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4th of September 2009 was a day at work that was rather different from the rest... because of the H1N1 situation, many of the pre-planned parent-teacher meetings were cancelled. As a result, an all-level combined meeting came about. The difference between this and the previous ones are that parents are to meet only the form teachers or mentors (for those in the centre that I was coordinating initially) at appointed timeslots.

Altogether, I had 7 of my mentees' parents wanting to meet me who booked slots. I ended up speaking to 10 sets of parents over the span of 9 hours... yeah, they happened to book slots that were pretty much very far apart. Haha...

It was a very tiring day frankly... but one which I enjoyed. It's not so much of the interactions that I enjoyed... but I guess when both parties come with a common interest, things just flow? On and on I could sense the parents' heart and concern for their children as we talked... got to know some things about my students I never could have known just by observing and interacting with them in school!! Haha...

Char and I were browsing through some books at the stall before the start of service this morning... then I came across this book titled "Parenting is Heart Work". Yes, a play with words... but it's as true as it can be. Mentoring is, as well. As I looked back on the days of youth ministry, I realised that I was given the opportunities to build up good relationships... but I was lacking in the necessary skills to groom and challenge their growth. Then it dawned on me that the training that I've been getting these years (and still at it) have actually helped me to be a better help to the guys at my workplace. The difference now is that it's harder in the relationship part.

Which is why I'm really thankful for all the recent initiatives that came about, first the mentoring, then the boarding programme... all of which opened up more opportunities to get to know some of them better. There were some which I know I should have taken more time to build before speaking into their lives... well, my hope is that it'll all make sense to them when the time comes.

At the end of the day, whatever that's been given me from above, I pray that He'll teach me constantly, to give as He's given... and love as He's loved. I told Char one night as we were walking along sunset way after dinner... something that I've recently resolved in my heart. It isn't very much guilt, but a part of me sometimes really hope to see people coming to know Christ through witnessing my life's testimony... but so far none after these many years. Now... I'm contented so long as He continues to use me to touch lives... not many, even just one... will do. Mm. :)

Haha okay... dinner time with Char's family now!