sail away...

2007-09-18T13:07:00.000+08:00

It is so nice to be in Hong Kong.
I mean... besides the eating, shopping and being lost in the big city...
I'm really enjoying the time because I got to meet some special people. New friends and old ones.

Last week, I met up with an old friend Ivan. We knew each other since we were teenagers 'cos we went to the same church and went for Sky camps too. It had been a long while since I last saw him... so it was really good to see him again, and to hear how he's doing now.

I don't know how to describe that kind of feeling to reunite with childhood friends... or to meet with people that you have not seen in a long time. It's a warm, comfortable feeling... a little nostalgic 'cos the memories will suddenly come back to mind. But also, 'cos everyone has grown up, and gone through different things in life... we are not really the same as before. In Japanese, I will just say "natsukashii!" :)

It's good to be back onboard Doulos.
I enjoy the time to be with international friends, and to be involved with the ship's ministry again.
The Hong Kong people are very excited about visiting the ship.
Last Sunday, the queue for the bookfair went on for hundreds of metres!
It was sooooooo busy onboard :) that's a great sign... we can be of service to the Hong Kong people.

For the next 2 weeks, I'm going to be sent off the ship to do ministry at a fishing village.
Will live at the village, and minister to the youths there.
I've been told to bring my sleeping bag, expect cold showers, and to ride bicycles for the next 2 weeks of ministry :)
My team-mates for this special mission are from Holland, Kenya and India :)
Looking forward to this time... please pray that my team will be able to build meaningful friendships with the villagers, and to have the wisdom to share the Gospel fully and effectively.

2007-09-09T12:38:00.000+08:00

I am now at Pacific Coffee, in IFC Mall, HONG KONG!
So glad that this coffee place has 3 booths for users to log on to the internet...
am enjoying a cup of 'white dream chillino'... ice blended drink with white chocolate chips in it. yummy! I'm taking a break from walking non-stop for the past few days! :)

Mom and I spent the past 5 days in Hong Kong...
and it was great! Lots of mother-daughter bonding time... heh... enjoyed getting to know my mom's likes and dislikes... and to create new memories with her.

Took Mom to Disneyland 'cos she'd never been to one, and she really enjoyed it! Haha... I made her go on 'Space Mountain' with me, and she was brave enough to take on the challenge. But she didn't want to do it again :) We did a lot of other stuff though... like climbing the Tarzan tree house, watching the Disney musicals, a really cool 3-D show, and even learnt to draw Donald Duck at the Disney Drawing Academy. Fireworks at night was spectacular and magical... it was just beautiful...

We conquered Ladies' Street twice, visited Waterloo Street (where Mom used to stay 35 years ago!), did a lot of exploring along the narrow and hilly streets, and ate a lot of super delicious food!!! Dim sum, roast goose rice, beef noodles, chicken congee, and black sesame paste dessert... we didn't go to the expensive places... just checked out those by the streets... and wow! such good quality stuff :) I love Hong Kong food!

Well, the time with Mom had to end today...
This morning, I sent her off at the Hong Kong airport.
Mom's on her way back to Singapore, while I'm staying behind to rejoin Doulos tomorrow.
It was a teary goodbye.
Ahh... I hate sad goodbyes.

As Mom and I ate our last breakfast together at the airport, she prayed for me... and she started crying... then I started crying :)
But we were like "it's ok... I'll see you soon again... 8 months will pass by very fast".
Yup! 8 months. What's 8 months as compared with the 2.5 years that have gone by already?
God will watch over my family when I'm away :) He's always faithful.

I'm on my own for today... the ship is not here yet.
So I'll be exploring Hong Kong alone til tomorrow!
Doulos will sail into Ocean Terminal soon... and I'm looking forward to see the ship again!
To see my old friends (not many of them left on the ship)
And to welcome the new 80+ recruits joining our Doulos family soon - The Hong Kong Preship!

Bye for now! Hope to update this blog again when I get hold of the internet again :)

2007-09-04T20:24:00.000+08:00

Tonight's the last night in Singapore.
I leave tomorrow... catching a plane to Hong Kong... to rejoin Doulos.

The past 6 weeks of furlough was great!
Met up with loads of people... family, relatives, friends...
it was just so nice to catch up with everyone.
We updated one another, and shared stories about what's been happening in our lives.
It was a very meaningful time of connecting.

Many changes have taken place...
especially among my peers, whose lives have gone through big transitions in the past 2 years.
New jobs, switching of jobs, getting attached, engaged and getting married...
haha, I was pleasantly surprised when 2 of my good friends showed me their sparkling rings on their fingers... :) congrats girls!

My time at church has been wonderful...
made it a point to get involved with the ministries I used to serve at :)
Went back to Youth Choir, and enjoyed singing with the younger ones...

Also went to teach the kiddies (5 & 6 year-olds) at Sunday School :) They were so adorable. Showed them a video clip of Doulos... and the boys just went 'WOW..................' Asked them to pray for different countries that Doulos had sailed to. So they picked up colour pencils to start drawing a picture of the ship, and wrote the countries' names on the paper...

So now, I'm packing my suitcase...
Mixed feelings really.
I had a great time at home... and the reunion with Mom, Zhiyong and Limin was precious.
The thought of having to leave them again... is really sad.
I wish I could just stay on and get to be a part of their lives again.
But...

It is time to return to Doulos to run the last lap.
8 more months of commitment.
And I will finish it with joy and conviction :)
Gonna give my talents back to the Master, through serving on the ship.

Thank you Singapore Friends and Family,
for allowing me to be a part of your lives...
It was great to see you again.
Bye and I'll miss you very much....

The next time I update this blog...
I'll be back onboard my favourite ship... the MV DOULOS!
All aboard?

Love,
Jia

2007-08-20T10:27:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was a very meaningful Sunday.

Had a time of sharing at my home church, Kay Poh...

during the 3 services, and also the Japanese service at IJCS.

Actually... while preparing for the sharing, my heart was heavy and burdened.

Church has been going through some tough times...

and I wanted to share something that was going to encourage them...

something that would be personal, and would make a difference in their lives.

"God, what do you want me to say?

What message do you want me to share with the church?"

Heh... I really had a sleepless night over this.

And there were times, when I suddenly felt so down and did not feel like sharing anymore.

But thank You Lord, for strengthening me...

for restoring my broken heart...

for sending friends and family, that became pillars of strength and comfort.

And the sharing at church could happen :)

So yesterday, standing up on stage...

It was so good to see all the familiar faces...

the uncles, aunties that watched me grow up...

the friends that I knew from young...

and the kids that I used to teach during Sunday School.

