In Baptist, Christian Living, Family, Friendship on October 4, 2009 by alvinjismyl
Today we sent WeiChee and family off to the field of Irian (West Papua). It is a joyful/sad occasion. Sad because our friends are leaving us for the Lord’s work; joyful because they are obeying God’s leading for their lives and we as a church were part of that journey; that process. We were obedient in sending them off to the Lord’s field.
Many of us arrived at the Budget Terminal about 2hrs prior to departure time. It was a casual and light occasion at that time. Kids ran around oblivious to the heavyheartedness of adults. Still it was fun watching them expend energy in the departure hall. Adults meanwhile, ‘loiter’ around in small groups having chit-chats. Some regular visitors turned up: MeiLeng, Angelia, as well as Jeff and Patricia. Stephanie came too.
When 16:00 hrs came, I asked Daniel to gather the folks for group picture. It was quite a breeze since the folks knew what they were supposed to do. Then came the difficult moment – to pray for the missionary family on behalf of the church. Difficult only because one can sense the sadness around.
Tears flowed as I prayed for the Lam family prior to their moving off to Departure gate. It was understandable. Inevitable I might add. The people of NTBC love them dearly. That is wonderful. I do wonder if it’s our turn, will they likewise? 
As a side note, I was pleasantly surprised to see TzeCheh (aka Tracy) and Jasmine. Both are married with kids in tow. Both whom I have not seen since 1993 when we left SBBC. Frankly I missed them much though not expressed. I missed their ever positive outlook. The life of the party so to speak, in a positive manner. I missed their fervor. Sadly they are not attending church since the fiasco in ’93. only thing to do is to pray that the Lord will prompt their hearts to yearn for worship and communion with God and His saints.
In Family, Friendship, Memories on September 5, 2009 by alvinjismyl
Yesterday while driving, I was listening to the radio when there was talk about nicest nasi lemak stall in Singapore. Listeners were urged to sms their recommendations to the radio station.
Nasi Lemak is a Malay staple food that is easy to eat and tasty too. Easy because it was mainly rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaves; the hot sauce (here we say chili sauce) is called sambal. Traditionally it has small fish — ikan kuning (literally, yellow fish), deep fried with ginger spices. Not forgetting a thin slice of fried egg. As time passes, the Chinese begins to sell it; often adding fried chicken wings, fried fish cake, plus other stuff. Being a traditionalist (maybe hardnose), I don’t eat food cooked by those outside of the ethnic group. By that I meant, if it’s Malay food, I must eat from Malay stall; if it’s Chinese food, only from the Chinese. Not a segregationalist, I just feel that those outside cannot cook as well. I suppose I’m just plain stubborn. And why waste time trying out a Chinese cooked nasi lemak? I just go straight to the Malay stall and order it. period.
Somehow, a series of words conjure up memories of my childhood. When my three neighbors (3 brothers – Ah Hui; Ah Lek; Ah Leng) plus my elder brother and I would take a 2.5 hrs bus ride from our house in C’wealth Cresecent, Queenstown, to Changi Point. Every Sunday morning, the 5 of us would take bus no. 2, eagerly aniticpating the sight and smell of Changi. I think bus no 2 still ply the same route after all these years.
Being poor– we would save up our money to have just enough to pay for our bus fare (10 cents each way) and nasi lemak (20 cents). The Malay boys from the nearby kampong at Changi would ply their trade along the beaches. The highlight of the trip (after swimming) would be to eat that precious packet of nasi lemak. It’s a heavenly joy for us kids. By the way, we were just about 8 to 13 years of age. My brother being the oldest and Ah Leng and I were both 8 years old.
We’d guard our money otherwise, not only does it mean we don’t get to savor nasi lemak; it’d be a long road back to Queenstown from Changi Point. For some it might be very dreadful thing but for us kids back then, it was part of life. I recall walking to Capitol Theater from Queenstown. Almost everywhere we went we walked. Why? No money, that’s why. We developed endurance anyway. When I got enlisted into the army. Road march was never an issue with me. 
