THE PACKAGE THAT WAS COURIERED TO MY HOUSE FOR RAMADHAN

My first couriered package for Ramadan arrived today. It was from Puan Hayati Burkhan, a friend of UPM TESL Class of 1993.

As you can see, the content of the box was something rare and believe it or not, I had earlier anticipated what was I about to receive when I was told by my friend to expect a package to be sent to me.

Thanks to Puan Hayati Burkhan for her generosity. Only Allah may repay her kind gesture in this holy month of Ramadhan, the month of giving.

MY FIRST RAMADHAN GIFT ARRIVED THIS EVENING

It used to be a gift for Eid. This time, however, the hamper package arrived before Ramadhan, the fasting month.

Thanks to my Chinese ex-colleagues of SMK Mutiara Rini for the kind thought. I really appreciate the kind gesture, not only now but every year.

THREE DAYS BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF EID

Three more days before Eid arrives. The one week school break has started and there are tonnes of house chores that have to be done within this short period of time. And one more Eid gift arrived today, self-delivered right in front of the [imaginary] door steps.

The messengers were the ex-colleagues of SMK Mutiara Rini, who were the teachers in charge of the school's co-operation shop.

Thanks a lot to my Chinese ex-colleagues of SMK Mutiara Rini for the regular annual Eid gift. Your kind gestures are very much appreciated.

THE TRADITION OF GIFTS GIVING CONTINUES FOR EID

I was called by friends to drop by at SMK Taman Universiti after school as they had to pass to me some Eid cookies/goodies as well as Eid presents.

From the bottom of my heart, I am truly touched. Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and generosity. Only God could repay your good deeds.

EID CELEBRATION IS APPROACHING

The gift-giving tradition continues for the upcoming Eid celebration. Thanks a lot to my friends from my former school, SMKTUN. Though we are far apart, but we will never be separated, at least electronically. :)

It was not Eid yet but everybody seemed to be happy to be together. I guess it is true after all that "One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives" [Euripides].

And there was a hamper from my Chinese colleagues of SMKMR too this time.

One more day before the one week break for the Eid celebration...

THE LONG BREAK FOR EID HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED

The long break for Eid has already started. Three more days to go (including today) and I am getting more nervous. Too many things to do, to little time to do it (or too tired/lazy to it). 

I would like to express my gratitude to the kind-hearted people  for all the Eid Raya goodies that were handed over to me before the festive holidays started. Only God may repay your good deeds.

I got three cards this year, all by hand, and I left one more card in school.

"For it is in giving that we receive."

~ Francis of Assisi ~

THANKING EVERYONE FOR THE TEACHER'S DAY PRESENTS

"It isn't the size of the gift that matters,

but the size of the heart that gives it"

~ Eileen Elias Freeman ~

This is a special entry to express my appreciation to all the presents, no matter how big or small, expensive or not so expensive, edible or non-edible, given by students, ex-students and colleagues. Thanks a lot and may God repay your kind thoughts and generosity. 

After almost 20 years becoming a teacher, I have a small collection of gifts I have received on Teacher's Days and other occasions. They are just too adorable to be thrown away and I appreciate them very much. Hopefully I could show you the archive of the gifts one day in my blog.

LIFE'S SIMPLE JOY

Life is a simple joy of giving and receiving

gift #1

It was the first day of school after the long week break so I was expecting a slow start to life. However, I was overjoyed with unexpected gifts from a student and an ex-student which made my day. Teacher's Day was already over but I guess it is the Ramadhan's gifts of giving. Gift number one was a box of Eid ul-Fitr cookies which came together with a card from Ching Khai and his family. It took a lot of courage though not to open the lid and have a bite of the delicious looking london almonds.

gift(s) #2

The second gifts came from Solleh, an ex-student who is now studying in Canada. You can see Solleh in my posting about my visit to Singapore on 19th July. I was handed over a University of Toronto t-shirt and a Toronto key-chain, everything Toronto. Guess I already have a shirt to wear for this coming festive season.

To Solleh and Ching Kai, I can't thank you enough. People like you make me feel grateful that I am still a teacher.

"It is possible to give without loving,
but it is impossible to love without giving."
Richard Braunstein