Shared about my time in Cebu, Philippines...

where God let me reunite with Grace and Ann, the 2 girls I shared the Gospel with after a 6-year gap! :)

The 'before and after' photos of the 3 of us on Doulos, were so cool!

After the short bursts of laughter, in amazement and wonder that God did such a thing...

I continued with a message that was so heavy on my heart...

something that I'm still struggling to live out,

but really desiring to do - to live a life that is totally given over to God.

Serving God fulltime on Doulos seems like a big deal.

Is it really?

To give up time, money, relationships, career, and security about the future.

Is it such a sacrifice?

I have cried myself silly over such calculations...

to weigh the pros and cons of serving God fulltime...

and thinking how much I have to let go, to obey God's call on my life.

But what was I thinking?

I had missed out the REAL THING!

In the words of Bill Bright (founder of CCC),

"Some may call it sacrifice

But they do not understand

That walking with You

Makes me the richest man."

GOD is my Portion!

He is my RICHEST Reward :)

I have not lost anything, but have gained EVERYTHING!

Instead of clinging onto things that will satisfy me for a little while, and later be no more...

I'd better start storing up treasures in heaven :)

The song 'No Sacrifice' by Jason Upton, means a lot to me.

I first heard it during the Doulos training... where I learnt my first mime.

The lyrics of the song convicted me to check myself...

what was my relationship with God like?

Is He really my Lord, whom I trust entirely?

Or am I withholding things and areas of my life to Him?

As the song goes, my desire is to say...

Lord, I can never outgive you.

I owe you everything.

You are so good.

And I am grateful.

So as you call me to serve you fulltime on Doulos...

"This is no sacrifice.

Here's my life".

Presented the mime "No Sacrifice" for my church...

and there were some that cried...

how did God speak to the hearts of my people?

How would God speak to yours?

No Sacrifice

To you I give my life,

not just the parts I want to

To you I sacrifice

these dreams that I hold on to

Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

This is no sacrifice

Here's my life

To you I give the gifts

Your love has given me

How can I hoard the treasures

that you've designed for free?

Because Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is staronger than mine

This is no sacrifice

Here's my life

To you I give my future

As long as it may last

To you I give my present

To you I give my past

Because Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

This is no sacrifice

Here's my life

2006-05-20T09:38:00.000+08:00

Guess who I met after 1 1/2 year?
My dearest Mommy!

On 11 May 2006, she came from Singapore to visit me for 3 days. Thanks to Aunty Caylie and Judith, who accompanied my mom on the long bus ride, I could see my mom again... finally!

The reunion was just great... I never knew I missed my mom so much until I saw her that night... the depth of a mother's love is amazing. When she first saw me, she just hugged me so tight. First she smiled. Then she cried. And then I cried. It's so good to be united with Mom!

Good Friday

2006-04-14T10:58:00.000+08:00

What my life is...

It is but a breath.
It is but a shifting shadow.
It is but a mist.

So temporal.
So vulnerable.
So quick to fade away.

Yet there is worth.
There is meaning.
And there is hope.

All because of my Saviour.
Jesus who died on my behalf.
His sacrifice on the Cross I cannot understand.

What made the Son of God humble Himself to such a state?
He lived 33 years, in a world corrupted and hostile.
Befriended the lowest of the lowest, and loved even His enemies.

The good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep.
He was wounded, so that we would be healed.
He gave His life, so that we would live.

Today is Good Friday... a day to remember the greatest act of love.
Thank You God, for the ultimate gift of love - Your only Son, Jesus.
Thank You for saving me, for showing me so much grace... for loving unworthy me.

Thank You for the dreams You've put on my heart.
Thank You for fulfilling them in Your perfect timing.
I am overwhelmed by how things work out for my good after all!

Sailing the seas is something I never dared dream of.
Yet here I am, catching a glimpse of the world You created.
The people I met, bear Your image.
The nature around me, shouts aloud the creativity of their Maker.

Thank You, my dear Lord, for faithfully taking care of my family.
Mom, Zhiyong and Limin are all doing so well.
What can I say, except to say from my heart... God, I owe You so much.
I can never do anything to repay You.
But here's my life, O God.
I lay it all down again, at Your throne.
Take it, use it, and make me Your instrument of peace and love.
With a heart of thanksgiving on this special day,
Jia...
14 April 2006
- Klang -

Doha, Qatar

2006-02-25T21:35:00.000+08:00

International Night... 24 Feb 2006.
It was the most beautiful International Night since I joined Doulos.
We had it in an open park, and many Arab families came to watch the performances.
Looking at the sea of women veiled in black, and their husbands robed in white, I was really touched to see the great turnout! A few hundred people sat on the concrete seats... others sat on the grass... and the Douloids danced, and sang. The Doulos drama team made the crowd laugh too!
Met Dalia, a Sudanese girl, who was watching I-night. After chatting for a while, she wanted me to meet her family! So I walked with her, and ended up at a picnic mat on the grass... her mother, uncle and 3 siblings were there. They were surprised to see me, of course! Who was this Chinese-looking girl?!
Introduced myself in broken Arabic "Marhaba. Esme Jiamin..." ("Hello! My name is Jiamin) and sat down to have tea with the family :) They came to watch I-night later on, and I'm very thankful everyone had a good time! The Arabs were so happy with the performances, that they were clapping to the beat during our finale :) Praise God for everything!

2006-02-12T14:55:00.000+08:00

Farewell Sabrina
Most Douloids serve a 2-year contract... and over the past month, a group of Douloids who completed their service left our Doulos family, and returned home.
Sabrina (Malaysia) and I spent 6 weeks together during an Intensive Discipleship Course (IDC), along with 2 German brothers and a Swiss sister (see picture). We endured physically-challenging conditions in tsunami-hit Galle, Sri Lanka... and had a meaningful time of ministry as we lived with the drug addicts in a mountainous village.
People come and go on the ship. That is the toughest thing for me... to say goodbye to friends who have shared Doulos life with me. But there is a time for everything... and I can only be grateful for these memories once shared.

CNY with Esther in Abu Dhabi, UAE

2006-02-12T14:13:00.000+08:00

Celebrating Chinese New Year with Esther and her neighbour, Lily, in Abu Dhabi, UAE... Feb 2006

Esther (first row, right) a fellow Singaporean, had been living in UAE for the past 8 months. When Doulos sailed to Abu Dhabi, Esther and her husband came onboard to visit. When she learnt that Doulos is run by 350 volunteers from 48 countries, she asked Su Ray (Taiwan),

"Are there any Singaporeans onboard?"

