One error, it is enough...

Some time in late 1800s, 2 best friends took a risk and left their comforting home in China to make a quick buck in SEA.

They used everything they had saved and with their family's blessing, off they went with high hopes. Life at the beginning was not as good as they thought. With their commitment to make a better living for their family in China, they did anything and everything. Very soon hardwork payoff. These 2 best friends had improved their status.

At that time, tin mining was the hype of the economy in Malaya. Once again, these 2 best friends gave everything they had worked for and bought a tin mine in Perak. They were exhilirated because they knew this time, they are going to make it big!

The day came when they need to register for the purchase but one of them were unable to make it for some reasons. One of them continued with the process while pending the other because he needed to return to China soonest. He gave his name to the malay clerk as Wong Ming Yew. He then left Malaya and promised to return soonest.

After several months settling his matters in China, Wong Ming Yew returned to Perak, Malaya and looked forward to build the tin mine business with his best friend. However, this hope had turned into his worst nightmare in his life. His best friend took on a new name as Ming Yew and owned the entire tin mine because the clerk made AN ERROR and registered Ming Yew as the only owner for the said purchased.

Ming Yew found no meaning to fight nor argue on what had been done. He went back to China as a broken man and never returned to Malaya...(to be continued)

Life and Death Should be celebrated...

A week ago, we welcomed our newborn family member. She is our first new generation in our family. My family is overjoyed. My dad would have been exhilarated if he is here to share the news. This I am sure.

A few days as we were still excited over Azalea’s birth, we were shocked and saddened with the passed of our cousin. I still remember him when he attended my brother’s wedding early of the year. He was a nice chap and respected my parents. He never failed to visit them every CNY except this year and he also visited my dad when he was ill.

One thing about my generation of Wong, we have been thought well to respect our elders and no question about it. He would be the first to pass from my generation of Wong’s.

I attended the wake by myself because according to Chinese tradition, my family are in ‘celebration’ of life while funeral is the opposite and both occasions should not be ‘combined’ (“chung”). I find it very absurd and upset with such tradition.

The funeral was held at a parlor. I arrived late at about 10pm. My view was blocked by another funeral which was attended by a big crowd and I took a long merry-go-round to reach my cousin’s hall. My eldest cousin brother, Daniel and his family were there and the deceased’s family was busy conducting rituals and prayers.

I shared with Daniel that I was feeling uneasy when I walked a merry-go-round since it is surrounded by cemetery and it was a cool night after a heavy rainfall. Adding to it, the place was quiet and when I heard the chanting I know I was near but it also send shivers to my spine! He gave a smile.

We had some time to chat and we shared our memories. It has been 11 years since Pak Pak passed while my dad has been 3 years. I also shared with Daniel that I had a dream last night and saw my dad with Pak Pak. It was strange as in my dream I am conscious that they have passed. I had even joke with Pak Pak that I could see him like a small child playing hide and seek..”I can see yoouuuu…” Pak Pak gave me a big smile…

As we talked, we realized that we both could not or perhaps would not initiate a chat with our own father while we can chat all night long with our uncles’. Daniel talked to my dad like they were good friends while myself with Pak Pak. We both acknowledge that talking to our father took a lot and Daniel claimed that perhaps our expectations and our fathers’ were different. However when we chat with uncles’, it is rather care free…well, maybe. We had a great laugh knowingly we are not alone having such ‘problem’ after all. After an hour, we decided to leave.

As I walked the nearest route to my car, I bypassed the other funeral which blocked my sight earlier on. It was a Christian funeral. People were more joyous and having buffet! The environment was somehow different from the Chinese funeral. I felt warmer and the walk to my car was much ‘easier’.

I recall in one of the documentary on Chinese tradition funeral. It is said that it is good to have family members to cry as loud and as long as possible. Some family would hire a ‘cry-er’ to do the job. The louder the wailing the better the ‘performance’. I was quite taken a back. Imagine if our soul is able to watch – and you find a stranger wailing at our own funeral…Weird?!

I am not here to criticize other’s tradition. We all know that all lives end with death. It is inevitable. Perhaps if we understand death as being part of life, would it be made easier for us to face it then to make it as though it is a situation where it is seen to be ‘unfair’ or a ‘punishment’ or ‘it can only happen to the unfortunate’.

Can we imagine if there is no death? By today, our planet earth would be over-populated with beings. Perhaps there would be no room for birth…and maybe there will be no room for change…

I view death as another beginning of a new chapter. Being in heaven would be so much better than earth since God promised that there’ll be no more tears. With that promise, isn’t death should be celebrated?! For those who are still living, God promised that we shall meet again when the time comes. The dead shall rise and join with those who are on earth…

And do not get me wrong, we cry when there is death and there is no wrong in doing so but we should not 'indulge into the loss' and forget about being alive and those who are still alive... We shall missed them until we meet...And I am sure that my dad n Pak Pak would be pleased to know that we are still sharing good memories of them and remember them, no matter how many years has passed. Overall, I guess it is more important that we treasure our loved ones when they are alive…

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to
leave the examination room and said,
"Doctor, I am afraid to die.

Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man,
do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
"Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
but I do know one thing...

I know my Master is there and that is enough."

A tribute to my cousin bro, Pak Pak, Dad, 3rd Pak, Kung Kung, Ye Ye, Ma Ma, 4th sis in law..rest in peace…

Blessings = shame?

