Bon voyage! (Part 1)

Mariner of the Seas - one of the many Royal Caribbean cruise ships - was where we spent 5D4N last week. We started from Marina Bay Cruise Center, Singapore - Port Klang, Malaysia - Phuket, Thailand - Cruising at sea - back to Singapore. Instead of posting pictures of Facebook, I figured out that I might as well write a comprehensive post (or maybe not THAT comprehensive) about it.

I saw pictures of the ship before the cruise, but looking at it with my own eyes I have to say - it is indeed HUMONGOUSLY GIGANTIC! It has a total of 15 decks and able to take up 3,700 human beings. I've seen a cruise ship. But definitely not this big. Bear in mind that I tried to select the best pictures that portrays the voyage we embarked and I guess in the end, most pictures are so post-worthy (hence this lengthy post).

First of all, I thank God I did not have a single moment of being seasick (as I did before in a ship years and years earlier). I overheard someone in the cruise ship said that it cost 135USD just to see a doctor on the ship. *gulp*

A visit to Pagoda Street, Singapore. I couldn't help but to keep on saying 

this place reminds me of Penang Art Town.

Meeting cousin Clare and Ata for dinner.

Checking in at the Cruise Center

 As I mentioned earlier, HUMONGOUSLY GIGANTIC. This thing is literally a moving building.

One of the main dining rooms on deck 3 - Rhapsody of the Blues.

Look familiar? *whispers:Titanic*

View from deck 5 dining room - Sound of Music

Royal Promenade (Deck 5)

This is where people gathers to hang and shop around.

Royal Promenade (Deck 5): Where pizzas, desserts, coffees, teas, 

sandwiches are endless (hence the crowd)

Loving the Christmas decorations all over the ship <3

As the song goes, it's the most wonderful time of the year~

This painting had me staring at it intently. So much emotions going on.

One of the many bars on the ship.

On the first evening, DreamWorks Characters did an awesome parade along the Royal Promenade that keeps the young, younger and youngest (dua kali lima sama sija semua) excited and dancing.

Internet lounge. Disclaimer: It is not free. It is costly.

Mom saw this and she sang the Halleluia (no not literally of course.)

Whirlpool just outside the gym. Deck 11.

Inside the Savoy Theater. About to watch a movie in 3D.

Skylight Chapel on Deck 15. Eventually it's only functional when there are 

couples who intent on getting married on the ship.

Art Gallery on Deck 3

Gym.

The Savoy Theater on Deck 4

The talented classical guitarist - Misael

Wayfinder is found on every deck. It shows what's happening, tentatively, on the cruise. It also show you where's the nearest washroom, dining rooms, etc.

Very very informative. Personally speaking, too many things to choose to do at the same hour. So you really have to know what you really want to do otherwise you'll end up doing nothing. They have things happening simultaneously at different places on the ship.

One of the most populated place - Deck 11 - the pool (adult and children)

Solarium (Deck 11): Adult-only pool

This is my favorite spot on the entire ship. Seriously. You can swim, relax, read, sleep and repeat.

Adult only jaccuzi

It's 5PM and we embarked the journey to the next port of call - Port Klang

So this marks the end of the first part of this entry about our trip.

One of the best feelings

Dad went to Europe for two weeks earlier this month and sometimes he send us updates, pictures and even videos. Things were fine and smooth here and also there but still, I found myself missing him a bit. When the earthquake struck weeks ago, one of the first batch of people I informed was my dad and mom and of course, Gan (as he was in KL at that time). I wanted dad to know how we are doing and not to worry much. The first thing in my mind was to eliminate any worries for him (also for them).

Mannn. The earthquake was unbelievable to me. I never ever thought it would hit this land (since its not apart of the ring of fire and stuffs like that). That morning was one of the mornings I would remember well. I was in a deep sleep when suddenly, the house walls begin to move back and forth, shaking steadily strong. I literally jumped out of bed as I know it was not a dream (not that I ever had an earthquake in a dream before). I heard a shout from the kitchen and the next thing I know, I was outside the house, watching for any possible danger. Praise God, it was a brief quake.

And of course, on that day itself, everyone in Sabah (And I'd like to believe, Malaysia) mourns for the deaths of some courageous mountain guides and climbers due to the quake. It was a brief quake for me, but, it was brief and powerful enough to take lives of some people. I cried when I heard of the loss of these dear people although I didn't know any of them. Especially the mountain guides. 

p.s. - Looking forward for the charity concert dedicated to the mountain guides this weekend. Sales from the tickets will all go the MG right away (and this can be assured as the charity concert was a joint effort of various local artists and they willingly organised this without getting any payment! Salute!) Always wanted to contribute something for them, apart from prayers. You can come and join too!

As we waited for dad's arrival, we found out that his flight has been delayed and hence, he will only arrive two days later than we expected.

I never knew this before but, one of the best feelings was when Dad came home safely. Couldn't help but to hug him. There was such a relief at that point of time. More than getting the souvenirs from him, I treasure his presence more. 