Ray told Esther about me, and because I was off the ship, she left a bag of CNY cookies and some mandarin oranges... and a note with her contact details. I was so surprised and happy to read the note when I came back! That night, I gave her a call, and that was how we 'found' each other in the foreign land of the Arabian Peninsula!

We met up a few times... having 'makan' sessions and great Singaporean/Singlish conversations. Once, Esther even made Hainanese Chicken Rice for dinner (can you imagine how thrilled I was to eat it, after 1 year away from home?) It was so heartwarming to celebrate CNY together too (see picture above)

Don't know how to describe it, but the joy of meeting fellow Singaporeans during my Doulos journey, is really so encouraging and refreshing. Though our time together was short and limited, it was very precious. Enjoyed sharing Doulos stories with Esther, Lily and their husbands... and was refreshed by the conversations and fellowship we shared. And I can only thank God for letting our paths cross...

Back to the cyberworld!

2005-10-10T17:23:00.000+08:00

Yes! I'm finally connected with the cyberworld :)
Here in Toamasina, MADAGASCAR!!!
It has been 4 months WITHOUT internet, and that is such a challenge!
Cos I wasn't able to update this blog... and I'm glad to find it still here, despite MIA-ing for so long.

So where was I?
After the previous update,
- Doulos sailed to Durban and Richards Bay, South Africa (July-Sept)
- I was sent on a 2-week Action Team to Swaziland!!! (that was an adventure... working with an AIDS centre, and living in the midst of Swazi people)
- A 6-day voyage across the Indian Ocean
- Now I'm in Toamasina, Madagascar... and we leave on 11 Oct, for Antsiranana, the next port in Madagascar.

What was life like?
- in South Africa, had to walk around without any bag. Cos near the port was a mafia operation that mugged 15 Douloids in the 1st week in Durban (some at knife-point! But thank God for protecting their lives)
- in Swaziland, made friends with the Swazis. Went to prison 3 times, to share the Gospel :) And played with the orphans whose parents died from AIDS.
- in Indian Ocean, had a permanent headache cos Doulos rocked SO MUCH!
- in Madagascar, visited the most beautiful untouched beaches... and had Chinese food! Taught some children (at a rural river settlement village) action songs... and they loved it :)

So I'm still here :) well taken care of by the Lord.
Very grateful for His protection.
I've been taking Malaria pills for 6 months now... and my health is still ok.
Doulos will be heading into the French islands, and India in the months to come...
Thanks for your prayers, and your love :)
I miss you all... I really do.
But being on the Doulos is where God wants me for now...
and I hope to be a true Douloid serving Him and His people :)

Take care!
Lotsa love,
Jia
10 Oct 05, 1pm

here in dar es Salaam

2005-06-17T20:15:00.001+08:00

can't believe I am actually sitting in a nicely air-conditioned internet cafe!
this is in the middle of town... and yes, this is Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
I'm still in Africa! Will be in this continent for the next couple of months...

What is Tanzania like?
Well, it's really hot. So I've gotta wear long-sleeves whenever I go out... cos I get sunburnt really easily :)
And I just finished attending a service in an Anglican church... the Douloids and I shared testimonies to encourage the local believers. They asked questions like, "How do 350 people, from so many different countries and church denominations, live and work in harmony?" The only reason is our common purpose on the ship - to share the love of Christ. Knowing that this is my purpose on the ship keeps me going through the hard times.

What are the Tanzanians like?
The people are very well-dressed. I don't mean they wear designer labels. They are not rich. But they are properly attired... and I am very impressed. Men wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Women wear matching blouses and skirts... sometimes with a matching headscarf. They do know how to dress well... heh... as compared to the 'free and easy, anything goes' in Singapore :)

What about shopping?
I haven't really bought anything yet... except for 2 postcards, and some cookies. But there are many shops set up along the streets... a little like the parsa malam style. Oh yes, most of the stallholders are men. And there are also many people who walk around, holding clothes hangers with dresses or shirts for sale. They make kissing noises to get your attention too!

Doulos in Tanzania...
It has been rather quiet so far. Not a lot of publicity has been made at this port. So there are not as many visitors as compared to Kenya. But just now, we went out into the city center, distributing Doulos flyers. They were very open to taking the flyers from us. Pray that God will bring the crowd to the ship... :)

Me?
I'm doing well... but down with a cough and flu. The ship's air-con is getting really cold. I'm even sleeping with a jacket on, and with 2 blankets! :) But all is good!

Okie... gotta go back to the ship. My friends are waiting :)
Love,
Jia

here in dar es Salaam

2005-06-17T20:15:00.000+08:00

2005-05-26T21:08:00.000+08:00

Roti prata!!! well, it's actually chappati, but it tasted like food from home!

2005-05-26T21:07:00.000+08:00

Kenya kids doing kungfu!

2005-05-26T21:04:00.000+08:00

this is what I saw as I walked through the port gate to return to the ship... wow!!!!!!!!!

2005-05-26T21:03:00.000+08:00

the many people in queue to get onboard...

2005-05-26T21:00:00.000+08:00

Doulos in Mombasa, Kenya

2005-05-10T01:17:00.000+08:00

Doulos appears in the newspapers!!! We are here in Oman!

2005-05-10T01:16:00.000+08:00

Dress code for this part of the world - long sleeves and long skirts... even when it's really hot!

2005-05-10T01:14:00.001+08:00

A typical store in the marketplace

2005-05-10T01:14:00.000+08:00

entrance to marketplace/bazaar

2005-05-10T01:12:00.000+08:00

Omani swords... many people carry them around

2005-05-10T01:11:00.000+08:00

Fish Souq (market)

2005-05-10T01:09:00.001+08:00

Night view of town near port area

2005-05-10T01:09:00.000+08:00

Ahh!!! My first visitors from home!!!! Uncle Lau and Rebecca... old church friends :)

2005-05-10T01:07:00.000+08:00

Rebecca playing around with our Doulos props

2005-05-10T01:05:00.000+08:00

at the ship's bookshop...

2005-05-10T01:03:00.000+08:00

Omani lads visiting Doulos

2005-05-10T01:01:00.000+08:00

Omani school girls who came onboard

oman!

