Thursday, March 31, 2005
Jervis Bay~!
Hi people! Just came back form a 3D2N road trip to Jervis Bay which is like a lil further south of Sydney. We took the coastal route and this is the first time I got to see Australian countryside other than from the top of a plane. Went with the OCFers from UNSW and Sydney Uni with the majority from Sydney Uni. 10 sisters, 5 brothers. For some reason, the sydney OCF ministry is very lop-sided. There are way lots more sisters than brothers in the USyd ministry and more brothers than sisters in the UNSW ministry. So ah, the only time they get more or less 'homogeneous' is when they have combined meetings and stuff.
Anyways, the road trip was fun. Though the drive was long, got to see stuff I would otherwise not see in Sydney. Like this huge natural blowhole along the way in Kiama and of course a lookout along the way that reminded of the sublime beauty in God's creation and His sublime love for us.
We stayed at this big house that was big enough for 15 people. At just $500 a day, was a good bargain cos we have so many people. There was even a pool table in the house! We went kayaking, a lil bit of bushwalking and some sight-seeing here and there. Weather was ok most of the time. It rained abit here and there and winds were sometimes very strong but otherwise it was a real cool trip. It was fun fellowshipping with the OCFers. I think I'm gonna join OCF on a part-time basis herein on. It was quite an interesting group with an age range of 27-19, haha. Kinda like the tribe back home cept the youngest in the tribe was Ivin who is 23.
All through the trip, I was reminded of the beauty of God's creation and His awesome might. You get that when you feel winds so strong they can sweep you off your feet! And to see it all so up close, woah's about the only word I can muster. I've posted some pics online. I don't know yet how to get the tags into this post itself. I don't wanna blog straight from the Flickr site you see. If you have no idea what I mean by the previous statements... nevermind. Here's the link to the pictures!
Leave your comments ya?
Anyways, the road trip was fun. Though the drive was long, got to see stuff I would otherwise not see in Sydney. Like this huge natural blowhole along the way in Kiama and of course a lookout along the way that reminded of the sublime beauty in God's creation and His sublime love for us.
We stayed at this big house that was big enough for 15 people. At just $500 a day, was a good bargain cos we have so many people. There was even a pool table in the house! We went kayaking, a lil bit of bushwalking and some sight-seeing here and there. Weather was ok most of the time. It rained abit here and there and winds were sometimes very strong but otherwise it was a real cool trip. It was fun fellowshipping with the OCFers. I think I'm gonna join OCF on a part-time basis herein on. It was quite an interesting group with an age range of 27-19, haha. Kinda like the tribe back home cept the youngest in the tribe was Ivin who is 23.
All through the trip, I was reminded of the beauty of God's creation and His awesome might. You get that when you feel winds so strong they can sweep you off your feet! And to see it all so up close, woah's about the only word I can muster. I've posted some pics online. I don't know yet how to get the tags into this post itself. I don't wanna blog straight from the Flickr site you see. If you have no idea what I mean by the previous statements... nevermind. Here's the link to the pictures!
Leave your comments ya?
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Sydney Royal Easter Show
Happy Good Friday everyone!!! So how did you spend your Good Friday?
I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Easter Show with coursemates Kailing, Alex and Carol. Yep, me Hongkong clique again. Feel my cantonese has been gradually improving by being in their company but sometimes I just can't catch the conversation as it happens too fast and I'll be lost. Times like this I will clarify in english or mandarin. But it gets annoying sometimes when like they're telling a joke and I can't catch it, then I'd be the only one with a puzzled expression while the rest laugh away. I also don't know whether to laugh with them or to act blur, haha.
Anyway, we met to go for the Easter Show. The bus was late and so even though I was late, we (me, Kailing and Carol) ended up taking the same bus. We all live in close proximity to each other along the main street you see. We took a train from Central station and the trains here, just as in Singapore, are all electric powered. They are, however, 2 levels just like a double decker bus.
