Yvonne Foong

When I saw what April dropped off at my place last night, my very frst reaction was to continuously exclaim, “Oh my god…Oh my god…” The new necklaces she made to help me raise funds are so beautiful!

So, in conjunction with this Valentine’s Day which is barely two weeks away, I am selling these necklaces to those romantic enough to buy one for their beloved; lovers or friends!

Ingredients: Blue Venetian glass beads in heart shape, Aurora Borealis coated Swarovski Crystals, and silver tone ball chain.

Price: RM28
Quantity Available: (SOLD OUT
)
Every purchase comes with a FREE copy of my biography, “I’m not sick, just a bit unwell”.

There will be an additional RM3 for delivery by Post Laju. To save on postage, you may pick it up from me in SS15, Subang Jaya.

First-come-frst-serve basis. Sales are final upon payment. To buy, please send me an e-mail at yvonnefmn@gmail.com

Sorry I can’t help flashing my vainpot face. *grin*

You might have already read this at Kenny’s blog.

I’m just passing on the word so that more people will know about something so fun and exciting. YC the blogger has handmade some dresses. She’s auctioning them off to help flood victims in Johor.

90% of the final sale price will be channeled to the victims, while the rest will be kept to feed the hungry designer.

Cast your bid by sending an e-mail to yc.phoon@gmail.com with the the item description as title. Also include your full name, I/C or passport (for international bidders) and contact details in the e-mail.

Bidders from outside Malaysia are also welcomed! Remember, you’re buying these one-of-the-kind dresses for a good cause. You get the dress, and someone out there gets a roof overhead. Think about it!

Hop right over to YC’s blog. Quick. There’s only two days left to bid!

Not long ago someone asked me how I grow in faith. Being deaf makes listening to sermons in church impossible for me. The same is often asked about my learning in college. Even until today, I have not found a simple sentence enough to summarize my answer.

In an article entitled, “Relationships are essential for spiritual growth,� MinistryToolBox issue no. 293 at pastors.com, Rick Warren wrote, “The truth is that Christians need relationships to grow We do not grow in isolation from others. We grow in the context of fellowship.�

When I was a child, mom used to say that friendships are conditional. She advised me not to have faith in friends. I did not listen to her, because as the only child, my friends were my only companion outside the comforts of home. Many friends came and went as the years passed eventfully. The meaning of friendship also changed with age. Rick Warren wrote, “…relationships play an even more important role in moving people to maturity.� He further emphasized on the point by referring us to Hebrew 10:24-25. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…�

I may be deaf, but God has bestowed me a keen eye toward my surroundings. With it, I observe the people in church and beyond. By reflecting on my relationships with them, I realize how Jesus is teaching me life lessons through my friends. Never mind about listening to sermons, God is teaching me real-time.

First and foremost, there is Cordy who goes the extra mile in caring for me. She does not belittle me despite being much older than I. It is her magnanimity that gives me confidence. By having faith in my potential to learn and grow, Cordy teaches me to believe in myself. Because of her, I am courageous enough not to let unkind remarks hurt me. No one knows you better but yourself.

The ambitious John Ling taught me about being selfless without being calculative. In giving to others, do not hope for rewards. I believe many Asians would consider the benefit before making any sort of commitment. But why should I be calculative with other people when John had sacrificed time and energy to nurture me, even though it meant delaying his own commitments?

I have much to thank Eva, for it was she who first brought me close to God. I may not always agree with her, but I also respect her opinions without judging. Our relationships with God are unique and different from others. We learn and discover who God is to us by observing how others relate with Him.

Yesterday was Jia Yin’s 21st birthday. I basked in the celebration of God’s glory. As our cell group leader, Jia Yin demonstrated much love, attention, and care towards every member. She always made the effort to include me, and when I had not been attending meetings or church activities after some time, Jia Yin would take the initiative to invite me. Some say the eldest sibling in the family tends to look out for others, while the younger one prefers receiving attention. This is certainly not true for Jia Yin. Through her, God showed me that being a leader does not give one exclusive authority and special preference in the group. A true leader is selfless, one who equally cares for everyone. This is her final year in college, and Jia Yin has quit her role in leading our group. But she will always remain a leader to me.

Recently, a friend remarked how easy Foong Ling is with her jokes. I find this to be her specialty. Being unguarded and relaxed in the company of others make her an approachable, cheerful friend. Some people are naturally likeable. I find this appealing, and I’m trying to learn just that.

Some of her traits are also seen in her boyfriend, Stephen, who is near, if not equally relaxed in the company of others. Besides being able to strike up conversations easily, Stephen is also a great listener. He only speaks when needs be. Listening is easy, but not everyone can do it with patience, magnanimity and an objective mind without being self-righteous. I am also aware how calm he is.

