Thursday, September 27, 2012
A letter to Madagascar
I just received an email from a sister in Madagascar. I quickly wrote back with what was in my heart.
Bonjour ma chere souer!
Je pense toujour de votre belle couer et des enfants. Tu me manques trop! Je rêve beaucoup les jours en Madagascar. Ton amour pour les enfant change ma vie. Les enfants change ma vie.
After I came back from Madagascar, I've been inspired by the children to be close to God. You have no idea how much this trip has affected my pursuit, vision and love towards God and the people around me. I wake up early to draw near to God first thing in the morning. I try to be more generous and forgiving (inspired by you, ma belle soeur) towards brothers and sisters and everyone around me. I try to be more lively, genuine and sincere to those around me. And I try to make more jokes to make people happy. But most of all, my faith has grown and I have a greater burden to love this family. I believe that God will use me greatly.
I am learning to sing from a choral director. I am planning to put together a children's choir if I ever go back to Madagascar. And I am learning Mandarin. A friend lent me her French textbook to brush up my French. So many things has happened! I came back so changed! No more depression or anxiety. I am more joyful and generous. Finally, I've found my true self (thanks to you and the trip!)...and I am so happy to be so close to God and brothers and sisters.
I often talk to T and M when I see them in Church. We had good fellowship in Madagascar. Whenever we come together, we talk about you and the things in Madagascar (Tsaramasu, tsara be...among other things lol). You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Send my kind regards to the brothers and sisters and the lovely children. Your smiles still dazzle in my mind now and then.
Karen
Friday, September 21, 2012
Better is one day in Your Courts than a Thousand Elswhere
[Flashback Madagascar]
We went to a picnic at the King's palace on our last Wednesday in Madagascar. The children arrived early, anticipating much fun and excitement with the team and one another. I enjoyed every single moment of the trip. The kids sang all the way from the school to the palace. They sang songs in Malagasy, French and English (including the songs I taught them). We then played, had lunch, toured around the palace, took pictures and played again.
The girls kept holding my hand while showing me around the palace and telling me "I miss you." I replied in Malagasy "za kou" (me too).
That day will surely remain unforgettable.
We went to a picnic at the King's palace on our last Wednesday in Madagascar. The children arrived early, anticipating much fun and excitement with the team and one another. I enjoyed every single moment of the trip. The kids sang all the way from the school to the palace. They sang songs in Malagasy, French and English (including the songs I taught them). We then played, had lunch, toured around the palace, took pictures and played again.
The girls kept holding my hand while showing me around the palace and telling me "I miss you." I replied in Malagasy "za kou" (me too).
That day will surely remain unforgettable.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Sketches
(Matthew 25:5-13)
"Quick! He cometh!"
"Where's the oil?"
"Wake up!"
"Hurry up, adorn yourselves."
"Look, He is opening the door."
Light enters and penetrates every dark corner of the room. The Bridegroom joyfully comes to receive His bride.
He shuts the door. Some are left behind.
There is no time to lose.
"Quick! He cometh!"
"Where's the oil?"
"Wake up!"
"Hurry up, adorn yourselves."
"Look, He is opening the door."
Light enters and penetrates every dark corner of the room. The Bridegroom joyfully comes to receive His bride.
He shuts the door. Some are left behind.
There is no time to lose.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Living with Intention
I am posting this assignment which contains pieces of me.
Who am I?
I am introspective, compassionate and kind. Growing up amidst so much poverty in a third world country, I am socially conscious of the needs of others, especially children. When I was a child, I would often pass by street children and wonder why there was so much discrepancy in our lives. Why is there so much suffering in this world? How can we make a difference in their lives?
Unlike my parents who believe that success is measured by the money you make, I believe that success is measured by the difference you can make in people’s lives. Success is measured by love and faithfulness. I have strong religious values that motivate me to love those around me through actions. I am also very compassionate. Growing up as a Chinese in a Spanish country, I often found myself isolated and different from others. I have a soft spot towards outcasts and destitute people.
I am probably the most multicultural person you will ever meet. I am a Chinese with mixed Ancestry born in a Spanish speaking country (El Salvador). I am fluent in Spanish, English and Cantonese. I also speak some French (intermediate), German (beginner, reading level), Malagasy (beginner), and Mandarin (beginner). I have travelled to 16 countries, volunteered as a teacher in Fiji (for 3 Summers), South Africa (2 months) and Madagascar (2 months). I served as a President of a volunteering club at UBC called the Love Your Neighbour club, providing local and global volunteering opportunities to University students. I consider myself as a third culture kid, and I would be probably confounded if you asked me where is home.
