Wrapping up 2008

It has come the point of the year that I start to wrap up the year that has just gone by and prepare myself to welcome the new year.

2008 has been a huge adventure for me. It was not exactly pleasant all the way, but now as I look back on it, I don't exactly regret anything. I can still remember the very first day of the year, when I officially let out the news that I would be studying in Australia. I can still remember how I fought to hold back my tears at the thought of it. I can still remember the overwhelming fear I had.

But I also remember that in year 2006 I prayed that God will use me. I also remember how I said I'll go wherever He sent me. I remembered wanting to be sent to a mission field. Australia seemed like the answer to everything. This also showed me how God does not necessarily answer everything on the spot, and it also proved to me that God always listens to our prayers. He was always there, even though at times I had my doubts.

This whole year God has just shown me His faithfulness. Through my heartaches, through my loneliness, through my insecurity, through all my tears and even through my happiness, through my excitement. And well, this is only a sneak peek. He made me realise how much I needed Him, how much I needed to trust in Him, how much I needed to just purely depend on Him.

He blessed with me with so much. He did not make me go through this all on my own. With modern day technology, He allowed me to keep in touch with those in Singapore. I had a support group here which I am really grateful. On top of that, He blessed me with such wonderful friends in Taylor College and TOAB, and even placed FMC people there before me. People who took care of me, who brought me to a cell group where I grew even more. I learned the importance of christian support. I started to have a hunger for His Word.

And even when I was about to back slide, when I was about to give up, He didn't let that spark in my heart extinguish. Deep down inside me, I knew I was yearning something. Deep down inside, I knew I wanted something more. And that little spark kept me going, kept me searching for the truth. He guided me along that too. The more I asked, the more He spoke to me through people. I'll go into specifics. I can still remember the weekend that there was the cell info session. That whole weekend, starting from OCF till sunday sermon, God used various sermons, various studies, various 'speeches' to speak to me, to comfort me.

Through the whole year, I had my ups, my downs. I had my fair share of struggles, whether physically, emotionally or spiritually. I gained new friendships, strengthened old ones. I learned to love my family more and most importantly, I started to learn what it meant to have a relationship with God. In return, He revealed to me His glory, He revealed to me bits of His master plan. He guided me this whole year, He gave me lessons that I had to learn the hard way.

And now, at the last day of 2008. When I look back at this whole year. It has truly been a blessing. My 'aussie experience' had been wonderful. True, I could have avoided a lot of heart aches by just staying in Singapore. All the pains were all worth it. That leap of faith is something I would NEVER regret. Because now I am able to stand here and testify God's greatness, I am able to share with everyone God's faithfulness. And only at this point of time, am I able to stand here and really understand why God wanted me to go to Australia.

And I really want to thank everyone who has played a role in my life. Whether you think that your impact was big or small, I just want to thank you for being there. For those in MUOCF, thank you for guiding me, for looking out for me, for giving me opportunities to serve and for being my christian support. For Liwei and Yen, thanks for being something that I could trust with my questions (even though you may most probably forget) Even for the car rides that you two have given me. Ya. Thank you so much for the huge impact you had on my life. For my cell group, thank you for helping grow through bible study sessions and thank you that we are not a cell group that only talk to each other on Fridays, but that we still are able to talk to each other outside ocf. Even for all my friends back in Singapore, thank you for keeping in touch with me and for always being there for me. And thanks Gerald, for always listening to my ranting and for always being there for me. Even for people like Ryan and Ziteng who hears my nonsense quite a bit of times. And ya, Jinli, Aiwee, Vanessa, Mushroom, Sasha, Ben. Thanks for being such wonderful friends in Melbourne. Even for people who have been missing me and helped me feel so welcomed when I came back, like Delicia, Gloria, Tiffany. And well many more. And sorry if I've left anyone out. It was not intentional.

