Their self-initiated memory verse is from Colossians 3:23, "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people" has proven to be very effective in this area of serving. We were also studying on the lion and the beaver. So they are an interesting pair. Ash is the "lion" who loves being in charge and Nat, the "beaver" works hard. Mum became the kitchen helper who did odd jobs :) Chrisa, the "otter" never got tired running in and out the kitchen offering her help eagerly.

Ash prepared the mashed potato and Nat cooked her fave delicacy - chicken cheese delite; which came to be through her routine helping in the kitchen recently...she experimented one day seasoning the chicken with bbq sauce, lots of black pepper and paprika and adding on cheese...it turned out to be soooooo delicious that whenever she is to cook chicken, that will be her dish! With those, we had variety of fresh vegetables with balsamic dressing. Our usual popular style is buffet when we have guests. Simple. But these girls wanted to have a proper seated meal...picked up from their Aussie friends. Influenced by the Tasmanians...their much-loved Uncle Bob and Aunty Annette who treated us with authentic Aussie food - lots of spuds and desserts and completed with coffee/tea. Everything just the way they learnt except we served on japanese tables and seated on the floor so everyone fits in comfortably. East meets West.

Little Chrisa runs to and fro trying to help too. We, adults seated and waited to be served. This acts of service - a gift to Poh who turns a year wiser. As for mummy, didn't have any gift for the birthday girl...only the cost of my patience as kitchen helper. Water splashed everywhere when Chrisa peeled and washed the lettuce. Paprika bottle dropped while Nat was shaking it sending the herbs all over the floor. The over excitement of the kids was quite overwhelming for mum, the kitchen helper! But it's ok...all the mess was seasoned with love. I remembered Colossians 3:23 and I smiled to myself.