Worldcup Final - Viva Italia

Tonight I watched the worldcup final with about 30 people, squashing in a nice house somewhere in Notting Hill. We had the majority of Italians present, I believe there are more than 20 of them with Italian blood somewhere back in time or real die hard Italian. The Dutch, French and Malaysian are really the minority.
That was a good games, it was fun watching the match with Italians. They are so expressive, and shouting and screaming in Italian.
Finally the worldcup concluded with Italy wining the cup.
What a good way to conclude tonight!
Viva Italia.

Notting Hill

Remember the movie Notting Hill? Where Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts acted and the shoots were taking wholly in Notting Hill.
Today, I decided to took the stroll in Notting Hill and the Portebello Road. It was already late afternoon when we set off, despites of that we still have some good late afternoon sunlight.
The Portebello of course is quiet but as I walked passed I did like this area very much. There are enough expensive housing, my favorite Ngonya restaurant and also Kesington Temple.
I also walked passed the private garden where I recalled in the movie, both of them climbed in through the gate in the middle of the night....

Dinner at James Street

This is the rather famous along Oxford street and these days I frequented quite oftenly for dinner.
The terrace was great, today (8th July) a group of us came here for our dinner. Eva is still with us, and so it was fun. The key word of the night was 'massive'. Trully the portion of the food is massive. I ordered a lamb nuckle and it turn out to be much bigger than I expected, let alone finishing it.

London Roof Garden

This weekend I couldn't make it home due to the workshop. Friday night after the work, the crew decided to give ourselves a break before continue to work on Saturday.
Our dear friend Eva Luisi was in town. Someone came out with an idea to go to Roof Gorden in South Kesington Street. Apparently if you were not on the guest list, it was almost impossible to get into the club. Fortunately Anouk has some connection and expand the guest lists for us.
We arrived and noticed the long queue of people waiting to go in. It looks exclusive and reminded me of those Sex in the City series where Samantha has to use her PR connection to get into the club. We managed to walk in without standing in the line. The roof Garden has the view of London. It was quite impressive!
The dinner was great although it was rather pricey. Finally we got into the club and realise there is another open space with some spanish/mexican live band. The weather was perfect for openair and so Eva and myself chatting and drinking all night. It was past 4am when we were ascorted out the club.

For more information, check out http://www.roofgardens.com/home_flash/

Our 1st Marriage Blessing Ceremony

3rd July became a very special day since our marriage was blessed by our Senior Pastors at DCF church.
It is rather a good day because it will always be in the summer, whilst our official wedding date 25 October is always a groomy day as the winter time usually set on around that period.
We were both very busy with our work, but despite of that we made a point to celebrate this very special occassion even it fall on Monday.
We went to Schevenigen and it was way passed usual dutch dinner timing. We ended up at a seafood restaurant by the beach. Despite the food was not as great, but the sunset was romantic. It was a special day to remember because since that day, our relationship has turn ever better.
Thank you Jesus, for everything, for my wonderful husband.

First ever real summer BBQ

Yesterday the temperature finally soared above 25 degree.
It was rather hot, but not really unbearable though.
Johannes invited his friends Natasha and Daniel, Aaron and a Chinese friends to the BBQ at our garden.
The weather was lovely, we grilled slowly and by the time we ended our BBQ it was almost past midnight and yet we were sitting and chatting at the garden.
What a perfect weather, nice companions and enjoyable dinner.

Laat het huis gevuld zijn

Laat het huis gevuld zijn met wierook van an-bidding
Laat het huis gevuld zijg met de wolk van Mijn Geest
Laat het huis gevuld zijn me thet Brood van eeuwig leven
Laat het huis gevuld zijn met Mijn geur

Want ik wil koment met Mijn Geest
En doorwaaien heel het huis
Ik wil het maken tot een tempel waar ik woon
Laat Mijn leven in je zijn
Ik maak je heilig, puur en rein
Laat het levend water stormen door je heen

Laat het huis bekleed zijn met kleden van fijn linnen
Laat het huis bekleed zijn met gerechtigheid en trouw
Laat het huis gekleurd zijn door het bloed van Uw Zoon Jezus
Laat het huis gereinigd zijn en schoon
Want U wilt komen met Uw Geest
En doorwaaien heel het huis
U wilt het maken tot een tempel waar U woont
Lat Uw leven in ons zijn
Maak ons heilig, puur en rein
Laat het leven water stromen door ons heen