My own family is just an average family in terms of size and wealth. Those days we used to have enough and hardly had excess eventhough my grandfather was a well to do businessman. Our most luxurious meal then was Kentucky Fried Chicken. O, I remembered that once my father took us to The Ship to celebrate my mom's birthday. That was 'the once...'

Both my father and my pak pak had the same fate. Both sons were not favoured by my grandfather - for whatever the reasons were. Both did not get much attention nor help in any way. Moreso, my Pak Pak have 8 dependants compared to my family of 4. Both family's wealth was just enough to get by. No matter how hard they had to struggle in providing to their own family my grandfather did not bothered to lift a finger to help them. Despite that fact, both insisted that we, the grandchildren, must never be disrespectful to our grandfather. And both sons never 'ditched' their father in his old days and cleaned him when he was unable. I respect and salute them as filial sons and this I must learn.

Both men struggles did not go in vain. As far as I am concern, my cousins, my brother and myself have made it in our life and we should be able to make it till end if we stay content. We may not be multi millionaire (maybe some of my cousins are or perhaps in future we may be...hehehehe who knows) but we continue to have enough and now some of us can afford more.

Well, some times 'enough' does not have to be the measurement of wealth...Family unity and the tradition of having generations are more important for Chinese family. These values must be embedded to bring honour to our fathers.

At this moment, I may not be able to 'contribute' in terms of adding to the quantity to my family but I thank God that He has blessed me in other forms. With these blessings, I am able to bless my family. I am proud that I am able to afford many things and to share with my family. I am proud that I do not need to depend on others just to ensure my family is provided and also we are able to indulge into some luxurios items.

I do not think that we are being a show off nor being materialistic when we are able to afford luxury. However I should not covet neither be prideful. To me, I trust that by working hard and believing that God hears our prayer would bring blessings to us. And we should not be 'shameful' by these blessings neither should we find explanations to these blessings. Also we should not think it is by luck we have these blessings. We asked from God, we should then claimed them and glorify Him.

Besides, I also believe that at times, when we struggle and that we do not see the results now - it does not conclude that our struggles will go in vain. We may not receive the blessing directly for ourselves but surely there will be. I thank God that both my father and pak pak did not give up nor blame my grandfather. I would think the values that could have instilled in us would have been different should our fathers 'curse' our grandfather then.

I used to think that life were unfair for my father and pak pak because they did not have the chance to enjoy their 'fruits' of labour. They have gone too soon. It was very naive of me...What does the earth has that heaven does not?!

They had laboured for us, their children and we should treasure their struggles and set the same values for our children...never be ashamed of what we have or afford...they are ours when God says they belong to us...Amen!

There are so many titles that come to my mind when I wanted to share on this piece…some are - 180 degrees change with His grace, Jesus says “With Me it is Possible”, Some times we need to go through storms to appreciate the Light, Nothing is Impossible, The Light after Dawn, etc…which one?

This time I would like to share with you some one who is dear to me and I have known this person for over decades of my life. I shall name this person ‘Shortie’. I am neither pastor nor a preacher but I remember well a tax collector who was mentioned in the bible whom was the least person on earth where the 12 disciples thought would be appreciated by Jesus. In the old days a tax collector were generally disgusted by the public for their snobbish attitude...But Jesus took notice of this tax collector on the tree (who was a short man and that he had to climb on a tree to look out for Jesus) and went to his house to dine. With that, the tax collector vowed to give all his ill gotten gains and change his life to follow Christ.

Now back to my Shortie. When I was very young, Shortie was beautiful and talented. She was a singer in a night club. Before Shortie started singing, her dad was super against the idea. However she pressed on and proved she was well demanded. Many men adored her singing and so am I. I recall some of her glistening stage dresses and a vague memory of her stage performance. I caught a glimpse while waiting for her one night together with my uncle.

Besides, I remember those days she would wake up by noon to practice every hour before she took the stage by night. Till to date I could hum some of those songs she practiced. Mostly were golden Shanghai oldies. Thus my friend was shocked when she heard me humming of an oldie song and wondered where I have learned it since I am considered a “Mandarin Idiot”…there was also a book where many paper cuttings about Shortie.

Being the youngest in Shortie’s household then, everyone loves me. I adored her and yet I was afraid of her. Well, she could loose her temper easily due to her hectic schedule and the pressure was enormous to stay on ‘top’. So when I annoyed her, I would get a very nasty stare but when I behaved, I get treats like bubble gums.

She was then attached to a man. Initially I found the man very man (if you know what I mean). But things took a downturn. Some how her career took a dip and the man, so called man became a bastard - I would put it this way.

Shortie had a hard fall. She had then took on several odd jobs and became fanatic on her religion. Each year Shortie would seek medium’s prediction on her future and if some unfavourable event was expected she would spend to ‘get rid’ of the spell. Along the way she met another decent man and became her husband. Life did not favour Shortie for many years. Any ‘routes’ she embarked which look promising at the beginning - turned into darkness within a short period. Money became a problem for the couple. They were in great debts and to the point of not answering phone calls. At times my heart ached to know her situation. So were her family and especially her parents. They blamed it on fate. But Shortie’s sister and I prayed that somehow, someday Jesus will show her the way…

We are blessed to see that day. Shortie turned up in church one day to my surprise. From then onwards, she never looked back to her idols and mediums to seek for fortune or to ‘get rid’ the unfortunate but to rely on Jesus. After several months, she was baptized and my heart rejoices with her that she found ‘The Way’. She is faithful and at one time, there was an opportunity to earn more but she had to work on Sunday. I prayed that she will trust God and return to church. She took the courage and chose to come back to church.

