This Christmas

This year's Christmas is a little different. The first Christmas away from home, singing the same carols but in a totally new place with new bunch of people. Reminiscing the good old days I had with my churchmates back in KL, meanwhile, enjoyed being in a new group! This Christmas is indeed a unique one for me...

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"Joyful joyful we adore Thee..."

My favourite carol was not sung this year. The first carolling took place in my uni's Christmas celebration on 12th Dec night titled "Hope". A night with a few programmes that were being upheld by prayers. The strength that gathered us despite all weariness and exams was awesome! Practices for the carols might not be adequate but every song was sung to convey the true meaning in it. That's what distinguishes carolling from singing ;)

The skit of that night was superb! Simple yet meaningful, depicting how the temptations of the world have brought us through but the ultimate satisfaction can only be achieved by God Himself.

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The process of making. Back drop preparing and skit practice simultaneously. And the choir too, at the back of the hall.

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At the end of the day as a result of 6 hours singing. Our facial muscles were just gone paralyzed...

The part that I like the most was this fire place. The fire wood was real tree trunks sawn from a tree. Good effort huh...

A part of the skit...

Group photo. The night was successfully held with the effort of each one of them. Glory be to God.

Dropping a visit to a patient's house in Lukut on 19th Dec right after exam with my examiner, Dr. Lee (^-^!) and Dr. Choo. There we carolled and fellowshiped with around 15 of them which included their neighbours. Dr. Lee did most of the sharing with the kids, which I saluted her for being a passionate paediatrician. They were attended with prayers and some presents but I think what mattered the most to them were, the care that was being showed and the time spent with them.

The next day was Haji public holiday and we continued to carol in an old folk's home in Sikamat. It was a non-profitable organization accomodates around 29 old folks, 3 handicapped and a separate place for a few orphans. We prepared a few carols in Mandarin and Hokkien knowing that most of the folks there were Chinese speaking. However, many of us could hardly speak Chinese but kudos to them who articulated the han yu pin yin well, what more in Hokkien! The song "We are the reason" was mimed. The practice for it started only an hour prior to that and every move just seeped out of my mind when we were right in front of the crowd. Ended up with some spontaneous movements on the spur of the moment *sweat*.
It was a courage to see them clapping and singing along with us. I was touched especially by a handicapped whose all her muscles were spastic and tried to mouth with us when a Mandarin song was sung. Many of them were cheered by our presence and our ears to listen, though some conversations required a lot of straining on ear drums to comprehend. And of course there were some grumpy folks too, who refused to smile and rejected handshake *hurt*. But all in all, it was a good experience, a good time to share our loves and joys with someones who have been neglected by their own family members. May the joy be with all of you not only during Christmas but always!

Merry X'mas &

have a wonderful year ahead!