Heer wij roepen tot U
Kom opnieuw met Uw vuur
Wij verlangen naar echtheid
Bewerk het diep in ons hart

Heer wees welkom met Uw Geest
En doorwaai nu heel het huis
Kom en maak het tot een tempel waar U woont
Laat Uw leven in ons zijn
Maak ons heilig, puur en rein
Laat het leven water stromen door ons heen

Lommerijk - A summer wedding

24th Jun is one of my closest sister in christ's wedding.
The Lord blessed in many ways, the weather was just fine and resembled a typical summer day should be. The location made the whole even t perfect as it was a warm summer day and we were partying at a restaurant by a lake.
I trully feel blessed because we were one of the previllage that being invited to the wedding. The location has a limitation of 300 people and surely it is hard for Amelia to decide and I am delighted to be one of 300.
Lord bless Amelia and John Markus, both of them love you and desire to serve you.

Longest day

I watched the news in the morning and realised that today or tomorrow will be the longest day in the sense with the longest daylight.
I went out for managers dinner with our senior executive, and returned to my hotel and still see the nice sunray of the late evening. The photo is the view from the hotel room.
I quickly took my camera and capture the very moment.
The daylight will be getting shorter and very soon, we will be in the cold dark winter again.
Just as the old wisdom says 'There is a time and season for every activity under the sun'.

Dinner with the ladies

Today, 5 ladies from our cellgroup went out for dinner.
It is amazing that all of us actually made a point to leave our beloved the other half and spending time together.
We had Thai food somewhere at the old town of Scheveningen.
The food was excellence, the fellowship was great. It was a great day too..

Efteling

Today, we went to De Efteling. The weather was just fine, a bit chilly in the morning but as the day progress it became really hot in the afternoon.
I was thrilled as I walked into the part and met with Efteling.
The photo showed me and Mr. Efteling.

Rose Garden

It is to my surprise that all the flowers are blooming in my garden. I am impresed with the red roses that fully over blossom. Also the white ones and the two new climb roses that we purchased not too long ago and transplated to the ground and is climbing high and started blooming.
I am also impressed by the Lavender that we planted in our front garden. Everything is so colourful and beautiful.
The Lord has made it perfect, despite of the wildly grown grass, we are still blessed by beautiful flowers.

I remember some rylic of the song goes "...Roses are red, violet are blue, true love is sweet my love...but not as sweet as you..."
I welcome you roses...

Orange Fever

Well, it is world cup again. I have never seen that much of orange objects in the last 3 years apart from during the Queen's day. The photos above were my eye witness of the orange fever at my neighbourhood.
The Dutch team's performance was not bad, but not really excellence. Football really brings the world together, bring the family and friends closer. It also creates some sense of 'unity' and definately better spending power during the world cup period.

Life beside St Paul's church London

Today I was told that I need to stay over the weekend to help the proposal work. At 6pm, just as I started to feel really tired and grumpie over the workload and was expecting another long night work, the managers suddenly annouced and in face insist that all of us must leave the office now.
They have decided that we should not work on further but have an early day so that we can get going tomorrow.
Since the weekend work will be at the eastern part of London, I booked myself to a hotel nearby the office.
In fact I don't know how to react to this sudden annoucement of leaving early. It took me awhile to know that it is a good thing that happen to me. Anouk, Leonard and myself went out for a drink - the British way, ie. standing outside the pub and enjoying the late afternoon sun while German was playing the first world cup match.
IT was surprise that the hotel just next to St. Paul's Cathederal. Nice location, away from Marybone and bustling Oxford street.
God did answer my prayer afterall. :)

It there life afterall??

Finally the weather in London has turned two folds warmer. Yet, this is a week, I am working on a average of 20 hours a day.
The weather is so fine, but yet I am in the building all day. I sincerely hope that next week will be better.
Help me to endure this week and hopefully everything will fall back to the same again.
Sunshine, Summer I welcome you but don't leave me before I meet up with you and enjoy you.

