New Life Outreach

Many times in our busy lives, we go about running and rushing. With no end in mind.

Why do I say that, because that was me. In my previous job, I worked hard and did very well. That drove me to work countless hours in a day to better myself, write a better development concept paper and gain the approval of my superiors. But one day I just woke up and asked "What am I really doing ?"

I finally garnered enough courage to stop to review my life in stark honesty. I found my life to be empty and meaningless, despite the comfortable paycheck- I could not find my purpose.

After many weeks, I resigned and garnered courage to pursue my 12 year long dream. A crazy little dream to make a difference in people's lives.

After a 14 hour journey, I'm back in Singapore for another series of meetings and awareness talks.

For my readers who have group who are interested in knowing more about what we do, I'll be most glad to meet up with your group to share our experiences. After Chinese new year, I'll be heading back up to run another mission from 15-18 Feb and staying till April.

We still have some slots for the next mission from 25-28 Jan, please contact me quickly if you want to slot in.

The 25-28 Jan mission would be a MILK! (Children's Program) as well as FRUITS!(Nutrition Augmentation Program for families).

This would be the first MILK! mission of 2008 where we plan to reach another 1000 hungry children with milk and food.

This year is significant as is the dateline given by the Thai government for these 8200 refugees to be sent back to Laos. When exactly ? I'm not sure myself, thats why I treasure each trip like my last.

Saying that, its not only grieving but also a privilege to make a difference in these people's lives- bringing hope to hopeless. And walk this last mile with them.

Walk with me.

This was a song which a close navy buddy of mine dedicated to me during New Year Day. It was the day which I spent quietly in a small village room near the refugee camp.

There was no countdown, there was no party, there was no fireworks, but this song warmed my heart more then all the parties I've been. This is the song. Thank you Weiboon.

In the first quarter of this year, we are planning to equip 4 Hmong leaders in each group with basic first aid knowledge. This is important as first aid may be critical to saving lives especially in critical moments. Along with this training, we also hope to buy 2 sets of first aid kit for each of these refugee groups.

With each kit costing some SGD$50, we need to raise some $700 for these people.


In our meetings with the refugees, we have asked the refugee leaders what are the pressing needs and this is the list :

1 ) Mosquito Nets
2 ) Powder, Toothpaste & Toothbrush
3 ) Towel

I guess we all have ups and downs in our lives. I guess this is one of those which is down.

It was really discouraging as we are sparing no effort to make a difference to help others. Instead we have old friends who come up to discourage us with personal attacks and gory hearsay without concrete proof.

Some of my advisers have asked me to sue him for defamation as this has been a repeated torn in our flesh. More repeatedly, people have asked me to just give up on this friendship but I stubbornly choose to attempt to fix it by getting a hold on myself and try to make things work.

Many times, "evil thoughts" run through my mind on getting even but taking their dirty laundry out. But I reminded myself, if I stoop as low as them, what difference does it make of me.

Guess this is a good training for me as well.

Many times when we encounter such incidents, it makes you want to give up. But as I look at the 8200 lives which I'm making a difference.... I get a new burst of strength to continue.

Dear readers, wishing you a very happy and blessed new year (Yes i know....I'm 3 days late) but thats the best I could manage. Sincere apologies. The internet through GPRS is quite unreliable up in the mountains.

Right now, I'm in Bangkok meeting up with UNICEF and other NGOs to see how we can further aid. I will be back in Chiang Mai this sunday for a day of rest before another hectic week of meetings.