Things begin to change. She is not in fear anymore. She and her husband found a decent job and now she has savings. Most of all I can see and feel she has found peace in life. Today she is happily rejoicing and singing for the Lord on the stage!

At times it takes a lot to belief what took place two thousand years ago just via a book. We could have questioned ourselves what if the author of the Bible added or subtracted some information and made it exciting for us. How can we verify? One way – simply to trust it with faith. I am super blessed to witness many lives which have been changed and transformed when one chooses to believe in Him – including mine.

Some may ask that many Christians believe in Jesus when they were at their lowest (or when they faced life and death situation). I agree to some extend. We have been given a choice at all times. At some point in life, some one would have spoke to us on Christ or some how we would have been exposed to Christianity.

At the good times of our life, we are arrogant and do not need anyone neither God. We claim success and riches are by our own effort. Some may abide in God only with the intention to want more riches or to protect their wealth and good health to enjoy their wealth. Sometimes humans need some ‘spanking’ to learn Who is in control…For those who repent, the Father is ever merciful…Amen.

I would say that it is neither the fame nor riches that can bring us far but His peace and joy. He always know what we needed, it is us who are choosing the wrong things in our life. Trust Him or trust ourselves, the choice is ours!

I am still undecided on the title…but I guess it’s the contents that matter…

It wasn't my bravery but it was His peace given to me...

I can't help it but to share my first night in Bangkok with my friends and colleagues when I returned last Tuesday. Infact, I was doubtful about others when they shared their experiences...

We checked into a hotel at the heart of Bangkok about noon. It was a suite with a living room and a bed room. As usual, I pressed the door bell before we entered the suite. The bell boy knocked twice when he rolled in the baggages together with us. I acknowledged his acts but did not put much thought about it.

The bell boy opened all the curtains and the sun shined into our suite. We then went off to do our shopping and only returned by night. The room was poorly lighted as the lights were a liitle deemed. The bedroom aircond was not cool at all. My colleague cum travel mate decided to shower first while I lied on the couch and watch TV. After she had done, she came asking why did I knocked her door knowingly that she was in the midst of showering. I denied it cause I did not even moved and inche from the couch! We put that incident aside without further comment.

While preparing for bed, we decided to open the bedroom door to allow the aircond from the living room to flow in and to block part of the desk mirror which was facing my bed. Another mirror from the bathroom was also facing my bed. I told my mate to closed the bathroom door when she had done her business to block the said mirror...I felt some what uncomfortable when I saw a reflection from part of the desk mirror...I told myself it was my imagination and went to bed.

It was hot so I cover half of my body with the blanket. By middle of the nite, I was covered from my chest to toe. Suddenly I realized that the blanket covered from my head to toe and I struggled to get out of it. I yelled to my mate to wake me up and prayed. At the same time, my conscience mind told me that I was half dreaming and no matter how I yell for my mate, she could not hear. Again in my mind, I can see that my mate was sleeping soundly. I stopped yelling and struggled hard to wake myself up. After a few minutes, I was awake. I looked around and my mate was sleeping. I thought I was too tired. But I was sweating by then. I turned to face my mate and fell asleep again.

This time I felt 2 fists punching my back and trying to push me off the bed. I felt frustrated and irritated. I prayed again and struggled to lie on my back to face upwards so that the punching can stop. After a few struggles, I managed to face upwards and awake.

I repeatedly told myself that I shall changed room tomorrow and prayed numerous times "In Jesus mighty name, set me. By the blood of Jesus Christ, set me free...Amen" until I fell asleep till morning.

By morning, my mate explained that she had headache in the middle of the nite and took panadol. She further explained that she seldom experience headache after falling asleep. I immediately told her to change room and told her my experiences.

We approached the lobby after breakfast and requested for a new suite. The receptionist asked why and my mate explained that a 'guest' slept with me and also knocked her door while she was bathing. The receptionist did not look shock neither any facial expression that tells us that she was suprise to hear such comment. She smiled and obediently handed us a new suite key. We were quite taken a back with her reaction.

We checked into a new suite and the feeling was some what different from the initial one. Gee...

I shared my experiences with my friends and colleagues when I returned to KL. The common questions were "Weren't you scared? Why didn't you wake up your mate or sleep on the same bed with her? why didn't you change room immediately then?"

Well, I did thought of changing room then or even to wake my mate. But I just don't have th heart to scare her when she was sleeping soundly. Moreso my heart was not beating as though I was fearful...I was just sweating and I thought to myself that I can 'survive' through it!

They said I was brave but I do not agree because I did nothing but prayed...It was His peace given to me..."When I felt secured, I said; "I will not be shaken" '(Psalm 30:6) AMEN!

If you asked whether I would dare to check in to the same suite again since I have strong faith in Christ...I won't! Not that I am lacking faith in Jesus, but we should not test our Lord by purposely asking for trouble, agree?

So, His presence give us authority and protection. Besides, today's sermon in chruch thought me to put away those folks tale practices ie pressing the bell or knocking on the hotel door before entering the room neither should I be placing one slipper up while the other down to keep away the 'guests'. These do not help but only Jesus do! Amen!!! Hope this testimony would strengthen your faith in Him...

