Family Reunion 2017

Time flies. The family last had a reunion more than two years ago during the occasion of Paul's wedding in July 2015 (Read here). 

This reunion was particularly significant and special because of the addition of a new member in the person of little Livvie, my third grandchild in the family.

We had such great time doing many many things together. We ate, we exchanged presents, we chilled out at Kundasang, we hugged and we laughed. For the first time, we had our family photo taken by a "professional" at the Louis Pang Studio. This reunion will be remembered for a very very long time...........................

Family Photo taken on 22 December 2017

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Reunion Dinner of the Lee's Extended Family in Conjunction with Winter Solstice 2017 on 22 December 2017

This was also the occasion to celebrate birthdays of three.

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Reunion Dinner with Family Members on 

23 December 2017

Turkey for the occasion!

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Family Reunion Dinner on 24 December 2017

Little Helpers.

Tiramisu by Sam-Rachel Team.

Roast lamb by Paul.

Presents for Each and Everyone after Dinner

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Christmas Eve Worship Service in BCCM KK (E)

My grandchildren had been dreaming of participating a candle light Christmas Eve Worship Service and that wish was fulfilled.

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Steam Boat at The Village Mersilou, Kundasang on 

25 December 2017

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Barbecue on New Year Eve 31 December 2017

By this time, Sam and Paul's families had returned to Singapore. But we were indeed pleased to have new guests in the persons of Meng How's sister and husband, May Yan and Michael joining us for the New Year Eve's barbecue.

Gracefully to 87th

We flew to JB on 9 November 2017 and spent the next four days in Batu Pahat. We were in BP to celebrate my mother-in-law's 87th birthday. Paul and Jun Shi also took time off to join the occasion from Singapore. This is the second time Jun Shi met the Lim's Matriarch.

Representing the family of the 3rd daughter of the Matriarch.

The 3rd daughter & her spouse.

In awe of the dish!

Together with Paul and Jun Shi, we visited the home village in Sri Gading and took a leisurely walk around the neighborhood to relive the memories of years gone by. My wife, in particular, was delighted to stroll along the man-made canal - one of her favorite childhood play spots. She fondly recalled how, as a young girl, she and her friends would spend countless hours there, laughing and playing by the water’s edge. Our walk eventually led us to the confluence where this canal meets another major canal, a place that once buzzed with activity. In those days, the canals served as vital transport routes for rubber tappers and smallholders, who used small boats to deliver smoked rubber sheets to the main collection point. It was also a favorite gathering spot for local children, who would swim, catch small crabs and fish, and create simple joys from the natural world around them.

Water in the canal was crystal clear after heavy downpour the previous night.

At the housing road named after Lim Kheng Siang, 

Paul's maternal grandfather who passed away 

on 28 February 2015.

Legacy Day of BCCM KK (E)

BCCM KK (E) celebrated her 55th Anniversary on 5 November 2017. Exactly 55 years ago on 4 November 1962, Pastor Donald E Nelson led the first Sunday English Worship Service of BCCM KK in the KK Basel Church old Chapel at the Signal Hill. I was only eleven then and was still a Sunday School student of the BCCM KK Hakka Congregation. In fact, I was with the Hakka Congregation all along and only switched to the English Congregation in 1979 after graduation or more specifically after my marriage.

This year, unlike in past occasions, the Pastor-in-Charge was creative and chose the term "Legacy Day" to commemorate the occasion.

Taken after the Legacy Sunday Worship Service 

with  Joseph CH Wong, Rev. Chong Fui Yung 

and current Pastor,  Rev. Renny Khoo.

The Church published a small magazine which contains key historical events and anecdotes by church members about some of the pioneers. My wife and I were asked to interview one couple, Datuk and Datin KS Fung who were involved in the setting up of BCCM KK (E) during its formative period. Even though in their eighties and with failing memory, they did mange to recollect some of the past events and shared a few thoughts.

Breakfast in our house with Datuk and Datin Fung, 

their 2nd son Yin Kee,  Joseph Wong and wife Catherine

just before the interview on 15 October 2017.

In 1963, BCCM KK English Congregation conducted the baptism for members who attended the first Confirmation Class. Fifty years on, most are now in the late sixties and seventies. The first pastor, Ps. Donald E Nelson had also passed away in January 2016 at age 88.

Anniversary is a milestone and a time to remember the past, to pause to see where we are in the present and to prepare for the future. It is also a time to recognize people past and present who have laboured in advancing God's Kingdom. The Chinese has a saying for such recognition: "前人种树,后人乘凉" which literally means that the old generations plant trees, the future generations enjoy the shade. 

I realized that anniversary is also a time for healing and restoration. People come and people go. People may at one time be in leadership but are no longer at present. No matter how insignificant the individual may be perceived at present, he/she would feel gratified if his/her place in history is recognized and appreciated.

First Baptism Class of BCCM KK English in 1963.
Donald in front row 1st from left. Thomas is next to Donald.

Chatting over coffee with Thomas Wong and Donald Soh, 

two of the members who attended the first Baptism Class 

in 1963.