Post Camp Thoughts
been a while since I updated something substantial on this blog other than nice videos and Ricky Martin coming out of the closet (once again, was it ever in any doubt?). Anyway, was sharing to a friend about this (post camp thoughts – not Ricky Martin) and this friend suggested that I blog this, to share and bless people who take that few seconds to delve into this page dedicated to the periodically incoherent ramblings of my gray matter.
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I attended Hope UK’s camp that started last Friday (2/4). The camp theme was “The Saints”, with the teachings based on “A Sanctified Church”, which happens to be a really retro teaching. Prakich said it’s old but the principles aren’t old fashioned – and i second that opinion.
To be very honest, there was part of me that didn’t feel like attending. I mean, flying all the way to another country to live with a bunch of people whom I’m not even well acquainted with for 4 days, not knowing what to expect, not exactly my idea of how I would spend a long weekend. Well, that thought didn’t stay with me for long, due to the fact I’ve already dumped 200+SGD on airfare which was non-refundable; and also because I gave my word to Eldos (one of the main leaders) that I would be there.
As things turned out, I am absolutely delighted that I didn’t back out from it. It was an AMAZING experience. Coupled with the fact that all my camp objectives were met, it did make for a very good weekend.
Teachings and PnW wise, I can’t really say that anything hit me in the face. The preached word was a good reminder of setting myself apart for God, and the implications of doing so.
The thing that really, really blessed me was the fellowship. I was attached to the students group for the camp somehow accidentally I suppose, cos I had to crash the night before the camp at the place of this brother named Jon, who was from the uni group back in SG, and out of convenience, I just tagged along with his lifegroup. In retrospect, I think that move of convenience was kinda divine, cos those people have no idea just how much I was blessed observing and fellowshipping with them. Also, we played the Barnabas game, and before the end of camp, my Barnabas (who turned out to be this Thai sister) had already blessed me with 3 gifts, and handed me an Easter chocolate bunny before camp broke. Very, very touched. And sorta nudged me to bless my Barnabas too haha =p
I think I was probably one of the oldest or the oldest in their group (both physically and spiritually), but there were a few things this “laojiao” Christian actually picked up/got reminded of, from the group. Well, I wasn’t that much older (abt 5 years on avg), and the things they were doing weren’t anything new, but still, it was really, i don’t know, a mixture of being humbled + nice when I talked/had fun with them. Being humbled because they treated me like one of their own really quickly, which is not something readily seen in many churches nowadays, both in SG and in Dublin.
Well, nice because, I learnt so much from them. They actually didn’t formally teach me much. In a nutshell, I was very impressed by the simple faith and simple love for God these people had. It reminded me once again that age doesn’t play a part in fervency, zeal, and passion for our God. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about their actions alone, in which the point would be debunked by older believers as something “they are doing because they still can – wait a few years”; rather, I’m talking about their can-do attitude and gung-ho spirit for Jesus. As joining a students group goes, I only got to sleep a few hours every night (doesn’t really happen in adults camp anymore), with devotions still to come on subsequent mornings. And I’m impressed by how the guys in the group still dragged themselves out of bed and made it to devotions (albeit 10-15min late of course haha). Of cos I had to follow right? lol =p Another thing was the closing ceremony. My group was IC of that event and Kelly (who was from youth) directed – well done Shirls 
She made quite a number of people act out roles which I reckon should be out of line with their usual selves – i hope! And it was heartwarming to see how ready the people were to serve, and carry on their roles with enthusiasm. Eventually, it actually turned out pretty well on the day, and mutters of some tearing was heard – well done Kelly! Everyone in the group had a part to play, and it all came together with supernatural coordination even though rehearsal times were scarce. God definitely had a hand in it I say =)
Another incident about simple faith came on the second day – games day. I didn’t participate in it cos I had assignments to catch up on, but I was there for the events prior to that. What had happened was that Jon was the game master, and had been pretty concerned about bad weather for a while – cos the games were outdoor. Being a practical Singaporean, plan B was very much concocting in his mind. Eldos stepped in, and in true spirit-filled leadership fashion, announced that we were going to trust God for good weather. Guess what, other than the first day, we had good weather for the rest of the camp. What made it even more incredible was that rain was forecast for the entire camp. Simple faith like that, we don’t really witness nowadays (ok, not applicable for adults camp cos we usually go to a hotel but you get my point). Well done Eldos!
