Angels without Wings

Haha, what a peculiar title, you must think.

As I was thinking of a title for this post, I thought of how God has sent us such a wonderful friend like my mum’s old schoolmate, Christine, to help us. She has been so, so nice! For the past few days, my parents didn’t have a car to go around. And somehow, Aunty Christine came along and offered to drive my parents around so they can check out houses and run errands.

My mum was saying to us and Aunty Christine that she’s been like a God-sent angel to us. After all, they haven’t been in touch for 20 years, and now they “coincidentally” meet again in Facebook! Haha. But I am sure it was not by chance. That’s when Aunty Christine said, “Yea, I have wings like an angel also, you know.” (So now you how I kinda’ reversed her idea and got the title.) :P

I believe as we to ask God to send us good friends in Melbourne to help us settle in, God will lead us to cross paths with the right people. My dad tells us, “Always look out for the ‘gems in life’.” They are a rare kind and worth looking out for. At the same time, my dad reminds us to also be that sparkling gem others are looking for.

This few days have been quite boring for me and my sisters. My parents have been busy going out with Aunty Christine from morning till evening to check out different houses available for rent. They are at Blackburn High today to check out the school. The 3 of us have to stay in Ps. Kee’s house. So we’ve been lazing around, playing the electric piano and me practicing my violin.

Yesterday, Aunty Margaret was so kind to bring us out to the library and for a swim at the Aqua pool in Nunawading. We borrowed some books and DVDs. Thank God these two days we’ve had sunny blue skies. I’ve wanted to go for morning walks with my sisters, but each morning I find myself unable to get up in the cold. I just want to hide under the blankets. Haha.

Anyway, to cheer you up, here are some shots taken these two sunny days! :D Hehe.

At McD's.

My annoyed face.

Last Sunday, we went to visit Hope Melbourne Church with my dad's friend Ivan Ho. It was mostly asians. I met some really friendly people there! Its mostly youths and uni students. That's Shona, Melissa (from S'pore), Hannah, and me. Shona and Hannah are sisters who came from M'sia four years back.

Janna and Jirene with their new found friends from Children's Church, Rica and Serena.

My dad and Ivan's cute adorable baby boy, Caleb!

On Sunday evening my sisters and I went for a walk around the neighborhood.

Haha, I kept sliding off the tree, so yeah, Janna didn't get a nice shot of me. :( Haha.

Now I am actually blogging at Aunty Margaret's house. We having supper here. Today the weather's totally changed. It's quite hot now. Anyway, I've gotta' run now. You guys take care. ;)

I Still Say “Lah”

I shall begin my post with an extract from Joyce’s blog. :P

‘I'm wondering how it would feel like to speak without my lah's. I mean, it would sound so incomplete without the lah's!’ - Janielle Beh

Of all things to wonder about when she gets to Australia! XD [copied from Joyce’s blog]

Honestly, that’s one thing I did wonder about before I arrived here. HAHA. Yesterday night when my sisters and I were hanging out with Brandon and Sam, they realized that my sisters and I are so full of our Malaysian accent. Brandon has been in Melbourne for nearly two years, so I was asking him how he rid his vocab of the famous (or infamous) Malaysian lah’s.

That’s when I said:

‘I can’t imagine not saying lah anymore. I mean, I still find it weird to say certain sentences without a lah at the end!’

But then Brandon said:

‘Well you know, after awhile you realize that it’s actually weirder to say “lah” than to not say it. The Aussies say, “Why d’you keep saying lah?” And after a while you just don’t say it anymore.’

Well I guess he’s right. Maybe the next time we visit you guys, we would’ve forgotten our Malaysian accent. Haha. But for now, we’re still quite Malaysian. xD

If you’re awaiting pictures, I regret to say that I did not snap any yesterday. It was a plain gloomy day! From morning till night it was rainy and cold. Sam said it’s unusual – in a drought. And oh, talking about the Australian drought, we actually have water ration now.

