4D3N Gold Coast Trip - Day 3

Click to read about Day 1 & Day 2 fun.

Day 3 (Monday)
Determined to wake up to catch the sunrise over Surfers’ Paradise. Woke up at 5am, braved the chill and sat at the balcony for 40mins. I was not disappointed, this is so far the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen in my life.

After breakfast, we are off to Paradise Country. The girls would love the chance to feed some kangaroos.

Poor Jayne was so excited and fell when she ran towards the bus stop.

But soon the pain was forgotten when we reached our destination. Since we did not drive, the bus just stopped outside the main road and we got to walk about 1km to Paradise Country.

Hey, but no one is complaining, with a bit of sun and breeze, the walk was totally enjoyable.

We are here!

First stop was the Koala Bears, so fluffy and cute. Pay A$18 to get a chance to carry one of them and take a photo. We prefer to just watch and take our own photo.

The part where both Joey and Jayne have been waiting for. Up close and personal with the Kangaroos.

As usual, Jayne is the more garang of the 2, she was totally fearless in approaching the animals.

See the distance Joey keeps from the Kangaroo? So typical of her…

The Paradise Country staff showed us how they prepared the Billy Tea and the amazing sponge cake.

I got Joey to try the swinging act but Jayne was just happy to sit on the log and enjoy her chocolate.

Next up, its the shepherd dog, sheep and milking cow show.

Jayne had a go at milking the cow, it was fun.

Good dog, clever dog, sleepy dog.

No idea what is this camel-look-alike, horse-look-alike animal.

Before we leave, the last segment at Paradise Country is the sheep shearing show.

You just need half a day at Paradise Country, so we move on to Habour Town next, for some shopping. No holiday is complete without some purchases, especially at the local outlet shopping centre. Remember to drop by the Tourism Lounge and get a Tourism Card for further discounts at selected shops.

Famous brands like Adidas, Nike, Fila, Polo Ralph, Lacoste, Levis, Lee, Lonsdale, Converse, etc..

For us, we prefer the shops that we usually don’t see in Singapore. Bought shoes, t-shirts, jeans, more shoes, caps, even multi-vitamins.

Top it up with a nice meal, Italian pizza and Aussie beer. It was a beautiful day!

Hope you enjoyed my 3 days journey at Gold Coast. Our next trip will be Tokyo! And probably another trip to Australia before the year 2012 ends.
~Big Smile~

City Harvest - My Church My Life

I am proud to say I am a member of City Harvest Church (CHC) since 2002. More than that, I am extremely privilege to be a full-time staff.

This is where Kless and I got married. This is where our kids are learning about biblical truths and discovering their talents. This is where I found so many true friends that don’t judge me by the covers but accepted me totally, good and bad. This is where I found my destiny and calling. This is where I strengthened my love and commitment to God. This is where I learnt that true leadership is not forceful but has to be out of love.

There are just too many things I have learnt and received in the past 10 years to be mentioned here, but if you known me long enough, you can be my referee.

My Church is My Family.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do I have all the knowledge of  the case and the allegations?
No, I do not. Which is why I choose to be mute and not simply post my comments about something I have no absolute knowledge of.

Why am I still so supportive and confident of my leaders’ actions?
That is because I have worked with them, seen with my own eyes (no one can deny what I have experienced) the sacrifices my leaders - Pastor Kong, Sun & Pastor Tan have made. How they have served and cared for the people in this church family even when it was inconvenient for them. How they were selfless in giving, not only monies but also time and life.

Am I just a blind follower? Brain-washed?
I like what one member wrote, and I quote: “Yes, previously I was brain-washed by the world’s system, but now I am totally redeemed and walks as a faithful servant of God and a member in CHC.” I am not a blind follower, period. Stop labelling us as if you really knew us.

Have I regretted giving to the church? Was I forced to give?
Of course not! The fact is, if I have known earlier that this Crossover Project is going to be so successful and hundred of thousands of lives will be touched and impacted, I would have given MORE! The fruits of our giving are obvious to all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Personally I have worked and served together with Pastor Tan for a couple of years. It has to be one of the greatest blessing and privilege for me. I witness first hand how humble he is, the sincerity he shows when talking to someone. He is a leader who is constantly encouraging us and challenging us to improve and become better.

I will always remember how my pastor looks into the little details like my dinner after a busy day at work. How he sincerely want to help me in fulfilling my dream and desire to be a pastoral worker. No words can fully describe how much he has helped me to be a better leader and man.

I am proud to call him my Discipler. I am proud to call him my Pastor!

4D3N Gold Coast Trip - Day 2

Click here to check out my Day 1 fun.

Day 2 (Sunday)
Missed the sunrise but did wake up to this beautiful scene, if only we have this back home.

Just as the nights start early, the day starts at about 6am. Surfers are already in action by 7am.

All dressed up waiting for our bus to bring us to Pacific Fair which is the bus interchange. We need to take another bus to our destination.

A trip to Carrara Markets which is only open during the weekends from 7am-4pm.

Just as we were walking to the markets, we passed by a field and some one came along and said good morning. Big furry white cow.

In Carrara Markets, you can find almost anything. From daily needs to cars, if you can name it, you can probably find it.

We bought some socks, hat, slippers…

Need a quick trim?

I reckon most of the locals will come and buy their weekly groceries here. The veggies looked so fresh and big. Yummy!

Did I mention cars? For just less than A$8,000 you can own a Volkswagen! No COE needed!

Joey looks so pretty wearing the cap we just bought for her. She is fast growing into a pretty young lady.

After the markets, we are again on the bus to the Sea World. Just about 40mins bus ride.

When we were there, the newest attraction was the Dinosaur Island. But the kids were more interested in something else.

Look at them sitting patiently waiting for their favourite show.

Not only the kids, but even the adults were very eager to watch the show.

Let the show begin…

It’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Friends!

Jayne was so excited to recognise Mr Krabs.

SpongeBob, Patrick & Sandy.

Before the next show, we have some time to walk around and tried some of the rides.

Mummy Kless can’t contain her joy.

The underwater viewing gallery was nice. You can choose to go shark scuba or tropical reef snorkelling.

On to our next show, another of the girls’ favourite – Dora the Explorer.

All the children at the show can sing all the songs played. Even the parents (mothers) can sing along too. The power of cartoons.

After the show, Jayne had the chance to get up close and personal with Diego.

After a tiring day, we spent about 7 hours at the Sea World, finally we are back at our cosy apartment. Dinner was a simple meal of pasta, bread and roasted chicken.

Good night as the girls get ready for bed.