This

This, my friend, is the famous Malaysian food - Nasi Lemak literally translated as "rice fats".

CHCKL 10th Anniversary

Today marks the 1st decade of City Harvest Church Kuala Lumpur and the dedication of our new building. This is my home, and the place that has shaped, groomed and transformed me.

I've been away from this church since Oct 2009 after I quit my job as a full time staff. There are a couple of reasons to why I decided not to attend this church anymore, but hating this church is not one of it. I wont tell you all of the reasons, but one of it has to do with my personal growth.

Having appear once in a blue moon at church does give me pressure, as people would question on my disappearance. Sorry to say that sometimes, its quite harsh that I'll feel condemned for vanishing and irresponsible for throwing all my responsibilities behind, having the rest of the team to pick them up. But I would say that this happened for a good reason, at least for me.

Stepping out into the real world out of the comfort zone of caring people (though challenges are still a big part of church life), did good to polish my character. This is a very personal thing. Everyone is different, and the way to grow into maturity is also different. After almost 2 years away from church, today, I can finally say that God has been moulding me into a different stage of life even though I did not attend services. I've been groomed in a different way which allowed me to see things in a different perspective and gives way to a clearer understanding.

The times of sorrow is finally ending, and I'm being ushered into a great life as of this moment. Having struggled in identity, power, talent and who i really am, now I am much more assured and less fearful of people's thoughts about me. I wont say I'm completely free from people's judgment towards me, but at least I'm more comfortable with who I am now. I'm just different the way I'm made, and everybody is. I don't need the confirmation to fit into majority or my peers. Where as concerning my work as a designer, I'm blessed with an international company with very strong backup to start a new brand, and fashion branding & designing is all about me! I love branding, I love creating collections, I love telling a story through a brand, I'm a multi sports person, and this is a sports wear brand! After struggling in my micro business, and applying for 80 vacancies, this is the only one that replied, and it is by far the best job that I've ever done. More to that, I have exceptionally great people to work with. They are very down to earth, God-fearing people and a heart for humanitarian, which is also also my burden.

Walking into a new CHC KL today, makes me proud of it all. Especially when I have been absent, but everyone's been upholding me and loving me the same. That made me feel that I've never stepped out of it ever. And with Pst Kong, Sun, Pst Phil and Chris present on this special occasion, I know we're all blessed... VERY blessed.

A toast to our new future!

I cannot say more how much I'm impressed by the work that I'm doing and how by chance or not I coincidentally fall into place on works of the burdens in my heart.

For the past 6 months I've been applying jobs for more than 60 companies but non has got back to me with any news, both good nor bad. And this one company that contacted me, and hired me by far (2 weeks since commencement) has inspired and amazed me with the humble works that are underneath the surface. Its surface is merely a fashion company, a new start up brand with a strong international manufacturing business that has operated for more than 30 over years. But underneath that lies a humble vision which is to earn the pure and humble profit to support a greater work in restoration of Japan.

As I was assigned to coordinate and sell merchandises (t shirts) for a charity concert in collaboration with renown Japanese composer, singers, musicians and song writer, little did I know my first task in the company has a far greater mission behind it.

Tonight, my boss has opened his home to invite all these Japanese on tour to gather for supper after the concert, he shared his vision towards the restoration work for Japan. Followed by the Japanese sharing their thoughts and ideas of his future development. It was a spectacular moment as 4 different races (jamaican and caucasian residing in Japan, the Japanese and us locals) gathers and the discussion was carried through by translations. Such heart felt warmth that touches me deeply.

It has been my greatest desire to aid the needs. As a matter of fact, I have been deciding to enrol in a degree of social work just recently. Many plans I had didn't come thru, including my plans for migation which I've tried for 2 years and doing my own craft and clothing business. Then when all this recent happenings after I joined this company, it makes me think if God is really leading the way to what he really wants me to do and making my own plans not work. Is this the right timing?

I have walked out on him once which I once thought was my calling to serve his people. But I'm walking back into it this time with stronger feelings and better equipped character. As I go to bed tonight... I hope He'll speak to my senses and gives me that vision.

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Bliss

Sitting here at 1:30am at my kitchen table recollecting the hectic event I went through today.

I'm entering my 2nd week at my new job and today is the first I got home past midnight. Nevertheless, I feel satisfied, belonged, and part of a greater world than myself.

My boss is running a big project in conjunction with renown musicians, composers and singers from Japan, to support the work of the restoration of Tohoku earthquake and Tsunami victims. Well, part of it related to my job is that we supplied in house designed t shirts to raise fund for this cause. Another part of it is to support this event which isn't exactly related to my job.

But all I can say now, after such a crazy day is that I'm really happy to be part of this team that consist only of my boss, a business manager and myself - the designer. Though only the 3 of us, which I am just a small part of it all after joining this company, together with many strong parties, the event was a success and I almost teared looking at how much we can do to help the helpless.

I may not be able to volunteer and be present in Japan, nor am I capable of putting together such a big project with a big vision. But I selflessly poured myself into the task that I'm given today and the rest of the week, which is to coordinate these clothes and make a good sales! The result today has put smile on the team's faces.

Remember all that I've went through in soul searching and landing on a job and job environment that I'm happy with? As far as where I am now after a week in this company, I think I can only be grateful, and there might be nothing else that can replace that - probably not even my big migration dream which is at the top of the list.

Thank you God for giving me a really humble and kind hearted boss and manager. The only thing that I wished for in my new career path is to be happy... and I am now. I don't know what will happen when the real deal kicks in, but so far I'm in the flow that allows me to unleash my potentials and positive to my well being. I do not have those fear like I use to have in a china-man mentality surrounding but able to voice my thoughts and enjoy each other's partnership in the team.

A fine Tuesday morning

How did you start your Tuesday?

Mine came with this tune:

And a cheese custard.  Something that looks like this, just 4 times longer

picture source: http://carbwars.blogspot.com

How awesome a Tuesday it is....