Can't help but to remember those days when i was studying in Sheffield. Some of the moments are still fresh in my mind. I can tell you that I made my way to UK was indeed a great blessing from God and how He had planned for me....simply perfect!

The day came when my parents were getting ready to send me to KLIA. It was a Saturday evening flight. Before departure, mom bought some kuihs for me and a few friends who came by to send me off. The time came when we entered the gate. There were about 30+ of us. Most of the girls teared when they departed except myself. Perhaps my parent thought how heartless was their daughter. But hey, the trip would only take us 3 months +, not 3 years!

90% of us were the first time boarding a plane. Thus, many of us were like orang kampung when our plane took off...many wows and ahs along the way...and eventually after 1/2 hour...people started snoring...sigh..and can you imagine that the plane ran out of postcards and poker cards because of us! Apart from that, my guess was that 30 blankets and small pillows missing when we arrived Manchester on an early Sunday morning...(because later I saw those blankets and pillows in every of our room - I was of one of them -guilty!) So, weren't we like orang kampung?!

The flight was about 17 hours and from Manchester to Sheffield, it need another hour or so...Though we were deprived of good sleep during the long journey, we were not tired at all..

Again many wows and ahs as we took the bus from Manchester to Sheffield. Those greens, blue sky and the mist took our breath away...Again those didn't last long and out of sudden you can hear some cantonese folk songs...gosh! we have just arrived and it seems like we have been there ages and started missing our kampungs! Jialat...My roomate and I disbelief the way others were behaving and shook our heads.


When we reached our hostel, the sun was already shining brightly above our heads. We were then assigned to our room. In our hostel, there are 6 rooms with 3 floors. Each floor, it has 2 rooms. My roomie and myself occupied the top floor. Immediately once we loaded our bagagge, someone knocked on my door and told myself and my roomie to bring along our school bag to shop for rice at Chinatown. We obeyed and were thinking why do we need a school bag? Later, we found out that in UK, you need to pay extra for plastic bags. As we walked to Chinatown, every house we passed by were tightly closed as though it was unoccupied. Not even a single soul was spotted - like we do have some washing cars, some doing gardening, chit chatting, children riding their bicycle etc on a Sunday morning...but here, none at all...How sad...


It took us more than 30 minutes to reach a Chinese grocery store. We store up some rice, some kicap, some noodles etc. Yes, they did not provide any plastic/paper bags for our stuff. We carefully placed those items into our school bags. The return was taxing as we had several kgs on our shoulders and had to walk for 30mins!


Next stop was McD which was located about 10mins away from our hostel. While most gwailos took their lunch outside the premise under the bright sun, we took our value meal inside...they must be thinking how weird we were - depriving ourselves from the bright sun! Later as we stayed longer, we began to appreciate the sun more...most of the time the weather was gloomy...

Wow, after finishing the fries I could only stomach a quarter of the burger. Their portion is larger than our usual medium value meal. I packed up my burger and hope to eat it later in the noon. Once we setlled down in our room, we were terribly exhausted and slept about 3pm. We woke up about 7pm plus...the sun was still shining brightly- it was summer time in UK. We continued our sleep and about 10pm plus (it was still bright), we heard some of our housemates were chatting in the kitchen. But then, we were still too tired to bother who were our housemates and continued to sleep. When we woke up again, it was already Monday morning at 4am (and it was already bright!)..we thought it's crazy to wake up at that hour and behold, we continued. Finally at 7am +, we decided it's enough! Err, remember my burger which I had a quarter? Amazingly, it was not stale and I finished it for lunch! Geng le...

After a quick tour to our Uni, we returned to our hostel by evening and met our housemates (finally) in the kitchen. They are Pakistani English and they were very proud of their Proton Saga! They were very friendly and took us around the city by night. Very lovely of them...But soon they left the hostel for their summer break.

The uni arranged an outing for us on the 3rd day since we arrived. They took us to the country side and we get to see loads of sheep..baaa...aaa...aaa...and the community is small and very quiet. We enjoyed ourselves very much.

After that, our classes were then on a full swing. Out of a week, we only have 3 days of classes. We would walked for about 20mins to our uni rather than taking the bus which cost 50 pence and we even packed lunch from home. After our lecture, we would be back to hostel by 5pm. Thus we have time to cook our dinner. Our meals were very simple and can be the same dishes some time.

I will need to break right here. Shall continue soon....

Miracles and timing...(Part 2)

Gee…after writing such a long testimony how I had faced ‘death’, probably in this episode I should share something else…

Another miracle I had was - in my education. When I was in primary, I hated school and I hated writing. So most of the time, my exercise books were one page full while the next few pages were blank! Somehow I always have excuse. I made it through UPSR with marginal result. My dad was not too please.

I came to know Christ when I was in Form 1. Every Sunday without fail I will be out of the house for almost ½ day. Usually after church, Janet would take me ‘kai-kai’…Then came Form 3 when I needed to sit for SRP. My pre SRP test was in ultimate ‘disaster’ and my dad was super angry with me. He commanded me to stop attending church and use the time for revision. I protested but I promised to come home straight after service. We had a deal. My SRP results improved tremendously but still not up to my dad’s expectation.

I was angry. Then in form 4, half of my schoolmates and I was transferred to a new school nearer to my house. I hated the school and more so the new school did not offer the same combination of subjects which I preferred. It took me about 6 months to fight and return to my old school. I, was the only one who were eventually being sent back.