I guess that's how it is when we are with our heavenly Father. When we feel his tangible presence, deep and loving enough to make us feel whole, secure and full of joy. No words are needed. Just His presence alone.

Nethy.

First Fruit Gathering: 4-6 June

Sabah is known to be the land below the wind. I love Sabah. I thank God for putting me here. I always know that the birthplace of everyone is never a coincidence. (If things are coincidence, then our existence is a mistake. Coincidence means something that is not planned. Then, we are actually saying that God is a mistake!) No, God is SUPREME AND JUST. To begin to understand God fully is like trying to fit in the whole oceans into a small hole. Its impossible. Yet, this same God created us and called us His Precious! His thoughts toward us are so vast and mind-blowing. David said that in the book of Psalm : "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!"

Our God is intentional when He decided to create you and me. So that He can love us unconditionally. We are not an accident. Isn't that awesome? If I were to have children, I would make sure they know this foundation truth! I am thankful for a mother who intentionally told me about this truth as I was growing up.

So, all of us are placed on earth for a purpose and calling. Last month we have the second Malaysia Gathering in KL. The theme was First Fruit. During the pre-gathering, I felt an unspeakable excitement and burning in me because I know for sure God is going to do something that we have not expected. True enough, we entered into realm after realm that we have not entered before. The first day of the gathering, the first people of the land (Anak Negeri & Orang Asli) was presented before the Lord. Its amazing to see a lot of brothers and sisters in Christ among the Orang Asli, Chinese and Indians turned up. Its a family reunion! :)

The gathering starts on 4 June night, and it falls exactly on Pentecost! The leaders didn't know about this when they decided on the date. Holy Spirit came and swept us away for the next three days. Papa David shared about be careful when the enemy is trying to put us in a neutral zone, where we don't slip black nor move forward. This is what its called as the attack of dullness. I was reminded in Revelation 3:15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!" Nothing is more worse than being lukewarm. Also, there is an ancient sound in the land that the enemy has forgotten. This ancient sound is the voice of the Orang Asli and the Anak Negeri. Now is the time for this sound to rise up and take authority in the spiritual realm. The enemy fear this sound. We also offered up our first fruit offering which is our worship and praise as we consecrate ourselves before the Lord simply because He is worthy of all the praise!

On the second day of the gathering, spiritual groaning took place during worship. At first there was an intense silence but the moment the flute came in, people started to weep, travail, and groan in the spirit. Romans 8:26 says " We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." It was unexpected but Holy Spirit knows best. I personally also felt that the atmosphere of the convention centre is almost similar to a labor room. Something was birthed that day. 
There was a Scripture passage given to the people in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia for 3 times. The leaders felt that if God is speaking about it for 3 times, it means something. This passage was Isaiah 54. Hence, all the leaders did a prophetic act of enlarging the tent, stretching the tent curtains wide, lengthening the cords, and strengthening the stakes. It speaks to the spiritual and spiritual realm that the land is no longer barren but it will be fruitful!

On the last day, 6 June 2014, it is a new day. It is a new season. The Lord has been leading us is an unusual way. We have not walked this way before. Papa David mentioned that we are in a season where many prophets are speaking of. This new thing, or season, is not only for Malaysia but for nations. However, because of Malaysia's role for nations, this is a pivotal and critical moment for Malaysia to enter into her destiny. We need to positioned ourselves before the Lord, like an army positioned themselves until their commander gives the command. As an army of God, we reported for duty. And because the things that we do speaks loudly in the spiritual realm, we need to make a sacrifice of faith that says "We believe!" When people of God began to see and hear with their spiritual eyes and ears, there will be a substance that will cause them to move forward.

"Behold! The bride of Malaysia is marching to the nations, following the Lion of Judah!"

Indeed, the gathering birthed something new in Malaysia. And whenever there's a new season, there's joy and wisdom, but there's also resistance. Therefore, the most important thing is to keep on track with God, fix our eyes upon Him and constantly be in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Lord, I report for duty.

Your servant.

p.s.- 6 June was also my baptism(or I prefer wedding) day. I was reminded of this only after the gathering.

GB = Graduation + Birthday

Hello November! Nice to meet you. ^^ 
I know I'm totally late for an October post. But still, I wanna mention two highlights of what and how October went (in a nutshell). I will go briefly specifically.(i just tend to be a lengthy writer at times.)

1. Graduation.
   - 3 years of being a biotech undergraduate
   - Having the opportunity to officially graduate feels awesome. I couldn't believe how the years have passed    by so fast!
   - I love my family. =) I hope I made them proud.

How u spell Family = Father and mother, i love you. =)

2. Birthday
   - So, I haven't really decided how to celebrate my birthday this year actually. My parents decided to 'makan2' at home in conjunction of both success (age and scroll). A big one. I thought not many are coming but it turns out mannnyy. Families... And I'm so grateful to have most church members came that night. One family in Christ, indeed. =)
   - Later on,the night before the day, i went out with my high school besties. There were 5 of us (wish Gloria could join us!) and 3 of us planned a surprise for 2 of us (me & Geraldine). Our birthdays were just 3 days apart.. It was a lovely surprise in Bali Bali Garden. Thanks for the gift! ^^ The waitress came out with the cake after we are done with dinner. Along with the band singing a Happy Birthday song. I just didn't expect they would surprise me in such a public way. haha! 