Across the four seas is cowboy Eddie. By observing his life, God showed me that we can be single and self-sufficient at the same time. Being contend with life allows us to focus on reaching out to others. In doing this, some people also have absolute faith in God to provide for their needs. In the contrary, being self-absorbed would leave us little room to think of others.

Yeeu Jen taught me the benefit of kiasu-ism. His frequent commitment at picking up new hobbies has made him physically and mentally competitive. Age should never be the reason to stop learning and updating ourselves. From all the pointless arguments we had, God also taught me that it’s necessary to be magnanimous when befriending a lawyer.

My secondary schoolmate, Rajan, used to be the laughing stalk for looking rather dopey. He doesn’t seem to mind that many enjoy poking fun at him, but still manage to remain unperturbed and even helpful. More of his non-calculative self is evident now that we attend the same church. I am learning tolerance and forgiveness through him.

There is something to learn from everyone, and no one is greater than others in God’s sight. By remaining in fellowship, we witness a piece of Christ in every friend. Someone once questioned the need to attend Church meetings since Jesus is omnipresent.

Attending church is not just to worship God, but also to develop relationships with other church members. In Rick Warren’s words, “The quality of your relationship to Christ can be seen in the quality of your relationship to other believers.� He also quotes 1 John 4:20. “For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.�

Earlier this morning, I was spiritually lacking of energy. Building friendships is not always easy, just as Jesus had warn us that walking with Christ is not going to be easy. I had wanted to give up and told God, “No more games, my Lord. I’m tired.� When walking to the foyer for a break, I found this article by Rick Warren on the table which served me a breath of fresh air. Surely, some friendships may not turn out the way we had hoped, but God has a purpose for everything. And his purpose is the greatest love of all.

Foong Ling, Stephen, Lily and I went for dessert after the combined cell prayer meeting last night. Since four years ago, I have been suffering from poor balance which worsens in the dark. The trio were not aware of my problem because it was my first time being out with them at night. After Foong Ling and Lily ascended the steps leading to the row of shops, I remained rooted at the bottom fearing the height. “Uh oh… die! How now, how now?”. I panicked.

I’m not accustomed to asking people for help in such situations, because I hardly go out to unfamiliar places with people other than my mom, Cordy, and Wai Kong. In LA, Eddie seemed to have gotten used to my problem. However, I am not making this an excuse.

Seeing my hesitation, Stephen helped me up the steps and while walking hand-in-hand, Foong Ling kindly told me to ask for help next time.

Being the philosophical me, I searched to find the reason behind my timid self. It’s strange that after four years of having poor balance and after having the guts to undergo so many surgeries, I could still sink into fearful repression when my limitations are challenged. I wonder if this is the feeling that makes many less fortunate people in Malaysia live in silence.

That’s why I chose to speak up in class today.

During Cultural Anthropology class, the lecturer handed us photocopied notes of today’s lesson. Not being able to participate in the discussion due to my deafness, I read the notes with intense concentration and keen interest. Then suddenly, there were rapid movements. The last of the crowd was already filing out the door. I stood up in confusion and waited for the lecturer to stop what he was doing to ask, but he walked past me and left the classroom as well. Not knowing what was happening or what to do, I packed my bags and followed suit.

I found the lecturer outside another classroom and said to him in a composed manner, “I appreciate it if you would tell me what is happening, sir.” To which he spoke back despite knowing about my deafness, but I added, “Sorry, I really can’t hear at all.”

It is easy to brush off a simple miscommunication like that. But what if it was a fire alarm? And if this happened abroad, what if a tornado was closing in? I won’t be spared a second to remain confused. However, I am giving him the matter of doubt because not everyone instinctly know how to live with people with disabilities. With such things happening in malaysia, I feel the responsibility is in people like me to educate the public. I cornered the lecturer after class to speak about my learning methods. After giving him some suggestions, he said, “I am not trained to teach people with special needs.” I know, you mentioned it already. But you can learn, just as I need to learn patience, tolerance, and everything else to become a better person.

My bestselling first book, I’m not sick, just a bit unwell is finally on sale in America! They may be purchased at two different locations.

House Ear Institute

Medical Square Pharmacy
2100 West 3rd Street Suite #190
Los Angeles, California 90057

Telephone: (213) 483 1744

NF2Crew

A kind member of the NF2Crew in Pennsylvania is helping me sell the books, either by post or by hand. Send her an e-mail directly to place orders:- marie.drew(at)comcast(dot)net

Note All sales proceed go towards funding my much needed medical treatments.

“From her lifelong battle with Neurofibromatosis to being Crowned as Most outstanding Youth Of The Year of 2005, Yvonne Foong’s story is both involving and extraordinary. If you have ever wondered what it’s like to cope with an incurable illness, this book introduces you to the day-to-day realities of a teenager who is the girl-next-door.” John Ling, author of Fourteen Bullets.

“It is like nothing can stop this inexceptional individual” HerWorld magazine.