My 3 camp objectives were to finish up my assignment (done!), re-establish certain spiritual habits (done too i hope!), and make heaps of friends (definitely done!). I can’t remember when was the last time i met all my camp objectives, so it was really awesome indeed.
This camp reminded me of our Hope camps a decade ago. Am not inferring negative connotations; on the contrary, it was heartwarming to see everyone knowing everyone, and having that strong family atmosphere that is usually lacking in bigger churches. To be honest, music wasn’t that fantastic technically, but who cares about music when the overall climate was as thick as a fog?
I am more and more convicted that as the church grows bigger, the care/life/home/cell groups must grow “smaller”. Smaller meaning a stronger fellowship, more unity, and replicating what only smaller churches can accomplish in terms of atmosphere in our respective small groups. Another way is that the church remains status quo – which is not exactly Matt 28 either. I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, but since the church is going to continue to grow, on my part, I’m going to make huge efforts to aid my future groups and leaders achieve this standard.
On a parting note, to my new found family members who are reading this – Apri, Anita, Jon, Gemmy, Thomas, JerRY (caps on purpose), Jenna, Jolene, Kelly, Jhung Ee, Yvonne, New, and even Joycie – (i pray you come to know Jesus soon!), thanks for everything. I have been devoid of good fellowship for a while, and you people have no idea just how much you’ve added to my life in the span of 4 days. I miss you guys much already, and hope I can come back soon =)) Well done with the group Apri!
Confidence & Spoken Words
How many times have we inadvertently caused somebody’s confidence to plummet because of careless words spoken?
Had a convo with a good friend recently, and this friend mentioned that because of a certain general perception, he always felt that he couldn’t accomplish certain goals in life. Even though he was outwardly ok and even laughed about it with his critiques, deep down inside, it created another voice, telling him that he will never be good enough.
I for one, had to repent and apologize because i was one of those people who were careless with my words towards him. Evil of me? I don’t think so. However, it still doesn’t justify anything.
Proverbs mentioned that a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. To wordplay it a little, a wrong word spoken is like a rotten apple.
Anyway, back to the story, this friend had a chance to conquer one of his greatest fears recently – fear not because he was not up to it, but because he felt he was not up to it, after the many critiques through the years. To cut a long story short, he did it anyway, and professed to me that he felt a new breakthrough in that area for the first time ever. There was a new found confidence that “hey, i can actually do this, and i do not suck in it!”
Reflecting on his story, i realized the power of words. Because of people often telling him he couldn’t do it, he had grown to believe that lie, where in actual fact, yes he may not excel or be the cream of the crop in it, but that doesn’t make him suck at it.
As for myself, through the years, people have always (jokingly) told me that i suck at singing. However, last year at my buddy’s wedding, i had a chance to belt out a trio of songs as part of the wedding band lineup. People who were close to me (but not close enough to crack deprecating jokes) actually told me i sounded decent. And that was good enough for me. I know i’m not a Josh Groban/Sting/John Mayer etc, and neither would i ever win SG Idol, even though the talent pool is really bad; but it doesn’t make me suck as a singer. I can still sing something in tune and as long as glasses don’t break and ears don’t bleed, i think that’s pretty good!
To be honest, i don’t think my friends meant what they said seriously, and neither do i think they even remember! The point I’m getting is that, a careless word spoken may be funny to the person who said it in the beginning, but it doesn’t do much for the person on the receiving end; and in the case of my friend (and I), it may produce lasting consequences.
To draw the story of a famous local musio, Jeremy Monteiro has been touted as the father of Jazz in the Singapore music scene. He is an excellent pianist with a wealth of experience. Nowadays, he sings a few songs in his jazz gigs. However, in his younger days, people always told him that he should stick to playing the piano, and not sing, simply because Claressa Monteiro (his sister) was a really kickass jazz singer. Mentioning this story, Jeremy said he slowly grew to believe that he couldn’t make it as a singer, until one day, he actually had to fill in for someone last min, and came to the conclusion that, yes, he may not have his sister’s vocals, but it doesn’t mean he’s bad at singing.
2 things to take note:
1) Be careful with my words.
2) Not speaking careless words is not good enough. Speak encouragingly.
on a side note… last day in Singapore…sian
Au Revoir 2009, Bonjour 2010
new yr eve’s party at Carmen’s place with the LG was fuzzily warm, with great food prepared by MasterChefs Reagan + Val & Mum. Had a time of SOP sharing towards the countdown minute.