The show's at the Sydney Olympic Park which was built for the 2000 Olympic Games and its huge, of course. The crowds were humongous. Its much akin to a carnival/funfair/country fair kinda thing. You have farm animals, rides, exhibitions, parades etc. Many many stuff. There are also these things called Showbags which are basically discounted stuff sold in the form of goodie bags for kids. Many are filled with candy and toys and stuff. Stuff that will appeal to kids and tweens and 'older' kids like me. I bought a Lord of the Rings Showbag for myself and some other as presents, hehe.
We also got around to seeing lil farm animals and stuff. Wow, I didn't realise lambs could grow to be that big. And I saw a huge big COW balloon~! Haha, snapped it and I'll probably send it to Pearlene later. (you won't get it if you're not frm KKMC) Carol wanted to see and pet some rabbits but the only ones we could find were in cages. Ah well, took some shots here and there, you can see em in the link below.
All in all, a fun and tiring Good Friday spent. On a 'serious' note, today is the first time I'm seeing with my own eyes, the commercialism of Good Friday/Easter. I mean, back home in Singapore, how would you spend your Good Friday and Easter? For me, it'll just be going to church and after that going out with friends or maybe some evangelistic thingy in crusade. Easter's not that 'big a deal' commercially in Singapore. Over here, its huge. That got me thinking... a 'supposedly Christian' nation (just like USA) has Easter and Christmas so commercialized... An entire nation, blind to the significance of Easter. I'm increasingly irked that a whole nation can link Easter to bunnies and eggs when they should be linking it to the Cross and an empty tomb.
Cheryl asked me why I didn't go to church on Good Friday. She believed that Good Friday/Easter should be spent remembering His sacrifice. I totally agree. However, I think you don't have to be in a church to be doing that. This year, for the first time, I witnessed how lost people can get in the true meaning of an event like Easter. It was, at least to me, a poignant reminder of the faith I had placed and continue to place in Jesus Christ and of my desire to 'tell His story to the ends of the earth.' A reminder that there are many who are still lost, still confused, still blinded by the gods of this world.
In retrospect, I guess I'm blessed to be living in a place like Singapore. Where Christianity is allowed to grow but we don't get complacent cos we can see other cultures/religions around us and the lost with their spiritual needs so very real.
Ah well, til next post.
Here are the pics to the event. I'm trying out Flickr, hehe.
I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Easter Show with coursemates Kailing, Alex and Carol. Yep, me Hongkong clique again. Feel my cantonese has been gradually improving by being in their company but sometimes I just can't catch the conversation as it happens too fast and I'll be lost. Times like this I will clarify in english or mandarin. But it gets annoying sometimes when like they're telling a joke and I can't catch it, then I'd be the only one with a puzzled expression while the rest laugh away. I also don't know whether to laugh with them or to act blur, haha.
Anyway, we met to go for the Easter Show. The bus was late and so even though I was late, we (me, Kailing and Carol) ended up taking the same bus. We all live in close proximity to each other along the main street you see. We took a train from Central station and the trains here, just as in Singapore, are all electric powered. They are, however, 2 levels just like a double decker bus.
The show's at the Sydney Olympic Park which was built for the 2000 Olympic Games and its huge, of course. The crowds were humongous. Its much akin to a carnival/funfair/country fair kinda thing. You have farm animals, rides, exhibitions, parades etc. Many many stuff. There are also these things called Showbags which are basically discounted stuff sold in the form of goodie bags for kids. Many are filled with candy and toys and stuff. Stuff that will appeal to kids and tweens and 'older' kids like me. I bought a Lord of the Rings Showbag for myself and some other as presents, hehe.
We also got around to seeing lil farm animals and stuff. Wow, I didn't realise lambs could grow to be that big. And I saw a huge big COW balloon~! Haha, snapped it and I'll probably send it to Pearlene later. (you won't get it if you're not frm KKMC) Carol wanted to see and pet some rabbits but the only ones we could find were in cages. Ah well, took some shots here and there, you can see em in the link below.
