We spent several weekends trying on wedding gowns in Malaysia and then a weekend in Bangkok actually buying the dress of my dreams. We lugged it all the way to Melbourne for our pre-wedding shots and back again to the laundry for dry cleaning. I stepped into it for my last time on our wedding day, two years ago. Since then, it’s been sitting in my study sealed in a vacuum packed bag hardly making its presence known if it weren’t for the occasional major spring cleaning every 3 months or so.

So I’ve made my decision to sell my wedding gown, banished the thought of passing it onto my daughter(s) and accepting the fact that when it is time for them to be wed, it will probably be the most old-fashioned thing in town.

It’s going to be on sale here.

We’ve reached yet another milestone in our marriage, though our wedding was 2 years ago, the celebration continues (everyday). It’s been an incredible adventure thus far. Sure we have our squabbles, rifts and not-so-great-days, but conflicts only makes us a better person, a stronger couple – if we choose to work through it. One of the things that amaze me most about Terence is his passion and sincerity to work this marriage. Honeymoon years are great, feeling all fuzzy and warmth in the new found union – time passes quickly too but for a marriage to last, it takes lots of work and effort to prepare for turbulent times. I’m ever grateful to have a husband which sure foresight to challenge us to greater depth and heights.

Over the last 2 years, we’ve reached our lifelong dream to travel to 2 continents, made a new list of destinations to conquer, created our own set of rules at No.8 (for example, if Terence cooks, Deb doesn’t enter the kitchen, if she does she’d end up complaining at how messy it is) and learned which buttons to push and which to stay clear of.

We’ve learned that loving without holding back makes us vulnerable to each other but almost always, it opens an opportunity for us to receive more than we can ever give. How true when the Bible says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). I love the Maker and Author of marriages! My deepest desire is for this marriage to be a reflection of Him – His love and character.

In retrospect, God has been so good. Time and again I see His wisdom & strength steering the RR ship through Terence. There’s been incredible favour and camaraderie amongst the leaders and rangers – surely if you have been in ministry long enough, you would know that the latter cannot be bought instead it’s earned and often unmerited.

The AR girls growth is another milestone to shout about. In the short 10 months, I see timid personalities crawl out of their shells, new friendships made, trust established to be able to talk about  pertinent youth and of course… crazy girly fun. All this would not be possible without the help of my fantastic commanders that care as much for the girls as I do. So I continue to dream big and prayer harder for an even better year in 2010…

Snapshots from the anniversary (courtesy of Josh)

More than 6 months of planning, weeks of meetings, hours in prayer and footprints of faith is what it took to make Camporama 2009 a reality. 10-12 churches and 700 people from all over Malaysia participated in this awesome experience. If there were more bunk beds, there wouldn’ve been more people! Kudos to the camp committee for making Camporama 2009 a lifetime experience.

I’ve grown up in Rangers for as long as I can remember and Camporama is one of those camps I look forward to whether rain or shine. There’s almost a 100% guarantee that it’ll be mind blowing, this time it’s no different. 700 people made up 4 cities – Australia, India, China and Japan.

Since we were team India we spent 3-4 months reading about the country, culture, culinary spread and people. We visited Indian Street in Klang several times and made umpteen trips to the Global Indian Fair at Mid Valley. We went on a shopping spree for bangles, bells, oil lamps, lanterns, sarees, punjabi suits, jeepas, Bollywood movie posters and tupperware full of Indian sweets. With professional help from engineers and self made architects we build an archway made of steel and screws, lined it with hand drawn posters and wooden boards and lited it with running bulbs. We even had our very own lifesize Taj Mahal made of frigde boxes and pipes. The energy and life in our city was contagious – dance broke out every minute or so, food was served to every visitor, laughter roared as “Indian” stand up comedians took the stage.

Above all, at camps like this – the night rallies are always filled with a sense of expectancy. When I was a Ranger my very real experiences with God were always at camp. Now as a leader – it is undoubtedly so that I pray the same prayer for rangers who come. God showed up in a very real way to many of the young ones. I have been extremely touched to see God being real to the Adventure Girls (the ones under my care)… at 13, 14, 15 they’re being filled with a relentless pursuit for God. And I know that this experience will last them till eternity.

Seeds were sown and a declaration of faith was made – that this NOW generation will recognize their position and destiny in Christ and they will do greater things!

Pictures on the life and pulse of Camporama 2009… here!

There is a verbal pact between Terence and I when it comes to surprises. About a year ago we agreed not surprise each other during special occasions. There are a few reasons behind this: 

1. Spontaneous surprises are more fun and it doesn’t need to happen only on special occasions.
2. I have been surprised all too many times, he’s too good at it. My strategy was to catch up and outdo his surprises… a stall may help! 
3. Terence doesn’t like to be surprised – that was why he agreed to the pact.

But he broke the pact (again)! I came back from work today and found flowers on the table, a framed picture of us, a pressie and a million words tastefully arranged. 

Hubby strikes back… He just couldn’t restrain his creative streak.