I am poetic, talented, musical and passionate. Music and writing is what keep me alive at times. I love to write in my blog, serve as an editor for my church’s newsletter and a non-profit-organization website. I play the violin (advanced), guitar (intermediate), harp (intermediate) and I am currently receiving voice lessons from a worship educator and choral director. I am planning to learn how to conduct children choirs.
Where am I going?
In the short run, I am planning to find a job in the disabilities field (as an SEA or Career Preparation Instructor) so that I can gain valuable experience serving the community, teaching, interacting with children and adults. I am also planning to gain experience as a community developer so that I can apply those skills when I go work in third world countries. In the long run, I am planning to open a school in Spanish country or Africa. I want to help the poor to receive proper education and care so that they can achieve their dreams. I cannot remain apathetic when there is so many needs in this world. After my trip to Madagascar, I am determined to achieve this dream since I witnessed that education and love can make a big difference in a person’s life.
What challenges do I face?
I am painfully shy. But I am working hard to overcome this weakness since I know that I will be working with people most of the time. I don’t like to talk but I am forcing myself to talk more. I also have issues with self-confidence because I have high expectations on myself. I also tend to be too hard on myself when I fail to meet my expectations. But I am trying to lower my expectations so that I can keep my feet grounded on reality.
How will I get where I am going?
At this point, I need to work really hard to finish my CCSD programme. I am also working hard to acquire more skills that will be useful in the future to help people with disabilities. I am also working on improving my self-confidence by being more positive and pro-active in helping myself and others happy.
Who am I?
I am introspective, compassionate and kind. Growing up amidst so much poverty in a third world country, I am socially conscious of the needs of others, especially children. When I was a child, I would often pass by street children and wonder why there was so much discrepancy in our lives. Why is there so much suffering in this world? How can we make a difference in their lives?
Unlike my parents who believe that success is measured by the money you make, I believe that success is measured by the difference you can make in people’s lives. Success is measured by love and faithfulness. I have strong religious values that motivate me to love those around me through actions. I am also very compassionate. Growing up as a Chinese in a Spanish country, I often found myself isolated and different from others. I have a soft spot towards outcasts and destitute people.
I am probably the most multicultural person you will ever meet. I am a Chinese with mixed Ancestry born in a Spanish speaking country (El Salvador). I am fluent in Spanish, English and Cantonese. I also speak some French (intermediate), German (beginner, reading level), Malagasy (beginner), and Mandarin (beginner). I have travelled to 16 countries, volunteered as a teacher in Fiji (for 3 Summers), South Africa (2 months) and Madagascar (2 months). I served as a President of a volunteering club at UBC called the Love Your Neighbour club, providing local and global volunteering opportunities to University students. I consider myself as a third culture kid, and I would be probably confounded if you asked me where is home.
I am poetic, talented, musical and passionate. Music and writing is what keep me alive at times. I love to write in my blog, serve as an editor for my church’s newsletter and a non-profit-organization website. I play the violin (advanced), guitar (intermediate), harp (intermediate) and I am currently receiving voice lessons from a worship educator and choral director. I am planning to learn how to conduct children choirs.
Where am I going?
In the short run, I am planning to find a job in the disabilities field (as an SEA or Career Preparation Instructor) so that I can gain valuable experience serving the community, teaching, interacting with children and adults. I am also planning to gain experience as a community developer so that I can apply those skills when I go work in third world countries. In the long run, I am planning to open a school in Spanish country or Africa. I want to help the poor to receive proper education and care so that they can achieve their dreams. I cannot remain apathetic when there is so many needs in this world. After my trip to Madagascar, I am determined to achieve this dream since I witnessed that education and love can make a big difference in a person’s life.
What challenges do I face?
I am painfully shy. But I am working hard to overcome this weakness since I know that I will be working with people most of the time. I don’t like to talk but I am forcing myself to talk more. I also have issues with self-confidence because I have high expectations on myself. I also tend to be too hard on myself when I fail to meet my expectations. But I am trying to lower my expectations so that I can keep my feet grounded on reality.
How will I get where I am going?
At this point, I need to work really hard to finish my CCSD programme. I am also working hard to acquire more skills that will be useful in the future to help people with disabilities. I am also working on improving my self-confidence by being more positive and pro-active in helping myself and others happy.
Monday, September 3, 2012
A message from Madagascar
Today, I opened my inbox and received a message from a local coworker from Madagascar.
Hi Karen,
How are you? Are you ok? Last Tuesday during the children's meeting we sang the song you taught us (Une Femme Oublie t-elle son nourisson). When I asked the children what's your feeling when you sing this song, the children said:
"We think of Karen."
