Video of my attempt

That's me trying to squeeze through the structure. Well, we adjusted and re-did the structure, so not so easy fall. But it was just fun that we tried to squeeze through.

Goodbye Oasis

Happy new year! This is the year 2008 and it's a brand new year. Which means that Oasis will no longer exist as a tribe. Well, we had our last tribal outing of the year yesterday and it was a fun and sad time. Fun because of all the things we did, the food we ate, the time spent together. Sad because I know that we can no longer be together as a tribe. But though we may not exist physically, but I know that spiritually we will always be Oasis!

Smiling for the camera!

I went to church at about 10 plus to prepare my wonderful grape salad. Then Xiu ying came at about 11 plus. She wanted to fry her seaweed chicken and dumplings, and we took some time trying to figure out how to turn on the gas. Finally we turned it on and it was frying time.

That's Xiuying. She looks bored...

That's Benjamin! Looks like he discovered something... Like how to eat a chicken.

That's Alex and he's grinning from ear to ear.

Patricia came after that and she brought her curry chicken. Hmmm, she made it herself and she used some kind of potatoes for the chicken and saying that it was good for curry. Jon and Sihan joined us shortly, bringing crabballs and bee hoon respectively. Alex came, with Benjamin just behind. Nuggets and fried chicken was added to our menu.

That's Jon Muk with his 'what's your problem' dao look.

I'm sorry Sihan, I couldn't resist putting this unglam picture up.

Xiu and Jon. I wonder what they are looking at.

Then, we made our way to Botanics and it was feasting time. The food was really good. Then, we started to play BOOM and police and thief. It was such a crazy time. We ran and chase and I had so much fun. I don't know about the rest though. Haha. Well, all good things have to come to an end, and it was time for Jon to go to work, Xiu and Sihan to go for dinner.

This is a super nice view of Botanics!

But before they left, it was photos time. So we snapped some pictures as a form of memory. Here are the pictures:

Our trademark!

After that, some of us decided to go to Island Creamery, but it was really crowded, so we went to Macs instead. We started to write the messages for each other and to touch up on the gifts for one another. And as usual, it was photos time for us, so we took more pictures at macdonalds.

Alex, me and Ben!

Jiaxin, Yvonne and me!

Pat and me!

Our tribe shirt! Ponytails (Pat, Yvonne, Jiaxin) and bald heads (Alex and me)

After that, we went to church to hang out and just spend the rest of the time together. Alex, Jiaxin, Yvonne, Patricia, Benjamin and myself were there at church. Yvonne brought a nice mango cake and everyone ate it so deliciously. Then, we had a time of short worship session, before Pat had to leave. After that, Alex left too, so it was left with Ben, Jiaxin, Yvonne, and myself. And we did crazy stuff.

Funny posture...

Jump for joy!

Do Re Mi. Look at our heights...

We looked weird... Cool pose?

Reach out for the stars!

We took some weird pictures of us trying to jump and catch a jump shot. We tried to balance chairs. We tried to squeeze through chairs. We played sardines. We walked in the dark. We ran up and down church. We had so much fun.

I build this structure. No kidding...

Benjamin trying to squeeze through. Watch the video.

This is the video of Benjamin's first attempt at squeezing through!

Yvonne's turn to pose with the man-made structure.

This is a step of faith. Oops, I mean seat of faith.

Jiaxin was scared, but she did it. And what you see is real. No camera tricks.

Thank God for this outing.
Thank God for Oasis.
Thank God for each one in Oasis!

It's been a superb year gone by. It will be a even better year in 2008.

'Come to Me, all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' (Matthew 11:28)

May this verse and this promise be your source of strength in the year ahead!

It's a free-for-all informal picture!

History of Oasis

As I was coming back from Thailand, I stumbled across this area in the airport and it's called Oasis. So I couldn't resist taking a picture of the signboard and here it is.


And as the year draws to an end, I must thank God for this tribe, Oasis! Oasis has indeed been a HUGE blessing to me and I'm so thankful for each and everyone in this tribe. The impact that you all have left in my life will be remembered.


The name 'Oasis' came about because personally I like the idea of an Oasis. In fact, even before I became a tribal leader, I was thinking that I wanted the tribe to be called Oasis.