In my SPM, I turned a new leaf and worked harder as well as pray harder because I lost 6 months of studies in Form 4. This was the period I learned how to fast. Eventually my SPM, hmmm…let’s say better than SRP. This is the 1st turning point for me in my academic. Most of my friends from my SPM’s years went ahead with twinning programmes or A level. I, for one entered Sixth Form.

I was given a Science class which I hated! I fought for a year to be transferred to Arts. Practically I missed lower six. Thus STPM, I barely made it through. Thanked God I did not have E or F. Well, again all of my close friends made it to local universities. I was disappointed. I headed to TARC to take up CIMA.

With that I had another turning point. In TARC I met many more friends and still keep my existing high school pals. I stayed out in my college days and had one of the best times in my life! Along the way, I had a fear that I may not be able to obtain my professional degree and would end up with Adv Dip. A light came upon me and I must say it was a ‘perfect’ timing!

For the 1st time in TARC, an UK university agreed to offer degrees for Adv Dip students. A GOLDEN opportunity just dropped unto my lap…more so, my dad was due to withdraw from EPF. So, my dad was able to support me to obtain my degree in Sheffield.

Of course to qualify for the programme, we must be fluent in English and a threshold to meet in our final examination. I failed in one of my last 4 subjects on a very marginal point! I needed to re-sit. I had never been so pressured before. Again I remember how my prayers were answered during SPM. I fasted again. I was called for an interview together with another 20 students. We were perceived to be ‘marginal’ case.

The interview was supposedly to start at 9am. I was the last in line. The professor came late and only started at 10am. By 12pm, he was off for lunch appointment and only came back about 230pm. By the time my turn came, I was called to go in together with another boy. It was already 430pm. Damn tired after waiting for 8 hours plus. I can still recall the professor’s name – Brian. I was nervous. He asked us the purpose why we apply to enter Sheffield Uni. The boy gave his answer and I gave mine.

Brian nodded with agreement on our explanation. Brian turned to the boy and went through his results. One page after another and soon Brian found out that the boy failed to highlight that he failed and re-sat for one of the subjects. With that, Brian felt that the boy’s integrity is doubtful and told him that his application is not accepted. The boy was in shock and so was I. I gulped and the boy left the room.

I was almost in tears because I don’t know if I can take it when Brian found out that I failed in one of my subjects and show me the door too. That’s why the boy and I were the last 2 candidates to be interviewed – I thought. Brian looked at me, deep into my eyes. Perhaps he can sensed the fear in me as well as the disappointment which is soon to come…firstly, he apologized for having us to wait for him. I just smiled and told him I can wait even longer if I get to hear some good news. He smiled.

He commented on my results for my finals and I told him about my marginal failed subject. He acknowledged. He then told me that because I did well for other subjects, overall on average, the college had consider me as passed and he looked forward to have me in Sheffield the next few months!!!

HALLELUJAH…the relief in my heart and the joy I had was tremendous and I could not stop thanking God in my heart when I was still in the room with Brian. He again felt bad for having me to wait and commented that I had great patience…He remembered me well from that day onwards.

Well, you see. I always see myself as the ‘left one out’ in many of my passed experiences. Firstly in Form 4, I fought to be transferred from new school to my previous school by myself. When my friends went ahead to college after SPM, I was left alone to pursue Sixth Form. During my sixth form, I was one odd fellow whom fought for a year from Science to be transferred to Arts. Then again after STPM, I was left one out to pursue tertiary in TARC.

Now as I look back, I thank God for His brilliant planning for me. Every turning point looked challenging and I was forced to take on new changes. Every change I had was indeed blessings because I made many more friends and some whom have become my great pals. Also, God did not forget my grievances and gave me an opportunity to obtain my degree and best of all I get to obtain it from UK, which made my dad proud of my success…I have never seen him smile so wide since his wedding photos when he attended my graduation…Hallelujah, God, You are always listening…Thank you for Your mighty works on me…AMEN!I will always remember…

Miracles and timing...

It has been a few weeks where I have the urge to share some testimonials in my blog…somehow it did not happen until now. Must have been the devil’s work to ensure that either I don’t remember or too busy with reading the juicy news about our politics…you know when it comes to our country there is no end to the power struggle…

This morning as usual I went to church. We have a visitor pastor and he is age 75 years. The moment he walked in, I told myself that it is going to be a dull sermon. Why? I don’t know. To be honest, it is a difficult task to stay awake in church after the Worship and Praise session. More so if the speaker has monotonous tune throughout. However today was an exception and it reminds what I have been wanted to do for a couple weeks before. Update my blog!!!

A few statements caught my attention. No. 1 - Power comes with pride and ends with destruction. No. 2 – We are called to testify. No 3. – Adhere to His voice rather than being stubborn and waits for His rotan. No. 4 – We live by faith and not by machines. No. 5 – When we are in trouble, call upon Him and not start dialing 999.

I shall begin with No. 1. We may be thinking that the word power – would only apply to politician or those high profiled businessmen or top management people. Well, not exactly. Even within our own family or our work place, we do come across with ‘power struggle’. Human being just loves attention. We love praises. We love to be adored. At times, we may ‘sacrifice’ our values just to garner people’s attention. The bible does remind us that at all times and in any situation, we need to be humble. It is difficult but it is necessary to keep our feet on the ground.

