Last lesson of this term with E. E attained A1 grade for his English Art final paper, a striking progress from the Bs all this while. In spite of his unrelenting argument that language was a stubborn fact of disinterest to him, E was diligent and he participated actively in every discussion. I sensed nothing of indifference from him at lessons. I should think what played a part most in his recent grade was his keen moral sense in reviewing the Diary of Anne Frank, with possibly a slight help in polishing the flair of language. AK had been always around, and D came along when lesson was ongoing. Very humorous chap. Reviewing E’s final essay, both of us recalled we failed literature papers very badly during our first year in Singapore. He dropped the subject halfway through the year, with assertion that Shakespearean read was just not his cup of tea. And I made known to everyone how I scored 29/100 in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird assessment for misreading and misunderstanding the essay question. We talked about how many bags a girl is to have. D’s answer was four: one in black, one in white, and one in beige to easily match with anything and everything, and another in pink to brighten up sometimes—a treat, he said with a grin. Guys would need two, one for work and another one for less formal occasions.

At last, after a long wait through the week, we visited Project: Eden at Raffles City. A simple kiosk turned into a roof top garden of trees of green broom heads, trees of green garden forks, a slice of grassy land of green plastic spoons and forks that glisten, masquerade of insects, butterflies I suppose, of colourful hairclips. Even toilet brushes and mopping towels are played pretty (in green) in this imaginative plant nursery. Daily domestic devices of nothing of value of art are composed into something beautiful, to see and is pleasant to roam about. I had a good fortune of taking pictures of AK in the garden, too. Imagine him posing, really.

We reached NBC before 3pm for meeting with PH and few others regarding Care Group. C was there too. I questioned at the start of the meeting, why something of caring must be made systemised. C gave me a mischievous knowing smile and I immediately wondered if the asking was too rash. Now I am one of the leaders of Care Groups. I know in my heart that PP has grown to be dearer to me over time but I hope the caring will continue to be spontaneous and free. Then God presented me with a test right away. MT was around at PP, and the first sight of her was her in conversation with AK. I know I have to start seeing her as a whole person, standing on her own, apart from AK. God have mercy on my heart. I was glad I gained enough courage to ask her sit beside me. The handshake and occasional glances at each other were heart-warming. I had someone remarkably knowledgeable too who was ready with sufficient explanations for the unfamiliar topic preached. Having her in our Care Group was fun. I asked, she talked at length, I listened. Then I asked again. Good. I love being the one who keeps quiet. And of course S was also in our group to spark off with his hilarious distractions like ‘Who is your teacher?’, ‘What is his name?’, ‘What is his nationality?’, ‘How does he speak like?’

Care Group session lasted somewhat long and at 8pm, dinner was late to me who then was already too giddy of so much talking. Ayam Penyet eating place was crammed as usual and dishes were served slowly. But when finally served, the sambal of Ayam Penyet was sizzling spicy and Sayur Asam was sweetly sour, enough for a merry meal. Called out a ‘Jiayou’ to one of the attendants who was drenched with sweat and trying his best to serve orders correctly—he became completely embarrassed and sweated even more. H expressed an emotional rendition of his concern for G, and on way home AK and me were joined by R. He shared more about him and his life and towards the end dropped by at home a bit to carry on with the sharing. I was thankful I made new friends by the end of the day.

There is another task done. Article on friendship is now left to AK for editing.

posted by Graciana@Home at 6:15 pm