2005-05-04T00:38:00.000+08:00

After 6 days of voyage (thank God it was sooo smooth!) from Djibouti... we are here in Muscat, Oman!!!
This is perhaps the most beautiful port I've ever seen...
it looks like I'm in the land of Aladdin!
Lots of sand castle looking buildings... and Omani men wearing long white robes :)

Tried making curry puffs for the first time, because there was Asian Cafe onboard the ship, where we invite visitors to chat with the Douloids.
So I was kneading the dough for hours, and tried making the puffs look decent... thank God everything turned out quite well, and the visitors liked the curry puffs *phew*

Thank you guys, for the lovely encouragement!!!!!
I read the comments on the previous blog entry... and I am super touched :)
Feel so loved already... what more can I ask for?
Thank You Lord, for blessing me with friends that care!
I love you guys... and yup, I'm feeling much better!
Not so homesick anymore... cos God has also been speaking to me through His Word, and through emails from you! :)

Take care too...
Love,
Jiamin

homesick

2005-04-20T01:30:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, while scrubbing floors in the galley (ship's lingo for kitchen), I suddenly thought "You know God, I think I am ready to go home now. I've learnt many lessons in the past 3 months... it's been a real adventure sailing across the Red Sea, drinking tea with the Arabians, experiencing physical hardship, but I really miss my family. If You call me to go back home now, I am ready."

Homesickness... is hitting me. Not in the bad bad way (e.g.: I WANT TO GO HOME!) but in a I-don't-mind-leaving-the-ship-to-go-home way.

This morning, when Eliane (my sweet Swiss cabin mate) asked if I felt better from yesterday, I just looked at her, speechless. The thing is I couldn't even find the words to describe the emotions I'm feeling. I don't even know why I feel this way. Tears just started rolling down my cheeks. Eliane sat next to me and hugged me. And I felt God's love through that hug.

Don't worry about me... even though pangs of home-sickness hit me hard at times, I'm not gonna quit this 2-year commitment that I've made unto Him. No matter what my heart feels, through the happy and sad times, I will continue to set my eyes on Him. God is good. He gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.

Djibouti!!!

2005-04-18T01:33:00.000+08:00

In the past few weeks... I have found it most difficult to 'survive' without internet :) heh...
We are now in Djibouti, after spending close to 3 weeks in SUDAN!!!
Yup! Believe it or not, God just sends me to places I'd never thought I'll end up in! :)
And the initial fears and worries of entering a 3rd world country like Sudan... turned into joy and excitement...
Went to help build a school for Sudanese children, in an old refugee camp.
The sun was blazing hot... and the weather was very dry.
But the experience was great! And I taught the kids how to sing too :) Thank God!

Will update you again... do be patient :) We are in Africa... and it's not easy to find computers :)

Love ya lots!

To all my friends who are having exams, jia you orh! I am praying for you guys...

last day in jordan

2005-03-21T20:22:00.000+08:00

It's my last day here in Aqaba, Jordan...
for the first time in my life, I went snorkelling... in the Red Sea!
And I visited a beautiful desert called Wadi Rum...
had such a good time of rest being in awe of God's creation!

The ship leaves Jordan today, and we sail into Sudan.
It's going to be 4 days of voyage...
very excited about the work we are going to do in Sudan... please pray for everything to go as God wills it :)

IMPORTANT!!! I will not be able to access email for the next 6 weeks!!!
Pls stay in touch with me through snail mail :) would love to hear from you!

take care... Missing you lots!

it's wednesday

2005-03-21T20:11:00.000+08:00

Hello, my dear friend!

How are you feeling today? I am writing you from Aqaba, Jordan. And I'm in a very good mood because today is Wednesday!

On Doulos, every Wednesday is 'Chocolate-spread Day'. Creamy chocolate-spreads are put out on the table during breakfast, besides the usual butter and jam. This morning, I ate a slice of bread covered with a nice layer of hazelnut chocolate-spread... that made me so happy!
Wednesday is also my 'Laundry Day'. We get to wash our clothes only once a week, so I was really looking forward to having my laundry done today! Once work ended at 8pm, I went back to my cabin, took out all the dirty clothes and placed them in the laundry. Yeah! I would have fresh clean clothes to wear tomorrow :)

But what made today extra special is the snail mail that arrived from my family! Thank God for the letters, because it was SO good to hear from home! I had been waiting for more than a month, so you can imagine how I felt when someone told me, "Jiamin, you've got mail!" When I opened the envelope and saw the handwritings of my mom, brother and sister, I really felt the personal touch. It was as if they were talking to me face to face, except it has been 3 months since we last saw one another.

Zhiyong has passed his driving test, so now he drives my family to church. And Limin had her first piano recital at the 'High Scorer's Concert' (she scored the highest in Singapore for Grade 8 piano exam last year) So happy for my siblings! Mom is still going strong, teaching at the kindergarten and doing visitation work with church friends. Thank God for taking such good care of my family!

Homesick? Yes, I do miss my family and friends a lot. But at the same time, I am happy and thankful to be here on Doulos, because this is where God wants me to be. He has blessed me with wonderful cabin-mates, and a fun-loving shift to work with in the pantry/galley. He is also breaking my pride and teaching me how to 'wash the feet of others' as I serve the ship's community by scrubbing floors, washing dishes, and taking out the garbage.

Off the ship, God has opened my eyes to see the beauty of Middle East culture. At first, it was a struggle to appreciate the vast differences in traditions and values. But now, I do admire the Arabian culture for its loving hospitality and the people's expression of joy through song and dance. It has been a privilege to be in this part of the world... thank God for everything!

Lots of love,
Jiamin
16 Mar 2005
-Doulos in Jordan-

pix from egypt!

2005-03-14T17:45:00.000+08:00

hey! here are some pictures to share with you...
from the land of Port Said, Egypt!

2005-03-14T17:44:00.000+08:00

we actually met a Singaporean couple in Egypt! a group of us Asian Douloids went to their house for a chinese meal! how i miss home food!!

2005-03-14T17:41:00.002+08:00

River Nile...

2005-03-14T17:41:00.001+08:00

yeah... blessed with the chance to visit the pyramids!!!

2005-03-14T17:41:00.000+08:00

The Sphinx... and friends from the ship

2005-03-14T17:40:00.000+08:00

King Tut :)

2005-03-14T17:39:00.000+08:00

local food... tastes a bit like nato, japanese fermented beans :)

2005-03-14T17:38:00.001+08:00

perfumes...

2005-03-14T17:38:00.000+08:00

Egyptian lads

2005-03-14T17:37:00.000+08:00

Doulos at Port Said, Egypt

Aqaba, Jordan

2005-03-14T16:46:00.000+08:00

Hello!!!
yeah... I get to use the internet finally! In a small little shop found in a remote corner of the street... and there are only 2 computers here! heh...

