True enough, over the next few months, Don and Poh saw money stream in like never before. After Don ended his three-year stint working for the church in April 2006, he steadied himself to take on free-lance projects whole-heartedly. Initially, he thought he might have to hunt for the projects to get a regular load. Instead, he found himself inundated with work that pursued him non-stop. It was as though the world had turned upside down and favour was upon him in every way possibly imagined!
Firstly, the turnover of projects went so unexpectedly fast that Don had to work furiously through the days and nights. Where in the past he would have to hunt for projects, he had no problems in that short two months. Secondly, payments were prompt and needed no reminders----which was a rather incredible phenomenon for free-lancers. Not only that, one project that offered to pay Don $1,500 for a small, A5, drawing of a set of teeth ended up paying him twice the agreed amount. Apparently, the advertising company was so pleased with his illustration that they felt a need to pay him twice the agreed payment. The world had indeed gone crazy! Don had to read the letter several times to comprehend what the company was trying to do. The cheque was also blinked at and fingered many times to corroborate his sense of reality. The Lord was indeed doing great and marvellous deeds in the short span of time. Praise the Lord!
Then there was also all the money that came in from friends and family. Nearing the date of departure, Don and Poh had decided to throw a farewell party for all they knew from the ex-Chinese Ministry Worship Team, even though they did not have much money really, not even after all the money that came in through the free-lance projects and Poh's monthly pay. They somewhat believed that there was no point in saving that few hundred dollars which would not do much for them on their trip to come. They agreed that it would be much more useful to bless all the people they loved before they left. After all, it would be so long before they could meet again.
So the gathering was arranged for three Sundays before their departure. The chosen Sunday, 14 May, happened to be the day before their senior pastor's birthday, and the church had decided to gather all 14,000 members together in one service for a celebration at the Kallang Indoor Stadium. That would also mean their invited friends would have plenty of time to get from the late morning service to the party by mid-afternoon. It was to be a barbeque party at the civil service chalets. The marinated food was catered for aplenty and the friends that planned to come were many. It seemed everything was set for a glorious afternoon and evening of fun and laughter. That was, until Don and Poh realised they forgot two very important people who would not be at the party on time, or at least, be around for the most part of it----it was them! They had forgot that was the very afternoon that Don had to submit his final sculpture piece for marking to pass his basic sculpture course and Poh had her third term singing test!
The couple could have kicked themselves for their folly. After all, they were the ones who had booked the chalet, ordered the food and sent all the invitations in advance. How could they forget their own availability?! And all this reality to be awakened only on the night before the party! They concluded in the end, that they probably had too much on their minds. What could they do but hope for the best?
In the end, the party did kick off, in spite of some initial hitches. Like the few families with toddlers in tow who arrived at the chalet on time and found no host in sight. The children, of course, found the pool their source of amusement and was, otherwise, unfazed by their circumstances; whilst their parents might have had some bout of harmless waiting. Later on, there were various unsuspecting and rather confused friends who appeared and wondered if they were at the right party when the hosts could not be determined. Some other friends were also called in haphazardly and randomly to play host for the afternoon, and whilst their hearts were willing, nobody was quite sure what they were supposed to do since there was no time for the couple to brief anyone.
Don did manage to arrive at about half past four, having submitted his final work. He was whizzed in by Poh who almost immediately, had to zip back to town for her singing test. So from half past four onwards, the party did look more on its way of being realised.
Don said a quick greeting to his family, organised friends to start the fire and set to manage the crowd as best as he could. Apparently, he had to get the party crowd to stand in queue for their food at one point as all were ravenous by the time the fire was roaring and the food sizzling with its tantalising aroma wafting through the chalets and poolsides. Thank God for willing hands who worked hard at the fire and the grill so the food could be dished out in a steady stream. By the time Poh arrived at the chalet at about 8pm, the crowd's once famished stomachs had been satisfied and no one was looking to eat anymore. So Poh had an easy time getting to the food, which in fact, at that stage, was being continuously brought to her.
Conversations and laughter went on asunder from various couples and groups in different corners of the chalet and poolside. Poh was satisfied to see that everyone was enjoying themselves already even though she had not been around. When she thought no one was looking, she also managed to slip an appreciative kiss and hug to Don for being the hero to save the day without her around. Eventually, everyone seemed forgiving enough at the couple's astonishing, vanishing act in the afternoon. Perhaps they had had their fill of their stomachs, Don and Poh mused afterward.
Not only were they forgiving, they even gave generously to the couple, in a bid to bless them financially for the next two years. Don and Poh were truly astounded to receive the 'Ang Pows'. It was not like they were getting married, yet their friends had so willingly given money to them and wished them well. Later on, they learnt that their good buddies, Steph and Edmund, had advised all who asked them to bring monies instead of gifts knowing that other stuff would not be brought with them and used anyway for the next two years.
Finally, even Poh's colleagues had given her an 'Ang Pow'. All in all, the monies received came close to a staggering three thousand! That night, the couple could not stop praising the Lord for His favour and blessings on their journey that was about to begin.
Monday, August 14, 2006
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