And then I said why and they said:
"Because we miss her, and this is still her writing on the white board."
I really hope that I can go next year again to Madagascar, and stay there for 3 months. The children have captured my heart.
Hi Karen,
How are you? Are you ok? Last Tuesday during the children's meeting we sang the song you taught us (Une Femme Oublie t-elle son nourisson). When I asked the children what's your feeling when you sing this song, the children said:
"We think of Karen."
And then I said why and they said:
"Because we miss her, and this is still her writing on the white board."
I really hope that I can go next year again to Madagascar, and stay there for 3 months. The children have captured my heart.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Obedience not Sacrifice
I went for a long stroll with a dear friend last Sunday.
We walked around Vancouver under the hot Summer blaze -Cambie bridge, False Creek to Olympic Village. We talked about our dreams, hopes and vision in life.
It was one of the most meaningful conversations I've ever had.
"Tell me about your dreams," he asked.
I told him about my dream of serving in the Music Ministry one day. I told him that I wanted to take singing lessons, and learn how to direct a choir because I saw the needs in Africa. I saw how music united people together. I told him about how I wanted to open a school for the poor, so that they could receive proper education, food, care and be raised in the presence of God.
He listened attentively and smiled.
As we were walking on Cambie bridge, he also told me about his dream of going to Africa and serving the poor there. But he still had to finish some things before going.
As we were walking down the bridge to False Creek he turned to me and said:
"The Lord wants our obedience and not sacrifice."
The comment caught me by surprise. I was telling him about my experience with the Lord -how He humbled my pride during my trip to Madagascar and how humility has changed my life.
I smiled and contemplated in silence as we walked down the stairs.
"Obedience not sacrifice," the words resonated through my mind.
We sat by the bench at Olympic village. He told me that as Christians, we have to pay a big price when we walk out the truth. Not many are willing to forsake the traditions of men and their pride to follow the truth. But the Lord treasures those who are willing to suffer for His name sake and the truth.
As our 2-hour conversation was coming to an end, I made a final request.
"Should we pray?"
"That Island attracts me so much."
"Should we go there?"
"Yes."
We walked to a small island near the shore. The ocean breeze blew on my face as we lifted our hands to pray.
"Lord, may you grant Karen's wish to open a school for you. You greatly bless her in her music ministry. Use her greatly."
I was completely engulfed in the presence of God. I have never felt His presence so strong before.
I rejoiced in the beauty of His holiness.
We prayed for this movement. We prayed for Africa. We prayed for the music ministry. We prayed for clarity of vision. We prayed for faithfulness and obedience.
"Lord, may you keep Karen until the end."
We walked around Vancouver under the hot Summer blaze -Cambie bridge, False Creek to Olympic Village. We talked about our dreams, hopes and vision in life.
It was one of the most meaningful conversations I've ever had.
"Tell me about your dreams," he asked.
I told him about my dream of serving in the Music Ministry one day. I told him that I wanted to take singing lessons, and learn how to direct a choir because I saw the needs in Africa. I saw how music united people together. I told him about how I wanted to open a school for the poor, so that they could receive proper education, food, care and be raised in the presence of God.
He listened attentively and smiled.
As we were walking on Cambie bridge, he also told me about his dream of going to Africa and serving the poor there. But he still had to finish some things before going.
As we were walking down the bridge to False Creek he turned to me and said:
"The Lord wants our obedience and not sacrifice."
The comment caught me by surprise. I was telling him about my experience with the Lord -how He humbled my pride during my trip to Madagascar and how humility has changed my life.
I smiled and contemplated in silence as we walked down the stairs.
"Obedience not sacrifice," the words resonated through my mind.
We sat by the bench at Olympic village. He told me that as Christians, we have to pay a big price when we walk out the truth. Not many are willing to forsake the traditions of men and their pride to follow the truth. But the Lord treasures those who are willing to suffer for His name sake and the truth.
As our 2-hour conversation was coming to an end, I made a final request.
"Should we pray?"
"That Island attracts me so much."
"Should we go there?"
"Yes."
We walked to a small island near the shore. The ocean breeze blew on my face as we lifted our hands to pray.
"Lord, may you grant Karen's wish to open a school for you. You greatly bless her in her music ministry. Use her greatly."
I was completely engulfed in the presence of God. I have never felt His presence so strong before.
I rejoiced in the beauty of His holiness.
We prayed for this movement. We prayed for Africa. We prayed for the music ministry. We prayed for clarity of vision. We prayed for faithfulness and obedience.
"Lord, may you keep Karen until the end."