I said yes to this year’s BTB mission not really knowing what to expect. It started with Lynette asking me to attend a discernment session at St Anne’s with the theme of Solidarity and Stewardship. Slowly without knowing, I became the pseudo “IC” running a funding raising mission and the ideas that came about were private dining and Advent Wreath workshop. The former was suggested by Maureen: to open up our house to share with friends who would have come to gala dinner in the past year and the intent was to share with them our perspective on this year’s mission theme; while the latter was inspired by a wonderful experience with my girlfriends making advent wreaths during Covid-19 restriction in 2020.
Not all of them are Catholics, but yet there is a common belief that we are pilgrims on this life journey and we should stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are in need.
Cooking is not my forte, but I do like sharing having friends over for a meal or a drink and opening our house for gatherings. Lynette was not spared in this experience as I recruited her as my dessert chef for the event. There was so much joy in the brainstorming of dishes and plating ideas, especially after watching many episodes of Masterchefwith my children during lockdown. Even though we could conduct only one private dining event due to Covid-19 restriction, there was so much joy and fun in sharing our past Cambodia mission experience with our friends. Not all of them are Catholics, but yet there is a common belief that we are pilgrims on this life journey and we should stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are in need.
The Advent Wreath Making workshop was a joyous event - from initiation to planning to publicity to execution. Lynette and I were so blessed to have Joan join us as our “right-hand woman”, and Amy (Joan’s daughter) as part of the organizing core team. There was no need for an IC as everyone saw what needed to be done and took both the ownership and initiative to get things done. Even though there was much uncertainty with the Covid-19 restrictions like the limit to 2 visitors per day per household, we went through different scenarios and came up with a great alternative to hold the sessions at SCWO (Singapore Commission of Women Organization). We were blessed with great generosity of heart with advent candles sponsored by the friends from the Church of the Holy Spirit bookstore; wreath ornaments and decorations sponsored by Trix and Chris, bakeries sponsored by our talented dear friend Yen and the cost of the wreath materials sponsored and underwritten by the core team. To fulfill the purchase order of the advent wreaths, we have a priceless community of ladies who came together - Cordelia, Jen, Joan, Lynette and Trixie, offered up their talents and time to fill the day with hilarity, food and laughter. The 3 workshops were spirit-filled with so much joy and laughter. Every encounter was our opportunity to share our love and kindness. We were very touched by the many positive feedbacks received: what a great way to start the season of advent, to wait and anticipate for the coming of Jesus in hope, faith, joy and peace.
I was called to lead on both occasions though they were not in the areas of my strength. However, if it is His will, He will make it happen. I was blessed with so many helping hands and people with generous hearts, to offer their time, their efforts, their gifts and talents in whatever way and form that they can. When we walk with others who bears the image of Christ, we do not walk alone.
** All photos shared were taken in compliance with prevailing Covid restrictions on gatherings
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