All in all, a fun and tiring Good Friday spent. On a 'serious' note, today is the first time I'm seeing with my own eyes, the commercialism of Good Friday/Easter. I mean, back home in Singapore, how would you spend your Good Friday and Easter? For me, it'll just be going to church and after that going out with friends or maybe some evangelistic thingy in crusade. Easter's not that 'big a deal' commercially in Singapore. Over here, its huge. That got me thinking... a 'supposedly Christian' nation (just like USA) has Easter and Christmas so commercialized... An entire nation, blind to the significance of Easter. I'm increasingly irked that a whole nation can link Easter to bunnies and eggs when they should be linking it to the Cross and an empty tomb.
Cheryl asked me why I didn't go to church on Good Friday. She believed that Good Friday/Easter should be spent remembering His sacrifice. I totally agree. However, I think you don't have to be in a church to be doing that. This year, for the first time, I witnessed how lost people can get in the true meaning of an event like Easter. It was, at least to me, a poignant reminder of the faith I had placed and continue to place in Jesus Christ and of my desire to 'tell His story to the ends of the earth.' A reminder that there are many who are still lost, still confused, still blinded by the gods of this world.
In retrospect, I guess I'm blessed to be living in a place like Singapore. Where Christianity is allowed to grow but we don't get complacent cos we can see other cultures/religions around us and the lost with their spiritual needs so very real.
Ah well, til next post.
Here are the pics to the event. I'm trying out Flickr, hehe.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
I'm struck by something John Eldredge said, "The masculine journey always takes a man away from the woman, in order that he may come back to her with his questions answered. A man does not go to a woman for strength; he goes to her to offer it." Guess this is a time I must go away. To find myself, to answer my questions.
Is this my time of preparation? There's a song by FFH (Far From Home) which goes something like, "Lord, move. Or move me."
Is this my time of preparation? There's a song by FFH (Far From Home) which goes something like, "Lord, move. Or move me."
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
MSN Blues...
I just had this sobering thought which I figure I better write down before it is lost unto me. Everyone I know now is connected via MSN. One of the remotely useful things that come out from the Microsoft Corporation. Do I sound like I've a vendetta against Microsoft? Nah, just distaste for their products like Windows etc. Anyway, there I was online at from 9pm onwards. That's 6pm for all your Singapore folk. As usual, none of my Singaporean friends would be online at that timing. I was actually gonna do my storyboards the evening and I don't know, let my MSN run in the background so that my friends would be able to contact me.
Okok, I'd be honest, I was hoping she would come online lah~ Anyways, I eventually did some witnessing online, haha. (1st time in Australia) And I also got some storyboards done. Just as I decided that I was going to go off to sleep after staring at my storyboards with no inspiration and no motivation to continue, she came online.
But she has problems with her computer. A Windows platform (Microsoft) upon which her Internet Explorer (Microsoft) is giving her problems. Even her MSN Messanger (Microsoft) is giving her problems so we are not able to chat easily. You can see now why I have this distaste for Microsoft products. PC's are just good for games and nothing else. Macs on the other hand, are good for everything, work and play. Okok, enough about that, I don't consider myself a Mac evangelist.
Anyways, there I was (it was around 1:30am for me) chatting with her and basically just replying to her messages. But her replies come so slowly that I was beginning to lose it. I almost wanted to scream, 'I've been waiting for you all night, don't you want to talk to me?!' Of course, its been awhile since she has net access and she is probably doing other valid stuff like checking emails, her blog etc. And she has other friends of course, other than me. I know all these at the back of my mind but it didn't prevent me from feeling sucky that she was taking so long to reply to me.
Later on that night, as I was in bed thinking about it all. I had an epiphany. I mean she isn't my girlfriend right? What right do I have to get angry over something like this? Even if she is my girlfriend, I would not have the right! I recall my silent plea for her to pay me attention on the chat window with the justification that I've been waiting the whole night for her. Then it struck me.