“There wasn’t a single break the moment I picked up this engaging book. I must say I’m truly impressed by Yvonne’s courage, perseverence, and positive outlook on life.” Yang Mei Ling, writer, Seventeen Magazine Malaysia.

“I enjoyed and was extremely moved by Yvonne Foong’s candid accounts of life with Neurofibromatosis. Her courage and positivity is inspiring and heartening” Daphne Lee, Starmag.

What arrived with me at KLIA this afternoon was a sleek black color handcarry that resembles a small laptop bag. Microphones, transmitters, cords, signal checkers, and a USD8,000 processor unit made it through the Malaysian immigration with no question asked. And not to forget, the 21-channel ABI implant in my brain.

Ladies and gentlemen, Yvonne Foong, the first ABI recipient live in Malaysia! Wow… I feel so hi-tech you know. Like a walking Inspector Gadget. Instead of listening with my ears, sounds directly emanates in the brain. Like supernatural.

13 out of my 21 electrodes could be activated without causing side effects. It’s funny how Mr. Otto tested some electrodes and nerves in my body went “bzzz!”. I couldn’t help giggling at the discomfort. They don’t hurt though. We’ll try the rest again come May appointment.

It’s a thrill being able to hear again even though the sounds are not original, I still cannot participate in interactive conversations. Scoring 44% on the speech recognition test, I can only lip read short sentences, but hey, this is a BIG something compared to total deafness.

I’m now off to reading the many many manuals, troubleshooting guides, and some papers on electrostatic current?

On the way to LAX, i asked Eddie how does his voice sound like. He said deep. One day very soon I’ll know if he’s telling the truth.

In an e-mail reply to a friend who is struggling with his passion in music.

Dear XXX,

What I meant by listening to your heart, trusting God and playing music for Him is to FOCUS on Him (a higher existence). Don’t let the desire to perform well and to gain an audience distract you from appreciating music in itself. You don’t have to reply me on this immediately because I know it takes some sef-actualization, some time between you and God. It may take you a day, a few months or even years. I know because I have been there.

After graduating secondary school, I went to study music at MSC International College. I was just like you. Despite being able to sing above average and had experience performing in choir and musicals, I wanted to rise above the rest. Even though we did not have much money, I thought in order to succeed, I should learn from the best vocal instructor - Cecilia Yap. In fact, many musicians think that way. To them, popularity and an awe-struck audience is the driving force and most desired result. But when stress from over-practice and discontentment accumulates, it affects our musical performance. General audience might not notice, but the trained ear can tell immediately. My vocal instructor, Cecillia Yap, could tell at once when I strained my nerves trying to forcibly improve. When you are relaxed and enjoying music, your performance will soar to great heights. Therefore, appreciate music itself, play for God and nobody else.

Since becoming deaf for almost two years now, I learned that just being able to hear music and sing with all my heart is such a wonderful thing. Just being alive, alive with music is such a wonderful thing. And that wonder is a praise of God. When we perform music, do it with a wholesome heart in praise of God and His glory. The best music in the world comes from the heart, the beatings of our wholesome heart goes through our nerves and materialize in music.

When learning to sing opera, we were taught to expand the diaphragm, to use it for support, and by doing that, we transfer energy from our throat to the diaphragm. In that way, our larnyx is relaxed and free to vibrate by the force of nature. In playing musical instruments, focus on God and let your fingers work by themselves. Pay attention to the music, listen closely, and train your mind on the music rather than push yourself for improvement.

Trust me because I have been there.

Let’s face it. We’re all self-righteous bigots in our own ways. I am no different despite my constant attempt to improve myself. But God is merciful. He often comes full circle to teach us lifetime lessons. If you want to know what I learned this time, do check out the latest issues of YellowPost. In this week’s issue, I write about my encounter with Sara, and next week’s issue is about what I learned from it.

I’m still torn between blogging and writing my thoughts in the newspaper. It is every writer’s dream to see their writings in print, and seeing my every thought in YellowPost gives added satisfaction. The newspaper does not have comment boxes like blogs do, so I don’t get the support of readers from there, but someday, I will eventually get the hang of it. Bloggers like myself tend to get easily carried away by blog comments.

Grab a free copy of YellowPost from FocusPoint, CoffeeBean, Delifrance, TMPoint, and err… I forgot what other places have it.

Note to self: Yvonne must not neglect her blog. Yep, I must not. Lots of things are happening lately. I won’t call myself busy, because I enjoy being occupied. Idling is so not my kinda thing.

Firstly, the second printrun, another 1,000 books are ready. Now awaiting distribution. The books will very soon be on sale at House Ear Institute, LA. Yay! I’m also getting in touch with personnels at MPH and Popular bookstore to organise more book reading sessions. Hopefully in Penang and Johor.

Meanwhile, the idea for my second book is being conceived. I got an agent! Yay! Now I must really get to work and stop procrastinating. My motto pledges to remain productive, so stick to it!