that it's something you must do. To put all this back to teaching, when I first graduated, teaching wasn't my first choice. In fact, it's my 3rd or last choice. And it was after many years that God had called me into teaching. And through these last 4 years of teaching, I must admit that I learned a lot of lessons and grew a lot in the process. And I told myself, if i were ever not effective as a teacher and not contributing and lost my passion in teaching, I better move on and find another job. The students don't deserve teachers who treat the job like just getting paycheck. They deserve more than this and they should deserve the very best! And I believed teachers are judged more than the rest. They does have a great deal of influence over all these young lives and how they will be shaped in the future. With so much recruitment of teachers recently by the schools and IHLs, I really prayed that the ones recruited will be the right kind and those with passion and calling.
Another thing is regarding my relationship area which quite a number of people have shown concern about. Personally, I think I am getting to be too comfortable being single. Well, I do want to find a mate but I think I have to step out of my comfort zone. Of course there are also other concerns but that's too private to share here. If you want to know, talk to me in person. Haha
Lastly, am hoping to walk and finish 100 km extreme walk...anyone keen to join me in Dec? I hope to register before Oct.