Philippians 3:12-14
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

And ya. 2008 had been a wonderful adventure, something I would have never dreamt of last time. Year 2009 is going to be another whole adventure and I so can't wait for it!

To my new goals, to the new lessons that are going to be learned, to the new friendships, to the strengthening of old ones, to the struggles, to the heartaches. I thank You Lord, that You have everything in control.

Anyway, I'll leave you with this song. I've been listening to it as I type this and this is my prayer.

CHORUS:
Come and make my heart Your home
Come and be everything I am and all I know
Search me through and through
‘Till my heart becomes a home for You

CHORUS

A home for You, Lord
A home for You, Lord
Let everything I do open up
A door for You to come through
And that my heart would be a place
Where You want to be…

So ya, wrapping this all up. 2008 has been awesome but now it's time for me to end this chapter of my life and start on a new one. So ya. Signing off. To a blessed 2009 :)

Pictures

I was just bored and I can't sleep. So I did this. Ok it's nothing much but it was quite fun doing. And yes, some pictures are taken by Ziteng.

P.S. Delicia, I realised the two of us take a lot of photos together, and we are always on the same side. Haha. But then again, I like that side. Haha. And actually there's more just that I'm lazy to upload so many. So ya. 13 will do for now.

At least the whacky photos are not taken alone. Haha. Gerald is in them too. Haha.

Merry Christmas

I know this is not Christmas day, but too bad. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!! Hahaha

Anyway, I'm here to show everyone how funny my grandparents can be when the mood is happy. haha.

#1 - meet my grandma

#2- and my grandpa

#3 - So I had them take a shot together

#4 - And then do something cool and funky

#5 - now more on my granddad. See his face, this is all an act. He's not that blur one

#6 - when people are not looking, he gets to this position and attacks

#7 - then he'll quickly 'point fingers'

#8 - finally act blur again

ok that's all folks

Bored

I'm bored
I'm bored
I'm so so bored

I'm bored
I'm bored
I'm terribly bored

I've been stuck at home since Monday
AND OMG IT'S DRIVING ME NUTS
I so need something to do
I wanted to bake but my parents said too messy
So I'M SO BORED
AND EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO DO
EVERYONE BUT ME
WAH LAO EH
I'M SO BORED
IT'S DRIVING ME REALLY REALLY CRAZY

And if I have to stay at home any longer
I'll die

I'm going to cry to death
Then again
That sounds like the most fun thing to do right now

Sighhh
this is the weirdest post I have
I'm strange
Gosh.

In need of a job

I guess I had my fun already. Plus I'm going to be 18 soon, surely I should be more matured right? As much as this ain't going to be much fun, I guess I better get a job. Even if it means giving up my Saturdays. I guess it'll lighten my parents' burdens as well. Like then I can pay for my own expenses at least. Hmmm. And I better get one in Australia as well.

So yes, job recommendations anyone? Starting with Singapore ones first

Tammie

I'm too lazy to blog. Haha. Today was just fun hanging out with all of you! Hope you enjoyed yourself Tammie!!

Videos will be up soon

Attempted handbell reunion

Although the plan for a reunion failed, today was still ultra fun.

From making Tiffany race down from her house to catch the bus
To her missing so many buses
To walking around Vivo finding a place to eat
To Sandra coming late, horrible!!
To eating at the Food Court
To taking photos of Laoda
To drinking Mocha Frap at starbucks
To taking more photos of Laoda
To meeting Krystle
To taking even more photos of Laoda
To attempting to take photos on the top floor
To ben and jerrys
To taking more photos

Today was awesome! And I have 420 photos of which at least 90% is Laoda! Hahaha.

Oh and Tiffany, we finally got to do the take the same bus thingy. Haha. Just that, this time round it was getting off, not getting on.

#1 - prove that I can take photo with 3 others! And they thought I couldn't!!

#2 group shot

#3 - hanging out with these 3 was awesome

#4 - Lao da was the shortest today. Then again, she's always one of the shortest!