A Passage to India

The last night in London concluded perfectly with a 'Passage to India'. We decided to have Indian food and by no better reason or whatsoever, we chosen La Porte des Indes which is probably the closest Indian restaurant that I know.
I definately didn't anticipate that there is an 'oasis' in the restaurant. I originally thought it was just a little indian restaurant but it turned out with an secret oasis and garden. The setting was in the British Indian colonial style. At the centre of the restaurant, there is a man-made waterfall with over blossomed paradise bird. This is definately going to be a high indian with a price and expectation to match.
The fact that there are lots of indians came here for dinner is an guarantee to the quality of the food served. We ordered our individual dishes and it came out perfectly done.
The Icelanders couple next to us also added extra conversation to our dinner experience.
Overall, the food was excellence, the embience was great, and the price is off course there to match.
Then again, how often we can enjoy life like that, a little pamper to ourselves would'nt hurt. I count it a blessing to be able to enjoy good food with my beloved half.

Our new HP printer

For years we have been using a laid back printing technology at home. Despite of recognising the need to replacing it and catch up with the technology, we just couldn't come to an agreement of the sort of printer we want. Johannes wanted an all-in-one laser which I felt is over spec for our humble home office.
Finally we decided on this one HP Office Jet 7210 All-in-One. Even though it of injet technology, I still marvelled at the speace and the high quality product of it. The copying and printing features were great, still need to get use to the scanning tool and yet too try out the faxing modem.
With HP 7210 in our studyroom, it does brighten up my printing, and it comes with colour. :)

A view from my London office window

Photo: (1st: a view of Wallace Collection on a groomy day from my desk, 2nd: the setting up of the shooting on another day)
As you may know I am now working on a project in London. The office is by Manchester Square and literally next to Wallance Collection. I am blessed to have a seat next to the window where I can pause and embrace the non-stop motion outside the window.
Wallace collection appeared to be a very attractive place, lots of visitors, tourist, stylish of that sort hopping in and out the mesuem. On a good sunny days, people lunching, picnicing at the fields.
Sometime I wonder why am I doing inside the office building while people are enjoying the good day outside.
I took this two pictures by my window, there was one morning where I saw the crews setting up the light as if there will be a shooting (movie or documentary) taking place in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn't see any rich and famous but just the motion of setting up and dismentaling all the equipment. Nevertheless, it keep me busy that day :D.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Reunion

Tuesday 16 May, I met up with Vicky and Charles, Yip and Marc in London.
Yip and Vicky are my goodfriends and we met in Hong Kong. We started as colleagues and eventually they both left the company earlier than me. We remain good friends since today.
Vicky and Charles lived briefly in Netherlands while Yip married to Marc not too long ago and they live in Richmond, greater London.
The meeting was fun, a lot of catching up and also thanks to Vicky who helped me to source for my new digital camera. I am now back in candid shots again. My new digital camera remain Canon IXUS, simply because I know the operating mode. This time I have the latest model IXUS 800IS.
We had Lebanese food along Egware Road, on Charles's recomendation based on close distance from my hotel, cheap and of reasonable quality.
It is a good catchup, lots of chatting, sharing and laughing. It is a pity Johannes was not around, otherwise I will feel more complete, but there is always next time.

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day. There are some celebrations in the church, and as usual, it is kind of weird for me. In Indonesia, a lady who has married is called 'Ibu' which in Malaysia, Ibu is always reference to 'Mother'.
Pastor Vivie called for a combined cell meetings and handed out this very specially printed, highly personalised card to us.
It also followed by a special message out from Bogota, the head of G12 movement. It talks about the Spiritual Blessing in Christ, and being a women, a wife, and a mother (AMEN!), women are special to God.

Ephesians 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ

Freedom to believe

Today is Mother's day, Paster Assien came to our church and he preached on the following points.

• What you believe is base on what you hear
• What you believe in, determine how you behave
• What you believe, is what you receive

The supporting scriptures are from the following:
Mark4:24 - "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.

