Our Little Is Their Much

I just came in office a couple of minutes ago. I am usually not that late for work but today is an exception because of some train hiccups in the west.

Anyway, instead of getting frustrated which I found no point to as it would not help speed up the recovery process, I decided to strike up a conversation with someone in the train.

I spoke to an elderly lady, a cleaner, who was on her way to work. She shared with me that she must not be late for work as her pay would be deducted. She then went on to share that she needs the money to pay for both her husband's and her medical expenses.

I was then curious to know whether she has sought help for higher or full subsidy of her medical bills. She told me she did not know that there is such a scheme.

I quickly whipped out my iPad and surfed Tan Tock Seng Hospital's website for the Department of Care and Counselling. I gave the lady a number to call where she can speak to a Medical Social Worker about her plight.

I also suggested that she asked her son or daughter to help her contact the hospital and it was here I found out that her only child, a son, passed away when he was only 34 years old. :(

Before I alighted at Boon Lay Station, I gave the lady my name-card. I asked her to call me should she need my help to contact the hospital. She thanked me and that was where we parted our ways.

I just prayed for the lady and her husband that God will provide for them at this age when they should be enjoying life and not get so bogged down with medical expenses and all.

The above encounter is precisely one main reason why I am so enthusiastic in wanting to raise as much funds as possible for the Charity Bike 'n' Blade 2012. God has blessed me time and again in my life. Being able to cycle is also a blessing and now I want to use this blessing to bless others.

Sometimes I wish more can step up to donate because what we give means a lot to those who need the funds for their medical needs. Well, for now, I can only keep trying and praying.

Praise God for those who have already contributed and I know more will come forward in the remaining 129 days left. :)

It's A Privilege To Help The Under-Privileged

Finally I get to sit down and have my smoked salmon sandwiches after a really busy morning of meetings. It started at 8.30am and only ended about 15 minutes ago. My team decided that we have all the items in the agenda covered before heading off for lunch. Praise God for their commitment and perseverance.

Phase 2 of our curriculum planning is half-way through already and I am thankful that everything is going according to plan. I am supposed to be travelling during this period but it will be put on hold as some professors from the United States of America will be coming over. If we can cover as much of our planning with them as possible here then there is no need for me to travel.

I am actually okay with not travelling as I will need all the time to train for the Charity Bike 'n' Blade 2012. I do not know what am I getting myself into - 300km of gruelling terrains and weather conditions from Kuantan to Rompin (first leg) to Kota Tinggi (second leg) but I have decided to take up the challenge as it is for a good cause.

The event hopes to raise S$300,000 for two beneficiaries, namely St. Luke's Hospital and St. Luke's Eldercare. Since 31 March, I have raised $7,210 and my target is to hit $10,000. My initial goal was $5,000. As I passed each mark, I guess I will increase it by $5,000 and trust that God will provide through my friends. Well, slowly but surely, the announcement will come one day where it reads, "$300,000 achieved!"

I also managed to secure a $5,000 sponsorship and am sourcing for more. Hopefully more will come forward to do so. :)

I am looking forward to 24 August. Whether I finish the entire journey is not important. What matters is the difference we will make in the lives of the under-privileged. No matter how tough it is, I will cycle every meter and keep going! :)

If you are reading this and feel led to give, please do so at https://www.give.sg/TeamGIVE/AndyChew/charity-bike-n-blade-2012. For more information on the event, please visit http://charitybnb.sg. :)

Okie, back to work. Hope to finish earlier as I will be meeting a dear friend later for cycling (if weather permits). If not, we will have bak kut teh (pork-ribs soup) for dinner. Yums.

A Restful But Troubling Off Day

I just received a shocking news that someone in a certain country will be sold to a family because her brother could not pay up a loan he took from them. It is sad that in this era which we live in, there is still such a practice. It may be a case of desperation but to sell a sibling away is still something hard to comprehend. I pray for the Lord's hand to be in this situation and that He will make a way for this family. Sigh.

I am in the midst of raising funds for two beneficiaries: St. Luke's Eldercare and St. Luke's Hospital. It is through an event called Charity Bike 'n' Blade 2012 where a group of cyclists will be riding a distance of 300km, commencing in Kuantan for the first leg and then in Rompin for the second leg and finishing in Kota Tinggi.

This is my first time participating in a long-distance event ever since I took up cycling in September 2011. What moved me to be involved is basically to put to good use the bicycle God gave me and help others in need. I have benefited a lot since I took up this sport - exercising on a regular basis and feeling fitter having lost 16kg in 5 months. I still have quite a few more kilos to shed to reach my ideal weight but what I am now is already a progress. Hallelujah!

The route from what I heard is not easy - with numerous rolling hills, powerful head-winds, fatigue, etc. Sometimes I kind of asked myself why did I have to do this. Well, I guess I shall take it as a challenge. Whether I complete the route or not is secondary. So long as I can raise some funds to help the needy, I would be more than contented. :)

Just received a friend from the airport who is in town for a night's stopover before heading for Hong Kong. He is a professor around my age but not a typical kind. He is a surfing dude from the United States of America, teaching in Brown University. We got to know each other two years ago when we attended a conference. Since then we have been corresponding regularly.

Anyway, just left the hotel after having a short chat with him. He also brought along a bicycle part for a dear friend of mine. I had to trouble him to buy it for me as it is cheaper in the U.S.. It is a waste I am unable to catch up further with him as he has a tight schedule before leaving tomorrow morning.

Well, I shall end here.

Praise God for a short week... this being Holy Week.