When It Was Time To Leave

Hello!! How are you holidays coming up so far? =D Anyway, this post is dedicated to an awesome teacher who retired last Friday. And she's not just any teacher, but our beloved Cf teacher, namely Pn Saik. =(

She has served faithfully throughout all these years with much compassion and love to her students. She somehow manages to smile everyday, which is wonder honestly, cause even I can't do that, with the teaching and the stress..Arrrgghh. But this teacher always manages to pull through.

There were performances, students giving gifts to Pn Saik, speeches by Encik Azmuddin and Timothy Sim our ex CF president and of course the grand speech given by Pn Saik herself.

After all has ended, it was time for her to walk to the car park where she will find a mystery car before her to send her off.

Yup, Pn Saik sure does look like a model here. So at the car park awaited a black mini cooper. Students followed the mini cooper as it took Pn Saik further away from the school slowly. Oh my goodness, this sounds like a total kidnap. =P

YES, that mini cooper kidnapped our beloved Pn Saik!!

hahahahha, anyway, Pn Saik is a very wonderful, awesome, dedicated teacher and has truly impacted many lives with her compassion, kindness and wondrous smile.

THANK YOU PN SAIK FOR ALL YOU"VE DONE FOR US and we hope that you'll have a blast travelling round the world and in whatever you plan to do. =D

We love you!!

I AM

HELLO EVERYONE!!! HOW ARE YOU ALL DOIN??? To the form 3 and form 5 students happening to be reading this now, eh...shouldn't you be studying?? But IT"S OK, surely you can spare some time reading this article that a wonderful CF-er decided to write for the CF blog. =D

I AM

When you hear a familiar voice calling out to you, what would your first reaction be? To turn to the source of the voice, perhaps. But there’s an infinitesimal second in between the calling of your name and your immediate turning reaction where your brain works out the appearance of that somebody from memory.

When you come to think of it, it’s actually much like a puzzle. Their most striking feature appears first, it could be their eyes, or their smile, maybe even their hair. Then slowly, it is matched up with their other parts. It is then when their personality comes into play. Your brain works like CODIS- a special forensic computer application-, connecting the name to their appearance and the to their personality. By the time you turn around, you’d know exactly who the person is.

But what happens when your memory fails you? When names and faces can’t seem to find a match. A forensic team would search the missing persons unit. Our brains however, in this case, don’t seem to have technology of that sort. We can run our inner CODIS all we want, but all we’re going to get is a red, blinking “no match” sign. What we’ll be left with is a puzzled expression to fit our unsolved puzzle. How then would we react to a greeting from the other party? What do we say when our children innocently ask about our connections with that stranger? This was a situation I was for too familiar with. I have early- onset A. D.

Early-onset A.D. is one of the causes of dementia. Being diagnosed with it didn’t really come as a shock for me, I had it coming. My siblings and I were warned about it because our grandmother had it too. I guess I was just the unlucky one.

In the later stages of my Alzheimer’s disease, names and faces were all but a blur. I would spend most days just sitting and staring into space. I knew it wasn’t long before the rest of my body would fail me just like my brain had. Despite my conduction, there was one thing I always remembered. It would play in my head like a broken record. It was an unsung tune that I would fall asleep to. Most days, it’d be the only thing I’d think of…

You’d think that it’d be something big, something like fireworks on New Year’s Day. To most people, it’s merely two of the most common words in everyday life. To me, it meant the world.

“I AM”

Just two words can cause such a stir of emotions. To some it may bring about fear, pride,resentment, joy, relief, but to me it brought comfort. I would close my eyes and place myself in the shoes of the disciples on that stormy night in Matthew 14:22-33. Physically, I’d be in my comfy ol’ rocking chair, but my mind would be there, in that small boat. Hush… I think I can hear the whistling sound of the wind, can you?

***

After the Lord miraculously fed the 5000 men with five loaves of bread and two fishes, He told us to get into a boat and travel ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. So we did as we were told and set sail without our Master.

Everything was smooth sailing and we were having a good time chatting on the boat until suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed across the moonlit sky followed by the booming sound of thunder. Dark clouds hovered above our heads, concealing the stars that once like a compass, pointed the way to our destination. Strong winds blew with a howl accompanied by the rustling of leaves from trees that surrounded the lake. The billows that tossed the boat vigorously and the pelting rain started to fill the boat with water.