Isn't it the case with our God? He is like always waiting to hear from us, desiring our fellowship. I waited an evening for E. God has waited for days, weeks, months and years for us to respond to Him. My passion and my desire for her is strong. His passion and desire for me is infinitely stronger. And so many times, rather than choosing to commune with Him, we go on with our frivolous activities. Some of which are actually in His name and for His sake. Things like church functions, choir practices, preparing for cell groups etc. All these things which cause us to be busy. All these are really in the end, to be counted as naught for our Lord just wants us. Imagine waiting a lifetime for someone to respond to you, to your love. That's what Jesus did.
I asked for His forgiveness (which is already given) and His grace and mercy to be able to focus on Him and Him alone. Let nothing sway my heart from the prize.
Okok, I'd be honest, I was hoping she would come online lah~ Anyways, I eventually did some witnessing online, haha. (1st time in Australia) And I also got some storyboards done. Just as I decided that I was going to go off to sleep after staring at my storyboards with no inspiration and no motivation to continue, she came online.
But she has problems with her computer. A Windows platform (Microsoft) upon which her Internet Explorer (Microsoft) is giving her problems. Even her MSN Messanger (Microsoft) is giving her problems so we are not able to chat easily. You can see now why I have this distaste for Microsoft products. PC's are just good for games and nothing else. Macs on the other hand, are good for everything, work and play. Okok, enough about that, I don't consider myself a Mac evangelist.
Anyways, there I was (it was around 1:30am for me) chatting with her and basically just replying to her messages. But her replies come so slowly that I was beginning to lose it. I almost wanted to scream, 'I've been waiting for you all night, don't you want to talk to me?!' Of course, its been awhile since she has net access and she is probably doing other valid stuff like checking emails, her blog etc. And she has other friends of course, other than me. I know all these at the back of my mind but it didn't prevent me from feeling sucky that she was taking so long to reply to me.
Later on that night, as I was in bed thinking about it all. I had an epiphany. I mean she isn't my girlfriend right? What right do I have to get angry over something like this? Even if she is my girlfriend, I would not have the right! I recall my silent plea for her to pay me attention on the chat window with the justification that I've been waiting the whole night for her. Then it struck me.
Isn't it the case with our God? He is like always waiting to hear from us, desiring our fellowship. I waited an evening for E. God has waited for days, weeks, months and years for us to respond to Him. My passion and my desire for her is strong. His passion and desire for me is infinitely stronger. And so many times, rather than choosing to commune with Him, we go on with our frivolous activities. Some of which are actually in His name and for His sake. Things like church functions, choir practices, preparing for cell groups etc. All these things which cause us to be busy. All these are really in the end, to be counted as naught for our Lord just wants us. Imagine waiting a lifetime for someone to respond to you, to your love. That's what Jesus did.
I asked for His forgiveness (which is already given) and His grace and mercy to be able to focus on Him and Him alone. Let nothing sway my heart from the prize.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Pics from Darling Harbour
Went to Darling Harbour on Saturday with coursemates Andrew Chak and Carol. Saw a street performer there who was quite entertaining. Definitely better than the buskers in Singapore...
Cheers all.
Cheers all.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
I don't want to be 'nice'
"Christianity has come to the point where we believe that there is no higher aspiration for the human soul than to be nice. We are producing a generation of men and women whose greatest virtue is that they don't offend anyone. Then we wonder why there is not more passion for Christ. How can we hunger and thirst after righteousness if we have ceased hungering and thirsting altogether? As C.S. Lewis said, 'We castrate the gelding (a sterile horse) and bid him be fruitful.'
