beyond the horizon

A close friend recommended a TV programme to me just a couple of months ago. This series 'Little Maestros' have since ended but my boys have been catching up on Toggle.  Zech and Nathanael love the programme so much they have been requesting to watch it every week. It is a very interesting show that probably intrigue the boys, as it presents a stark reality of a different life of a chld in another country. The show also sparked off some serious discussions about how harsh life can be and how we should not take things for granted. The kids featured in the show carry heavy burdens and responsibilities with a lifestyle far beyond my boys' imagination and they can see for themselves the contrast between these underprivileged kids and kids like them in Singapore.

It is no coincidence that recently we have a chance to step into the reality we saw on TV.  My boys know from young, they are blessed in many ways and we have to share our blessings with others, especially the less privileged. Since last year, I prayed for an opportunity to step into the mission field together with Zech. It wasn't until October I was offered a chance to go on a short term mission trip organised by the church.

We were still uncertain as of last week. But gradually, things fall into place. Our team of 5 planned and tailored the programme accordingly. I'm most excited to be doing and teaching what I love most to a group of children after more than 5 years as a SAHM. I'm even more thrilled to be sharing the Gospel with them through a English lesson. What's more significant is having Zech as my little assistant so that we can share in the joy of serving others in this mission trip.  Zech, albeit young, can be used as a little vessel by God to reach out to other children. This is indeed a privilege in itself.

I booked the flight last night. We are flying to Surabaya in Nov for a 5 days mission trip. If you are reading this post, do keep us in prayer.

Animals, gems, vegetables and frogs

It's October! 10 months of homeschool with Nathanael! Although I do much of the same work with the younger one, it has been somewhat different too.

In August, Nathanael celebrated 100 days of school. It was rather quiet as he had to do all the activities on his own since Zech was in school. He climbed 100 steps, counted 100 stickers and snacks, hopped, jumped, threw and bounced the ball 100 times. He was dead tired at the end of it.

A little reward for him.

Some wow moments from the units we had covered from August to September.

A poster of things that hop. What was special to me was the picture of my boys together. Chosen by Nathanael.

A kangaroo pencil holder for craft.

An obvious difference between my boys is in their colouring. Nathanael is the more creative one and also the one who sometimes asks for permission to not follow the rules.

A cute penguin for craft. I've certainly improved in the area of craft after one round of homeschool with Zech.

Didn't expect marble painting to have such wonderful effect.

Was brave enough to make zebra pudding with the boys. The colours did not turn out well but the boys loved eating the pudding. :)

Was really glad we planned a trip down to the GEM museum for our rock and jewel units. Very small. As Nathanael put it, the museum was about the size of our flat. Nevertheless, it was an eye opener for us. We saw and touched jade, pearl, crystals and all kinds of precious stones.

Nathanael's favourite spot! Digging for gems!

To see and feel fossils for the first time was truly an experience for Nathanael.

Inspired, we came back and made a necklace using homemade salt dough.

The recipient of this necklace was none other than his own grandmother. How sweet of him!

Another masterpiece. All that glitters is gold.

Another field trip we made was to the Green Circle Ecofarm. Perfect and just in time for the vegetables unit. Long journey but no regrets. Farmer Evelyn is so knowledgeable and is really a Science teacher. Love the way she taught the young kids about pollination. Wished Zech was with us.

Intro to the different bugs on the farm - snails, earthworms, a toad, dragonflies and butterflies. Very cool! The kids were encouraged to touch them.

Potting time!

Planted 2 ladyfinger seeds. They are growing well. :)

A tour around the farm in the country was simply refreshing.

Look at the tree full of figs!

Last activity for the day was making compost. Nathanael had a good time helping to layer up the compost.

Encouraged Nathanael to eat his greens and so we made salad at home. He was reluctant at first and asked how that could be a snack. Managed to persuade him and after trying it, he finished almost everything.

We are now at Ff for frog unit. I love the froggy snack we made together. So did Nathanael! So glad he enjoyed eating the cucumbers besides the prata and cheese.

His little booklet about frogs.

A paper plate life cycle.

My slow and easy days with Nathanael are really times to treasure. Those carefree days with Zech during preschool and kindergarten passed by without me realizing that those were in fact the best. I don't do as much with Nathanael as compared to his brother but ensuring some elements of fun does help in making homeschool livelier and in sustaining Nathanael's interest. We are looking forward to the last few units, especially Bb for butterfly as Zech will be joining us. That will be my next post.