Mark 11: 23 -24 - "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours

Lord, thank you for lifting my pressure and stress. Thank you that I am indeed set free in this area. All I want to do is to 'Simply Believe' that You have the best plan for me. AMEN

Bye Bye Canon IXUS40

Well, for those of you wonder why I have been silence for awhile....
The reason is, I have destroyed my digital camera. On my first return trip from London, I bought a bottle of water with a non-secure cap. The bottle cap probably opened during the flight without me realising it. The water is soughing in my handbag, my beloved Canon which has followed me for many years to many places. The disaster doesn't stop there, it almost destroyed my passport and my purse. This 'mini' Katrina has nearly caused an unrecoverable damage to me (I mean everything in my handbag), but thankfully I had a lether cover for my passport which serve as a protector.
It is a pity to say good bye to my digital camera, I know there is no point to repair it as it would cost probably more than a new one.
Canon IXUS 40, it is time for your retirement and rest in peace. I will cherish every photo that I have taken with you.

blomen in Lente

Spring time is always an excited time for me.
Imagine the fields full of flowers, patches of red, purple, pink, yellow. It is as if the cold dark winter has come to an end and is treading the grey and rainy sky with the wonderful colours on the fields.
It hasn't been many flowers so far, since the spring was rather cold this year, but I was impressed by the patches of tulip fields that I saw along the flower heartland around Lisse.
Thank you for brighten up my life.
Spring I welcome you.

Piered Plam and Infected Fingers, who suffer more?

Today is good friday, my tumb infection is getting worse. The infection began a night before I left for London but it is getting worse and also affected a few other fingers.
Who is to blame? Certainly not good friday but my own mistakes. I bite or pull the dry cuticles out from my nails quite oftenly. Normally it will not be infected but this time, it seems to be out of control and spreading.
Went to the doctor, get them cleansed and wrapped. Above all, I have to take antibiotics to fight the infection.
Suddenly I have something to ponder about on this special Good Friday....
If such a nail infection is already hurting so much, how much did my Lord Jesus suffer on the cross? How much pain He endured when His nails are pierced?
When I think of this, my suffering become so insignificant.
Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me.
AMEN.

First week in London

It is hard to imagine the shift from Sandviken, Sweden a small little village to Manchester Square, near Oxford street London.
Well, here I am in London, where my new project begins. At the moment, the project is only till end of May, but with the option to extend for another 9 months.
London, reminded me of Hong Kong and now working in London even bring back the memories of my time in Hong Kong. The hotel room is extremely small, to the extend it is only for sleep. I am yet get use to the idea that space is precious and expensive in London.
As aspected, working in UK project is always tiring, I have spent long hours in defining scopes, processes and etc. However, it does enrich my career because of the work that I am doing is actually pretty new. Not so much of the content but on project planning.
The first week went well, though a bit lonely and as any big city, it is akward to dine alone.
Hopefully next week will be better.

Stockholm Ice Bar

Today, I arrived Stockholm around 5pm and met up with Jenny, Tara and Eva at Athlen City.
We went to a cafe for food and then hop on to the famous Stockholm Ice Bar.
It was cool to meet up with the girls as Eva and Tara are going back to US tomorrow.
It was fun and cool in the icebar and drinking from a glass that made of ice. The big mama photos are kind of funny.
Eva, I am going to miss you and it has been nice working with you for the last 8 months in Sandviken.
This trip is probably my last trip to Sweden as well.
Farewell, Stockholm!

American Shutters

Last Friday our long waited american shutters blinds finally arrived and installed.
Since I discovered this in Alexanderium, I just refused to install a normal or rather ordinary curtain in our living room. American shuttlers were quite expensive and since we refused to settle for second best, we waited till the timing is right, or rather when the finance is viable to get this done.
The shuttle was just perfect for our home, it kind of neutralizes the chinese with essent of thai. The house is very tropical and the dark wood colour stands out further with the yellow wall. When the sun panetrate through the shuttles, the living room became so charming with the shadow.
It is exactly as what I have imagined in the first place.
We waited for a year to get this. It is definately worth the waiting. See it yourself.

Back to Netherlands Office

I must admit that it has been a long time since I last sit in Apollolaan.
First week of unbillable due to the fact that Sandvik is over and Unilever has not started.
Definately a good ground to speak the Dutchie Language.
Also embarking the never ending of 'files' - trafic jam during the rush hours.
I wonder how long I can stand...
Well, at least stop being a flying dutchman for a while...

The Ladies Room

From Left to right, Annika Soderman, Eva Luisi and ME.

Well...this is not the normal ladies room that you would expect.
It is in fact one of the conner room in Connect office which has been given to Annika, myself and Eva. It has been my office for the last 8 months.

The Ladies room may become history, but the fun, laughters and friendship that we share will go on for a long time.