As fishermen, most of us were familiar with storms. They normally cleared up after an hour or so. This raging tempest however, showed no signs of dying down. The storm had caused a pandemonium on the boat. Not only were we hit by the crashing waves, but also by a surge of panic. Judging by the looks of distress on everyone’s faces, I knew we had the same thought in mind: we were going to die.

It was 3 o’ clock in the morning and the storm still had not cleared. Just then, we saw an indistinct figure walking towards us from a distance.

I felt a sudden chill run down my spine as the hairs on the hands stood on its ends. Filled with trepidation, I yelled “IT’S A GHOST!” My heart raced, my face was pallid, never in my life have I been this terrified. We huddled together on the rear end of the boat and said our final words, preparing for the worst.

Then, a familiar voice, deep and calm said, “Take courage! I AM. Don’t be afraid.” At once, we turned to the “ghost” and knew who it was.

***

On hindsight, the way the disciples reacted may have seemed irrational. But when I put myself in their shoes, I knew I would’ve reacted similarly. Even as I stared this huge storm- my condition- in the eye, I was overwhelmed by waves of panic. Everyday when I awoke, it took some explaining from one of the nurses to help me realise where I was. Some days, I didn’t even know who I was. And then there were days where I forgot I had Alzheimer’s.

The doctors told me that my days were numbered and my children were prepared for the worst. Yet, all I could do was sit in my rocking chair and let my mind wander. Though I had no way of expressing it, I was scared. In fact, I still am. The mist at that point had grown so thick that no matter how hard I squinted, my eyes simply couldn’t penetrate through it to recognise the indistinct figure in the distance.

Just when I thought I had lost all sense of direction and hope, a voice, deep and calm called out to me, “Take courage! I AM. Don’t be afraid.” For the first time in a long time, my inner CODIS found a match to that voice and I knew that no matter how much worse my condition got, I was safe and sound. The storm may have seemed so much bigger than He was, but I knew for a fact that He was in control.

I AM.

He wasn’t just anybody and He most definitely was not a ghost. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End. He is my Saviour, Messiah, Redeemer and Friend. He is The GREAT I AM.

Step Up Step Down 2011

So this was the day everyone was waiting for. The next president... The next vice... The next committee... All's revealed here. But obviously, the committee wasn't going to give the answer straight away. ;)

The poor seniors had to wait. Look how anxious they are!! :O

Even this guy went a bit loony o__o

Lookie, our Cf president (at that time) looking so happy. And Yi Qian giving that "ok, smile...heh heh...smile for the camera" look.

As usual, CF started with worship. Dang was worship leading that day. And if you don't know who he is, he's the loony guy you just saw. :P Worship was amazing that day, or so i felt. =D The CF-ers were jumping around, having a blessed time praising God!

*cough cough, another reason why you should come to Cf, cough cough =P*

Anyway, after worship and a short prayer, Samantha Cheh, our emcee for the day presented Pn. Saik, our beloved CF teacher advisor to give her speech. She was all dressed up for her very last CF meeting with us, looking very nice that day with this fancy-looking blue cheongsam. :) With all smiles as always, she started giving out words of advice, quoting bible verses and encouraging all of us to abide in the Word and grow in God. We're all going to miss you, Pn. Saik! :)

Then, the enjoyable performances we have every year commenced just to prolong the time of announcing who the next committee is. Hahahhaha, you'll never know who the next committee is if you don't stick around! to allow the CF-ers to unleash their talents and for those watching to be entertained! :D

The first one up was the oh most delicious band BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE. Yum, yum. Rayshell Wong, Sam Koh and Christopher were singing Lady Antebellum's songs harmoniously that day while Boon Kuan, the only guitarist was strumming along! :) Their other member, Yi Fen was supposed to play that day, but due to unforeseen circumstances, she couldn't play. However, she has put in the same amount of effort as the other Blueberries, so hats off to her too!

The next performance was done by a very VERY cute bunch, namely the afternoon sessioners.

The one in Maju shirt was quite hyper that day.

You could see that the afternoon sessioners really put in a lot of effort in this play and that was what made it inspiring and also CUTE at the same time. Amazing part was, they did everything themselves, or the most crucial aspect which is the script-writing itself!!!