The greatest enemy of of holiness is not passion; it is apathy. Look at Jesus. He was no milksop. His life was charged with passion. After he drove the crooks from the temple, 'his disciples remembered that it is written: 'Zeal for your house will consume me'' (John 2:17 NIV) This isn't quite the pictures we have in Sunday school, Jesus with a lamb and a child or two, looking all the world like Mr. Rogers with a beard. The world's nicest guy. He was something more powerful. He was holy." - John Eldredge
The greatest enemy of of holiness is not passion; it is apathy. Look at Jesus. He was no milksop. His life was charged with passion. After he drove the crooks from the temple, 'his disciples remembered that it is written: 'Zeal for your house will consume me'' (John 2:17 NIV) This isn't quite the pictures we have in Sunday school, Jesus with a lamb and a child or two, looking all the world like Mr. Rogers with a beard. The world's nicest guy. He was something more powerful. He was holy." - John Eldredge
First Sushi Meal in Ozzy~
Just had my first Sushi meal in Australia with new friends Kailing, or Helen as she is known to the rest of the clique who aren't used to pronouncing hanyu pinyin - they're from Hongkong lah, and Carol. Dinner was supper late, in fact, by the time we got round to eating, it was already 2130hrs and we entered the restuarant (eatery actually cos it wasnt really that big) at 2030hrs!! In the end, it was more like supper. But ah well, food was good and so that's that. Had some really interesting and meaningful conversation as well which is a bonus of course. Though its the first time I had salmon sushi that was so huge, and so expensive for that matter. AUD $2.50 for a piece, yes one piece of salmon sushi. Although for the same price, me and Xuan will be able to eat a feast at Sakae. But ah well, this is Australia and comparisons will be in vain.
By the time we finished eating, it was already 2230hrs and so I walked them home course it really isn't safe over here. 'Not scared of one 10000, only scared of 10000 one.' Haha.
By the time we finished eating, it was already 2230hrs and so I walked them home course it really isn't safe over here. 'Not scared of one 10000, only scared of 10000 one.' Haha.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Brrr...
Its been getting colder day by day. Autumn is gradually upon us and temperatures are now, usually below 20 degrees. For someone who has been used to the hot and humid weather of a tropical island, it is indeed a chilling experience. Just the other day, while I was walking along the street in the city, the winds were so strong that they staggered me. Yes, that strong.
Imagine my embarrassment at not being able to walk properly in a straight line. Haha, I was totally shocked and unprepared myself. Winds here have been known to be strong enough to uproot trees. I guess I must really put on weight huh... Or else my measly 50kg frame will be swept away in a flash. I now regret not bringing my Army Goretex jacket along with me. It would have been good insulation had I brought it.
I'm done with my first ever assignment in Uni. It was a 2 min presentation that was like 10% of the mark. Yes, that much rests on a 2 min presentation. You buang it, you buang 10 %. I'm not developing any accent yet, not consciously anyway. Haha, I remember telling Mimi that if I did return from Australia with an accent that she has permission to smack me. Guess thats not gonna happen eh? Not if I can help it, hehe.
School in Australia has been a 'new experience' so far. Here, learning is very independent. You can be as 'on the ball' or slack as you wish. Lecturers will not pressure you into learning much. In fact, there are no teachers here, just lecturers. When I was in Poly, even though some of the lecturers were like my current Uni lecturers, there were the odd lecturer here and there who is able to be a teacher and mentor and whom is genuinely concerned with you learning something. Over here, none of that at all. I guess this leaves me to be very responsible for my learning. I don't want to think I'm like living up to anyone's expectations, my parents or otherwise, but I want to know for myself, at the end of the day, that I gave it my best shot. I came here and I learnt. Academically or otherwise.
I've always believed that I am one to adapt quickly to a situation. Let's hope that holds true for me.
If you want to be praying for me, I guess one prayer pointer would be discipline. In terms of time management for my studies and in the area of my spiritual studies. Quiet time so far has been like 3-4 times a week which is ok I guess. I hope to get into some formal bible study soon.
Til next post.
Imagine my embarrassment at not being able to walk properly in a straight line. Haha, I was totally shocked and unprepared myself. Winds here have been known to be strong enough to uproot trees. I guess I must really put on weight huh... Or else my measly 50kg frame will be swept away in a flash. I now regret not bringing my Army Goretex jacket along with me. It would have been good insulation had I brought it.
I'm done with my first ever assignment in Uni. It was a 2 min presentation that was like 10% of the mark. Yes, that much rests on a 2 min presentation. You buang it, you buang 10 %. I'm not developing any accent yet, not consciously anyway. Haha, I remember telling Mimi that if I did return from Australia with an accent that she has permission to smack me. Guess thats not gonna happen eh? Not if I can help it, hehe.
