A fun weekend

Three things that made today a really wonderful day:

1. Engaging and fun time with the kids at church this morning, even though I lost my voice and ripped my pants afterwards. May the love of Jesus Christ always be in their hearts. Looking forward to work closely with Karpos team.

2. Playful time with Abby, and other familes from church. We really need these quality time to connect with one another.

3. Warm chat with APS colleagues through Skype. I'm so glad to hear from them. Thanks for their love and care to me, Connie and Abby.

I really need some good rests tonight and then start to work hard tomorrow. Still got 3 weeks before finishing this term. May God give me a healthy spiritual and physical being to complete it strong. ^_^

「粗言穢語與抗爭無關 立會應制止極端行為」-- I agree totally!!

I am really grateful for reading a just view from an editorial from MingPao today(see link), addressing to the "swearing issue" (see link) that is hotly debated in Hong Kong. I pray that order can be restored in the Legislative Council in Hong Kong.

A few nice quotes from the editors:
「...由於議會的有效運作正受到少數人的威脅，我們要求立法會盡快收緊議事規則，並要嚴格執行，以保障社會的最大利益。」

「...爭拗「何謂粗口」，只為轉移視線，企圖強詞奪理，為自己的敗行推卸責任。因此，議員千萬不要被梁國雄誤導，糾纏於粗口的定義。」

「...議員在立法會上有言論自由，但這權利不包括使用粗言穢語，或刻意破壞議事廳的正常運作。這是社會的共識。議員對社會事務不滿，絕對應該抗爭，可以在議會外發起社會行動，在議會內也可以向政府提出尖銳的批評，甚或提出動議譴責，但使用粗言穢語，只求「搏出位」的政治秀，跟「抗爭」根本風馬牛不相及，必須受到譴責及制止。」

Sadly, when I was listening to the phone-in programme of Fairchild Radio @AM1470, I heard comments from quite a lot of Chinese in Vancouver that actually support the rude way of expressing views. I am saddened to see the corruptions in these ways of accuse and violence. I pray for wisdom and righteousness in our leaders that they can be great examples for citizens.

The historical development of swearing is actually quite interesting and educational. I recall reading an article from Breakthrough magazine when I was a teenager that spoke of the origins and the social context of swearing. The writer not only identified the different levels of rudeness conveyed in the swearing, but also gave some psychological significance/impact to one who swears. It would be a wonderful teaching resource for kids/teens. I would really love to read this article and share with others again; however, it could now only be found in the library of Breakthrough Youth Village in Hong Kong. ~_~

Ultrasound Result--Caleb or Eliana?

Guess what's the gender of our little baby? Make a guess and keep reading... ^_^

(Note: This is the side view of our little baby...the head is on the right; the nose and mouth can be easily spotted; the tummy is on the left. The little arm can also be seen on the lower left.)

Before today, I couldn't 'feel' much about our baby. Connie has gone through a lot since December. From having nausea, loss of appetite, to feeling little tickles in her womb, everything was more 'concrete' to Connie. I'm glad that today I could 'see' our little one. Connie went into the examination room first for the operator had to do some measurement for our baby. Our little one was asleep during the ultrasound diagnosis, so the operator couldn't have a clear view of the neck. Connie was asked to do a few things to try waking our baby. It took quite a while at last that the operator finally could get the measurement done, but our little baby went BACK TO SLEEP!! Wow, just like his/her dad!!!

Then Abby and I were allowed to go in. I felt excited when I saw our baby in the monitor. We tried to tell Abby how to 'see'. However, she didn't seem to feel excited or interested about it. We viewed in birdseye view from the head and saw his/her brain. Then we switched to the side and saw the spine and body. We also saw the heart beating quickly like a speed pump. My heart echoed with the beating. We asked about the gender, and the operator said, "It's too early to find out."

