Gala.

I’m not a make-up kind of girl. Never have been, never will be.

So when I heard it was a gala event, I half-dreaded it. When I heard I had to don an evening gown, makeup and heels, and bring namecards for a grand affair with expensive tables, I gulped. All this, for an award ceremony to celebrate the contributions of youth who had given back to society in various ways.

The results would be announced tonight. The Outstanding Young Person Award. I don’t think I’ll win, ha. The past winners were Outstanding, to say the least-ministers and well-known people and heads of companies. But I am happy, for I realise, that for every shortlisted finalist, are scores of people working behind the scenes, without recognition or honour. And I am but one of the blessed few who has this blessed opportunity to be encouraged in this way.

This means a lot, in ways that might be different for most.

It means a lot, because it helped me to take stock of what I’ve done so far, what God has called me to do; it means a lot, for my parents to be there, and to realise that it wasn’t for naught that they released me to all those dangerous places to do things they might rather have me not do; it means a lot, because I realised, that I have come to a place of greater security, with far less desire for the limelight, or approval from the public.

Reporters have been calling me, and I’m not quite used to it. 2 interviews down, and a few more to go tonight. I only pray that what I say may be used to encourage other youth to pursue their dreams too.

I’m not sure how comfortable I feel with regards to the irony of having a grand gala celebration to celebrate the works we have done for the poor and needy. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do a good job in handling photoshoots and answering questions. I’m not sure if this is bad for my soul, ha- as Dr Tan Lai Yong, the missionary doctor once said, regarding his being honoured and recognised for his work in China among the poor.

But I do know one thing, that I’m grateful, God, for this blessing. Being recognised, even as a finalist, has been an encouragement. Answering the questions from the reporters made me realise how blessed I am to have my dreams turn into reality, how magical life can really be. And I hope this’ll continue to encourage many out there, that you can make things happen.

God is a dreamweaver, and