Pumpkins for Halloween

Thursday, 18 October 2007

They are huge compared to the ones in Malaysia. Pumpkins sold at Wal-Mart.

Business as usual

Wednesday, 17 October 2007

It amused me watching Jimmy, Sondra, John and his assistant sitting on the floor, doing business. Can't resist capturing this moment. Reminded of the people of the Asian countries!

The Otts' Visit

Sunday, 14 October 2007

They were the missionary couple in the Miri-Sarawak-Malaysia branch from September 2005 to January 2007. It is indeed a joy to see them again, this time in their own homeland. Mike & I are honored that they came to our home to stay last night with us and went to church with us this morning.

Look! Elder Ott is wearing a 'Sarawak' T-shirt. Sister Ott is wearing a 'Halloween' T-shirt - Halloween is coming soon!



Didn't expect that I will receive my new calling this morning. What made it special was Elder/Sister Ott were there when the presidency set me apart.

What is the word that the young people say nowadays? Cool! They looked cool in this sports car. Going home. And home is 4-5 hours to go. Love you, Elder/Sister Ott. Thank you for the visit. Enjoyed your company very much. We hope to see you again!!

New Calling - Primary Worker

Sunday, 14 October 2007

As requested, I have been released as the Ward's Visiting Teaching Coordinator this morning. I wrote to the Bishop that I was not up to any callings for the time being but................

The Lord has a different job for me this time. Guess what? A Primary worker. Well! Maybe I need to be exposed to a different environment for a change.

4 months ago, I was called (3 June) and set apart (10 June) as the 5th Ward's Visiting Teaching Coordinator.

Visiting teaching is my favourite calling in Malaysia. I love to visit with the Sisters and because of that there was a special bond between us. I learnt first-hand knowledge of them and their circumstances. I understand them and the trials they faced. I forgot myself and it taught me to be more sensitive and loving to others.

Visiting Teaching coordinating is different. You collect visiting reports and submit the overall findings. I didn't get to fellowship with the Sisters and until to date I don't feel connected to any of the Sisters in the Ward, except for one. I have only submited one report.

Maybe I am not friendly enough. Maybe I wasn't open and talkative enough in the Relief Society Meetings. Maybe I didn't understand the American culture, the Sisters here and the way things are done here. I do know one thing. I was not as independent as I was in Malaysia - transport-wise. I had the blessing of my own transport to drive myself to visit any Sister there.

18 More Days to Halloween

Saturday, 13 October 2007

Halloween was originally a pagan festival - night of witches. I prefer it being regarded as All Hallows Eve or All Saints' Eve. Considered one of the most profitable festivals, no wonder the stores are filled of all sorts of Halloween stuff.

The bags attracted me

Ghosts, witches and plenty of packed treats for the children.

Just for the fun of it, we bought a few decorations and a packet of treats.

Field of Sprinklers

Sunday, 7 October 2007

The field was being sprinkled with water, in preparation to plant ?????? Didn't get a picture of it until the evening when a friend asked if I would like to go with her to take a picture. This is what I got.

Deafening Bagpipes

Saturday, 6 October 2007

It is unique. I like it. But my ears can't take it when Mike practise in the house!

Hearing recorded bagpiped music from the CD is different from the real thing at home! I had to retreat to a room and admire the music from there when Mike play his bagpipes at home. My ears can't stand - it is deafening to be in the same room where Mike is practising! It is not extremely loud when he practise the chanter but it is still a little too loud for me!

Mike is a descendant of the Scottish clan Matheson. Today he was asked to play "Amazing Grace" at a memorial service at the Yuma Golf & Country Club.