Picture this, you are in a desert, and the sun is shining bright and hot. You are thirsty and tired, your legs are giving way, you are filled with fatigue and you think you are about to die. Then, you saw a pond and you make your way towards it. You go down on your knees, cupped your hands and scoop some water to drink.

You drink up the water and as the water flows down your throat, you feel the cool sensation of water going down your throat and into your stomach. At that moment, you feel refreshed, you feel revived.

This is the reason why Oasis exist, we hope that in times for trouble, trail and pain, we can be there for you. Our tribe verse is Matthew 11:28, 'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'


This is a brief history of how Oasis was born:

Alex wanted to join and he's part of us.
Benjamin wanted to join too, maybe because Jon Muk was in the tribe, but whatever the case, he has become a vital part of Oasis.
Charmaine made the decision to join after much thought and the blessings that she has brought was tremendous.
Jiawen asked to join and so we welcomed her.
Jiaxin decided to join during one particular vibe and thus she's in.
Jon Muk smsed me one day asking whether he could be in, and of course, he's part of this family.
Joy came with Charmaine and she has brought much joy and laughter to Oasis.
Melody was asked if she wanted to be an assistant tribal leader and she said yes.
Patricia requested to join and I'm so thankful for seeing her grow in the Lord.
Sihan was deciding between two tribes and Oasis was her decision and she has been a great encouragement to Oasis.
Sili probably followed Sihan but after a while, she left. But no matter what, once part of Oasis, always part of Oasis.
Siling maybe followed Sihan and even though she's not regular, but we really appreciate her presence.
Xiuying decided on Oasis before she left for Australia and even though we may not have communicated with her alot, but now that she's back, she has fit in quite well.
Yvonne is Melody's friend and joined Oasis, and I'm thankful for a dear sister like her in Oasis.


The year 2008 is coming soon and Oasis will probably cease to exist, but no matter what, the memories are here to stay. You guys will always have a special place in my heart. It's going to be sad, but I wish you all the best in the upcoming year and continue to stay so near to the Lord in everything.

Remember that Oasis will always be here for you! We're ONE tribe, ONE family and we share ONE bond and we love each other with ONE love and we worship ONE GOD!

Thank you all for making Oasis such a BIG BIG blessing to me!! 2007 is memorable because of Oasis. Thank God for all of you!

Shall we meet up as a tribe every year from 2008 onwards? Like alumni meeting. Haha. what say you? :)

To Charmaine

BLESSED BIRTHDAY CHARMAINE!

As you turn 15 in 12 hours and 10 minutes time, I would like to thank God for how He has placed you in my life. Thank God for placing us in the same tribe. Thank God for being able to get to know you better. Thank God for everything that He has blessed you with.

As you celebrate this day with your friends and family, do take the time to thank God for all the things He has done for you. May God continue to give you wisdom, grace and strength. May God continue to protect and sustain you. May you draw ever so close to Him.

I dedicate this poem below to you:

The Best Day of Your Life

One day when you awake this week,
it will be your birthday.
May this day be the best day of your life, ever.
There may have been times when you wondered
if you would make it to this birthday; but you have!
And because you have, may you celebrate!

May you celebrate what an unbelievable life
you have had so far:
the accomplishments, the many blessings, and your hardships
because all of these have helped to make you stronger.

May you go through this birthday with a happy heart.
May you marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts:
the sun's warmth, a person's touch, ice cream, a child's laugh
May none of His miraculous creations escape your notice.

On this birthday may you share
your excitement for life with other people.
May you make someone smile.

May you go out of your way to create
an unexpected act of kindness
for someone you don't know.

May you give a sincere compliment
to someone who seems down.
Tell a child how special they are.
Tell someone you love
just how deeply you care for them.

May this birthday be the day to quit
worrying about what you don't have and
start being grateful for the wonderful things
that God has given and is giving you.

On this birthday before you go to bed, may you
go outside and raise your eyes to the heavens.
Stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon
and praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As your birthday ends
and you lay your head down on your pillow,
thank the Almighty for the best day of your life.

Sleep the sleep of a contented child knowing that
you can make tomorrow be the best day of your life, ever

From your tribal leader with much love,
Marcus

One God, One tribe, One family... Oasis loves you!