Eden

I don't quite believe in horoscopes but I have got to admit that as a Leo, I fit the said personality to a T. Especially my passionate nature. It's true, I have various passions, all of which I pursue with great zeal and the most obvious one is self-explanatory - which explains the existence of this humble food blog.

Seriously, FOOD is like my second name. That's what most of my friends know me for, my great passion for food - both producing, appreciating and consuming it. I am not really sure how to properly explain it, but let's just say that I take immense joy in using my humble talent to make others happy. I enjoy it when I see others enjoying their food, especially if made by me and I just gotta say - food goes beyond feeding one's hunger. Some of you might have noticed the various occasions when I post about me baking or cooking for an event of some sort at Amplify (the youth ministry I'm in) and well, this post itself has alot to do with that.

You see, I've decided to take my passion for baking and cooking to a higher level. I recently assumed the role of Food & Beverage head at Amplify. I won't deny that it's going to be loads of hard work, but really, I've been thinking about it and I think God couldn't have made it clearer. I want to use my skills for the benefit of others and to spread His love at the same time. It's a belief of mine that one can actually taste food and notice the difference - whether it's cooked with love, or not. Sounds utterly cheesy, but seriously, it's usually rather intangible but that's just one way I see food.

Wait, there's more...

At Amplify, the hospitality team (of which the F&B dept. works very closely with) has recently launched Eden, a lounge area at the foyer where we reside. So before session starts, this area will be a place of fellowship where youths will gather and enjoy good food, music, and company. Doesn't it all sound uber exciting? Well I think it is. I seriously can't think of a better way to utilize the space and turn it into a haven. Though the lounge isn't a permanent fixture, I think it's a great start - to have it every Friday before session!

Amplify holds what we call Amplify Fridays (it usually consists of lively praise & worship - the band rocks! + inspiring teaching, etc) every weeknight at CSC (Catholic Spirituality Centre) and we just had our first Friday of the year this week! It also marks the opening of the lounge area. I've got to take my hats off to Lydia (head of the hospitality team), Flo, and Winston for coming down super early to set up the place. Also, to the rest of the hospi team: Larris, Nat, Vivian, Rebecca, Lynette, Thelma etc... Thank you! It is not easy to set up and then clear up the place all in one day. It couldn't have been done without each and every committed person in Amplify.

Now, I've said so much, now let's see what's all this hoop-la about!



Welcome! This is the menu display (yea, the Eden name is not up yet because the designer is still printing the signboard I think .. haha ) and as you can see, I baked cookies for sale, chocolate chip cookies to be exact. Yep, and now every week I have to rack my brains to think of what to sell at Eden.



The area looks so dreamy and 'lounge-like' right? I love it! Most of the furniture we got at Ikea and the red sofa is actually from our room. Haha.




Look at all the buzz. It's amazing to see the area when it's full of activity. It's only the first week and the response has been really good.




Here's some of the hospi team at work, rearranging the stuff. We actually bought nice glasses and mugs from Ikea to serve our drinks. Oh and, check this out:



HUGE cookie jars. I adore them. They were from Ikea and they just fit right in. This is what I call a real cookie jar! :)

Gosh, I really have loads to say! I'm really anticipating what 2007 is going to bring. God is just so good and I feel really blessed in more ways than one. Having an opportunity to hone your baking and cooking skills - I mean come on, to me it's a dream come true. Nothing gives me more joy than knowing that I'm able to serve and give to others what God has given to me.

On a different note, ahhh... yes I've been busy busy busy, also because school started this week. Haha, yea I know what some of you are thinking - NUS starts school next week don't they? Well yes, that's true but this semester I'm actually studying at SMU. Yep, I applied for the local exchange programme. I know it sounds silly at first, but I mean seriously, I'm curious to know how things run at SMU. I love challenging myself and I really am going to make full use of this semester there and learn as much as I can. Besides it's nearer to my home and it's in town! I'm able to walk to Orchard Road or Bugis from SMU!

P.S. For some of you who are wondering what I've been going on and on about - Amplify, etc. Well, just for those who don't already know, I'm Catholic and I've been serving in Amplify, a youth ministry since 2002 and our mission statement is : To spread a love for Jesus Christ and His Church to every young person. Yep, well if you're curious, you can find out more at our blog.