My Last day in Sandviken

Today is my last day in Sandviken. Not many people turn up at the office today since it was announced as a day off for those who stay over the weekend.
I have to be there early because of my meeting with Henrik and after that I basically counting my fingure, do a bit of cleaning up of harddisk, backup. At about 3pm today, I totally lost connection to internet, my Sandvik user ID just goes invalid. Anyway, I have to wait till 4pm when Henrik finally did my GAT review. GAT is the feedback evaluation about how a person work in a project, the strengths and the development areas.
I just came back from dinner with Louise Koh, a Malaysian lady that work in Sandvik.
Now is the time to conclude my good 8 months time in Sandviken. Will I miss this place??? I guess the answer is No. However, Sandviken has certainly enriched my winter experience for I have not seen that much of snow in my life and also been on skiing and the outdoor activities yesterday was unforgettable.
Farewell Sandviken!! God bless Sandviken and the people I met in Sandvik.
I will miss you all may be for a day, but life must move on and we may meet each other again sometimes, somewhere....
Hej Då!!!

Unforgettable Nordic Experience

Today is Connect Go-Live outing.
The weather is obviously not too good for outdoor activity. It was snowing all the 4 hours when we were out there. We had competitions but also lots of snowball fights.
It is a Swedish trandition to begin the winter sport activities by drinking blueberries soup. The warm soup is so tasty under the snow...yum..yum...
For God's know what reason, I was being appointed as a team leader and I have never done any of those stuff before.
We have baithlon session (ski shooting), cross country skiing and snow shoes running competition. Everything is new to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it despite of the snowy weather.
After the competition, we sat in a tractors (like the refuges) and the tractors brough us to a cabin lodge by the lake.
The feeling of series 'Survivor' , the torches are lidding up from the entrace, leading to the cabin. It was like we were heading for the verdict to find out who is out of the games.
There is no light in the cabin, we relied on the oil lamps.
We were eating our dinner in kind of half dark atmostphere but the food was delicious, my entrecote was great.
My team scored the 3rd place, and the gifts were lot of Sandvik surviniors.
YES!! you can do it! :)

Sandvik Goes Live

Today 27 March 2006, is the day that I have long waited for. This is the day where additional HR populations and functionality goes operational.
Today also resembled the many months that I have worked towards in this project. Having been through 2 go-live phase for Sandvik, this is definately the much better one.

Lord Jesus the HOPE for ME

This weekend I am traps into a very desparate situation.
When I thought the whole world is against me, that I found my peace and joy. I cryout to the Lord in my prayer and as I went through the Goal last week, it amazed me that the Goal was specially tailored for my situation. Everything in it was just written as if specially for me. The Lord transformed me from a very desparate and hopeless situation to a victory in His tabernacles. He promised that He will protect me from my enemies and make me high upon the rock. I found Peace the moment I finished reading the Goal and also mediating on the scriptures.
I was waiting for phone call from Sweden desparately and suddenly the Lord reminded me, why don't you go and read your email. Then I rushed into the study room and I saw the email that they will do it at 4pm. The timing of the email is just exactly the time that I was prompted by the Holy Spirt. How wonderful is my LORD!!!

Mark 11: 22-24 Have faith in God, Jesus answered. I tell you the truth, if any one says to this mountain,'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

James 1:5 if anyone lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him

Psalm 27 : 4-6 One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling, he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me, at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy, I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Spring time

Today we have the change of time by moving the clock forward an hour. This also officially embark a summer time.
Summer time is always a time full of sunlight and colour of the spring. It is always a time to cherish and enjoy as much as possible of the beauty. The beautiful flowers on the fields, an energetic season.
Lord help me to enjoy and cherish this season to the very best!

summer skyline -- winter temperature

This week was an extra ordinary sunny week. I am not use to the extra early sunlight in the morning.
I am not a morning person but this week I get into the office extra early because sunlight was my morning call.
The temperature is still pretty much winter but nordic daylight is long.
No wonder you either see light or not seeing it at all.
Dear Lord, help me to enjoy the day with this beautiful sunny weather to the fullest.