#5 - what does this look like to you? I'll reveal soon what Tiffany thinks these look like

Trust and obey

It's the 7th today and my results are coming out on the 15th of Dec. That's like 8 days time and it'll be during youth camp. And I'm really sure I'll wake up early just to check my results. But that's a different story.

The point is, I'm starting to get really anxious. And the minute the word 'anxious' came to mind, this verse just popped up. I know Gloria has been hearing this verse a lot. Anyway...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians's 4:6-7

And today we even went through Hebrews and I like Hebrews for chapter 11, regarding faith. And I guess, I should just trust God. I mean, I know He'll give me whatever that is best for me, whether I understand why or not. But I really want to get into the University of Melbourne.

Ok I guess what I'm trying to say is, I know God has a plan for me. And I'm honestly excited for what the future has in store for me. And after this panic attack I'm having now, I'm just going to trust God with my future, with my results. Whatever it is, God is in control and He'll put me in whatever course He deems best for me. So I shall stop worrying and just trust that He'll look after me. After all, this year has been so fun. Pure evidence that I've been taken care of.

Plus, it was really by God's grace that exams this time round was so enjoyable. It was really by God's grace that I went through exams stress free. It was by God's grace that I could even do the papers. And it's going to be by God's grace that I do well in my exams as well. Because I know He loves me and wants only the best for me.

Plus, I was just thinking about it. No matter how like 'horrible' life is, I'm still like playing a role in His master plan right? So isn't that a privilege in itself. Like, how cool is it to be involved in this master plan. Like everything that happens to me is part of that plan. So in a way, my life is impactful. Ok I may not be making a lot of sense now. But if you really think about it, life in itself is such a blessing, especially since we're all involved in God's master plan. Like although we are sinners, we are still part of it. Am I making sense??? Ok I better stop, before I start confusing people.

So yeah. Back to the point. 2009 will be a blast! Oh I can't wait!!!!!

oh oh, and I realise, there's always a silver lining to everything. So right, everyone should just let their lives be filled with JOY!!!!!! And no I'm not high, I'm serious

Love, me

This song has been stuck in my head for a long long time. It just makes my heart melt each time I hear it.

I read a note my grandma wrote back in nineteen twenty-three.
Grandpa kept it in his coat, and he showed it once to me. He said,
"Boy, you might not understand, but a long, long time ago,
Grandma's daddy didn't like me none, but I loved your Grandma so."

We had this crazy plan to meet and run away together.
Get married in the first town we came to, and live forever.
But nailed to the tree where we were supposed to meet, instead
Of her, I found this letter, and this is what it said:

If you get there before I do, don't give up on me.
I'll meet you when my chores are through;
I don't know how long I'll be.
But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see.
And between now and then, till I see you again,
I'll be loving you. Love, me.

I read those words just hours before my Grandma passed away,
In the doorway of a church where me and Grandpa stopped to pray.
I know I'd never seen him cry in all my fifteen years;
But as he said these words to her, his eyes filled up with tears.

If you get there before I do, don't give up on me.
I'll meet you when my chores are through;
I don't know how long I'll be.
But I'm not gonna let you down, darling wait and see.
And between now and then, till I see you again,
I'll be loving you. Love, me.
Between now and then, till I see you again,
I'll be loving you. Love, me.

Handbells outing

Mghandbells 06, WE SO NEED TO MEET UP SOON!!! Can you all get back to me asap if you're free on the 9th of Dec. Ps, spread the word!

Btw, I love your piano Tiffany!!

Reflections

I could blog about the day to day events of mission trip, but a lot of people would do that and it would most probably be out on the TEENS blog anyway. So you can always go there and view our day to day activities. I guess this time round, for the sake of future Monica and my readers, I'm going to do my reflections on my blog.

Ok some background info first. Among the whole group, we got split into 2 main groups, WOW and Agape. I was in Agape and this Agape programme is mainly for single parent children. My level did Agape preschoolers.