My mind went blank by hearing her answer. What did she mean by too early? I was thinking why she refused to tell us. It's all about $$$$$$$. At the end of this check-up, the operator gave me a brochure advertising their 3D ultrasound imaging package. Through the 3D imaging, you can actually 'see' a clear view of your baby, just like a photo taken in the womb. Cost? from $99 to $199 CAD. For checking gender, it's $99!!!!! (I later found out that the ultrasound session in this package is a 10-minute 2D session only!!! That's exactly the SAME with what we're doing today) What a rip off!!! I asked the operator when would be the earliest time for checking the gender with 3D ultrasound package. She said "anytime"!!! So what she told me earlier that "it's too early..." was ALL LIES. I told the operator that I'm a student and I would not pay extra to join this fancy package. Nothing changed. I did not say much and then walked out of the clinlic with Connie. I wasn't able to react and give a good response/counterstrike. I'm angry about the way they do business. I'm really really disappointed (pissed off)!!!

Indeed, Connie and I talked on our way home. We both would really like to know the gender so that we can better prepare our minds and stuff for the newborn. But would we spend $99 to find out the gender? I don't know what I'd do yet. For the worst case, we'd find out upon delivery. Connie made a profound remark: "It's just like the case when we adopted Abby, we didn't know we're adopting a boy/girl until the matching was done for us." I felt more relieved.

This image of our baby often comes to my mind as a reminder that our baby is growing well in Connie's womb. I was giving thanks to God in the prayer before dinner for giving such a wonderful gift to us. If the baby is a 'he', this would be a great blessing for this has been what Connie and I long expected. He would be called "Caleb", my favourite Bible character who dedicatedly and faithfully walked in God's favor. If the baby is a 'she', we would also be grateful (maybe even more than having Caleb) since raising a girl would be so much sweeter!! ^_^ She would be called "Eliana", a Hebrew name meaning God's gift. She can also get to wear clothes passed down from Abby!! This saves quite a lot!! ^_^

Would our little one be Caleb or Eliana? Anyway, our story will be continued...may we always be thankful to God's abundant providence.

Abby sighs...

Guess what Abby is trying to tell you......

Abby is quite friendly and she likes to greet people she meets. However, there were occasions that she greeted some kids in her pre-school class / Sunday School class but she got no response from them. This is the look she would give back to me or Connie (or actually I believe she is telling herself) with an expression in Chinese: "Mo...(means "nothing")"

What would you say to her? I tried to encourage her not to be discouraged and told her that she might need to speak louder or walk closer to let the other kid see her. In fact, I understand that kids at their age may not know how to respond to such way of greetings. Well, I hope that Abby can continue to show great hospitality. ^_^

We're back!!

We're back!! The renovation of the basement is finished and we're back to our home. It's interesting that all these 'big events' usually take place during my reading weeks. I can appreciate that since I could spend the time to adjust and set things clear. However, my reading week is almost over but I haven't got much work done. How was the time spent?

1. Connie and I spent the first few days 're-organize' our home. Yes, it took us a few days to do so. Surprisingly, I now realize that I need some time to re-adjust to this familiar setting...weird. But I find the study room very tidy and cozy. ^_^ Hope I can focus to do my work better.

2. I've renewed my Canadian passport. Connie, Abby and I took a half-day trip to the downtown area to get all the documents done. We explored a bit more of the downtown of Vancouver.

3. We spent a nice afternoon with our community group from Regent...at the POOL. Connie, Abby and I didn't bring our swim suits and we just planned to have lunch with our group members after they swam. But when we got there, we then regretted for not bringing our swim suits--There is an exciting water slide there and the pool setting is quite family-oriented. We could've had lots of fun with Abby and others there. Well, we'll surely go there again.

4. We had our haircut!!! Thanks to my schoolmate, Tomommi, who is a professional hairdresser from Japan. We have a new fresh look after her awesome service!! I especially like Connie's new look. She looks much younger!! ^_^ Abby looks cute in her short hair. Even I look more handsome, eh? ^_^

I tried to study, but not much was done. Yet I still have a lot of readings and assignments unfinished!!!! There are 3 more weeks to go before my final examination. I pray that God sustains my spiritual and physical well-being that I can finish my first year strong.