Politics in Hierarchy

As you know, I am in the transition period, adjusting myself from consultant to manager. Is promotion to a manager role always equal to engaging in more politics?
Since March, I have to deal with two kind of stress, one is partly due to the Dutch language. Despite of been through a week of training, I still struggle in the business environment. Deep in my heart there is a strong urge to overcome the language.
The second kind of stress is from the Swedish organization. Today especially I am really piss off by the Swedish partner.
I am not going to say anything other than I am relying on the Lord even more now than ever.
In the time where everything is a variable, I count my Lord as a constant.
In the time where everyone can turn their back against you, I count my Lord as my Shelter and Protector.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Outlet Malls

On Saturday 18 march, with the kind of dry and sunny weather, we decided to set off to a south bound journey. It was my suggestion to go to Roermond, which is a border city in the Netherlands. It was about 2 hours drive to get there. When we arrived, we were overwhelmed by the numbers of Germany cars that parked at the car park. It was as if we were in Germany instead of Holland. I like the brands there, they have my favorite brands such as Ralph Laurent Polo, Hugo Boss, Aigner, Salvator Ferragamo and many other famous and less famous brands. As my usual shopping habits, I like to stroll through the shops before I re-bounce on the second round to try and buy.
I did make some good acquisitions in less than 3 hours. The crowds immerse in the mid afternoon where I began to feel stress and my shopping mood cooled off. When I about suggest to leave, Johannes came out with the idea of going to another Outlet Malls which is just 30 mins drive away. Maasmechelen, is situated in Belgium. The Mall there was much smaller and also less people, this gave me the peace of mind to continue shopping. I also discovered a brand -- Fred Perre that I never know off. Anyway, we have a good time and on the way home we call along a supermarket to stuff ourselves with the best malt beers that I have ever tried.

Linguistic Experience - an enrichment?

A week in Nunnery
I just came back from a week of intensive Dutch language training.
15 hours a day, 5 days a week, on the last day I am almost flat off...
But praise God that I am able to or rather I have the courage to speak the language now.
The lesson starts at 8am and not finishing until 10pm. It is indeed very intensive, so intensive that I can only use the word 'Concerntration Camp' or brainwash to describe the learning experience.
Regina Coeli follows a European Framework and that surely I only starts at A2 and I finished with good A2 and beginning of B1.
Not sure how much this mean to me, but surely I am able to speak a little better now...

Delft in Romans Time

Today is a training day, my team delivered a training to our clients. It was after a very long preparation.
I am actually stuck at Arlanda airport and surfing at the lounge because my flight is delayed till further notice.
Now sure if this is the best thing to happen on a Friday night.
The majority of DCFers are evangelising at the city of Delft and I am isolated here in Sweden, but I am in fact using my time to pray for them. Intercession!!! Standing in the gap.
Lord bless those who are evangelizing now, I pray that many souls will be touched, I pray that You open their spiritual eyes to see that You are the only God that we can count on.
I plead the blood of Jesus upon all of my dear brothers and sisters, protect and cover their love ones. I summon the full armor of God on everyone of them so that they are not only protected but can flank in defensive mode to win souls for Jesus.
Suddenly...I saw this vision in my mind....
I saw Delft in an ancient time....The city is very busy, a lot of people walking around the city.. I can barely tell some of them representing the group of DCFers who are evangelizing and others are the strangers. Some of the DCFers are well dressed in the armor of God, while some dressed in the ordinary clothing. I asked the Lord why is that so.... Then the Lord said, now whenever you see your brothers and sisters in Christ not equipping with the armor of God, speak out the full armor on him. Everyone that I have saw without the armor, the moment I speak forth the full armor of God, the person suddenly has his armor on... Kind of interesting... Then I knew this is an INTERCESSION. Even though I am not there, and no matter how far the distance could be, I feel close to them now as I am praying....
Thank you Jesus for drawing me closer You..

Watch your word

Today I proof read the Goal again. For those of you who don't know what Goal is, it is a weekly bulletin with the sermon of the Sunday. I am blessed enough to be able to proof read the English version.
Watch your word... Since the last 2 weeks especially during my days in Sandviken, I have been cursing and swearing a lot because of the work pressures. I know it is not good, but ...
Today as I am proof reading the goal, I realize how important it is for what is out of our mouth. The bible says the tongue has the power of dead or life, and every words we utter can actually determines the impact in our life. It is like proclamations, if you confess positive, your life will become positive, likewise if you confess negative, the negative things will surface in your life.
Thank you Lord for showing me my faults.

