LONG TIME NO SEE

It's always a joy to see alumni drop by and visit.

Mi-Youn (Korea) came with ginseng candies and her familiar laughter - she was here for a rest, she said. She's serving with the campus ministry in Korea.

Shirley (China) is back from a short trip to Africa and preparing to teach in a Bible school in Cambodia. "It's a small college for local workers," she said. "I'll be teaching my first class on 'The Holy Spirit' in October, please pray for me." .

Si Si (Myanmar), who's just become a radiant Mrs Koh, also dropped by at chapel last week to visit, and meet with her old friends, especially her pal Estella.

And not forgetting Lim (Singapore) who, in fact, spoke at chapel. He gave invaluable tips on how to stay fit and fearless on the mission field, drawing from his recent experience as a sports coach in a troubled land.

Knowing our students are doing well and leading fruitful lives makes our daily labor of lesson preparation, back-breaking marking papers, teaching, tutorials and endless administration that much more meaningful.

HELLO

We just ended our orientation program: lots of getting-to-know-yous, ice-breakers, information about classes, library visits and of course dinner.

The Student Council did a great job in making sure everything ran: the program, snacks (we had the sweetest and biggest grapes for tea break), games, and of course, the final night dinner (which came later than expected BUT tasted all the better).

The talks got everyone serious and laughing and seriously laughing all at the same time.

Jeannette's Conflict Resolution highlighted the need to resolve issues quickly. "And don't facebook your dissatisfaction!" Check.

YK's Cross-Cultural Adjustments explained how the innocent "tsk tsk tsk", "can can" and "chope" could be misunderstood.

The games were hilarious.

Who knew Byju's new bride and David Kim could be hilarious!

While the new students were shy, they seemed to settle in well.

We already know Dunstan from Brunei could joke - in English, Mandarin and Hakka.

Stephen from the Philippines is quite the photographer and video enthusiast.

Looking forward to a brand new year.

GOODBYE ANN

On Sunday, one of our students, pastor Ann Chia, went to be with the Lord after a year of being bedridden from a stroke. Pastor Kew San and his daughter, Faith, lost the most important person in their lives. Their church lost a caring and gifted pastor. The world lost a generous and beautiful human being.

Ann was a "there you are" woman, always encouraging, always looking out for others. Sometimes we would pass each other at the school corridoor; no matter how rushed we both were, she would not fail to say something nice to me. "This dress looks great on you." "I prayed for you last week, how are you?"

I remember a few years ago I was invited to teach in Mongolia.

Everyone I spoke to told me how harsh the weather was, how muttony the food would be, and how much hardships I must be prepared for. I had a lot of fears.

Then I met Ann one morning at school while climbing up the stairs. She was at the top of the stairs, and called out to me. We chatted and when I told her I was preparing to leave for Mongolia, she said, "That's so wonderful!"

Her huge eyes were bright as she continued, "These are some of the warmest and kindest people you'll meet," she said, as she recalled her own trip to Ulaanbaatar some time ago. "You are so blessed."

Before she had the stroke, Ann was battling with cancer. The treatment ravaged her physical strength. I was scared when I went to see her for the first time, not sure how to react.

But as soon as she came out of the room, my apprehensions disappeared. She was all sunshine and joy. Her body was frail but her spirit was strong.

After I prayed for her, she prayed a longer prayer for me. She asked that I would experience God's deep comfort every day, and be used by Him 30, 60 and a hundred folds.

Goodbye Ann. Goodbye my dear student, my friend, my sister. You may be gone, but you haven't left us.

Your encouragement, your kindness, that beautiful smile, they're everywhere. At the corridoor. At the top of the staircase.

In my heart.