Ok now to my reflections.

This year, my mindset before I went for mission trip was very different compared to previous years. It could be because of the whole year in Melbourne and stuff, but when I went there, prayer was a very important thing to me. I went there, not with the intention of socialising and catching up, but really with the intention of sharing the gospel. It was just this burning desire in me, to reach out to those who were lost.

There was this girl, Luwena. 5, 6 years old perhaps? She was not an Agape kid and her mum did not want her to come anymore. On our last day of programme, she too understood that it was her last day, and she started sulking in one corner. That was so unlike her bubbly spirit and once I realised why. I carried her in my arms and then we started like crying together. Through her tears, I could tell that the seed has been planted, an impact has been made. I felt so sad that she was feeling sad. And then, the first thing that came to mind, teach her to pray. That short simple prayer just brought so much comfort to me and to her as well. That short simple prayer worked wonders. And that affirmed me. The power of prayer is not something to be underestimated.

And for those who have not heard, I was hospitalised because I had a very bad case of food poisoning. I don't mean to sound arrogant and stuff, but it wasn't difficult for me to find the silver lining to that situation. I'm glad that my body is able to get rid of all the 'poison' in my body and that it was not all contained in me. I'm glad my body is able to show signs when I'm dehydrating, so that I know I've to force water down my throat. And just simple things like that, stuff that I never noticed when I was healthy. So I guess, the food poisoning was really a blessing in disguise. And ultimately, the best part of the whole thing was that, I had comfort, knowing that no matter what, God was in charge.

We learned about each child's background and some stories really touch me. Preschoolers are not as dumb as I thought they were. They are really matured in their thinking. Even those in primary school are matured enough to look after their family, to put others before themselves. It really made me think about my own actions. I know from young, that I have a lot. But it only really hit me during this trip. That God has really provided so much for me. He meets not only my physical needs but my spiritual needs as well. Throughout the year, He has really shown me that He's more than just King. He's my comforter, He's my friend. And it was just things like that, that really make me happy. The more He reveals Himself to me, the happier I get each day. And I wanted the children to feel that same happiness I had. It's not that I don't have a single worry, but I've learned that God is always in control. And that single knowledge is one of my greatest blessings. So why shouldn't the kids know about it? I guess I can't say they are too young to understand, because they really have matured thoughts for their age, but I guess they do need time to slowly digest that they have a Lord and Saviour who died for them and on top of that, conquered death.

Anyway, praise the Lord for many accepted Christ this year. I'm not sure of the figures, but it was really a good number.

And another thing. During POW WOW (which is like our nightly gathering whereby we have praise and worship, devotions and blah blah), and when we started sharing. It really touched me to see that everyone has grown spiritually. It was no longer the case when there would just be this awkward silence. There were actually people sharing and on top of that, quoting scripture. Really, praise God for that.

I think it was Penny from OCF who shared on 1 Corinthians 13, on how without love, all our actions is nothing. As I shared that with the group, and throughout the whole mission trip, I realised how true that verse was. It wasn't hard to love the children, no matter how playful or naughty they were. I'm glad that God is teaching me slowly how to love unconditionally. And as I love, the want to see them saved just grew stronger and stronger. I guess all these things just come naturally with love. And, I really miss the children.

Oh yes, and this trip has really reaffirmed what I want to do after uni. This trip has really affirmed the choices I've been making. I think I'm more or less on the correct track. Yeah (:(:

Alright. That is all I have for now. I'll blog again if I have anymore to add. Till then (:

Back from missions

I came back from mission trip yesterday. Although I had high expectations for it, it went even better than what I expected.

And I am too lazy to update regarding it. But I really do miss the children. The time spent with them was really well spent.

I will update more another time. Till then. Toodles.

Missions

I will be gone to Melacca for a short term mission trip.

From tomorrow, 23rd Nov till 1st Dec. Yup.

So if there's anything just message me.