Question of the day: Breakthroughs & regrets for 2009, and hopes for 2010.
Thoroughly enjoyed myself with fun people and funny games. While playing Charades, we had to guess a person, acted out by Diana (the word was “loanshark”). She immediately pointed to her husband….rofl! Yet in another act, someone pointed to us (grouped according to gender) repeatedly. Chris, in all “innocence”, volunteered: “handsome!”… “macho!”…. “hunks!” LOL. Not that i beg to differ btw ^^
Ruminations on breakthroughs….
2009 has been significant for me, at least in terms of my growth as a person. I reckon that 2009 was the year that i have grown in character quite a fair bit, more so than the amount of growth i have put together in my previous 10yrs in church – any coincidence that it also happens to be the year in which i’ve experienced the most heartache and refinement? 2009 was big for me indeed.
Ruminations on regrets….
Seriously…. no regrets. None. I am the sum of all my experiences. I don’t regret anything i have done this year. Someone asked me recently what 6 words would i like, to sum up my life at the end of it. I thought through for a bit, and came out with this:
Lived to the fullest. No regrets.
Ruminations on hopes and dreams for 2010….
Anticipating even bigger and greater things to come! If 2009 was anything to go by, 2010 should be a blast! =) I end my term in May, so i have a few options lined up after that, however, not all options direct my return to Singapore (for now). Seriously need to wait and pray, and see how situations pan themselves out in the days to come.
An apt song to the end of a year and the start of all things new
Passion….
….is something that you will continue doing, even when no one else in the world knows about it, ever.
What captures your passion?
One Year On.
This time last year, i embarked on one of the most difficult moments of my Christian life ever. Caught me by surprise right between the eyes, but still had to go through it nonetheless.
What followed after that fateful day, was an approximately 3month period of self-pitying, stupid moves and rather crucially, one of the rare periods in my 10yr walk where the roots of my faith and foundation in Him were sternly tested.
I’m actually quite amazed how time flies. Can’t believe it has been one year. Still able to remember certain incidents so vividly.
God has been good. The comfort, guidance, and most importantly, the grace he has shown to me in this one year has simply left me speechless. Late last year, i got 3 prophecies on 3 different occasions that 2009 was going to be a big year for me. And so far, i guess it has been. Would i have imagined myself in this position currently during Jan or Feb this year? It would be a definite no.
Billy Graham said mountaintops are good for inspiration but fruits are found in the valleys – i concur. While not denying that i didn’t enjoy the arduous few months, im glad that God made me go through it, and even though i was bewildered for quite a while, he never left my side. His presence was always there, through the concern of my friends, family, leaders etc. Those of you who walked with me and gave me endless encouragement, you know who you are, just wanna say that you guys will never be forgotten. A special shoutout to those few who not just supported me, but also reiterated your belief in me, you are one of the main reasons that i was able to pick myself up and carry on.
I’d like to think that i have emerged from the (trial?) wiser & less naive, but mainly, i’d like to think that i’ve come out of it as victoriously as i know how. Granted, the mistakes and aforementioned stupid moves have somewhat left certain irreversible consequences, but i believe that as i continue to walk with God, he will make things alright…somehow.
Another thing about fruits being found in the valley, sometime in about mid Jan this year, i started intensively listening to teaching podcasts and devouring books for a period of half a year. While i do not really have the luxury of time to do it now that im in the midst of my semester, it’s not an exaggeration to say that i’ve learnt more in that half year compared to my previous 10 years in church. And the best thing? I believe God isn’t done with me yet (ok, i don’t know if i should be that pumped about it or not…haha! =p)
God has humbled me so much. To quote PJ, i know that i know that i know that i know that i know that i can never ever ever ever live without the presence of God in my life. Oh man, i’ve really come to realise how much i need Him. Anything i do on my on merits to gain that righteousness a Christian ought to aim for, is but a mere breath, a whisper in the wind. Only God can give me that righteousness. Without God in my life, i’m utter toast.
I ain’t perfect, as much as i’ve improved, i am still prone to errors (sometimes committing the ever-so-silly ones), so kindly bear with me as im still work in progress.
And no, this isn’t a thinly veiled barb at anyone in case you are thinking. I really harbor no bitterness towards anybody as im typing this. Can’t drive properly if you are always looking in the rear-view mirror can you?
