Cage me please?

When I told a Belgian colleague that I was going to watch "La Cage aux Folles", he stared at me incredulously and said "You want to watch a cage full of crazy people? But why?". Had I known what a spectacular show awaited me, I would have boldly replied "Why not?!"

It's by far the best local production I've seen. Worthy of Broadway or the West End. The stellar cast comprising the best of Singaporean and Malaysian talent wrung me dry of emotion by show's end. I laughed. I cried. I clapped and tapped. I oohed and aahed without restraint. This alternative love story of George, Albin and their son Jonathan set in a Tanjong Pagar nightclub is as heartwarming as they come, despite being fully decked out in sequins, glitter and feather boas.

Congratulations to Ivan Heng, Tony Eusoff, Aaron Khaled, Hossan Leong, Tan Kheng Hua and the Cagelles for putting in so much heart and turning out spectacular performances. Hats off also to Glen Goei for infusing Singaporean flavour into the production with such elegant charm.

Thanks to Robyn's friendship with Glen, we were introduced to the stars at after-show drinks. And so I shamelessly stepped forward for photos with Tony Eusoff and Tan Kheng Hua. What a delightful end to a beautiful evening of entertainment!

Well done W!ld Rice. I have run out of superlatives. Just know that I for one would happily live on in this crazy cage.

NB:  As a testament to how much I loved the show, by the time LaCage ended it's run, I had seen it 3 times and brought a total of 18 friends to watch it together with me!

Introducing Alejandro

Haven't been out of Singapore since May and am in the grip of serious cabin fever syndrome.  But thanks to the Great Singapore Sale, I met the new love of my life, Alejandro, who meets 3 important criteria:-

• He's RED HOT
• Buffed (in leather that is)
• Can't wait to get his "hands" all over me!

Believe me, it was love at first sight!

Starting At The Finish Line

Starting At The Finish Line - a poem by Joanna Yeoh

Starting at the Finish Line
Is not where most races begin
And yet behold, victory is mine
I believe in Jesus, therefore I win

The gift of righteousness, instead of sin
The glow of health, instead of pain
A big warm hug, instead of rejection
Restful increase, instead of exertion

From this Finish Line we start competition
Racing only to give Him glory
For what can we give that He hasn't first given
May all of our triumphs point to His Story

The Garden Tomb

The Garden Tomb: a poem by Joanna Yeoh 

Streaks of sunshine filter through dewy leaves

Spring tulips peek from grassy knolls

Sparrows peck at the crisp morning air

Stony paths weave around an ancient wine press

I stare at the Skull on a craggy rock

I see pedestrians bustling around Damascus Gate

On this busy road the cross was raised

To make examples of men depraved

On one such cross Jesus took a place

And bore the pain, the shame and disgrace

While the Father turned away His sorrow'd face

The willing Son died in my rightful place

They brought Him down as dusk descended

In a borrowed tomb He lay

At the entrance of that tomb I contemplated

His finished work, gave thanks and prayed

Then into the stony crypt I step't with joy

An empty tomb I knew I'd find

O celebrate! He lives, Enjoy

His righteousness, His shalom peace

That all who believe and confess; receive.

This poem was inspired by visit to Israel in the spring of 2012

Top 5 Memories of Israel

I've just returned from an incredible trip to Israel and my heart, soul and mind are so saturated with images and memories that I just have to set it down in writing before time erodes the intensity of these emotions.  How does one even begin to summarize a trip to a land that has lived in one's imagination since birth?  My mother used to tell me stories from the Bible land even before I could talk!  Here are my top picks based on the connections that I felt while travelling through Israel.

 

SHALOM JERUSALEM!  My heart just leapt when I first set eyes on this city on the 15 March 2012 and tears started streaming down my face.  I would love to offer you a logical explanation but I can't.  All I can say is that my heart instantly recognised that Jerusalem is special and has the hand of God on it.  Set in the hauntingly beautiful Judaean mountains, it is at the epicentre of three major world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  It is tempting to delve into the history and political intrigue of this Holy City, but I shall refrain.  Instead, I will offer up the words of King David in Psalm 122:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls,

Prosperity within your palaces.

For the sake of my brethren and companions,

I will now say "Peace be within you"

 

The second most precious memory is also the one that surprised me the most.  Praying at the Western (Wailing) Wall was something that I thought was reserved for orthodox Jews in black outfits rocking in time with their chanted prayers. Not so much for a modern sophisticated world traveller who knows better (wink!).  But as I set my right hand on the wall and started speaking aloud my prayers, a divine connection took place and I know that the prayers I spoke for my family and myself were heard that day.

This photo was taken at the Garden Tomb, where Jesus was buried.  I know, I know, you probably think this cutesy Korean-drama inspired scene is a little inappropriate but let me explain that it's not meant to be disrespectful at all. It's meant to celebrate the fact that He's ALIVE!  Believe me, the tomb is really empty.  I checked it twice.  He came, He died, and on the third day, He rose.  That's the reason for the joy and happiness that you see in this photo

Beit Shean was the site where another goal was added to my Dream List.  I have always loved the study of history and archaeology but these kinds of subjects don't pay the bills so I chose to study Law and Economics at university instead.  But it's time to turn this into more than a hobby.  I will enrol in a course on archaeology and spend time digging at an archaeological site in Israel.  It will be done.

And last but certainly not least, is Avi Cohen.  He was our guide for the entire ten days and I can't say enough good things about this man from Jerusalem.  His depth of knowledge, strength of character and love of God is so integral to who he is.  I am so glad that our paths crossed and I am eternally grateful for this new (and lifelong) friend.

Avi, if you're reading this blog, these words from Philippians 1:3 are for you: 
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."