At about 6.30 pm, Janna and I followed Ps. Chris to the Emmanuel Grace Church in Danedong for youth service. The youth group consist about 40 people, but that rainy night, only half of them made it! They were friendly and I had a nice time making some new friends after a whole day at home. :D

Ps. Chris even asked me to play an impromptu violin solo and introduce myself before he preaches. I was a bit nervous at first, but thank God I did it anyhow. xD Haha. At the service I got to know their youth leader Milton, a Spanish guy, and his New Zealander wife Anita. Then there was Isabel, who’s also Spanish. I met Angeline, from Philippines, and David, who’s from El Salvador. Most of them are Latin Americans.

After youth, we all went to Springvale for “Mackers”. Guess whatsit? It’s actually McD’s! But people call it Mackers – I don’t know why. Haha. Y’know, McD’s here is so reasonably priced! One Big Mac is only about 4 dollars I think. Yikes, I hope I’ll vertically, not horizontally. Haha. xD

Now I’m actually in Aunty Christine’s house in Glen Waverley. We met her two days ago. She’s my mum’s old schoolmate. And guess what, they actually found each other on Facebook after 20 years! She’s been so helpful. Interesting how things play out after 20 years, huh? My parents have gone out with her to check out some houses for rent. So we’re at home with her boys, Shaun and Brian.

The weather’s good today – it’s about 18 degrees. Free air-cond – what a blessing, eh? :P Haha. But my mum still doesn’t fancy the cold. I guess it’s all part of acclimatizing. Honestly, we don’t really feel like we’re on a holiday. Yet. My parents still have lots of things to settle and decisions to make.

But all the more, we will trust God so that we can live not an ordinary life, but live a miracle in God’s hands. And this is surely an opening for God’s goodness to be evident in our lives so that others can see that our only best connection is God! So yea, keep us in your prayers! :D

Till the next update, God blesscha’ loads. ;)

We’re finally in Melbourne!

Wahoo, we arrived in Melbourne safely Tuesday night at 8 pm Melbourne time. (Malaysian time would be 5 pm.) We actually set foot in Australia at 8 am Gold Coast time in the Gold Coast Airport. We spent about 7 hours in Gold Coast and boarded Tiger Airways at 4 pm to Melbourne.

Pastor Christopher Kee with his church member Margaret and her son Brandon picked us up from the airport last night. We are now staying in Uncle Christopher’s house. He has a nice basement-like room for us. We slept off at about 12 am yesterday and woke up at 12 pm today! We were dead tired cause’ we hardly slept since we left the LCCT airport. Thank God we’re here now and well rested.

We’re staying in Donald Road, Wheelers Hill – about 30 minutes from Melbourne city. The next suburb is Glen Waverley. (Now I know where Melissa Yeap’s gonna’ stay.) ;) But we haven’t really gone around – only to a complex at Brandon Park to buy some groceries and slippers. My parents made a bank account today, and my dad went to check out a car.

And oh, did you know that if you count dollar to dollar, buying food at the super mart is really cheap compared to M’sia! The muesli bars we bought are just 3$ and the 1 litre soft drinks are only 69 cents. Cereal is just 2 to 3$. And we buy fresh milk instead of powdered milk here. It’s all good – once my parents get a job. Haha. :D The home brands in Australia are cheap and they still have very strict quality control.

Food facts aside, I’d like to admit that the fact that I’ll be staying here and not going “home” still hasn’t sank in. Seriously! It’s funny to think that we’ll be residents here once we find a house and all. But God is good. He has opened so many doors for us. We are praying for God’s guidance and excited to begin new chapter in our lives.