For those of who have heard something with regards to me, and are curious to find out more, i would say… don’t you have better things to do? hahaha =) I’ve been taking a “no-comments” policy with anything that has happened, not about to change it. Neither am i making anymore apologies or “compensations”, i’m convicted that i have already done everything i need to. Believe whatever you want, as long as im assured that my close friends, and most imptly, God, are on my side, that will suffice.
Exciting times ahead! =)
2 Lessons
sorry for the lack of updates hey. work’s piling up. And i’ve gotta get as much work done as possible before my upcoming travels
16/10-18/10: Galway (Ireland)
22/10-26/10: Barcelona (Spain)
6/11-8/11: Edinburgh (Scotland)
13/11-15/11: Belfast (Northen Ireland)
can’t wait!
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2 valuable interlinked lessons i’ve learnt recently, helped me a lot in my understanding and my approach towards God, hope it blesses you hey:
1) God sometimes allows us to fall into the same thing over and over again, so that we will always remember him and his grace.
2) Surrender to God, not to the doings that aid our walk with him
there was a period of time recently when i was rather peeved about falling into the same bad habits over and over again. It was ridiculous to me as i could be worshiping God in the morning, strengthened by the bible and all, and bam, come evening, i would snap. It didn’t make sense.
Talking to someone online, this wise person just shared what came to mind, and even though i think it served as a reminder to the person, it hit me right between the eyes. It was a revelation to me.
2 Cor 12:7-10 (the message)
7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,
My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
Wow – i wanted share more with regards to point 1, but the message version has explained it heaps better than what i would have been able to.
A few days later, God revealed another rhema word. I’ve been having the wrong focus. I figured that, just because i read the bible diligently, did my bible study once every couple of days, and worshiped and read regularly, i assumed that all these would be enough to keep me walking strong with God. And when i faltered, i would get upset. I thought, this was akin to eating well, training everyday, sleeping well, then failing my IPPT anyway. God reminded me gently,
“Are you surrendering to the things that help you draw near to me, or are you surrendering to ME?”
Bam, another one between the eyes. Had i continued to rely on my deeds to get close to God, only 2 things would happen: i would either get too self-righteous (im “there” because i did this and that), or beat myself up over bad habits or future sins i commit. Either way, it’s not going to help me achieve a close walk with Him.
At that point of time, two things happened simultaneously:
- left to my own devices, i realized how wretched and weak i was (according to Rachel Green: “there’s rock bottom, then underneath there’s 20 feet of crap, then there’s me!”)
- i got stronger in Christ, and acknowledged that by surrendering more of myself to his will, i can only get even stronger =)
I guess this is what it really means by, “when i’m weak, then i am strong”.
sidetrack: Dublin is starting to get colder. 8 deg yesterday night. Not even winter yet. Eeeeeps.
listening: Miles Collection
Irish Efficiency….
…… is a paradox. On fri, Ulric and I woke up bright and early to head to Garda (Irish immigration) to get our papers done up – we have until 28th to do it, and since there were no classes on Fri, we agreed to head downtown on Fri to do it.
We knew that we were in for a long wait, as advised by our immigration predecessors; so, to make sure we do not spend the whole day there, we arrived at Garda at 8:55am (it opens at 8:30am), and were prepared to wait for our turn at least till early noon. Everything should be smooth right?
WRONG.
The place was extremely crowded when we arrived (expected). So we queued. After 20 sec or so, a lady came out from the office, and made this statement:
“Sorry, you have to leave this place, we are out of tickets for today”
What in the KFC 2 piece chicken meal???
If it was a super duper long wait, i could understand; large and messy crowd, i could understand too; even if they tried to make things difficult for me at the counter, it will be tough to but i still would have been able to understand but
NO TICKETS??
wapiang, I’m in Ireland, not Indonesia you know? (this is with all due respect to my indo friends)
Actually, i wasn’t that annoyed; true i didn’t appreciate the fact that i had to wake up at 630am on a day i didn’t have lessons, but part of me was actually amused that something like this still happened in a developed nation.
Ulric, on the other hand, was majorly PISSED. Think he could have killed someone.
So, since 28th is the last day to do it, we’re resigned to skipping our Monday lectures. We are so going to take the first bus and camp outside at 730am. Not even queuing for Man Utd tickets ok =.=
Fortunately, the day didn’t go badly from that point on. We headed for brekkie at O’Briens, then i blew some serious money on retail therapy (trenchcoat, jeans, t shirt, scarf). How major? er… ask me personally. Lol.