From left: Ellie, Eca, Geraldine, me & Mel

Eca: my childhood friend, neighbour, teman satu bas skolah, teman main masak2 masa kici (masak Maggie sampai kering tu air. haha!), classmate, schoolmate, ketawa-mate and bestmate. 
Mel: pengawas yg nampak garang, classmate, schoolmate, gengkaras-mate and bestmate.
Ellie: teman seperjuangan di zaman kegemilangan/zaman keremajaan, fashionista (you really have to give me credit on this. haha), classmate, encouraging-mate and bestmate.
Geraldine: Pustakawan paling kiut time highschool, classmate, geng karas-mate, Uni mate (We graduated in UMS at the same time) and bestmate.
Thank you so much! Words can't describe it. And sometimes my actions may not describe it too. But I truly am blessed to have you girls! *groupie hugs* =)
   - One church leader happened to be there with his family at that time. So I cut some cakes for them as well. He is also watching the whole surprise thingy going on. Hohohoh.. 
   - So anyway, after that my friends dared me to sing on stage with the band. I thought of it lightly at first but then thought, Why Not? So I did. As an appreciation of what they have done, I sang LOVE by Frank Sinatra. The band was awesome. We had great time. ^^ We hit Party Play later on for desserts (choc fondant! #yumness)
   - On the night of the real day, I went out with my Uni friends. There, again, I had a second surprise! I thought there was no cake or whatsoever, since we did a surprise a week ago for Sue. When I first arrived at the scene, they were singing me birthday song, so i thought there might be a cake prepared. But there isn't any! Then Acho pulled out his SG Tab and open a candle application. Yessss...that's what you thought it is. I am supposed to blow a digital candle. How impressive is that? XD It did blowed out like a normal candle though. Without the heat and smoke, of course. haha! 
   -While we were talking and chit chatting as we wait for our meals, Acho and Sue came with this cake that came out from nowhere (well, actually, its from my left side XD) and they were singing birthday song to me again (for the second time of the night!)
   -  I laughed my heart out that night. Thanks for the humor. I love the big orange card without pictures on it! Especially the music notes. Pretty! =)

(left) me, Sue, Acho - (right) Mc, Annas, Kenny

Oyoe was the funniest that night without even intending to be funny. Owh! Dan photographer berjaya! Ko break record gambar2 yg diambil sebelum ini. XD
Kenny, as always, the organizer and main planner. (After all, we were partner in crime a week ago. hehe..)
Annas, the cheerful one. Always with the smile and gentleness. tapi beware...garagas mati kopio oi.. :p hehe..
Sue, ko la paling macam Mama2 tapi paling innocent. Tapi, ko juga la partner in crime ni kali. haha. 
Acho, thank you sebab susah2 bwa tu kek dri kadai. haha. And also sbab jaga kawan sia bagus2..hehehe.. 
Mc, thank you sbab sudi turun n celebrate with us!  X sia2 ko dtg, byk mknan dan hiburan yg menyenangkan hati. hohoho.. Plus, jumpa teman sebangsa ko lagi tu (trus kami jadi blur =.=")!

In a nutshell, Thank you, uri chinggu ya! Posting this post is what I can do to show my gratitude (again!). 
God bless y'all! My sincere prayer is that let the friendship sustain through eternity! =)

Be blessed,
Nethy.

Islandscape!

Thank U Lord for this day... Going to the island is really a good thing if u wanna have a total relax/fun time, away from the business of city and life. And its more precious when you're going with your loved ones.

If you're wondering why I love being on island and why i like posting such a thing, its because I am just simply loving it and sharing it won't bite, no? ;-)

We were indecisive whether its going to island or Karambunai, since the news reported that the weather is not safe. However, due to our motivation and the surprisingly sunny weather, we decided to head off to JP and ask if its safe to go. Eventually, we went there to the counter and the next thing we know (without asking if its safe or not) we paid the fees and Mamutik...here we go~! :D
My nephew Joha was with us too. Its his first time going to the island (he didn't even know what an island is at first). When i first asked him where are we going, he thought we are going to the swimming pool or rather, "Kulam". hah..so cute..

Fast forward...

Had a great time at Mamutik! Went snorkelling with Debbie but I didn't go too far coz for goodness sake, Bleached corals are everywhere! And my feets are hurting from stepping on them. And its not much too see either. Apart from bleached corals, there are tiny, nice, identical fishes as well. It was GOOOOD just being in the water though. And we had a good time scrubbing ourselved with the sands near the sea. After 'em off, our skins feel super soft and clean. (The wonders of sandbeach huh. Excluding Tanjung Aru's sands. Those are, like, potential danger to the skin.)

Went back around 2PM and since its so hot, we grab some Veda ice-creams. Tastes so good~ yum yum... Took a group photo of us using timer and so, here it is...