Kingdom Rock at Open Door Church

Open Door Church San Mateo organised a vacation bible school for school kids last week and the theme for 2013 was Kingdom Rock! After many hours of set up and preparation, the whole church was transformed into castle grounds where newly knighted sirs and ladies would teach kids how to stand strong for God.

 

Kids went through this castle gate after they have signed in

The main castle grounds where the kids met with their crew leaders

At the start of each day, they learnt how to Stand Strong! for God

 

 

I signed up as a bible story teller and was assigned to be the leader of Epic Bible Adventures - one of the four main stations. It was awesome as kids not only got to hear about the bible stories, but also experience and meet the bible characters!

 

On Day 1, to illustrate how God's Love helps us stand strong, we met King David and immersed ourselves in Psalm 23 where he wrote about God's love at different points in his life. We laid on the 'green meadows' and beside 'peaceful streams', and even went into hiding with him as we experienced the 'darkest valley' where he felt the comfort of God.

 

On Day 2, Queen Esther burst into our room as we were discussing how Friends and Family helps us stand strong. She told us about evil Haman's plans and how Mordecai encouraged her to go to the king to save her people. With the kids' help, Queen Esther gathered up her courage to meet the king and tell him her request.

 

On Day 3, Nehemiah, who prayed to God about everything and anything, showed the kids how Prayer helps us stand strong. The kids were enlisted as workers to rebuild the Wall of Jerusalem. They overcame mockers and other challenges as they cried 'God help us!' every time their work on the wall was interrupted.

 

On Day 4, we re-enacted scenes from Jesus' story - his entrance to Jerusalem, his arrest, his crucifixion and then his resurrection. Kids felt the crown of thorn, heard the sound of nails being hammered into wood, and also saw his empty tomb! They experienced how Jesus obeyed God even to death, and that Trusting God helps us stand strong.

 

On Day 5, King Josiah's officials found the scroll within the rubbles of the Temple of Jerusalem and he ordered everyone to obey the word of God from that day onwards. He also asked the kids to help smash all the idols that can be found in his kingdom, and throw them into the fire. The kids learnt that we have the bible as the word of God today, and that the Bible helps us stand strong.

 

We set up the room differently for all five days so that the we could really get the kids into the story. It was literally back and neck breaking work but it was worth every ounce of effort. From the questions they asked, their curiosity, their response and reaction, I could really tell that the kids loved the stories and remembered the bible points. It was lovely to talk to them and work with them.

 

Inside Epic Bible Adventures room among the ruins of the Temple of Jerusalem

 

I sincerely hope that the kids would remember everything they see, learn and feel. Most importantly, that we would continue to stand strong for God even long after the camp has ended!

 

Amazing snacks that were prepared in line with each day's theme

A fanfare finale reinforcing the bible points rounds off each day

 

Full attention given by kids and adults alike

Angela, the Children Ministry director, gave out books to 'lucky winners' on the last day

Freshly grilled hot dogs for everyone on the last day

A feast caps off a very enjoyable and meaningful week

Cupertino finds!

If you are craving for good old HK pastry, head right up to Kee Wah Bakery at Cupertino! It was a surprise find for us as we drove to the area to meet up with friends this evening. The feeling of home was apparent when I stepped inside. We bought the fluffy egg cake and 菠萝包, something I really missed, for tomorrow's breakfast! The lotus seed pastry looked yummy too! It's still some time away from mid autumn festival but I'll definitely be back.

Anyway, for dinner tonight we went to the popular Curry House, which is along the same stretch as Kee Wah. (Thanks to HY for the recommendation and for making the booking!) Panda loves the corn potage while I think the curry rice is quite awesome. The portion is quite big though so I'd share next time!

Yup, just a short update here. Ta!

My first baseball game: SF Giants vs Toronto Blue Jays

Panda's boss, Mick, took us to AT&T Park to watch SF Giants against Toronto Blue Jays yesterday. It was awesome! Not because I know anything about baseball - I don't, sadly. But the spirit of the spectators, the atmosphere of the ballpark and... OK, the beer and hotdogs, it was just too cool to participate in the sporting mood.

 

The only thing I wish I did was to wear an extra jacket. The wind was freezing. By the time we left the stadium, my nose was as red as Christmas Day.

 

Will let the photos do the talking.



AT&T Park from a distance

The buzzing entrance

Panda in front of the standing spots

Toronto Blue Jays

SF Giants

In position... waiting!

  

Panda and Mick (Thank you for taking us to the games!)

Posey is the Beckham of baseball, this I learnt!

Kayaks (and other cute motor "boats") wait outside the stadium to catch flying baseballs

I love my new orange SF visor. Giant colours!

Check out my mini baseball bat too!

Lend a hand. If you can.

I came across Maya's Hope on Craigslist while I was searching for volunteer opportunities last year. They were looking for people who could write case files for children so that potential sponsors could learn more about their story, their struggles and how they can help.

 

One great takeaway from my previous job in the bank is that you are never too busy to help. A little contribution goes a long way in helping others. And you feel good, knowing that you've put your skills to good use.

 

I have been writing case files whenever I can. In between doing housework, traveling and hosting visitors. I love writing and am happy to take part in a meaningful cause. My work's probably minute compared to other volunteers but it's still something.