While eating brekkie, i had a eureka moment:
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE VISIT!
Since we had nothing to do, and it was still really early, might as well right?
So off we went to visit the place where Guinness was born.
On the tram en route to the storehouse
Glimpse of the factory
HAHAHA
On the top of the storehouse, and the end of the tour (11EUR – about 23-24SGD), was the acclaimed Gravity Bar, where visitors could redeem their free pint of Guinness, and catch a breathtaking view of the entire Dublin City.
That’s how crowded it was
cheers!
On the way home, we stopped by for some groceries. Other than alcohol, i think fresh meat from the butcher has to be one of the only other things that are cheaper than SG. The meat is dirt cheap. Like seriously. Like 8 huge chicken legs (thighs + drumstick) for 5EUR – about 10-12SGD. Like, 600gm of ribeye steak for 3EUR. We bought 26EUR worth of meat – think it’s enough to last us for the next 3 weeks at least.
Today’s cheapo dinner (which will probably cost a bomb in SG, or restaurants):
Ribeye steak with potatoes and carrots and er, kailan (had to finish using it -yellowing), topped with creamy mushroom black pepper sauce – i’m really having a whale of a time honing my culinary skills! haha
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this is a little overdue, but thanks for all the birthday wishes guys! Muchly muchly appreciated. You know who you are. Love you people man! =)
Other than the Singaporeans back home, i didn’t expect much of a celebration right here, i mean, whoever knows me? But my housemates really surprised me. I was on MSN, and Ulric told me to go to the kitchen to grab dinner (was my German housemate’s turn to cook). I trotted off to the kitchen, and….
This bunch of people (with more in the background) broke into “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU~~ (x4)” I only got to know them for 3 weeks! Apparently, my german housemate cooked up a birthday dinner, and invited all our newly made European friends. Could feel the tears welling up. haha! but was extremely, extremely, touched.
The mastermind
Birthday gift from Sebastien (german housemate) and Ulric. Bottle of champagne which was promptly drunk up.
Till next time!
26 Random Things that happened to me since 20/09/08
1. Quit facebook
2. Got my heart broken
3. Made it to Dublin to study!
4. Fell in love with Kari Jobe; a pity that the feeling’s not mutual
5. Became great friends with new and wonderful pple
6. For a period of time, felt totally and utterly worthless (not now!)
7. First time to Kuching
8. Signed up for my first every gym membership….
9. ….and a hint of a 6 pack actually developed…..
10. ….. but evaporated when i came over to Dublin =/
11. played in Suntec for the very first time
12. first public song presentation
13. attended 3 weddings (would have been 4 if not for other commitments – more to come in 2010 i think)
14. attended final fantasy concert!
15. acquired a taste for Guinness draft
16. got introduced to diaoyu on the rocks and mojeeetos.
17. got my iphone stolen =(
18. did some truly, truly dumb things
19. saw my first shooting star =))
20. had my first night picnic
21. cried. a lot.
22. got a new and most amazing mentor (thanks Chris!)
23. actually forgave pple whom i never thought i could
24. felt really, really, really loved
25. learnt what it’s like to truly surrender to God
26. conquered my fear of onions (i still don’t like it though; but i can eat them!)
in short, to quote Dr Seuss,
“If you’ve never been born, what would you be?
You could have been a rock, a toad, or a tree.
Or worse in all of that you could have been a ‘wasn’t'!
Now a wasn’t has no fun at all no he doesn’t.
A wasn’t just isn’t, he isn’t present but you are here;
Now isn’t that pleasant?
Today you are you and it’s true-er than than true
That there is no one alive that is you-er than you
Shout out loud “I’m glad who i am!”
Thank God I’m not a rock, a clamp, a ham
or a dusty old jar of gooseberry jam!
I am what i am, and it’s a great thing to be,
if i should say so myself,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!”
=))
Week 1 Updates
Warning: monster post
Week one zoomed past! School started, attended lectures, made (even more) new friends, attended a new church and a new lifegroup.