Doulos is now in Aqaba, Jordan... a very beautiful place!
Our ship is docked at the Red Sea, with blue blue waters... and I can see schools of fishes from the deck!
And on my off day (yup... after working 5 days a week, we get 1 off day *smile*), I visited an awesome desert, Wadi Rum. I never thought that a desert could be soooo beautiful!
The rock formations were different in various parts of Wadi Rum... and the golden sand was soft beneath my feet...
God's creation was just so lovely. As my Doulos friends and I sat in the back of the jeep, driving through the desert, we just sang songs to worship the Creator! :)

This port has been rather quiet compared to Egypt, because not so many people come onboard the ship. So what I have been doing is to go out to town, giving out Doulos flyers to the passers-by, and to the shopkeepers. Drank lots of tea with newly found friends on the streets too...

Oh yup! Want to praise God for 1 big thing!!! My younger sister, Limin, did well for her O levels! And I am so proud of her :) She can stay in ACJC... and I just want to share the joy with you too!!! :)

Take care... Love ya lots!

Who are You?

2005-02-27T22:27:00.000+08:00

here is the poem that I promised you guys in an entry written back in Lebanon...
it's not meant to rhyme by the way *smile* this is just an expression of my random thoughts that night...

Who are You?

God, who are You?
I look up into the nightsky.
The stars are in their place
And the moon shines brightly.
And I just wonder...
Who is this God?

God, who are You?
You who are unseen
Have made Yourself known
Through the written Word.
Yet I can't put any face to Your name.

Who exactly are You, God?
I've always tried to imagine
How big You are,
What You sound like,
What You look like...
Are You like a King with a big shiny throne?
Seated upon the clouds of heaven?
Are You like the ever-protecting Shepherd?
With a staff and a rod to guide silly lost sheep like me?

Who are You, God?
You who existed before time came to be.
Your thoughts are way higher than mine...
Your words are much deeper than any wise man's...
Your strength is immeasurable.
At Your verbal commands,
The earth was created and filled with living creatures.

Really... who are You?
I cannot fathom anything about You.
I can't touch You...
I don't see You...
I don't hear You in physical terms.
Yet I know so surely,
That You are the One true God.
And You complete my entire being.

You are God.
That is who You are.
A God of love, righteousness and holiness.
A God that's so powerful.
A God that's fearsome.
Yet You chose to humble Yourself in the form of a baby...
To walk on earth, giving up Your rights as the King of kings.
Your sacrifice on the cross.
So painful.
So lonely.

Filled with guilt and shame,
I really don't understand why
You saved a prodigal daughter like me.
I did You wrong, and grieved Your spirit.
But You never gave up on me...
Not even when I ran and ran, far away from You.

It was then that I finally realized I had been running in a circle.
And You were standing there with open arms,
Ready to receive me back.
I just had to stop running from You,
To stop rebelling against You.
Thank You for Your love and forgiveness.

Despite encountering You personally,
I still have no words to describe who You really are.
No words can ever tell of Your entire being...
You are the great ' I AM '
And may I just learn more about You,
To know You so personally...
That I can become more like You each day...
Til I'm reunited with You in heaven.

Egypt!

2005-02-24T17:45:00.000+08:00

'Welcome to Port Said!'
Everywhere I went, the Egyptians were saying that to me.
I really felt like a tourist!
And many of them think I look like a Korean actress from Winter Sonata (the Egyptians LOVE Korean dramas! They even watch it as a family!)

Doulos has been here for 1 week now. It is so interesting to see the big difference between Lebanon and Egypt. On the streets in Port Said, people walk in groups... boys walk with boys, and girls walk with girls. If you are good friends with somebody, you hold hands. So yup... after a while, I got used to seeing big boys/men holding hands with one another. Imagine that happening in Singapore! heh... can't imagine right? :)

One thing I'm really thankful for, is the privilege to become good friends with the locals. Met some students from Suez Canal University... they practised speaking English with me, and I learnt to speak Arabic! Though we have only known each other for a few days, there is a special bond that can't be described. And I feel so loved by these new friends. Thank God for everything!

2005-02-14T02:03:00.000+08:00

sorry guys... wouldn't be able to upload the poem on the blog... :) but i'll put it in my prayer newsletter... so pls wait for the 1st issue of my stories out at sea!

i've started work... and it is a very humbling experience. washing lots of dirty dishes, and working behind the scene... but i am enjoying it. and i know God is molding my character, and refining me... :)

will be sailing off to Egypt soon... in 2 days' time...

pray that i'll be able to use the last 2 days here in Lebanon meaningfully :)
take care!

who are You, God?

2005-02-09T20:02:00.000+08:00

2 nights ago, i was lying in my bed. it was close to midnight, but i couldn't sleep... had received news that a friend is down with an illness. felt sad... and i couldn't do anything, except to go on my knees and pray... despite the seemingly sad situation, i know God is still in control.

i looked out of the window... and just wondered, "Who are You, God?"
wrote a little poem too... hope to share it with you in the next entry... :)
just want to encourage you if you're feeling down, take heart in knowing that Jesus cares for you... and He is sovereign, and He is good.

training has ended... and i'll be heading back to the quayside, to return back to my new home onboard the ship! i'll be working in the galley/pantry where i'll cook and wash dishes for 400 people everyday! gonna learn servanthood from the basics :) i'm really excited to begin my new life! cos God has been cleansing me and making me whole over the past 2 weeks... so til i write again... God bless you! :)

2005-02-06T02:53:00.000+08:00

learnt to put out fires today!
haha... when i put the blanket over the fire, some flames came shooting out... and i got a scare! but thank God, i wasn't burnt at all!
you know, i'm really so glad to have this chance to learn practical skills! yesterday, performed CPR for the 1st time (on the "dummy" of course... and it tasted so "plastic"! heh...) and had lectures on first aid, crowd management, and emergency safety.
timid jiamin is getting a little braver everyday... all by God's grace and strength! :)

safety training!

2005-02-03T18:55:00.000+08:00

yeah!!! I DID IT!!!!
i jumped down from the diving board! and i managed to climb onto an overturned liferaft, to flip it back over (haha... i'm not that strong, but yes, i did it!) also did fun things, like making lifejackets out of my clothes :) yes... this is all part of Doulos ship safety training... in case the ship sinks (but of course, God has kept this ship afloat for 90 years!)

the practical safety training was really a great time for our Beirut preship (new recruits for Doulos)! cos we just helped one another get through the safety exercises. there were some non-swimmers among us (so brave of them to join the ship!), and they really overcame their fear of water to complete the practical training...

yesterday was our FREE day (yeah!!! finally!), and i went for a day tour around Lebanon! visited some ancient ruins (as old as 5000 years old!)... even had lunch on some rocks that used to be part of a temple built in 2500B.C. also went up the mountains, and had a lovely view of Lebanon and the Mediterranean sea :) it was a good day of rest... felt refreshed by the cool crisp air... and the raindrops too.