 

If you'd like to help, you can contact Maya's Hope on their website or check out how to get involved as a volunteer. Maya's currently looking for people who can post ads,  recruit volunteers, write, raise funds, use Instagram and contact companies for donations.

 

Better yet, if you are financially comfortable, you can help give hope and save a child's life.

 

As with all volunteer work, commitment is the key criteria. That and a lot of love and enthusiasm for the cause you believe in. In this case, it's helping children in need.

 

  

*Note: A New York based non-profit organisation that helps children living in extreme poverty, Maya's Hope provides more than just physical and financial support in terms of food, education and other daily necessities. The goal is to give love and hope to the young ones, so that they can grow up to be emotionally strong people who can contribute back to their community. 

A birthday surprise to Santa Cruz

I planned a little birthday surprise for the hubs on Memorial Day weekend! My limited and sad budget does not allow me to book a room at Post Ranch Inn but I held on to the theme of Sun, Sea and Cosiness. Did my research diligently while the hubs was away, and my final choice was Sea and Sand Inn at Santa Cruz!

Thank God for the superb weather because seriously, who wants to go to the seaside when it's cloudy? There was a slight jam on CA-17 as we headed towards Santa Cruz but Panda was snoring all the way in the car so by the time he woke up for his surprise, we've already arrived at Zachary's - our downtown lunch stop serving American brunch.

After filling our stomachs, we checked in at the charming little inn and headed towards the beach to experience the California summer (they said MD is the unofficial start of summer.) It reminded me of Santa Monica in LA - the crowd, the music, and all the hot bods! I especially love the Boardwalk. It's a great carnival with rides and games and food. We even won a prize at one of the stalls!

Back at the inn, the view from our cottage suite patio was amazing. What's more, we had a 4-pax outdoor hot tub that allowed us to enjoy the view from the privacy of our room. We were there in the tub, drinking Starbucks coffee and waiting for the sun to set...

I've thought long and hard before splurging, given that I'm not working right now. But it's truly money well-spent, and I couldn't ask for better company.

Happy birthday, my dear!

Down at the beach at Santa Cruz

At the entrance of the Boardwalk

This flying ride was rather popular with kids and teens!

I love these colourful mushroom like cable cars

Loads of screaming here!

Our prize, nicknamed "three dollar" because that was how much it cost us!

Should we get our feet wet, or not?

View of the beach from our room

The outdoor hot tub

My best companion

Les lettres des enfants de Toguiron

As part of the French Club activities I signed myself up to do French-English translation for primary schools. Kids from African countries write to their pen pals in America, and we have to translate these letters to English.

A real challenge is their cursive handwriting and spelling mistakes. I got to look up the dictionary and search online for words and phrases which I don't understand. Some are plainly illegible or just don't make sense. Makes me wanna ask the teacher, you sure you are teaching them good writing skills? :(

But I had fun nonetheless, learning more about the African culture especially their daily staples - rice, fonio, cassava, mangoes... The children's letters are quite cute, mostly talking about their family, their favorite animals and food.

Still, I'm glad that I took part. Even more glad, for the chance to keep the language alive in me.

Some drawings are pretty cute too!

Beautiful May. Visits to Vancouver and Yosemite!

May is a good month not only because the flowers are in full bloom, but Sis and OSH finally got off their busy work/baby schedule to visit us. I'm über happy!

Despite their short one-week visit, we managed to squeeze in two short trips - one to Vancouver to visit our distant relatives, and the other to Yosemite, a national park which I've always wanted to go. We were panting like mad with back-to-back flights/drives but it was all worth it. The scenery, the company... All made the trips extremely enjoyable. On the last day we even made an impromptu drive to Sterling Vineyard some two hours away, just to enjoy that last sip of wine under California skies.

Of course, food is a major feature in this trip since Sis and OSH could hardly eat a proper meal back home with baby Jovan around. Even after the sumptuous dinners in Vancouver, courtesy of our aunts and uncles, we didn't rest our stomachs but went straight for everything - down from cheesecakes to crabs. We even went back for seconds at The Boiling Crab and Nini's Coffee Shop which serves very tasty home-cooked American breakfast. I am so stuffed that I am undergoing a 3-day detox after they left.

Here are just some snapshots of our trip. The best are in my memory!

Vancouver's Fisherman's Wharf is smaller and cosier compared to SF

At Mount Elizabeth Park with our aunt

Check out the famous gas clock at gas town

Viva the gigantic Olympics fire

Had king crab at my uncle's restaurant. It was very, very yummy.

At Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge under crisp Canadian weather

We just had to try Tim Hortons, the local 'Starbucks'!

At Deep Cove, a tranquil little area by the bay

#whatcrazysistersdo

Took the ferry to Lonsdale Quay Market on our last day in Vancouver

Back in US. After driving for 4hrs, we finally caught a glimpse of the Upper Yosemite Fall behind us.

We checked in at Tenaya Lodge. We had dinner at a nearby pizza place and the portions are BIG!

After roaming around Curry Village & Mirror Lake in the morning, we headed to Glacier Point. The view was breath-taking.

At Napa. Squeezed a trip to Sterling Vineyard for the pair of wine lovers.

I say give that lady a bottle of SV reserve

The Boiling Crab sha-bang sauce was so good, we had to go back for seconds on their last night!

Nini's exudes old American charm with a comforting breakfast menu. They had to eat it once more before their noon departure.