Hmm. This holiday has been good. I got to know my cousins more and really set my heart down to talk to my cousins. Rather than living in regret that I didn't get to talk to them, I am leaving in satisfaction that I had broken the ice and talk to them. Got to know them more, catch up and play and smile and take photos. Especially my 2nd aunt's sons (Kevin & Christian). They've always been so quiet and I guess we are older now and can talk better.

For Kevin, I like the photos we've taken, the first day of my trip that I get to spend with him (without the bro), the driving us around... We broke the ice when we had to tag along with my mum to do visitation. He was stuck there and so was I. And that's when we talk more to each other and chat. I like it when he has been very nice and drive us around and also letting me use his computer! The nicer thing is also playing CS again! And watching him play! Sweet! I like the trip to the National park. Being very nice to drive us around and also the beautiful sunset photos we took. Haha. He's still quite quiet at the end of the trip but at least it wasn't that bad. I got his msn so we'll keep in touch. Plus, he starts to ask more about me towards the end. So it's okay...

For Christian, well, he arrived on my 2nd day and at first it was quite hard to talk to him. He walks away very fast and I hardly have time to greet him or talk to him. I was initially quite scared that I won't get to talk to him or get closer to him in this trip. Was about to feel sad when there was an opportunity over the sharks fin soup. He had to finish it and so sat at the dinner table where I was. And also the coconut pudding dessert at the table too. Got to know more abt his institution life, hostel and also talk abt relationships! Lol.

The other nicer thing is playing board games with him! I was pretty surprised when he suddenly brought out a few games and asked if I wanted to play. Ha. So we played Chinese Chess first which he triple-jiang me!! I lost terribly. Ha. He said that Paul (my other cousin) taught him the game. After that, late at night, I played Reversi with him in his room. His bro was in the room too. And the 2 of them like gang up against me like that--both speaking in Malay which I couldn't understand at all! Bleah. But in the end, I beat him at the game! Yay! Haha. Was quite happy. It's a good game lah. Didn't chat over the game but at least we were doing something together! :) I like it when we do things together! Played till 1am. Tired already. Used up alot of my brain juice. Ha. Well, I'm glad that I had a chance to see Christian and to talk to him again! Quite a pity that the only way I can connect to him is through his bro cos he doesn't use msn, facebook nor check his emails. Bleah.

For Yun Sum, my eldest cousin from the other family, the best part was being able to snorkel with her! Plus taking photos with her! She can really pose lah! All her smiles and the positions she take, ha. so funny yet pretty :) She's the cousin that I tried to keep in contact but to no avail. It's okay. At least I get to talk to her and to snorkel with her! But quite sad that I didn't get to go in depth conversations wtih her. But it's okay. We had fun with all the snorkeling, dinner and banana boat!!

For Yun Tong, my 3rd eldest cousin, I got a chance to talk to her when we go to national park together. Especially at the hot springs pool where we had to share one area. So we talked abt work, relationships, marriage etc. Nice. I had met her on the 1st day too. So I was closer to her. And she drove us too! Thanks girl!

For Yun May, okay lah. Got to see her in her new hairstyle and her bf! Didn't talk alot to her though. At least we smiled and took some photos together! She gave us a treat for dinner before I left! Thanks man! Didn't expect that! =) Cheers! And take care of your health!

For Yun Lui, the last one and also the one I'm closer with. The same age as my bro. She lost alot of weight and was very surprised that she is very skinny! A pity she can only join us for dinner but at least I got to talk to her in the car :) See how she's doing, what she wanna do in the future after her A levels equivalent.

Overall, it was good to be able to catch up and re-connect with my cousins! I hope this kinship will never break nor end and we'll always be in touch. Close or not is a matter of God's will and effort put into this kinship. But relatives will always be relatives so I hope to be always in touch with them, they in my heart and I in theirs.

Oh ya. 2 things that I learned as I hear the conversations btw my mum and her friends. One is from Aunty Lily who said, "Jonathan's gf is somewhat what we've always been praying for." Really touched me of a parent's love, the power of prayer and the strive to be someone that my future husband and husband's parents are praying for. Also, a reminder to myself to pray for my kids too.

Another one is from Aunty Olivia. Though single, she carries with her an aura and a look of being satisfied with where she is now and what she is. A confidence. A sentence that struck me is this, "Though I lost alot of money I invested in that childcare center, but I feel very satisfied. At least I got to do what I had always wanted to do." How inspiring. Despite a business venture failure, she can say that she has fulfilled her heart's desire. I really congratulate you!

Okay. That's about it! Photos will be up soon! Ta-ta! And thank God for family, friends and safety!

Oh ya! I forgot the last and most important relationship is with God. Through this trip, I managed to do my QT too. And God was speaking to me through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Using the devotional materials, BSF notes and the Bible (of course), He revealed and showed me areas I need to change, things that I need to think about and reflect on and areas of my life I need to surrender and submit to Him. I really thank God for giving me this chance to connect with Him and to know Him more and what He wants me to do. Also, I thank God for time and energy and determination to do my QT while holiday-ing :)