School in Australia has been a 'new experience' so far. Here, learning is very independent. You can be as 'on the ball' or slack as you wish. Lecturers will not pressure you into learning much. In fact, there are no teachers here, just lecturers. When I was in Poly, even though some of the lecturers were like my current Uni lecturers, there were the odd lecturer here and there who is able to be a teacher and mentor and whom is genuinely concerned with you learning something. Over here, none of that at all. I guess this leaves me to be very responsible for my learning. I don't want to think I'm like living up to anyone's expectations, my parents or otherwise, but I want to know for myself, at the end of the day, that I gave it my best shot. I came here and I learnt. Academically or otherwise.
I've always believed that I am one to adapt quickly to a situation. Let's hope that holds true for me.
If you want to be praying for me, I guess one prayer pointer would be discipline. In terms of time management for my studies and in the area of my spiritual studies. Quiet time so far has been like 3-4 times a week which is ok I guess. I hope to get into some formal bible study soon.
Til next post.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Great Expectations
Why do I have such high expectations of Christians?? Why do I expect Christians to have a higher moral code? Is it right for me to be angry at them if they do not live up to my expectations of what or how a Christian should act? Am I judging them by doing so? Am I proud in doing this? I know we're all human, and humans are bound to fail. In fact, the one thing you can count on humans to do, besides dying, is to fail. But Ii don't know, I can't stand it... what's all this selfishness? What's all this inconsistency? Do not call yourselves Christian and act like mere men. For you are not called to behave as the world behaves. Such hypocrisy is the number one reason many non believers have with Christianity in the first place. I'm all alone in the foreign land, even tho I know a few of my housemates from way back. But they were not the seniors I met in Singapore Poly anymore, neither am I the Andrew Yu Yang Jun I was in 1998. I've changed, they've changed.
Hence, I'm all alone over here, with my Lord as my vindicator. Cos those whom I'm closest to and who know who I am are all in Singapore. Still I hope I will be able to make more friends soon. Good Christian people who will be a support in times of trial. Lord, send me your people. Send me like minded individuals with whom I can journey with.
Hence, I'm all alone over here, with my Lord as my vindicator. Cos those whom I'm closest to and who know who I am are all in Singapore. Still I hope I will be able to make more friends soon. Good Christian people who will be a support in times of trial. Lord, send me your people. Send me like minded individuals with whom I can journey with.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Some Pics
Ok, since I've been to Australia for about a month already, I figured I should have some pics of the place so you guyz have a general idea of what I'm experiencing over here.
This is the church I'm attending over here. Wesley International Congregation which is part of the Uniting church. The Uniting church was formed in 1970s by the uniting of the Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregational churches. Its located in the city and is similar in style to FCBC (Faith Community Baptist Church).
Most streets are very narrow in the city, more often than not, being flanked by tall buildings on either side. There is even a monorail serving the CBD area.
Here is a lil restaurant at Chinatown which is basically this small street in the city. Its not as big as our Chinatown but ah well... You can tell its Chinatown with all its yumcha restaurants.
Here is the street that I live along. Well, the nearest main road that is. I live in Kingsford which is populated by asian minimarts and supermarts and eateries. See that lil shop in the pic? Crusade staff will get this joke... There's a shop near where I live that sells Asian food takeaways. "88 Asian Takeaways." So I went from eating at 99 to 88. Haha...
This is where I live. Its very 'safe.' For those who are concerned about my safety, don't worry ok?
First ya gotta go thru the main key which requires a key.
Then you gotta go thru the door in the lobby which also requires a key.
Next you have to have use the same key to activate the lift.
And finally you have the apartment door...
So you see... 4 layers of protection. Its almost like living in an Armskote. Almost. Hehe.
This is the church I'm attending over here. Wesley International Congregation which is part of the Uniting church. The Uniting church was formed in 1970s by the uniting of the Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregational churches. Its located in the city and is similar in style to FCBC (Faith Community Baptist Church).
Most streets are very narrow in the city, more often than not, being flanked by tall buildings on either side. There is even a monorail serving the CBD area.