Lebanon is a really exciting place to explore... got to talk with some locals, and they are SO hospitable (got invited to coffee, when we just talked for 5 minutes on the streets)... God is good, and i'll continue to rely on Him as i go about doing my work :) thank you for praying!

Beirut!

2005-01-30T19:34:00.001+08:00

the Middle East...
never thot i'll end up in this part of the world!
but here i am, in Beirut, Lebanon :)
thank God for the safe journey from Germany to Cyprus! the plane was late, so we touched down at Cyprus airport at 8.20pm, and Doulos had to "get out" of the port at 10pm!!! what a rush :) we threw all the luggage into the bus that took us to the ship...

and as the bus drove into the quayside, i saw Doulos from a distance... memories came flooding back. can't imagine i'm really coming back! and we got a big welcome from other Douloids when we came down from the bus... wow... it was just overwhelming to step onto the ship again, to smell the old familiar smell of the cabins, to hear the waves rocking the ship, to see all the international faces of the crew!

so yes, we are in the Middle East... a land that is really unique in its culture and history. i'm safe and sound (so mommy, don't worry!) and really looking forward to interacting with the locals here :) it's gonna be great! take care, my frens... may not be able to write often... God bless!

Beirut,

2005-01-30T19:34:00.000+08:00

leaving Mosbach!

2005-01-26T16:18:00.000+08:00

it is the last day here in Mosbach...
and had a lovely walk, as it snowed, together with 2 new friends i made here...
as the snow flakes fell onto the ground softly, we sang songs to praise God... to praise Him for the awesome God that He is, to remember He is holy, and He is worthy of our worship.

i am leaving for the bus in 10 minutes... going off to Frankfurt airport to catch the plane to Cyprus, to catch the Doulos at the port, and then sail off to Lebanon!

it is hard to say goodbye to the new friends made... but i am SO HAPPY cos they are going all over the globe, to share the love of God, to join Him where He is at work!

dear God, thank You for the fresh fallen snow... thank You for Jesus whose blood has cleansed my sins away... as pure, as white as snow. thank You for this GO conference that i have come to experience You personally... to You i surrender this life! amen!

sunday service

2005-01-23T19:14:00.000+08:00

just finished sunday service... it was beautiful! the asians (there are 9 of us, from malaysia, singapore, korea, japan-NAGOYA!!!!) presented 2 worship songs... and we taught the congregation how to sing praises to God in malay and cantonese! imagine that!!! standing in front of the majority-western congregation, when i heard them trying really hard to sing in cantonese, i was really touched! it was 31 nationalities singing in 1 voice, praising this 1 God! the Lord of all! a preview to what heaven will be like... beyond description.

gonna visit Heidelberg castle soon... wonder what it's like. it'll be great to "get out" of Mosbach for a while, and explore the rest of Germany... :) thank God for lovely weather! it didn't rain today....

ducks that swim sideways...

2005-01-21T20:23:00.000+08:00

Just finished lunch! yummy! we had roasted chicken, and potato wedges... typical western meal? heh...

well, the conference has been going well! learning lots of stuff about how to behave and adjust in different cultures. and realized i am experiencing Cultural stress... being away from home, sometimes i suddenly feel a loss of identity... like who am i? heh... have u ever felt like that? but then the good thing is that God has been speaking to me a lot, and I know this is part of a process that is changing me. for the next 2 years, God will teach me more about myself, the strengths and weaknesses... and how to work as a team with Doulos friends... and how to share His love with those in very different cultures. my future is in His hands... and that is great comfort!

just a silly question, have u ever saw a duck swim sideways? well, i saw one yesterday! and it made me laugh :) have a nice day!

GO conference day 3!

2005-01-17T02:25:00.000+08:00

hey!!! how time flies... *smile* it's day 3 of the GO conference already! here in Mosbach, Germany! a small little town, with lots of old traditional German houses... feels like I'm in storyland... with houses that look that chocolate biscuits! heh... it's freezing!!! i think it dipped below zero degrees today! cos when i walked on the streets, the puddle had turned into ice, and the grass and leaves were covered with frost. amazing! not getting snow yet... but I'm praying to see it! cos I've NEVER seen snow! haha....

called home yesterday, and spoke to my mom, Zhiyong and Limin! yeah! so glad that all is going well at home, and at church! heard that youth choir had a record of 22 people last Saturday!!!yeah!!!! thank God SO much for the great turnout! really so encouraged by all that's happening back home in Singapore...

well, the conference has been awesome! meeting lots of new people here... from 31 countries! and it is so encouraging to see many youngsters here too! met at least five 19 year olds who are going on Doulos for 2 years! wow!!! some are postponing their studies... and others just seeking God's will for their lives! and I've been learning lots about God and how to abide in Him...

thanks for praying, guys! gotta run... it's time for evening conference!!!
bye!!! *smile*

photos of Dublin, Ireland!

2005-01-12T21:38:00.000+08:00

hey guys!
here are some pix I took in Dublin, Ireland...
ENJOY!!!

2005-01-12T21:28:00.000+08:00

sunrise in Dublin, Ireland! It's 8.45am by the way...

2005-01-12T21:27:00.000+08:00

Winter scene in Dublin... but no snow! just bare trees *smile*

2005-01-12T21:26:00.000+08:00

Garden of Remembrance...

2005-01-12T21:25:00.000+08:00

A statue to remember those who sacrificed their lives for Ireland's freedom...

2005-01-12T21:24:00.000+08:00

visited Dublin Writers Museum!!! yeah!!! finally get to see all the writers I used to study during Lit classes...

2005-01-12T21:23:00.000+08:00

Old Testament! i think... heh...

2005-01-12T21:22:00.000+08:00

Old Testament in Gaelic! It's the 1st edition in 1685!

2005-01-12T21:20:00.001+08:00

old old edition of DRACULA!!!!! awesome...

2005-01-12T21:20:00.000+08:00

hey 99A13! recognise the writers we used to study during Lit? heh...

2005-01-12T21:18:00.001+08:00

interesting map of Ireland...

2005-01-12T21:18:00.000+08:00

Christ Church Cathedral (founded in 1030!)

2005-01-12T21:17:00.000+08:00

the old lady just fed the pigeons lots of breadcrumbs!

2005-01-12T21:16:00.000+08:00

St. Audeon's Church from a distance...

2005-01-12T21:14:00.001+08:00

waiting for the bus in the cold... it's freezing 4 degrees!

2005-01-12T21:14:00.000+08:00

visited Guiness storehouse in Dublin! some 1950s posters...

