Sister Gloria playing the Piano

Sunday, 4 February 2007

It takes a lot of courage for a 13 year old to say "yes" to playing the piano, in a sacrament meeting. Like every other experiences, there is always a first time. And this was the first time for Sister Gloria.

This morning saw Sister Gloria played the opening hymn "Teach me to walk in the Light".

Sitting next to her and guiding her was Sister Serrao.

Thanks also to another diligent teacher - Sister Penny, who has been giving her piano lessons on Saturday afternoons since March/April 2005.

For both Sister Penny and Sister Gloria, it is definitely a commendable experience that would be recorded in their Young Women Personal Progress Books, as a teacher and a student.

No More Sister Missionaries?

Sunday, 4 February 2007

Today was the last Sunday for our Sister Missionaries in the Miri branch. Sister Ong and Sister Serrao are leaving Miri Monday 5 February. There wouldn't be any replacement. The first two Sister Missionaries - Sister Chung and Sister Boston came on Wednesday 4 January 2005.

Sister Sundai came with all her 5 children (Hanis, Ellis, Agnes, Doris & Marlis) to see them for the last time in the chapel.

Chopsticks, Spoons and Forks

Tuesday, 30 January 2007

It is always interesting for me to watch how caucasians use the chopsticks to eat because these are not their usual eating 'utensils'. Elder/Sister Ott's fingers were gripping the chopsticks, about 2 inches from the bottom. I tried that and it did seem easier to control the chopsticks. I know some children usually grip their chopsticks that way, and adults too.

Picking up the peanuts from their small plates.
.

Sister Ott was happy using the chopsticks throughout the lunch. She even used the chopsticks to eat the fried rice from a bowl. Well done! Elder Ott decided to switch to the spoon and fork half way through, and eat from a plate. He decided he has enough fun with the chopsticks for that meal!!

See You Again

Monday, 29 January 2007

Elder/Sister Ott wanted to visit with the members at their homes before they leave the area, and they have asked me whether I could drive them. I am grateful for this opportunity to visit with the Sisters again!

(Elder/Sister Ott) Quote
We will not say goodbye. We will say "See You Again".
Unquote

Sister Sundai, Doris and Marlis


Sister Racha, Sylviana, Corlina and Martius


Sister Mahsuri, Priscilla and Natasha



Tuesday, 30 January 2007

Sister Irene and Sylvia

2006 Youth Conference

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Youth Conference started today. I woke up at 4 am and prepared breakfast for Lian and Leonora. The 3 of us then picked Penny and then Sylviana. Arrangements had been made who and who pick who to the Miri bus terminal. The Biaramas Express bus leaves at 6:30 am. There were about 25 youth going to the Youth Conference this year, held at the Sibu YMCA.

I went last year and I said I won't go this year unless I have a companion. I didn't go this year, not because I didn't have a companion but for some other personal reason. I am glad that Lian was able to go as one of the leaders for the 12 Young Women.







They will return to Miri on Sunday night. I hope Lian will take a lot of pictures and share with us on her blog, when she returned. Check it out.

See You Somewhere in Malaysia - Elder Ho

Sunday, 19 November 2006

Elder Ho's last Sunday in Miri!
He has been called to serve in Sandakan, Sabah.

Enjoyed the kelopok that your father sent from Mukah, Elder Ho. Thanks!

We will see you somewhere in Malaysia.

First Sister Missionary from the Miri Branch

Friday, 1 December 2006

Sister Lydia made history today. She is our first Sister missionary from the Miri branch.

We love her and we are proud of her. She will have a great time at the field. People she meet will love her!

Seminary/Institute Graduation 2006

Friday, 17 November 2006

First seminary/institute graduation held in this new building. It was an honor to have Brother Howell (CES Assistant Administrator from Salt Lake City) with us.

My testimony was increased as I listened to Sister Penny (seminary) and Sister Hilda (institute) talk about their conversion and how the gospel has blessed their lives.

The Miri Youth Choir, led by Sister Lyanne, sang one of my favourite hymns "As Sisters in Zion & We'll bring the World His Truth". Can't help singing myself while taking this picture of them.


We have a four year diploma graduate tonight - Sister Marina. Congratulations!


The graduating students with their teachers, Elder/Sister Ott, and the CES respresentative from Salt Lake City, Brother Howell.


As requested, Lyanne has obediently made a graduation "hat" but somehow it was not used at all. Sister Ivy tried it on after almost everyone was gone and she looked like she has just graduated from a university. She did, from the university of CES, tonight.

Service Project

Saturday, 4 November 2006

5 Young Men and 5 Young Women turned up for the service project this afternoon. Together with their respective President and counselor, and the 6 missionaries, we headed for the Miri kidney Dialysis Centre. There were 20 of us altogether.

Sweeping the Compound



Ever thought of cleaning the drain in this way?

Halloween 2006

Saturday, 28 October 2006

Tonight's branch social fell under the "Primary" responsibility. Thanks to Sister Lydia (Primary President), Sister Lyanne (Primary Counselor) and many others who have helped to make the evening a success.

The decorations and activities in pictures




The energetic and pretty young organisers


Lian in blonde hair? And mum, the gypsy.


All dressed up: Sister Ott, Irene, Loreen, Maria, Paula, Gabrielle.



The gypsy and the witch.


The little Iban girl.


Setting the mood.


My team of 6 in action - wrapping a mummy!



The smallest mummy with his own family.


The mummies!


Who is behind the mask?


Modelling their outfits.



The viewers.


Tonight, the witch used her broom to do good! And thanks to Sister Serrao too.


Thanks again to all those who have contributed to this social. It was fun!

S.S.B. Industrial Clinic

Friday, 20 October 2006

I like the clinic. It is walking distance from the office. It is surrounded by trees. There is no need to climb stairs or use the lift.

It is the clinic that I go to since Dad started work in the Lutong Distillation/Refinery Department in 1962. I was then a little girl. Dad was an operator at the Boiler House, and had been an employee of Sarawak Shell Berhad since 1955. His retirement from Shell in October 1979 did not affect me because I was employed by the Company in December 1974 and I was entitled to the same medical benefits.



When I left the Company in September 1996, I continue to enjoy the same medical benefits, as a wife of a Shell employee.



On this quiet Friday afternoon, I have come to the clinic to collect the results of my blood test and this is my last visit to the clinic.

I have gone to this clinic firstly as a daughter of a Shell employee, next as an employee myself and lastly as a wife of an employee. Altogether I have been to this clinic for about 45 years!

And both my children were born there.