Spent 5 days in Shanghai. Loved it! Finally got to see Steph again, after 2 months!
To see the photos, click the picture:
Shanghai!
Posted by: sammerz | 12 June, 2009
Shanghai Photos
Posted by: sammerz | 29 May, 2009
Goodbye BGM!
Yesterday was my final day at Boddington Gold Mine, the conclusion of my 9-month (cum 1-year) site experience. It was finally announced a couple Tuesdays ago that my “confirmed end date” was 30th May (after a series of 1-month extensions).
What an experience it has been. It was definitely worthwhile, and the opportunity to see things in real life gave me a new perspective in engineering. One cannot design/engineer just by looking at drawings and excel spreadsheets alone!
I took today off to oversee my furniture removal and make preparations for my 5-day trip in Shanghai. Steph is temporarily working there so I’m taking this holiday opportunity, thanks to Cathay’s special deal and Kruddy’s money! 🙂 Soon after, I’ll be saying my goodbyes to my friends at Aflame Community Church, before heading back to Melbourne on Sunday 7th June.
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- Coarse Ore Stockpile
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- Me “working hard” 🙂
Posted by: sammerz | 23 May, 2009
Ai & Craig’s Engagement
I met Ai-Hui (and her older sis Ai-Cheng) during my Melbourne Uni years. I met Craig long way back during my primary school years at Oxley College. And like many of my recently-engaged friends, they met at CityLife Church.
With some couples, you just know they’re going to be together. While others (sadly) you would somehow think, “will they really work out?” Ai & Craig is definitely the first type – and more: they’re together way sooner than anyone thought! Here we are a year into planning our wedding (yes, we booked our reception venue before we were engaged) with still over 6 months to go, and then this couple manages to somehow get engaged and then plan their wedding for October! *phew!*
The vintage-themed party was held at the Mawdsley Residence in Bayswater (woo – just 10mins from my home), complete with a cool jazz band, scrumptious food by Craig’s Mum and some very effective heaters and woodfires.
There were a few speeches, including Ai singing the first song she wrote for Craig. Something to be noted –
“Craig, every time you’re around, I hear Ai laughing. But I don’t find you that funny.” – Ai’s Mum
A BIG and hearty CONGRATULATIONS to the two of you again – please let us know if you need a hand with the planning!!!
Posted in Celebrations, Friends, Photos
Posted by: sammerz | 16 May, 2009
16 in the Partay!
With *only* 7 months and 3 days to go, it’s about time to reveal who’s in our bridal party!
Beginning with Steph’s side, we have:
- Maid-of-Honour: Betsy Chow
- Bridesmaid 2: Sonia Teoh
- Bridesmaid 3: Rachael Tong
- Bridesmaid 4: Cecilia Tong
- Bridesman 1: Aaron Tong
- Bridesman 2: Justin Tong
…for Sam’s side:
- Best Man: Isaac Leong
- Groomsman 2: Elisha Leong
- Groomsman 3: James Kok
- Groomsman 4: Peter Luu
- Groomsman 5: David Chin
- Groomsman 6: Michael Benjamin
…and finally two more names to complete the party:
- Flower-girl: Stephanie Yeung
- Page-boy: Alex Tong
Posted in Our Wedding
Posted by: sammerz | 27 April, 2009
Mec-Tsyn & Michael’s Engagement
Yet another engagement! Congratulations to Mec-Tsyn & Michael, aka “Mec & Mic”, aka “M&M” =)
My time in Melbourne was certainly not wasted, despite the near-freezing conditions! The Sunday night saw the celebration of Mec & Mic’s recent engagement. (Doh! – I just realised as I was typing this: I forgot to take a photo of the ring!) The occasion was held at Cuckoo, a Dutch Smorgasbord Restaurant along the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road. In attendance were some 120+ guests, including a fantastic jazz band led by Jason Home.
Once again I would like to send my heart-felt well wishes to Mec-Tsyn and Michael, on behalf of my dear Stephanie. ^_^
Posted in Celebrations, Friends, Photos
Posted by: sammerz | 18 April, 2009
Irene & Ramesh’s Wedding
Congratulations to the newlyweds, Irene and Ramesh, who were married by Pastor David Turner at the Victorian Police Academy in Wheelers Hill.