2005-01-12T21:13:00.000+08:00

watching 1950s Guiness advertisement... cool!

2005-01-12T21:12:00.000+08:00

"My goodness! My Guiness!"

2005-01-12T21:10:00.000+08:00

finished only half a pint... heh... not a drinker

Photos of Dublin!

2005-01-12T20:45:00.000+08:00

hey guys!
I've uploaded some of the pictures I took here in Dublin, Ireland...
ENJOY!!!
Packing my bags already... gonna fly off to Germany tomorrow.
Bye!!!

last 2 days in Dublin...

2005-01-12T01:38:00.000+08:00

today's weather was TERRIBLE! heh... it was stormy, with lots of strong wind... even the umbrella that I was using turned "inside out", and I was drenched! haha... looked like a pitiful tourist...

And I did get lost today... went out of the city... was looking for Malahide castle, but ended up stranded in the roads... and found myself at one of Europe's oldest dungeons - Kilmainham Gaol. but still, really THANK GOD for keeping me safe and sound!

Before I found shelter at the dungeon, for a moment I felt really scared. Cos I didn't know where I was... and the winds were so strong, I thought I would be blown away. but as I started to sing songs to praise God (haha... nobody could hear cos I was the only one out on the roads!), I was comforted by God's presence. Was also reminded of the Bible story whereby the disciples were scared of the storm, but Jesus calmed it immediately... haha... experienced this storm physically today in Dublin. What an experience...

Well, my trip in Dublin is coming to an end... in just 2 days, will be flying off to Germany for 2-week conference...

til I write again, love lots!
jia

Dublin!!!

2005-01-06T01:31:00.000+08:00

BRRR.................
It's freezing cold here in Dublin, Ireland! 6 degree celsius! and lots of wind!!!
but then again... I'm enjoying the different weather *wink*

Yup! I made it safely to Ireland, despite being stopped at the Immigration counter and "interrogated"! It's really by God's grace and protection that I made it through the 3 different airports... from Singapore to Paris to Dublin. With my BAD sense of direction, I was kinda worried I'll get lost... but *phew* God is SOOO good! I met some kind people who helped me along the way!

You know... til now, I still can't believe I've begun the journey of my life! The last day in Singapore is still SO fresh in my mind... the last-minute packing... the phonecalls that came in to say goodbye... mom's yummy home-cooked dinner... the rushing out of house... the farewell at Changi airport... the hugs, the handshakes, the photo-taking, the "take-care" greetings... the teary eyes... THANK YOU to all who came to send me off! though I couldn't talk much with each of you, your presence meant a lot to me! Arigatou...

I miss you guys SOOOOOOOO much already! I love you!!!

31st Dec 2004

2004-12-31T10:38:00.000+08:00

It's the last day of the year... 31st Dec 2004.
So many things have happened this year... and looking back, still can't believe how I made it through!

There were SO many miracles in my life... never thought I would actually end my uni life on a such a good note! My final sem (as CRAZY as it was!) actually turned out to be the BEST sem ever in my 3 years!!! It really doesn't make sense! I remember how I struggled through those late nights... rushing assignments and projects. The worst one was when I didn't sleep for 3 days in a row, rushing my Psychology IRP (sorta like a mini-thesis)... and yet I could still go to class without falling asleep!!! Really the grace of God!!! Totally! Nothing else explains it...

And I was SO SO thankful when God blessed me during my last NUS paper: Bio Psy. That subject had always been a KILLER (maybe as bad as Cognitive Psy)... and I never seemed to understand what the lecturer was talking about! On the day of the paper itself, I was really stressed! Only understood the summary pages of the Bio Psy textbook, and no way was I gonna pass the exam! So I prayed and asked God for mercy... in fact, I prayed for 'D'! Cos it was the lowest grade I could possibly get in order to graduate! A few hours before the paper, I took out last year's Bio Psy paper and tried doing the exam questions... felt really desperate. I would just memorize the answers for these questions, and enter the exam hall... that's all I could do. God was really good... He gave me this unexplainable peace in my heart when I entered the exam hall... I prayed again, and asked Him to help me through this final NUS paper :) And you know, the MIRACLE happened! The paper's questions turned out to be almost the same ones as last year's questions!!!! I was SHOCKED! and AMAZED! Even felt like crying... 'cos I was able to do the whole paper! :)

These are just 2 of the many blessings God gave me this year... not that I deserved it ('cos I really DON'T!!) but it was really His grace. And I'm even more sure that when one puts God 1st in his or her life, God'll never shortchange the person, but bless abundantly (in the way that He deems best of course...)

And going back to Nagoya a 3rd time... that was soooooooo meaningful for me. Cos it was there that God revealed His purpose for my life - He wants me to serve Him fulltime... and among the Japanese people. Never in my life did I think I would become a fulltime worker. In fact, 3 years ago, I was praying, "God, please NEVER ever call me to be a missionary!" But God has changed this stubborn heart :) and now, I can't imagine doing something else besides sharing God's love with others who have yet to know it. Going to Doulos is the first step.... and I don't know what the future will be like. But as long as God is with me, there's nothing to worry :)

The recent tsunami waves that hit Asia so badly... it's really a reminder that life is just so short and vulnerable. To think that so many lives vanished within seconds... I was really affected. Watching the news on TV, and reading the papers, I just feel so sad... sometimes it gets depressing. But Jeremiah 44 - 46 comforted me. God's goodness stays regardless of situations. He is just, He is righteous... and I have to trust that everything happens for a reason. May God have mercy on the nations...

love, jia

6 days more...

2004-12-29T02:17:00.000+08:00

6 days left before I leave! how am I feeling now?

feeling LOTS!

the past few days have been exceptionally emotional...

On Sun (26 Dec), the church organized 4 "sending-off" sessions for me : E1, E2, Sunday sch, & C2. Was glad to do some final sharing, to say goodbye to all my church friends, and the uncles & aunties who saw me grow up. But I ended up crying at every "sending-off". Was very touched by all the prayers, the laying-of-hands, the hugs, & the words of encouragement. Felt so loved! And had the assurance that it is truly God's timing for me to be sent out... cos the church has surrendered me into His hands, and is fully supportive of my ministry onboard Doulos.

Then on Mon, spent the entire day with mom :) It was great!!!! We ran so many errands together... returned a textbook to my friend, did grocery shopping, got the passport photo updated. But the MOST meaningful part was when we visited our relatives! It was quite last-minute... but decided to visit da gugu, er gugu, and uncle Gerry to say goodbye before I left for Doulos. It was really good to see them again... we talked and did some catching up... and I gave the Doulos newsletter to them... shared how God led me to this decision. They gave me their blessings :) I was SO touched when er gugu actually said, "May Jesus bless you" cos she's not a believer... yet. Those words meant so much to me...