At about 8 pm (the sun just set) just now, we came back from a very long walk at Jells Park. Man, I think we’ll love the life here. So laid back, so relaxed. :) And it’s safe for us kids walk about and ride around the neighbourhood. The weather’s so cool that you hardly sweat even when you jog. I love it. =)

We just had dinner with Uncle Chris, Aunty Annie, their 10-year-old son Samuel, Aunty Alice, a church friend Nigel, Aunty Margaret and Brandon. Now we’re playing PS2 in our hideout basement room. Brandon and Samuel are entertaining us with their pure goofiness. Haha. It's funny to think that now the only kids we know here are Brandon and Samuel. One's 15, the other is 10. Oh well, two friends are better than none! :P

So anyway, I’ll post some pictures so you get the idea of where we’re staying and what we’ve been up to. :D

Flying in Tiger Airways from Gold Coast to Melbourne. Jirene and Janna looks so tired here. Good thing I wasn't on camera. Hahaha.

At Pastor Chris' house! Here's our "basement-like" room. It's much colder down there. So we turn on the heater for awhile at night.

Posing with Aunty Alice's lazy lil' dog called Prince.

This is like a big balcony or veranda that's over the huge backyard downstairs.

Janna and I. And oh oh, guess who gave me those cool sunglasses as a farewell gift?

Zack! :D

Haha, I only opened it when I was boarding the plane. I really wanted sunglasses, you know. So it was a nice and useful gift. Haha. ;) Everyone has one of those here. And yes, they say that the weather's erratic in Melbourne. You can have four seasons in a day. So sometimes its sunny, sometimes its not.

Haha, back to my posing antics down at the backyard. Man, I'm just starting to discover there are so many more photo-snapping opportunities here! :D Whee.

Janna in the living room. They actually have a very nice fireplace. We don't use it in spring, though. Except when it happens to be exceptionally cold at night.

We went for a walk to Jells Park and took turns riding the 2 bikes. And did you know, we actually have to buy bike helmets in order to cycle here. In Malaysia, that might seem a bit funny. Haha. And oh, that's Samuel on the bike. He's 10. And his cheeks are always pink. I think it'll be our turn soon. :)

:D It's so, SO nice to take a walk and cycle here. It's so cooling in spring that you barely sweat. But oh my, summer's coming in a few weeks!

Taking a picture with Uncle Chris, Samuel, and Aunty Annie at the lake in Jells Park.

The three of us. :)

My dad and mum. And yes, this whole place is the park. There's even more than "this whole place" in the picture! So much land.

There are a lot of sign boards.

I found this one unique.

WRONG WAY, STOP, severe tyre damage. Do you know why?

SPIKES!!! Yes, its supposed to be one way only! The cars coming out from this road are safe, cause' from the opposite direction, the tyres can just roll over the spikes (it's "retractable", if that's the right word...).

But, if you try to drive into the park using this road, the spikes will not retract, and your tyres will be severely damaged. Haha, I found it quite a funny way to keep people from breaking the rules and driving into the park through a one way road.

Back from dinner at 8 pm. We had fish head curry! We were surprised when Aunty Margaret told us that the curry was bought ready-made from the local supermart - it tasted so authentic and yummy! Probably even better than back home. They even have durians here, and durian ice-cream, too! Haha.

Playing PS2 in our basement room after dinner. That's Brandon with Janna and Jirene in this shot.

Haha, it'd be a pleasure to pinch Samuel's cheeks. :P

So anyway, I've got to go now. I think it'll be awhile till I get the chance to post pictures and update. So we'll keep in touch yea. Check my blog every now and then, I'll be sure to keep you guys posted!

Till then, take care and g'day mates (try imagining it with an Aussie accent)! Harhar. ;)

12 Hours to Go!

We have exactly 12 hours left in Malaysia as I type this. Yes, it is now 8 am and I just rolled out of bed! Now I only feel a jumble of “mixed feelings”. I’m excited, yet nervous. I’m glad to be going someplace new, yet I feel a tinge of fear. I’m thrilled, yet I’m sad to be leaving. So tell me, what should I feel? Haha.