Cheers!!! Officially Manager

Last night, a few of us when to Princess hotel - The Living Room, newly renovated bar/lounge for dinner. A few other guys (Patrick, Rhys, Gustaf) joined us after their ski at Kungsberget.
Despite of wanting to go skiing but I was just too busy for me.
Over the drinks and casual chat, Gustaf suddenly announced that I have been officially promoted to manager. Patrick (client's PM) is one who hated consulting firm but to my surprise he was rather happy for me. I am pleased but the cost of the announcement is that I have to buy the drinks. Thankfully the bill is not too high for me, it is around 200 Euro.
Patrick insisted me to join him at under bar, but I found a good excuse to get out of it by saying I have to be in to office early the next day.
Well... I am indeed promoted and now a manager. I don't know what is ahead of me and what I am in for. However, I know I can count on my Lord, if He made this possible for me, He is capable in carrying me through.

Caribbean Cooking Class

On 28th Feb, we have another cooking class at Racine's. It was the day of my arrival at Sandviken which I am usually tired. Anyway, since I agreed to it, I have to honored my word.

This time we cooked something different:
-Lime Scampi with Mango Salsa
-Caribbean Paella with bounty of seafoods, mussels, squids, scallops, chicken and etc.
-Key west rosted pork
-Barbados Sweet Potatoes
-Safrito Rice
-Corn Cakes
-Salmon Cerviches
-Caribbean Chicken
-Mojito drinks

Seeing Santubong

Last night I attended the first lesson of the School of Leader I curriculum in our church.
This also mean that I am embarking into another deeper and higher journey in discipleship. It will take me at least 10 Sundays to complete the course.
Last night lesson is interesting, I may have not received everything but one thing I learnt is the power of visioning or seeing. I guess that is the secret of the Father's heart, that He wants me to walk in the greater faith. Pastor Victor made a comment that the astronaut made it to the moon because they saw it and believing that one day they can walk in the moon.
We need to see God, although most of us probably know that we can never see him because He is invisible but how many times we felt His presence just next to us and that His personal touch has transformed us?
I must admit I started to see Santubong faces recently. It has never happen before that I could envision my unborn child. I see him in the flashes of memory from time to time. He has Johannes eyes and facial features. He is always cheerful and smiling and overwhelm by joy and that is indeed like me. He is gentle and adorable...
I am not sure when he I can finally hold on and carry him but I believe the day is soon.
If those people made it to the moon because they saw it. I am going to be a mother to Santubong because I saw him too....
Hopefully I will bring forth the good news very SOON!

Skiing at Kungsberget

Last night a group of us from Connect house went skiing. For many of them, it has been a regular weekly Wednesday night event since January. As for me, this is my first time in Kungsberget and third time since a decade ago. I wanted to go earlier but I was reluctant to invest in ski suit and other accessories. That has been my excuse of not going for ski.
Anyway, I finally made it to Kungsberget and I skied and together with me there are 2 more novice skier Eva Luisi from US and Annamika Nath from our Bangalore office. I was thrilled and excited as our cars approaching the ski resort. I rented the ski gear from the shop and it was very difficult to put on the ski boot and moreover walking with the ski. At the beginning it was almost impossible to walk on the snow and thankfully Rhys was escorting me to the cable lift chair.
I managed to get to half hill and as expected I kept falling but falling on snow is pretty cool thing since it does not hurt at all. There journey wasn't that pleasing at the beginning when my ski did not listen to me or under my control, but with some tips and coaching from Erik Rosen, I regained the feeling of skiing that I once had about 10 years ago.
SKiing indeed is fun and good workout

The multiple facets of snow

It has been a couple of days and snow still keep falling from the heaven (I mean the sky). This morning as I sit on the limo embarking on my journey to my favorite destination - Arlanda airport, I looked at the snow that falling gracefully, it reminded me of this song..

Is Your blood that cleanses me
Is Your blood that gives me life
Is Your blood that took my place
In redeeming sacrifice, washes me whiter than the snow
Lord Jesus, my precious sacrifice

BLOOD & PURITY
===========
I realize that blood is always red, but imagine the red blood that can cleanse me and transforming me from darkness (black) to a state that is whiter than the snow. I know it is abstract, but once you grapse the truth, you will know how wonderful is my Lord.