The recent "farewell gatherings" have been emotionally draining. As relatives and friends start to say things like "Take care, Jiamin...", I'm really feeling the pain of uprooting. But I'm also more or less ready to leave... cos God has reassured me that things at home are gonna be ok... He will take care of my family, and He will take care of the church work that I used to do. So yup... I should stop worrying... :)

thank you to all the friends who have been praying for me during this difficult time of uprooting... I love you all SO much!

thanking God for ya...

Caroling 24 Dec 2004

2004-12-25T03:09:00.000+08:00

Christmas... it's the most special day of the year for me. Always looked forward to it!

This year's Christmas is extra memorable... maybe cos it's the last caroling session I'm organizing before I leave for Doulos.

So many things to give thanks for!!! God held back the rainclouds... we had great weather! And about 50 youths signed up for caroling!!! The largest group I've ever led!!! Also, my S68 seniors from Hwa Chong came again... some of them for the 5th year running!!! such faithful carollers! :) very touched by their enthusiasm... Even though they are non-believers, when they sing those carols, their faces really beam with joy... Thank God for bringing them to caroling all these years! Hope they'll continue to come even when I'm not around :)

We went caroling at Great World City instead of Orchard Rd. The crowd wasn't as big, but it was still very enjoyable... sang to those people waiting for the shuttle bus *heh* Though some of them gave us the "what-are-you-doing" look, others actually responded well with smiles :) There was 1 family, with 2 little girls, who enjoyed the songs so much that they stopped to watch us perform til the end. But what's most important is singing from one's heart. And the youths did a great job! They sang from their hearts... they smiled... they proclaimed the message of Jesus' birth loud and clear. I hope God was pleased with our performance tonight :)

Also went to Jessica's house to carol... May God bless the Heng family, and bind them together in His love... praying for the salvation of other family members too :)

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

Thank You God, for Jesus... He's the reason for Christmas...

Sleepy Jiamin at 4 a.m. Nite!

Sky Camp 2004: 19 - 22 Dec

2004-12-23T01:51:00.000+08:00

The past 3 days had been really good! 'cos I went for Sky Camp 2004... an annual youth camp that I am always excited about ('cos my life was changed after Sky Camp 1999). Thank God for bringing so many Sec 4s to join us for the 1st time! Can't believe my sis, Limin, is now entering Sky as well!

This year's Sky Camp was extra special for me 'cos the theme was on "Missions". Listening to Hwee Joo talk about her ministry in Japan... and how the Japanese people are turning to Jesus for a new lease of life, I was really touched. God is doing a revival in Japan! And the prayers of many (including mine!) are being answered...

I also got to share my testimony with the Sky youths... talked about surrendering and God's goodness. Was kinda stressed at first 'cos it's my 1st time as a "guest speaker" but *phew* everything went well!

During the camp, my mindset about "Missions" was changed. "Missions" is not just going overseas to share the Gospel. It is really about loving God, and loving other people... being a good Samaritan, giving physical aid to people in need, being there when someone's hurting. Wah... I have lots to learn. Doulos life will definitely put my beliefs to the test... only pray I wouldn't fail Him who first loved me.

Also watched video clips of present-day persecuted churches. Was shaken by the heartwrenching stories of martyrs in certain countries. Felt really sad. Couldn't stop crying. I wonder if I'll ever be as brave as these spiritual giants...

The whole camp really got me thinking. Many of my "old" Christian beliefs were challenged by what the speakers said... and I want to renew my walk with God again. I want to hear His voice so clearly that I know it's Him (and not my self-centered thoughts). And I want to pray in such a way that it's a 2-way conversation, not just me talking to Him non-stop. I need to learn to listen. Very inspired by how Hwee Joo is so close to God, that she hears Him telling her what to do 1st thing in the morning. I've got a long long way to go... but will start working on it now :)

18 more days...

2004-12-16T10:15:00.000+08:00

I'm already counting down the days before I leave home - 18 more days!
2 nights ago, I was tossing and turning in my bed... just couldn't sleep. And it suddenly struck me that I'm leaving in less than 3 weeks! Oh no! So little time, but SOOOO many things to do! Ahhhh!!!!!!

Really hope I can use the remaining time meaningfully... to get all the Doulos preparation done, say goodbye to friends, spend time with family, and leave home on a good note. For previous mission trips, I was always RUSHED out of the house 'cos I would still be doing last-minute packing!!! heh...

How I'm feeling right now?
Feeling under the weather 'cos I'm down with flu and cough. Haven't been resting much over the past week... all the late nights, and running around to get the Doulos newsletter done. But really praise God 'cos the newsletter is finally out!!!! yeah!!! And this first newsletter is extra special 'cos it's in 3 languages: English, Chinese, and Japanese!!! I'm SOOO thankful for my translators - Naoko sensei, Uncle Lai Soen, and Agnes! They were all so willing to help! Very touched...

God has been REALLY good to me! And I am so grateful. He has sent many church friends to come alongside me, to encourage me, and to support me through this challenging period.

So a BIG thank you to all who've helped me out! You know who you are... and I'm thanking God for putting you in my life. So blessed by you...

Love always, JiA

YEAH!! thank you San San!!

2004-12-11T01:29:00.000+08:00

This has been a very tough week... but a very thankful one, cos of how God has seen me through everything!
wanna thank some special people, who've been helping me out for the 1st Doulos newsletter...
1. Mimi: my prayer co-ordinator! you r a gem!
2. David: thank u for sacrificing your lunch hour... heh... and sorry to make u stay up so late cos of the newsletter layout thingy.
3. San San San: ARIGATOU!!! u were God's answer to my prayer! thanks for helping me fix this very blog! rested well at ur place today... thanks dear!
4. Uncle Lai Soen: thank u for helping me with the Chinese translation!

super tired now... gonna sleep. oyasumi...
love, jia

2004-09-30T12:53:00.000+08:00

Doulos at sunset

imagine...

2004-09-30T12:31:00.000+08:00

can you imagine...
stepping onboard a ship that was built back in 1914? (almost as old as the Titanic!!)
you go up this long gangway, and when you reach the deck, you see thousands of books displayed on wooden shelves...
and you also see lots and lots of people! 300 people from 35 countries... all unique individuals with big smiles on their faces... you do not know their names yet, but soon these will be your new friends, your truest companions, 'cos this is where your new home will be...

a mini preview to my new life, as God has planned :)
Doulos! http://www.mvdoulos.org

ALL ABOARD?