The modules that I’m going to be taking this semester:
Knowledge Management and Innovation
Globalisation for Business Students
International Business
International Finance Management
HRM Techniques
Asian Business
was supposed to take Financial Economics too, but changed my mind after the first lecture (i have till 18sept to confirm my modules). The FE class was seriously 0-0. All the dy/dx X du/dt log ln formula sh….stuff. I told my program manager that my purpose here was not purely for studies. I could have done that in Singapore had i wanted to. If i had taken that module i can kiss my weekends and term break goodbye. She put us in Asian Business promptly. Nice lady =D
The international finance management lecturer was hilarious. He definitely hails from one of the eastern European countries going by his accent. He went through our notes and halfway through, exclaimed:
“What the f*** is this?” “Total crAAAAp.” “Irish financial commentators are rubbish…”
and proceeded to tell us not to buy the textbooks cos we wouldn’t be needing them, unless we had a personal interest in it. Btw, textbooks here are seriously ex. To the tune of approx 100sgd per textbook. I’m just going to head to the library every week la.
I have already established my least favourite lecturer. She takes my knowledge management and innovation lectures. The module itself is quite interesting, but her workload is unbelievable. This is how we are going to be assessed for this module:
Exams: 70%
Project: 10%
Learning Journal 1: 10%
Learning Journal 2: 10%
-START OF RANT-
Looks alright? Think again. Learning journal part 1 is on lectures week 1-6. Every week, we are supposed to journal a minimum 1000 word entry. 600 words commentary on pre-lecture textbook reading and a random article we pick up from the internet/magazines/newspaper and 400 words on post lecture reflection. 1000×6 weeks = 6000 words. I still need to read through, reflect, write my thoughts. All for 10%! Which means, per 1000word entry, im only going for 1.7marks. Totally WTH right? She thinks her 1.7 marks is the world. Needless to say, i totally spammed my first entry. Didn’t even bother double checking. I understand the need for some effort, but this is just ridiculous….
-END OF RANT-
Other than that, the rest of the lectures have been rather interesting. I enjoy the non-singapore way of education, where you just memorise everything and regurgitate during exams. Well, a certain amount of memory work is required here as well, but i particularly like the fact that most of my classes are conducted interactively, rather than just having the lecturer read from the slides. Didn’t realise how much i missed student life until these couple of weeks.
Did i mention that i have long weekends for the entire year cos i do not have lessons on Friday? Shiok! Am already planning to hit other countries with my housemates. Other than that, am grateful for the extra day to do my chores, cleaning and shopping for the week, so that i can have my weekends for other stuff like music, church, travelling etc.
Went grocery shopping on Friday! This merits a mention just for the reason that it’s the first time in my life i went grocery shopping with a haversack, because in Ireland, plastic bags are not given when you shop (apparently they are huge on environmental issues).
Pre shopping:
Post Shopping:
See my haversack has increased in size. One week’s worth of groceries. All was good, except for the one tomato who chose to explode in my haversack =.=
At the risk of jinxing it, i must announce happily that Dublin has had FANTASTIC weather the past week. No rain (which is a surprise, as Dublin is more prone to rain than sunny weather), the day was cooling, night wasn’t that cold, and it was just really, really nice to walk around. No sticky skin, no unnecessary perspiration. Jealous yet? =pp
On friday, i played football for the first time here. Man, it was literally a World XI vs Botswana XI. Yours truly was one of the smallest guy on the pitch. Totally felt like Park Ji Sung. I had Spaniards, Italians, Americans, Germans, Russians on my team. I was the only Asian on the field. I still had fun though, shan’t go into details, except that my italian and spanish teammates were really, really good. There was a guy who played like Maldini, and another who played like Giggs. Serious! But the weather was superb. Just the right amount of sun, and there was a cool breeze. Oh, and i had a team mate who is the splitting image of Berbatov. No kidding! I’ll try to get a picture in future.
Remember i mentioned in a previous post that i almost killed myself by going out to run in singlet and shorts? I got smarter hey. Nowadays i go in this:
(A jogging attire which looks really cool in movies but too siao to replicate in Singapore)
On saturday evening, i headed to the pub opposite campus alone to catch Man Utd vs Spurs over a pint of Guinness, as my housemates had some of their own plans =DD Good match, good victory. Just needed one or two buddies to complete the experience. On the way back, i stopped just outside apartment for a while. Was just captivated by how still, how quiet, how beautiful the sunset sky was.