MANNA
======
The soft, fluffy snow flakes also reminded me of manna, the daily bread that the Lord promised to the Israelites as they exodus from Egypt. Manna is something that you cannot keep overnight or left over for the next day as it just get rotten. However, the faithful Lord is supplying it every morning as it is written in the scripture. Over the years, I have learnt to rely on His daily manna, and He is never too late or too early, His supply is always just in time.

HIS GLORY
=========
Last night when I walked on the street at night, on the unspoiled patch of white snow, with the reflection of the light from the street lamp post, I can see clearly the reflection of some glitters from the snow. The kind of glittering are similar to the diamond. I think of the Glory of God, often time when I saw visions, the glory of God is always resembled by the kind of white sands that falling from the sky and as it meets with the spectrum of light, it shines exactly as what I saw on the white snow under the light. Thank You Lord for reminding me of Your Glory.

Thank you Jesus for showing your grace and mercy to me through snow.

My First Victory of the year came through

On Jan 12, I blogged about the possibility of my first victory...
Today Feb 7, I have a confirmation that the first Victory has come to the past!!!
My career counselor called me this afternoon to confirm and congratulate that I am promoted to manager in March this year.
I didn't have the trill or surprise in me because I kind of expected this to happen.
Anyway, I want to praise the Lord for He has made this possible for me.
All my hardworking have been paid off and I know I have to cherish this very much because it is indeed not easy for an Asian lady like me to make it to that position. Moreover, I did not speak the language yet.
All glory and honor unto Him!

Heavy Snow Fall

Just as I wondered last Thursday if the winter has ended and spring has arrives, today we have heavy snow, it started snowing since this morning. It has not stop even now as I am writing this blog in my apartment.
We were forced to have team dinner together. However before the dinner were served, we had to go through a rather boring and lengthy round of updates. Imagine the meeting started pass 7pm and the dinner were only served after the meeting at almost 9pm.
The highlight of the night was the snowball fights. We had quite a bit of fun and my hands were freezing after that.

Nunnery

Today I drove for over an hour to Vught for a Dutch language intake interview. The institute is called Regina Coeli, whom I believe is a nun who invent the European Framework for languages course.
The building is quite new and it does match up to the expensive training center image.
I was greeted by a lady who explained the operation of the institute and gave me a quick test. Then we had a chance to walk around the building before I was formally invited to a private room with a tutor for upclose and personal interview.
The tutor at first insisted that I know nothing about Dutch. However, once she mentioned she is born in Indonesia, there conversation started to flow... Not very good and with a lot of mistake but I told her I am attending an Indonesia speaking church and for awhile, we have had good Dutch conversation.
However, can I speak better Dutch after a week of intensive course?? Is the course value for money? I don't know, but I always believe in 'if there is a will, there is a way' and if I have done my best, God will do the rest. Who know this is my another victory for this year?

Spring afternoon

Is spring already set in quietly?
Today we have a beautiful sunshine and the spring sunray throughout the day. If not because there is still a little bit of leftover unmelted snow, I would really think that spring has come in surpise.
The weather is a bit unusual this week. It is supposed to be still cold and snowy in Sweden, but we actually have an average of +8 degree weather in the day and about +4 degree at night. It really surprise me when I heard that Spain and Portugal is flood with heaviest snow since the last 50 years. Even Netherlands is so much colder than the Nordic region. It appears to me something has gone wrong somewhere...
During the lunch hour, I couldn't help bút decided to have a stroll outside Connect house. The walk with Annika was wonderful.
This evening when I took the train from Gälve to Arlanda, I could feel that the cold weather is reappearing again, and true enough, there were light snow when I arrived at the airport.
Enough of the weather, all I am longing is to go home and go back to my husband.
Hopefully the flight will depart on time...

Farewell Gravelle

Today is Roland last working day at Sandvik Connect HR project.
Last night we had our usual poker at Eva's place. Eva was kind enough to cook us some Mexican Taco and wrap, the beef with Taco mix was excellence!!

Roland was pretty open and talked a lot and made a lot of jokes. He has this English humour that sometime is quite difficult for non britian to understand. Anyway, despite of the fact that he wishes to get rid of his extra Swedish Kronors, he ended up being the winner for the poker game.

Good bye Mr. Gravelle, all the best with your new job in PWC and spending more of your time in vibrant London and wearing your professional suits.

Talking about suits, I have not seen him in one throughout the time he spent in this project.

I am sure our paths will cross again, sometime, somewhere.....