Surely, these days we have seen big and solid organizations which previously boast about their successes and the amount of wealth they gained have suddenly disappeared. Some even tried to be funny when given a second chance and they ended up with great embarrassment. Not just organizations, remember those war lords?! What about some leaders?!

I have also seen with my own eyes how an individual who had nothing during the younger days and later was blessed with good wealth and was ‘polished’ by many but ended up with nothing…nothing but pain…Nope, I was not referring to a politician or someone whom you know from the news…although I have nothing to gain nor loose from this individual, his/her ‘downfall’ does made me feel for him/her…and more importantly this keeps me alert to adhere to the Lord’s instruction – to be humble.

So, it does not matter how others (whether our leaders/ organization/ bosses/ colleagues/ relatives/ friends) boast about their success and demand our submission to them or even myself, how successful I am, one needs to be humble. Otherwise, the Lord brings out His rotan and no one will be spared from being disciplined! No, do not get me wrong. Successes and wealth are not sin. But the pride of man for being successful or having the $$$ will eventually lead him to no where…So, be it whoever wants to demand whatever, the Lord is never far away…

No. 2, as the pastor has commented and it is also written in the bible that we, Christians are called to testify. As I have named my blog, “My Journey’, I wish to share my experiences of both ups and downs. For your information, I had been near ‘death’ 3 times in my life till date. The 1st incident was I jumped into a swimming pool with depth surpasses my height and without knowing how to swim! At that time, I was only 4 yrs old…I panicked, drank lots of water and certainly my vision was blurred…and thank God, Marcos saw and swam to my rescue. You know, some would have given up or don’t even dare to be near the swimming pool ever - after such horrific experience…but hallelujah with God’s grace I told myself I must master my swimming. My dad then taught me how to swim and my Lord even sent a qualified coach to teach me some free lessons! Today I can swim even if the depth is thousands of meters surpass my height…

2nd incident was due to my childish, silly and mischievous play. Kids can be very creative…So, one night my dad was bathing while my brother and I were supposedly to be doing our homework. But for those 10 minutes we decided to play a game. As a kid at 10 years old, I always wanted to proof myself that I was a super kid! (Thanks to Superman movie!) My brother stupidly suggested a game to proof how tough was my neck and how long I can withhold my breath when he strangles me with a towel. The position was he pulls me by the neck with a towel and I should be going against his direction. The instruction was to shout “STOP” when I want to give up. And we started. Now that I recall, I do not think I exceeded 20 seconds and my surroundings went pitch black. I was not in pain neither did I had any feeling. Before I knew it, I fell down to my knees because my brother released the towel when he heard the bathroom door opened. My brother even scolded me for not yelling to stop when I ‘kong’ out. Whenever I rethink this incident, I praise God that my dad came out from the bathroom just at the right timing because how could one make a single sound when he/she is being strangled?! Hallelujah! I could have been on The Star’s headlines in 1986 for “A child died while dad was bathing”…

3rd experience was almost similar with 2nd. I was in my teens. Perhaps I was 13 or 14. I took my bicycle to the gas station and pumped air into the tyres. The gas station situated about 1.5km from my house. After pumping the air, I cycled out of the station and suddenly I found myself lying on the road a few meters away from my bicycle. I was surrounded by a group of kids. All I heard was “ada accident”…I saw the motorcyclist looking straight at me while my bike was lying at the road. He yelled “You tak nampak motor kah!”. Yup, he was darned right. I did not see a motorbike coming on my right when I exited the gas station. I did not say a word. I did a quick check on myself and found all my limbs were still intact! I picked up my bike and I saw the front tyre was crooked. Immediately I was in fear…afraid of dad’s scolding for the crooked tyre. I walked home while carrying the bike for 1.5km. As I walked, I began to think about the ‘accident’. Boy, once again I blacked out and behold when I woke up, it was as if nothing had happened! I was ‘carried’ by the angels while I flew off from my bicycle. And if I remember correctly, there were only a few scratches on my knees!!! Again no pain, no feeling…Now if it was not the Lord, I would be appearing on the headlines of The Star, “A teenage died/ hospitalized from a freak accident after pumping the bike’s tyres”…hallelujah! Errr…I did not tell my parents about this. I just mentioned to my dad that I could not brake in time and hit a stationed construction truck. So, that explained the crooked tyre!

After these 3 incidents and with some of the news I have heard/seen about how easily a child can be hurt due to silly accidents, I, myself could have encountered brain damage (at the least) since there were no oxygen in my brain for a couple of seconds or minutes. Or I could have had internal bleedings in my organs from being flown in the air for a few meters. But well, I still obtained my academic certificates, at this moment I am still contributing to the society, I am praising God and what else can I say except for the fact I am still here is because of His grace and mercy??!!! Amen…

(to be continued…)

"Chook Bo"

A few weeks ago, our family was busy preparing for our brother’s wedding. While we were discussing about the upcoming wedding, my mom shared with us how those days she was married to my father. There were many traditions to observe and my grandparents were not lenient in giving leeway to make things easier. Well, I will tell you more in my next blog on those we call today “pat po” things (surely, if my grandparents were alive, they will ‘kill’ me for stating tradition as “pat po” things...)

Along the way, my mom found our Wong’s family book ie “chook bo’. She mentioned that this book records our family’s background especially the male decendants ie their names, date and time they were born, their spouse's name, their son's name, their burial ground and etc. Ye Ye wrote 5 of these books and had given to all his sons. I am amazed and so is my brother. Besides, it also has instruction on what middle name the male decendants should be naming their sons.