And do pray for us :)
(some prayer pointers)
That we'll have a safe trip
That the children's hearts will be open to what we have to share
That we'll stay healthy
That we do this to glorify God and not ourselves
That children will come for the programme
For good weather (not too hot please)
For the teachers and their guidance
For wisdom when sharing testimonies or when being asked questions

And just pray lah. I believe God will work when we all gather together and pray.

The Big Itch

Shuk In shared this through email today, which I found to be really good. And so I'm going to share it with those who read my blog. Yup.

The big itch
by John Fischer

Here is a thought as big as a worldview. Functioning as a believer in the world begins by thinking like this.

The wise King Solomon once wrote: "He [God] has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people can't see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT) In other words, it seems God has purposely frustrated us. He made us with a capacity for eternal things yet he keeps us from knowing fully what he is up to. And why would he do that unless he wanted us to seek after him and perhaps even find him?

This is God's way. We can't grasp much of this, but we can see that God has set things up so that we are a part of his creation and in participation with it. Part of that participation involves scratching a very big itch. The itch is that we belong to God and live in a universe he made, but he has remained relatively hidden from view. That means a whole lot of people are groping around looking for what they're not even sure of. They might say they don't believe in God, but they are looking for him nonetheless. They have this itch.

Every thinker has it. Every artist has it. Every atheist has it. Every poor and needy person has it. Everyone has an itch to know God. People on drugs are looking for God. Criminals are looking for God. Scientists are looking for God. Philosophers are looking for God. Gays are looking for God. Intellectuals who argue against his existence are looking for God.

Now if this is the case, and we live in a universe like this, if you happen to know God (through the revealed Word of God), have an idea what he looks like (Jesus), and would know him if you saw him (through the things that he has made), then you suddenly have something in common with all these people. You have what they're all looking for. That means that by just being around them, you might bring them some comfort. And for you to be around them is to have your own knowledge of God confirmed by their itch to know him even if they don't admit it.

While I was writing this, my little boy turned on the radio and an Elton John song came on with the following lyrics: Life is precious/Every day's a prize/And sometimes you find an answer in the sky.

If you listen for the big itch, you can find it almost anywhere.

Smile :)

My new earrings. I need to stop buying earrings.

In need of a job

I was just thinking about how much I'm going to spend during the holidays and O M G! The youth camp itself is already $50.

sigh. I really need to work. I know I can ask for the money but I don't wanna. Ok I need to cut down on my spendings so that my savings will last longer.

Any job recommendations?

Chocolate chip cookies!

Today's pace has been really nice and lazy. Haha. My attempt to wake up at 9 failed and I ended up getting out of bed only at noon. Haha.

And I baked! (sorry Delicia and Gloria. I was just too tired to have people over today) Oh how I love baking. Such a good way for me to relax and it gives me something to do. It's like entertainment and therapy. Wonderful. Haha. And I'm not trying to boast or anything, but today's batch was AWESOME! No burnt ones and each and everyone were baked to perfection. Yum yum

Tomorrow I shall cook! Haha.

Yummy yummy chocolate chip cookies!

inspiration-less

Though my blog is quite pointless, I still have no inspiration. I'm just typing this because I don't like the post before this one. Haha. Umm. Let's see.

I've really been enjoying my holidays. Not needing to wake up early and I have more than enough sleep every night. I managed to meet up with many friends and there's still many more. Haha. I've ate chicken rice 4 times in 3 days. I think I have had enough of that for a while.

I guess I'm really thankful to be able to come back to Singapore even though I miss the weather in Melbourne. My plane ride back was awesome, so that's something else to be thankful over. I'm grateful for the outings that I had, even if it was purely just stoning around. Haha. I must say, I have a really blessed life.

Even today's outing was awesome. Meeting up with Mush, Jinli and Aiwee. And well, Aiwee is pure strange. Haha.