Nolah don’t worry, I don’t usually get too far into being “emo”. I’ve gotten over that part a few months back already. :)

But yes, I still wonder what will I feel when it’s really time to go. I have 12 more hours! And will you believe me, my parents still have some undone errands. We haven’t even found a new owner for my sweet lil’ dog, Lassie!

But really, I thank God so, SO MUCH for helping us through this week. And we’re here today. Finally. We’ve made it up to this point. I’m sure that God will continue to guide us as we look to Him at this pivotal time in our lives!

You know, one of the things that I’m thoroughly blessed with is the people that God has surrounded me with. In the past few weeks (even yesterday), some of the most unexpected people called and smsed me to wish me a good farewell. I thank God for this few, whom I actually do not know very well. But yet, I believe in some little way, I have left footprints in their hearts. By your little farewell gifts, notes, hugs, and wishes, you have also left defining footprints in my heart. Thank you. :D

I’d like to name a few of them at the top of my mind now. Diane, Renee Koo, Kokhila (Miriam), Amanda Looi, Vicky, Mei Jean, Arthur Keng, Yoke Ping (!), Don, Jolene, Shannon Keng, Su Ling and Su Mei, Renee Chew, Elliot Chow (Yes, believe it or not! :D), Bryant Sum, Emily and Rou Shinq (for coming to see me on Sunday! :P), Aisha, Andrew Yem, Hwee Hwee ;). Well, that’s about all at the top of my mind now. Thank you guys for remembering that I’m going off today. Haha. God bless and rock on for Jesus, too! ;)

This might probably be my last post in Malaysia. The next one, hopefully, would be with pictures of Melbourne. :) We’ll keep in touch online. Make sure you check my blog every now and then. I’ll be sure to update you guys. :D

In conclusion, I believe that just as God has lead to cross paths this time, I’m sure He will destine our paths to cross again. Take care and stay a blessing! ;)

Farewell at Sun & Surf

Yesterday night, our extended family from my mum’s side (about forty of us) had a farewell dinner for our family at Sun & Surf. Man, I tell you, we’re having too much of good food! Haha. But for the first time last night, I think I managed to leave the buffet without having stuffed myself to the brink of throwing up. Hahaha. :P I ate everything I thoroughly enjoyed eating, and the rest, I didn’t bother.

And yes, I felt sufficiently full. Not stuffed. xD

Here are some family pictures we took. Haha, it seems that I’m really posting pictures to the very last day. I really only have one more day to go. Tomorrow night, we are really, officially boarding the airplane to Melbourne! :D

My cousin Phyllis and I

With my dad and uncle Michael.

Nick, Phyllis, and me

With the kiddoes. Benjamin, Janna, Jon, Avril, and me.

Janielle and Denielle. :)

We went out to the pool garden to take some pictures halfway through the meal.

Phyllis, Denielle, Ashley, and me.

Me and my dad with my cousin Eugene and his wife Wai Teng.

With Shaun and Abby. She can never stand camera flashes. Haha.

Eating raw salmon. I like to eat it just as it is. Please, NO WASABI. Not even soy sauce. Maybe a bit of pickled ginger. Mmm.

Enjoying strawberries with chocolate.

Bridget and I :)

Janna and Bridget

Our family with our granma and my aunty Rachel and her family.

Quite candid.

Aha, a nice family picture with my two cousins Jon and Ben, and my Aunty May and Uncle Yat Nam. We've really enjoyed ourselves staying over at their place. They've been so, so nice to us. :)

We went to Avril's house after the dinner. She has four hot dogs! Hahaha. The one I'm carrying is the puppy. So uber cute. :D

Yes, I seem very happy. xD

Aww, look at the cute lil' pooch.

Finally, our family with my granma. :)

Man, I’m dead tired now. My parents must be drop-dead tired. We just came back from a lunch with Pastor Steven Young and in an hour’s time, we have to change and go out for another dinner. Gah. xD But that’s part of the fun of migrating, I guess. HAHA.

Have a nice weekend! I'll post my "last day" post very soon. :)