In Acoustic Guitar, Friendship, Larrivee on August 13, 2009 by alvinjismyl
Today I get to meet a fella (Tomo) who has been in contact with me for a few months (on and off). What started this communication was his Larrivee D-09E which he got from the local dealership. It was almost $4k but didn’t perform up to par for him.
Later he tried Jarvis and was happy for a while but some buzzing sound troubled hima great deal. Suggested that he tried Malcolm. I think things improved though the buzz at certain spots still bothers him. Malcolm explained that this buzzing is inherent in that guitar, and it happens to all make – boutique or mass market.
Anyway, we finally made time and we sat and chatted besides playing guitar. I let him try my Goodall Standard, Yamaha LL-16 and Larrivee D-03R. I tried his D-09E and indeed it sounded like it has long while more to go before it opens up. Suggested that he tried tonerite but he didn’t say anything.
Enjoyed the session with him and hope to interact more with him in the future. BTW, he plays well too. I reckon I have much to learn from him too. Nice guy.
In Acoustic Guitar, Friendship, guitar on January 22, 2009 by alvinjismyl
In the past, it was hard to modify a guitar unless you’re prepared to face the consequence of an attempt gone wrong (ie, guitar got damaged in the process). Singapore wasn’t really a place where one could fiddle with his guitar and learn lots out of it. Besides, spare parts or special tools weren’t available. Well, I was unaware of how much guitar retail scene has changed all these years until late 2008.
Never know anything about guitar set up until last year. Imagine that I’ve been playing guitar since 12 and owned several guitars over the years though most if not were al-cheapos. Always thought that acoustic or steel strings guitars are what you see is what you get. Thanks to internet that I learned much about it.
Anyway, I was glad to have found a guitar tech to take care of my Yamaha FG512-II 12 strings about 2 years ago. However, I realized only recently that somethings he did then to my guitar was not right. Instead of adjusting the action via nut or saddle and heating the truss rod because it was bent. He sandpapered the bridge instead. Learned later from the luthir it’s a no-no to sand a bridge. Well, it’s a lesson learned.
During the last quarter of the year, while searching for something, I found Malcolm Tan (visit http://www.mtlutherie.com/) . He was a trained luthier and had worked in China to help kick start a Taiwanese guitar company. He returned to Singapore a couple of years ago. Set up his own ’shop’ at home. Anyway, found out that he is a Christian. Always a plus because you can at least know that he will honor his work. Plus he lives much closer to my home so that saves me a bundle and time since I don’t have to drive to Downtown to get some guitar service.
More importantly, I have gotten to know Malcolm a little better as a person and appreciate his work ethics. I’ve been very pleased with his workmanship having sent my Yamaha FG512-II for repairs; Ovation 97 Parlor and 1116 Concert for servicing and upgrades.
Only today, I sent him my Yamaha LJ-16 for setup and upgrades from tusq to bone straddle and nut. Looking forward to hear how much difference in tone quality has improved with straddle and nut upgrades.
In Christian Living, Family, Friendship, Uncategorized on October 16, 2008 by alvinjismyl
“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” ~ Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784)
In Friendship on February 25, 2007 by alvinjismyl
Part and parcel of friendship entails the issue of openness. To the degree that one is open; the greater the level of friendship because of the implicit trust involved. Inversely, the greater the vulnerability too. But the thing about friendship is that it cannot flourish without that element of risk-taking.
When a person is willing to be open and be himself; by willingly to share thoughts frankly without fear of misunderstanding, he is secure within and about himself. on the other hand, the person who is guarded all the time, reveals a previous hurt that has not healed and unwilling to take the chance to progress or move on. He is like the oyster who clams up every-time something is stirred on the seabed of his life and he views it as a threat to his well-being. An oyster is saved from the turbulence’ but goes nowhere in terms of distance coverage. Likewise, the person who clams up is safe from the past; doing okay but not very good. That’s sad. For life consists of being able to love others; and friendship cannot flourish without love. And loving people entails risk-taking. Am I making sense or being cyclical in reasoning? 
Anyway, it’s late at night so probably it doesn’t make much sense to you – reader – for now. Maybe in a less sleepy state i can articualte my thoughts better. Until then . . .