"Chook Bo"

You see for Chinese, our ancestors have predetermined their next few generations of male descendants’ middle name. In this way, we should know how big our family has grown and those with same surname are most likely from the same ancestors.

One of our fore fathers' names

Being Chinese illiterate, we asked my brother’s wife’s father to read. Although Uncle could only understand partially as some of the chinese characters are too deep for him, he too is amazed. He commented this book is full of details on Wong’s family - way back when they were still in China. This book is an antique and not many are still in existence. This comment made me feel proud of what Ye Ye had left us. (Hmmm, wonder were we from the famous kungfu master ie Wong Fei Houng 's decendants...hahahaha...who knows, right?!)

My brother then took it to one of his friend. Again, there are several characters which are too old for him to interpret. However the names written on it were as far as 20 over generations before my father’s time. Some pages even mention that our fore fathers were buried in Fu Chow, China. This means even if we are Cantonese, we may not be even from Guangdong at all.

This page belongs to my father's generation - last page of the book (24th generation)

Well, from the book we know that our father’s generation is named “Yuen/Yoon” whereas my brother’s generation is “Kok”. According to the book, the next in line should be “Tak/ Tuck”. Thus if my brother or my cousin brothers have any sons, they should be naming their son as "Wong Tak/Tuck ___".

The 1st page of the book

(on the right side, it has all the middle name for the male generations)

There are a few more names given for the future generations. How interesting and I somewhat feel that our ancestors were so brilliant that they could then foresee what they want in the future. Besides, it also takes a lot of discipline to ensure the message written by our ancestors are passed down as our family grows! I can’t imagine that this book has 20 over generations' history…and it’s belonging to our family!!!

I am really interested to know the entire book’s contents. It should tell us a lot. Wonder if anyone knows the olden days chinese characters...I am very grateful that Ye Ye had actually taken the time to write 5 of these. I must say what he has given to us is far more valuable than monetary things. History is what has shaped us to be today.

Just like how God has given us the Bible. As said, the Bible is the most demanded book in history and it is still holding the record till date. Not just that it contains the history of BC and AC, more importantly it has God’s instructions for us! I am proud to be called God’s child and to have His words with me. Amen...

I am also thankful to Ye Ye for spending time and effort to give us the family history to pass on to our children and so on...

Stand firm...

It has been 6 months since we first heard about the financial crisis. Since then many things have changed...it has been tough and some say it will get tougher!

Many shared that this crisis is the first of its kind and it will be worse than 1930s - "great depression". Negative news flock our daily lives. Most of us who are earning income begin to fear of the future. Even the high profile people, businessmen and employers could not ascertain the right strategy to encounter the crisis. Will this problem be solved by giving out the billions of stimulus package? Is printing more money - the answer? Retrenchment? Creating projects? Or keep every dollar we have? Seriously, I would say, no one knows...

Everyday without fail, we come across seminars, talks, trainings, news and etc on how to embrace this crisis.

I think more importantly, we should review why this has happened - the root cause - GREED OF MANKIND.

In one of the sermon, I heard a statement - "There is no such thing as recession in the Kingdom of God". If we study the Bible, I would think the word "recession" is nowhere to be found. It is us who created recession which will then lead us into DEPRESSION. God has fore warned us not to have idols in our life. Money is a necessity in our life but it should be the ultimate.

If we re-look into many of the past dynasties whether in China or Europe or even back to BC, the downfall of a kingdom starts from the greed of a man. The history should have taught us valuable lessons. However we still fail to learn.

As said, the minorities always affect the majorities. This is the world...

But we should not fret! God is ever merciful and graceful to those who rely on Him. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plan will succeed. " (Pro 16:3). Look at the verse again. There is a FULLSTOP. Simple and straightforward instruction. No jargons, no "IF" or "MAY" but the word "WILL" succeed!

Let's us take heed what has been told by Him and build our faith in Him. We shall then rise above the occassion for whatever the world is facing...Amen!

Year of Ox..MooOooOoo!

Since dad has left us, we dare enough to break away from tradition and had not been 'slaughtering' on CNY eve. No matter how we persuaded, dad would never agree to have Reunion Dinner out of the house...sigh. Well, I guess he had his own opinion and everytime when we sat at the table, we soon forgotten about the hassle of preparing the dinner...


This eve, Amy came back to join us for Reunion Dinner at Ming Room. As I always say, it is never about the dishes we have on the table…it's the family members whom are enjoying the dinner with... I am glad that our family is growing...next year, we will be having 5!Amen...

1st day as usual, we begun our visiting to my beloved 2nd aunty. Every year going to Ah Leong's house, it's like going back to my hometown...yea, it's just about 20km away...but the old neighbourhood brings back a lot of my childhood memories...looking across Ah Leong's house reminds me of my childhood friends...the family has 5 kids. Eldest is Ah Ling who is 6 years older than me...followed by Ah Fun, Ah Fah, Ah Kuen and youngest Ah Mun. Their father is a durian seller and I get free durian everytime he has left overs...These bunch of friends were like my siblings and I don't feel good if I don't see them for a single day. I was told they would also look for me whenever I was at home with my parents...They were also the ones who gave me a bewildered experience of kena rotan from Ah Leong...hahaha...I wonder where are this bunch now...hope they are well...