I (Sam) knew Ramesh when I first joined Campus Team (the Young Adults group now known as Oxygen) in Waverley Christian Fellowship (now known as CityLife Church). He was the intern (or assistant leader) of the very first Cell Group I attended (now known as Life Group). Are you confused with all the name changes yet?
I met Irene a few years later and she eventually became an awesome Life Group leader, one of a few I had the honour and privilege to lead during my coaching years.
Ramesh may or may not have forgotten, but I got the hint when they were at the beginning of their relationship. I had the pleasure of taking photos at Irene’s 21st and at the end of the night, Ramesh politely (perhaps shyfully) requested for me to send him a shot I took of the two of them. Note to self: dig up the archives for this photo next time I’m in Melbourne and post!
My stay in Melbourne was too short, however it was truly worthwhile to be part of this joyous occasion. On behalf of my dear Steph, congratulations again to the happy couple!
Posted in Celebrations, Friends, Photos
Posted by: sammerz | 09 April, 2009
To Shanghai
I (Sam) have been working in Western Australia for almost one year now. (Well, 10 months and 6 days, to be precise.) I remember when I had to make the decision to come to WA. Looking back, it was a decision I did not regret. There were the hard times: the boredom, the isolation, the long-distance relationship (LDR) and being in a different time-zone….. but they diminish in the shadow of the highlights: being a part of another church, meeting new friends and colleagues!
But now, it was Steph’s turn to have her world rocked: it was suggested that she would be sent to Shanghai. Last week, she was in an anxious, almost frenzied, mood – awaiting the confirmation. Without hesitation (oh, and after a quick prayer, of course) I gave her the nod of approval, knowing that work away from home (outside of the comfort zone) would bring on a strange mix of excitement and challenges. Knowing Steph to be very organised and resource, I was rather surprised at how fast she made her final preparations to leave for China. Literally, it took her less than 48hours after the confirmation on Monday for her to step foot on the plane.
I know God’s always with her and that she’ll have a very rewarding time in Shanghai.
Love you, dear! =)
Shanghai at Nightfall - Photo Credit: ZaNuDa
Posted by: sammerz | 05 February, 2009
Gudina Tumsa Foundation
The Gudina Tumsa Foundation is based in Ethiopia, Africa. The Foundation was established in 1992 and was named after the late Rev. Gudina Tumsa, who was martyred for his ideals and vision to establish the church in Africa and his support for social justice.
Rev. Gudina’s granddaughter, Lensa, was invited to speak one of the conferences held at CityLife Church – this was the first we heard about the GTF. On Christmas Day in 2008, CityLife agreed to take up a special love offering in support of GTF. The project focuses on the Karayu, a people group in Ethiopia whose nomadic and cattle-herding roles in society has caused their numbers to dwindle. The aim is to help them establish and grow in a place they can call home. The first stage of this project is to provide the Karayu a school as well as a tree plantation.
With a HUGE THANKYOU from our friends from Perth and Melbourne, we were able to raise $510 at our engagement parties to contribute this cause. If you would like more information on GTF, its projects and how to donate, please contact CityLife Church on +61 3 9871 8300 or at http://www.citylifechurch.com.
Posted by: sammerz | 31 January, 2009
Engagement Party #3
Finally, the 3rd and final instalment of the “SGS Engagement” has arrived and we chose Ruffey Lake Park as the place to hold the celebration. Although we’ve been engaged for 3 months, holding a party on this day was chosen for a few reasons:
- We held a separate party for our two families, so they had a chance to get to know each other.
- Some of our friends were still holidaying overseas (most of them would’ve returned by now).
- Sam was in Melbourne for the weekend.
Posted by: sammerz | 25 January, 2009
Engagement Party #2
Another engagement party, woohoo! Ken’s house was jam-packed with close to 40 guests, and Ken’s recently repaired cooling system was a good reprieve from the summer heat. Sam made a speech about how he and Steph began their relationship. (Yes, he got a few laughs about the emailing bit.) A slideshow of the proposal created by James followed and to finish, we talked about how God’s in the centre of our relationship (SGS!)
To close the formalities, Pastors Jimmy and Evelin prayed a prayer of blessing for us.
Posted in Celebrations, Events, Friends, Photos
SGS 
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