My E71 camera didn’t do the surroundings justice, but at that moment, coupled with the awesome, awesome weather, looking at the landscape and the evening sky, wow, i suddenly felt really, really loved by God. Like he painted the evening sky just for me (maybe i have a hidden pathway to God?) And he spoke the words in Isaiah to me clearly, “In quietness and trust is your strength” =)))
I’ve been really blessed to have gotten connected to a church so quickly. Thanks to Hope London people for the recommendation. It’s a small but international church, but the things that they are doing are pretty similar to the early days of our church. I think they are moving in the right direction. You can check them out here.
Have attended 2 services, one lifegroup, and a music practice so far. If God is willing, i hope to be able to contribute to their music team soon and very soon. Think they wanna roster me soon as well… for such a small church (abt 100), think they would just take anyone who is willing to volunteer.
Some pictures:
Brendan, the senior pastor
Brendan’s daughter, Nicole – she has to be one of the most smiley babies ever! She’s always smiling, even to complete strangers… lol
Bohdan – my CL – he’s from Slovakia
Peter – the band leader – from Poland
We had a lunch session to facilitate fellowship after service today, and basically different people cooked for the church. The dish in the picture was a homemade lasagna by Bohdan’s wife, Anna. The taste was… indescribable, inconceivable~~~hahaha heavenly! Sometimes it feels quite good to become a member in church again. Like kena pampered.. hahaha. I’m enjoying the fellowship in this church =)
Till the next update, take care people =)
p.s (happy belated birthdays my brudders roy, ray and dennis – sucks that i can’t be there to celebrate with you guys – we’ll have a super belated birthday dinner/beer session/chillout night soon alright!)
p.p.s (sheep(s)….. reply my emails leh…. dun dao can. haha)
Reflections
It rains everyday in Dublin. Well, personally, I would prefer less rain so that I can go out more. Maybe I should just heck care and head out anyway lol. You can feel the weather getting colder by the day. For the first 2 days after arrival, I wore t-shirt and shorts to bed. These past couple of days I have been wearing a t-shirt, a thick hoodie, and track pants to sleep. Plus being buried under a 2-duvet thick blanket. I think I’m gonna die come winter.
Living in a faraway land alone, you grow up fast. Firstly, there’s no mum and dad to get you through something even if you do need them. I was just telling one of my army friends who remarked that I’m living “the life” here, that I reckon I have a more comfortable life back home. Over here, dinner doesn’t appear automatically on the table (I have been cooking everyday), toilet bowls do not get scrubbed automatically, clothes do not get washed, ironed and folded neatly into your cupboard by themselves; I even have to plan in advance what to eat for dinner so that preparations can be made, whereas in sg, where and what to have for dinner is a 5min decision in the evening. Not that I’m complaining, I’ve learnt all these and more before(the only good thing that army has taught), and my one month stints in Europe and Brisbane last year has put me in good stead for what’s ahead. Some good o’ Harry Potter magic will be very much welcomed though. Dinner-automaticus! Clothimus washimus!
Not that I’m complaining. I actually think that this period of time should toughen me up both mentally and spiritually. At home, I could care-less about dirty laundry and food and focus on the “important” things like my walk with God, ministry, career and studies. Over here, every one of the aforementioned is a priority. There would definitely be times where I wish that I was home, with all my friends and family and having an easier time but I really want to enjoy the journey, the process of molding. God isn’t done with me yet =)
One thing that I really love about the hostel is how quiet it gets at night. With the great weather (it gets cold but you’ll learn to appreciate it compared to the sg weather – right? ^^), it is a QT heaven. Listening to worship songs and praying is actually a new and wonderful experience. In exchange for the comforts of home, I think it is rather worth it! When I get married and move into a new place in future, I’ll be sure to set aside a “quiet room” (sound proof, carpeted, sofas, sound system etc) for these purposes.
I went running yesterday in a stanchart singlet and army shorts. BAD MOVE. Hahahha… the cold air that engulfed my body and went into my lungs almost killed me. Real smart move. Even the angmohs were in tracksuits. Someone mentioned that the Caucasians must have looked at me and thought to themselves “Crazy asian man“.
The admin staff in UCD have been very, very helpful. Ulric and I faced some problems with our registration as they didn’t have guidelines on what to do for transfer students (we are the first ones). Now things are being sorted out. Thank God for that.
Can’t wait for school to start next week! Will update more as soon as I take more pictures! For now… my room:
My super comfy bed:
What you see when you walk into my room (messy i know!)
My personal toilet
My wardrobe
The view from my room
My study desk (yes yes messy i know)
Ciao!
p.s HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROYSTON! have fun with the voucher =p