While this was going on,

Dear Sam here was giving out the senior cards that were to be a gift of appreciation from CF

Cassandra looks really intrigued with her card. "Hmmmmm, so this is what they think of me. Like that now lar. Hmph, all their attendance will be erased from the list"

And during these series of events, I had completely NO idea what these guys were doing. From what I get from this picture is that Jeremy is trying to show off his muscles with this dumb bell that looks really light and Christopher is like "HAR, YOU LOSER, I can do better than that." Meanwhile, Johanan is in the state that I am in now- wondering what's going on.

Anyway, reverting back to the performances,

Awww, look at Evan. THUMBS UP PEEPS. SHO CUTE!!!

After their amazing performance, next one up tries to reach a very high note. So what is the next performance.........

Why, it's the singing duo, James Lim and Deborah Wong! Such BEAUTIFUL voices they have! :) Just like the previous performances, these guys really put in a lot of effort, and their effort paid off. So much so,

It made this vice-president tear up.

She was tearing because of she was touched by all the performances she watched. :')

Everyone in this picture are all smiles, except Daniel maybe. He looks like he doesn't understand the performances. :P Long story short, this CF meeting was an enjoyable event. :)

Heh, look at Jun Wei!! He's scrounging his senior card! :O as if saying, "ROAR, who dares make this senior card for me!" :P

Dang on the other hand (guy on right) looks like he's never seen a camera before. Hmmm, intrigued. ;)

When the singing performance ended, the performance was NOT OVER YET!!! Out of nowhere, the afternoon sessioners brought these really HUGE card just for the presidents, Timothy, Heidy and Amanda.

The pressies showing off their very colorful cards. They were very, very touched by the love shown by the Afternoon Sessioners. :) Such a lovely bunch you guys are, Afternoon sessioners! :)

And then it was time for the FINALE!!! The moment everyone was waiting for. Without further ado, our emcee Samantha Cheh started off her magic announcing the faces of the new committee.

This new committee was downsized and so that explains why the committee is smaller now. Each year, it was tradition to give each other gifts on the stage and that was exactly what we did.

As minutes passed all the people in the old and new committee stood in lines at the stage. All but 2 !!!

The moment everyone's been waiting for.

*drum rolls*

First off, the vice president of CF is.........................

ANDREW FOONG!!!!

And who might ze president be??

ALYCIA TAN WEI WENN!!!!!

Awww, look at her smiling so happily at Tim. =D

Yup people, she's the next prez.

GOOO ALYCIA!!!!

As the everyone stepped forward, Pn Cheng urged and led the fellow CF-ers to pray for both the old and new CF committees as well as our teacher advisors.

Now that this huge suspense was over, this was the moment of a new beginning.

The very "serious" committee!!

Sadly, this is the last CF meeting we're ever going to have for this year.

But then again, we're unfolding a new chapter in our lives. And the committee will be busy squeezing their brain juice planning for the NEXT CF CAMP !! Can i hear a WOOT WOOT!!!

Although CF is over, prayer meetings isn't so come for prayer meetings!! It's a time when you can bond with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and grow together in Christ. =D

Anyway, hahahha, i didn't post who the new committee is in this post, but if you'll look to the right sidebar,oooh, what' this...... The names of the new committee are there!!!

Before this post ends,

a very

A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO THE PREZZIES, THE SENIORS IN THE COMMITTEE, AND OF COURSE THE SENIORS WHO SERVED FAITHFULLY ALONGSIDE THE COMMITTEE !!!

Thank you for guiding us all the way in our walk in CF; lending us words of wisdom, and inspiring us all to serve like you all did. =D We will do our very best to keep this going. All glory to God! :)

Naik Tangga Turun Tangga =D

HELLO!!!!!!

THIS week's CF is something you don't want to miss! As obvious as the super huge headline, yep, it's  STEP UP STEP DOWN!

The time when the old committee steps down handing over their duties to the new committee.
So, you're probably wondering who the NEXT CF PRESIDENT would be!
But ngeeeh, i'm not telling. ;) Find out yourselves this week!

Venue: The one and ONLY school hall (NOT Block F, remember!) 
Time: 12.45 p.m. - 2.15 p.m.
Date: 5th of August 2011 (this Friday)

Don't miss this!
There will also be performances!
And I won't tell you what the performances are if you're ever curious cuz...I don't know them either too be honest. :P Haha

SEE YOU GUYS THERE!!!