Here is a lil restaurant at Chinatown which is basically this small street in the city. Its not as big as our Chinatown but ah well... You can tell its Chinatown with all its yumcha restaurants.
Here is the street that I live along. Well, the nearest main road that is. I live in Kingsford which is populated by asian minimarts and supermarts and eateries. See that lil shop in the pic? Crusade staff will get this joke... There's a shop near where I live that sells Asian food takeaways. "88 Asian Takeaways." So I went from eating at 99 to 88. Haha...
This is where I live. Its very 'safe.' For those who are concerned about my safety, don't worry ok?
First ya gotta go thru the main key which requires a key.
Then you gotta go thru the door in the lobby which also requires a key.
Next you have to have use the same key to activate the lift.
And finally you have the apartment door...
So you see... 4 layers of protection. Its almost like living in an Armskote. Almost. Hehe.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
From my Parents
Dear Andrew,
Happy Birthday to you!
You are precious to God, and His thoughts of you are countless. May you rest in His perfect care today.
Praying Your day Is Blessed.
Love
Dad & Mom
Sometimes I really take it for granted to be raised in a family with Christian values. And the fact that they have been selflessly there for me all these years.
Happy Birthday to you!
You are precious to God, and His thoughts of you are countless. May you rest in His perfect care today.
Praying Your day Is Blessed.
Love
Dad & Mom
Sometimes I really take it for granted to be raised in a family with Christian values. And the fact that they have been selflessly there for me all these years.
Beach Boy~
Woohoo!! Just came back from Maroubra Beach where I spent the entire morning. Was there cos Hillsongs church organised this Freshmen BBQ thingy. This is my 2nd time to a beach since coming to Sydney. The first time was at an OCF BBQ event at Coogee beach.
At that time, i didn't bring any change of clothing and people weren't swimming anyway so I didn't enter the water. Besides, it looked like it was going to rain and the water was freezing. We like took a stroll along the beach and when the waves hit us... brrrr...
Today, the weather was a lot sunnier. The sun was out in full force and darn it, I did not apply any sunblock at all. I hope I don't end up regretting it. I don't get sun burnt easily you see. My skin browns easily so I don't get burnt very often. Anyway... the water was still cold, by Singapore East Coast Park standards, but it was warmer than the other day at Coogee. And Sayyong who was with me, persuaded me to head into the waters. Told me I should come to Australia for the 'full experience' and not just be a bookworm. Honestly, he has no idea what being in a Creative Arts course entails but ah well...
So we hit the waters and WOAH. The waves are huge ok. Today was the first time in my life that I got swarmed by a wave and threw off my feet. As in my feet was touching the ground and then it wasn't and I was being tossed about till I got disoriented. SO FUN!! We, my roommate and I, started getting used to the rhythm of the waves and all and soon we were trying out body surfing which is basically trying to catch the wave as in comes in the shore with your body and being carried by it. Wooo... so fun. And if you find a wave breaking onto you, you gotta dive right through it and come under it or you'll be swept. I dived so much, my ears started to hurt. So I stopped for a while and then did it again. After just a lil short while, I got like darn exhausted so we went back to the beach to play some volleyball. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean in Australia is like so tiring man. Its very different from in Singapore cos, if you know your Geography, we're sheltered by Indonesia and all so the waves are no big deal in Singapore (and why we were saved from the Tsunami) Over here, the waters are cleaner, the air is fresher, the waves more shiok. Had such a fun time in the beach... Man, I could get used to this... this can be a regular fixture from now on... hehe. Oh and its not like back home where its like about 40 mins from Bishan to East Coast. Here, both Coogee and Maroubra beaches are like 10-15 mins by bus from where I live. How cool is that?! Only gripe was that I was in such a hurry to leave the house that I forgot to bring my camera so no pictures folks, sorry...
At that time, i didn't bring any change of clothing and people weren't swimming anyway so I didn't enter the water. Besides, it looked like it was going to rain and the water was freezing. We like took a stroll along the beach and when the waves hit us... brrrr...
