30th Decemeber - Went for Rachel's dad funeral service... the 3rd time I'm attending a funeral service in New Creation Church... But this time, it was a little different. It was a really dear friend's dad... I made a new friend, Lucy, who happened to be Vivien Tan's aunt. She asked me to help out with the drinks and keep the chairs. Yes, of course. I was more than willing to help...When the admin lady at the counter broke the news to me last Sunday, I was wondering how Rachel was really feeling. Just weeks ago, I was having dinner with Rachel and her mum, Rosalind at Bugis wan tan mee shop... and they headed to visit the dad in the hospital... I could not do much but help was all I could offer, so I helped out a little... and Rachel's block is actually just beside VFC tampines. The church where I used to go to practice for my drama production.

Rachel is a really awesome friend. Few times we chatted way into the night. Like 3am... the next day... she knew I was feeling down.. and issues I had previously with certain people. The next day, she surprised me with a little card, a heartwarming message and a bible verse. There was another occassion where I remembered, I wanted a sermon CD so much but I was going through "financial famine", she got it for me....

Dolly and Francis, my ex fellow omegans were there as well... as they were good friends with Rosalind and her husband.

Funeral service was conducted by Pastor Joshua...Lucy was quite surprised that Pastor Joshua could actually play the guitar...Yes, we sang the song "So Close" by Hillsong. It is one of my favorite old hillsong songs...

I've also learned some things.. like death to a believer is a promotion because yes, they are going to heaven, with Jesus. Rachel's dad passed away really peacefully as he saw Jesus while he was sleeping... the day before... Rachel shared quite abit about her dad... after which we had light refreshments... I set up the chairs and took out the drinks together with some other youths...

So when we all settled down, I actually sat down with Dolly and Francis and another couple I didn't know. To my surprise, the couple was talking to Pastor Joshua when he was standing up awhile and down he sat at the same table as me. Right, so he talked to the people around. He looked at me and say, "it's surprising to see you here, not knowing anybody" ... I said, "no... I know Rachel"... he said, "ohhhh"... I said, "yup and I kinda know Rosalind too"... he said.."okay"...
I guess Pastor Joshua always matched my face to RSM Omega, "the overflow room usher"...
Initially he thought that I was related to Dolly and Francis. Cuz I was often with them...
Pastor Joshua does not know my name, but know me by my face.

I made another new friend who was seriously, such a kind soul. Vinni's cg mate... I was surprised to see Vinni, Lionel and Cindy (Tan) there and also Gerri as according to some people, Rachel was supposed to be in their care group but she doesn't turn up. (and I know she has valid reasons) Okay it was Vinni's cg mate, Ken who drove us (Vinni, Lionel and me) home.

Today... I was hanging around abit with Ivy, Muru and the other indonesian guy (can't remember his name, sorry!) after class at commonwealth. I was discussing with the 2 of them how songs become categorized as "OLD" very fast. Anyway, after that I went for the cremation. First time going for the last day of a funeral. Alot of mixed emotions. I could almost feel the sadness...Well, weep with all those who weep and rejoice with all those who rejoice...Huilong also came awhile before we left for Mandai and chatted with Rachel. One of the really few ex tpcg people who came man. Joey and Aaron was also around for the funeral service.
During the cremation at the viewing hall, alot of them started to tear. This was then I started to lookout for people, helped a little with the tissues...

The tension was eased when we returned to Rachel's void deck and people all started eating...
Her "kao mo" (grand aunt in Cantonese) spoke to me in Cantonese, I understood I tried to respond back in Cantonese but it ended up all jumbled up... LOL. And then, we realized that her "kao mo" can speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Teochew & Hokkien. Oh the horror! I wanna learn alot of languages too. It's my dream, I may wanna take up a course in Translation Studies as well...HAHA. Her "kao mo" seemed to like me and was really cool. She touched my chubby cheeks and I didn't know how to respond but smiled. I so wanna be part of community services this time man, I am so gonna learn all sorts of dialect, just tell me about it. Elderlys are really nice people to talk to actually... Then, Francis kept trying to make me laugh, yesterday also... SINCE THE OMEGAN DAYS, juz tell me about it... so I came out with this "Alaskan joke" term (cold jokes - not funny, just "chui" - hopeless and lame) and "Egyptian joke" (hot jokes - make you laugh 'til you've gotta tummy ache)... duh... okay... then he said something about Omega is missing my laughter. HA HA HA. I doubt they will...

I came home after the whole clean-up was done. I napped a little on the way home on the bus so right now I do not feel that shagged.

Okay, that's about it. I'm off to Indochine to meet Sandra & the rest! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!