Then we headed to Ah Sok's place. This year, we get to meet up with my 2 cousin brothers who returned from Suzhou and HKG. Great to see them... Besides, Kok Hoe also announced that he too will be marrying in Oct...Congrats, bro!

Next 3rd Ah Leong. Unfortunately, she was not in and we were greeted by Ah Fun sis. Wow, her boy has turned into a fine young man...time flies...and last of Wong's family would be my 4th aunty. It was also a pleasant surprise to have Ah Mei and her hubby returned from Aussie.

As usual, everytime I get my ang pow...it will sure come with a comment ..."So, when can I stop giving you a?" or "You know, waiting for your cup of tea makes my neck longer"...sigh...cold sweat...to receive ang pow nowadays is no longer as 'excited' as it use to be...hahaha...My friend sms myself and asked how many ang pows I have collected...I replied, these ang pows collected has "blood and sweat" in them...hahaha

This year, wonderfully all my cousins from abroad have returned home...how superb to begin the year of Ox with our family all home plus good news to be shared...We shall be looking forward to March and October to celebrate the marriage of my brother and Kok Hoe!

Gong Hei! Gong Hei!

CNY

Time flies…those days when I was younger (not too long ago though :P) CNY was the best time of the year…1 month before this festival arrives, the young ones will be very excited because we get to have new clothes, new shoes, play firecrackers and most of all…the ang pows!!!

Those days my family and 7th uncle’s family stayed with my grandparents…so, when CNY was near my mom and 7th aunty would be busy cleaning and cooking while our dads were busy cleaning their cars and repairing any electrical items which were spoilt for some time…nobody would care until CNY and suddenly time seems too short for everyone. Well, what we the young ones do? Of course, we need to pretend helping our parents (let’s just say if we really did, they will have more to clean up…hahaha…) I remember, we looked forward to night…it’s firecracker time! We used to gather a few cans and fire them everywhere. Whoever managed to have the loudest blast would seem to be the winner!

On the 1st day, all the young ones would be dressed up like ‘super models’…even if our shoes were hurting our feet, we would never complain…as early as 8am, my Ye Ye’s house would turn into a busy ‘market’ as all the Wong’s would return home. Everyone had to queue to pour tea and wish Ye Ye and Ma Ma with the best wishes…then it would be from the eldest to the youngest…the whole house were filled with laughter and joy…all arguments and grudges which they had were forgotten on this day…the children were compared on their heights while some were busy showing of their new baju and ehem, jewellery…

Our family moved out eventually and these CNY routines only lasted for another year or so. Ma Ma was sent to an old folks home since she needed medical care 24 hrs…she left a couple of years thereafter and it was then Ye Ye’s turn to be sent to an old folks home…I never understand why but I never dare to ask…

Since then Ye Ye’s house had never been the same…CNY had changed…instead of gathering in a common place, we started to visit every of my dad’s siblings’ home. There were 4 of them…if each house we need about 2 hours, we would need 8 hours to complete…so, we have to start early. My dad would wake us up early because we have to eat before we start visiting…waking up early is already torturing – worst was asking me to eat rice that early…sigh…I hate eating rice when the sun is only starting to shine!

By the time we finished all 4 houses, my mom, bro and myself were practically ‘half-dead’ while my dad, half drunk. By night, dinner was simple comparing the night before when we had reunion dinner…and the dishes…well, there were the same – the only different is lesser portion…

Our 1st day doesn’t stop at dinner. We have to make our way to Ulu Kelang to visit my mom’s aunty. Usually we arrived at 930pm and everyone in Yee Poh’s house was already half ‘partying’ with mahjong and drinking…at that age, I was too young for mahjong and drinking…what we do? Well, either we sit by the side of the mahjong table and hand over drinks to the players or sit with dad and Yee Kong to hear them cursing at politicians in the country and in their office…both choices were great for me…else I won’t know how to play mahjong neither would I know that in any generation of mankind, politicians are mostly sucks – whether they are working for the country or those in our office!

2nd day, yet again my dad would wake us early to ‘hoi lin’…again is about having rice…sigh, who the heck created such culture!!! Later on that day, it’s my dad’s turn to receive his siblings and other relatives…although I was made into “Ah Sei” for the day…I was proud of my part time role as a ‘bar waitress’…hmmm, I guess the alcoholic gene is in me because I love to pour beer…and pour beer and pour beer and pour beer…seeing my relative and cousins in my home, I feel the special warmth where 364 days were missing…

Well, I am not sure about other family. Although it has been a routine for every CNY on whom we visit or who would be coming…and as the years gone by…some of my family members have ‘left’…we also have ‘additional’ members along the way - somehow the topic of conversation has never change…best is we never grow tired of the same questions neither are we annoyed in answering them…hahahaha

Now, my dad is no longer around to wake us early and we do not need to eat rice that early…again CNY has changed…

I guess as we grow, the feel and the way we celebrate CNY will somehow change…these days when CNY is near, we confess that we ‘lost’ the feel we used to have…I wonder whether this ‘feel’ will return when our life changes to another stage i.e. when we have children and that they are old enough to understand this festival…then would it be like when I was young and were in Ye Ye’s house…I wonder…

“Gong Hei Fatt Choy” “Chook Lei Lin Lin Yau Kam Yat, Sui Sui Yau Kam Chiu” “Chook Fook Lei Loong Ma Ching San, Po Po Kow Sing, Wang Choy Chow Sau” “Chook Lei Sam Seong Si Seng”