Today, the weather was a lot sunnier. The sun was out in full force and darn it, I did not apply any sunblock at all. I hope I don't end up regretting it. I don't get sun burnt easily you see. My skin browns easily so I don't get burnt very often. Anyway... the water was still cold, by Singapore East Coast Park standards, but it was warmer than the other day at Coogee. And Sayyong who was with me, persuaded me to head into the waters. Told me I should come to Australia for the 'full experience' and not just be a bookworm. Honestly, he has no idea what being in a Creative Arts course entails but ah well...
So we hit the waters and WOAH. The waves are huge ok. Today was the first time in my life that I got swarmed by a wave and threw off my feet. As in my feet was touching the ground and then it wasn't and I was being tossed about till I got disoriented. SO FUN!! We, my roommate and I, started getting used to the rhythm of the waves and all and soon we were trying out body surfing which is basically trying to catch the wave as in comes in the shore with your body and being carried by it. Wooo... so fun. And if you find a wave breaking onto you, you gotta dive right through it and come under it or you'll be swept. I dived so much, my ears started to hurt. So I stopped for a while and then did it again. After just a lil short while, I got like darn exhausted so we went back to the beach to play some volleyball. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean in Australia is like so tiring man. Its very different from in Singapore cos, if you know your Geography, we're sheltered by Indonesia and all so the waves are no big deal in Singapore (and why we were saved from the Tsunami) Over here, the waters are cleaner, the air is fresher, the waves more shiok. Had such a fun time in the beach... Man, I could get used to this... this can be a regular fixture from now on... hehe. Oh and its not like back home where its like about 40 mins from Bishan to East Coast. Here, both Coogee and Maroubra beaches are like 10-15 mins by bus from where I live. How cool is that?! Only gripe was that I was in such a hurry to leave the house that I forgot to bring my camera so no pictures folks, sorry...
Friday, March 11, 2005
Birthday Thoughts
It is a very stark contrast between my 23rd birthday and my 24th birthday... Yes, I'm almost a quarter of a century old. Yet I don't feel 24 at all? I can say without any hint of reservation that my last birthday was the absolute worst birthday I have ever experienced. Imagine being all alone in the army camp with none of your close friends around you. Not just in camp, but out on a 3D2N training exercise where I had to supervise trainees as a Mortar instructor. Trainees who hated my guts just because I was doing my job by the book. Where on my birthday, I had to finally 'lose it' and spew all manner of vulgarities at the trainees when all through my NS experience (about 1.5 yrs up to that point) I had barely spoken a coarse word. When I reverted to the Andrew Yu of old whom hasn't surfaced in years ever since Jesus became my Lord for that period in time. When my boss during NS, explicitly showed favoritism and made my life miserable all because I wasn't like the rest of them (which is to say I didn't drink, smoke or gamble).
Now it is my 24th birthday. I'm still all alone without my closest friends beside me. Haha, yeah all alone in Sydney. Embarking on a new phase of life, just getting to know some of my classmates (actually only the few other chinese around) and generally trying out new stuff and experiences. Somehow its different though. True my closest mates aren't with me, but I don't feel 'alone'. I know He is near. I know my friends are keeping me in their thoughts and in their prayers. Another year older, another year on this earth. One more year to live it for Him. One more year to proclaim His story. Oh Lord, help me proclaim You unto the nations! Let my life, if it would only, reflect Your Glory.
Oh, my room in Australia...
Now it is my 24th birthday. I'm still all alone without my closest friends beside me. Haha, yeah all alone in Sydney. Embarking on a new phase of life, just getting to know some of my classmates (actually only the few other chinese around) and generally trying out new stuff and experiences. Somehow its different though. True my closest mates aren't with me, but I don't feel 'alone'. I know He is near. I know my friends are keeping me in their thoughts and in their prayers. Another year older, another year on this earth. One more year to live it for Him. One more year to proclaim His story. Oh Lord, help me proclaim You unto the nations! Let my life, if it would only, reflect Your Glory.
Oh, my room in Australia...
