Letter to My Children

Today is a national holiday – Nuzul al-Quran. We had a good sleep throughout and woke up at about 9 a.m. Issac wanted to go to the nearest Puchong Prima photo studio to take his U.S. visa photo. Then we went for our lunch at Kopitiam near our home.

We decided to go to Main Place USJ21 to have some ‘lepak’ time in Starbucks as now Starbucks has every day during Ramadan month has RM5 on a second handcrafted beverage with any handcrafted beverage purchased. We got ourselves a chocolate cream chip and a peach passion blossom cream Frappuccino.

We had a good time spending time together doing our interest. We went to Popular for a while and we had our early dinner at Ayam Penyet Best Station. I am glad we had a good time together this afternoon.

This reminds me of the letter that I wrote to my children in my Institute assignment: list five or more promises that will help me “rear [my] children in love and righteousness, provide for [my children’s] physical and spiritual needs, and teach [my children] to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizen wherever they live” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,”) After each of the promises, I need to write to my children why I think it is so important that I, as their parents, fulfill that promises. And need to refer specifically to the sixth and seventh paragraphs of the family proclamation for ideas. Here is what I wrote:

Dear Children,

I promise to pray with you every day. I know it is important that you have a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. I know He is there, and He will hear and answer your prayer. You can pray to Him anytime and anywhere.

I promise to study the scripture with you. I know you will find peace and strength to resist temptations when you study scriptures daily because scriptures are the words of God. You will invite the Holy Ghost into your life.

I promise to teach you by example how to budget time and resources. Teach you about self-reliance and the importance of preparing for your future. It encourages you to independent learning to unlock your potential and grow to be passionate and capable contributors to the work of salvation.

I promise to spend individual time with you, letting you choose the activities and the subject of conversation, and eliminating distractions by putting away electronic devices. I promise to help you create happy memories by building our family traditions, meaningful vacations, and wholesome activities.

I promise to be there and listen to you if you approach me with a problem, see issues from your point of view, and resist the urge to give you a solution. Instead, ask questions for clarification and arrive at a solution together. I want you to know it is ok if you make a mistake, and making a mistake does not affect my love for you.

Love,

Mother

Tender Mercies by Annie Henrie Nader. Image via AltusFineArt.com

This is a painting of a mother with her two children, and an angel supporting her. It is a sacred moment of sacrifice, endurance, and great love. This painting is also a tribute to the many tender mercies in our lives – the sweetness found in motherhood, and also the angels who come to our rescue in the form of friends and family. By seeing these tender mercies we come to know God’s great love for His children.

Kuala Lumpur District Young Women Camp 16-18 September 2022

This year the KL District Young Women Camp was organized from 16 – 18 September 2022 at Janda Baik Radiant Site B. The theme of this year is “Hear Him”.

“A fountain of pure water” and “ thicket of small trees” (Mosiah 18:5) – the prophet Mormon used these words to describe the place where Alma hid after fleeing from King Noah.

Those trees and what water became “beautiful… to the eyes” of the people who joined Alma there. Why? Because in that place, Alma and his people “came to the knowledge of their Redeemer” (Mosiah 18:30).

The location of Young Women Camp – whether it is in a forest, in a park, on a beach, or in a meetinghouse – can become beautiful to the eyes of all who gather there. Like Alma and his people, young women need a place where they can gather together, separate from worldly influences, feel the Spirit of the Lord, grow in unity and love, and strengthen their faith and testimonies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Before departing to the camp, all the young women were assigned a sister in their secret sister mission. All they need to do is do kind deeds for them, write them notes or letters, and prepare RM3.00 maximum, or not more than RM3.00 gift or handmade gift for the sister assigning to them.

On the first day, all the young women from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and Puchong branches are to be gathered at Kuala Lumpur District Centre at 9.30 am, as there will be a bus to fetch them to their destination. They had their lunch once they reached the campsite.

Then, their huge project was to set up their sleeping tents in designated groups. They were able to unwind and spend time together, which made it extra enjoyable.

The young women played made bracelets, and braided each other's hair. They enjoyed playing enjoyable games at night and engaging in a variety of enjoyable activities during the day, all while experiencing the Spirit's presence. Annabelle said it was undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable experiences of her life.

They prepared their BBQ dinner which all the young women split into a few goups to share the preparation of their BBQ dinner: skewer group, rice cooker group, potato group, carrot group, and dishwasher group.

Rice Cooker Group

Skewer Group

Dishwasher Group

Carrot Group

Potatoes Group

BBQ Team

They were having a campfire during the night and having “Mallowtime” which is their young women campfire night’s tradition.

The leaders had something quite profound planned for the 3 days 2 nights program which made it quite simple to sense the atmosphere.

The second day was the highlight of the camp, where the young women had the river trekking.

They went into the nearby river and were guided by the professional camp master at the campsite.

They were having fun fishing with clothes, bug catching, relate some gospel principles while trekking.

The trainer gives the survival skill lesson and how to build a shelter using the basic materials that they can find in nature. In the afternoon they were having Zumba before devotional.

President Brown and his family traveled so far and shared with the young women an inspiring message during a devotional on “Hear Him”.

There was a skit competition between the groups, an arts and crafts session, and the “Sister of the Camp” during the night.

On the final day, all the young women need to take down their tents, dry, and pack the tents, and leave the campsite.

Annabelle had much too much fun at her first young women's camp after the COVID-19 pandemic, which was above and beyond what she had anticipated. She had a great time hanging out with these young women during her first-ever young women's camp.

She shared that she initially did not want to join as she had too many things on her mind that distracted her from school, friendships, and exams, but she was grateful she came to the camp where she could feel the Spirit and friendship with other young women.

I am grateful that she gained her testimony through attending the Young Women Camp.

Virtual Christmas Caroling #3 ~ We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Here is our Yu Family caroling ^^

Virtual Christmas Caroling #2 ~ Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Here are both Issac and Annabelle's turn to sing their hymn.

Fun Making Waffle Day 22 Nov 2021

We are trying out our new toy today – a waffle maker. We have fun making waffle day!

Making the waffle mixture

The final product