Yupp. And mission trip is just round the corner and I have a really good feeling for this one. It's going to be legend.. wait for it... DARY! Hahahaha. And I feel prepared for it, spiritually and mentally! Ohh. I'm rather excited! Haha.

Ok. I h a v e p o s t e d! Y a y m e! H a h a!

Back!

Ok I'm back in Singapore and it's so so humid. I felt so sticky and HAD to bathe, and now I regret. Because it's 1251am, which means it's 0351 in Melbourne. And I really need my sleep. But my hair is wet. Oh gosh, now I feel myself rocking side to side. HAHAH. Ok Off to bed. I'll update another time.

To Miss Chuah Aiwee

Ok, I shall dedicate this post to you. And yes, for this once, I shall say it. Aiwee calls me Monty and she's really proud of it. But I don't care, only she can call me that. I don't need the whole world calling me that.

And ok Aiwee, I don't really get your tags. But I'm taking Qantas because it's a return ticket and I took Qantas in the beginning of the year. I really want to take SQ next year! And it's not going to have a delay! Oh please don't let there be a delay. I hate airports or sitting in planes.

Hmm. Yeah. Actually right Aiwee, I'm going to miss you. All your blonde moments and the times when you were super duper clumsy (which is ALL the time). Haha. Yeah. Hmm. Ok back to methods. I'll give you an ego boosting post another time. Haha.

Last Weekend

My last weekend in Melbourne. In the beginning of the year, I never thought I would say this, but I'm really going to miss this Melbourne. MY CELL! My friends! Maybe a bit of Taylors. And a tiny winy winy winy bit of TOAB.

But I shall not start reminiscing now. I still need to stay focused. Till another time!

Oh btw, flight details! I'm not taking SQ! Take note!
12th Nov
Touching down Singapore about 930pm
Terminal 1
Flight number - QF9

As Bread That Is Broken

Many hearts are hungry tonight,
Many trapped in darkness yearn for the Light
So many who are far from home,
And many who are lost
Oh, Lord, Your wounded children need
The power of Your cross

As bread that is broken, use our lives
As wine that is poured out, a willing sacrifice
Empower us, Father, to share the love of Christ
As bread that is broken Lord, use our lives

Help us to begin where we are.
Help us love the people near to our hearts
Then give our faith a mission field
Wherever You may call
Lord, love Your world through each of us,
Until we’ve touched them all

This song just came to me yesterday when we were all praying before coffee ministry. And as I was thinking about it, I guess this is my prayer. To be used by God and to like, fulfill the great commission. (is that the right way to phrase it?) Yeah, and I guess it's really applicable to the mission trip too. Yup, this shall be my personal prayer for the mission trip as well.

I guess we don't really know how much we got, until we see what others lack or until it's taken away from us. And I guess I don't want to wait till I'm at that stage. I want to be able to be a blessing, especially since I've been blessed with so much. Little things like being able to wake up to a new day every morning and like, being able to walk to school and stuff. Even for being to take exams and learning how to learn. Haha. Yeah. I guess I'm really grateful for what I am right now, and I want others to be able to feel the same way too. So yeah.

And another thing that really impacted me was what Penny shared on Friday. 1 Cor 13. About how if we don't love, whatever we do is meaningless. And I guess I want to be able to just love unconditionally. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm going to take on that challenge!

It'll be so much easier just to be brained wash! Haha

I can't wait for the next time I'm going to coffee ministry and for mission trip! An opportunity to share with others not only materialistic things, but the love of Christ as well! Yay!!

As We Worship You

As we worship You
Let all the world come and see
How the mercy we receive from You
Can set them free
As we worship You
Let all this joy that fills our hearts
Brings a hunger and a hope
To those who strayed so far

As we bow in adoration
And stand in reverent awe
Show Your majesty and glory
Let Your anointing fall
As we declare Your name Lord Jesus
As the only name who saves
May the power of Your salvation
Fill each heart we pray

As we worship You
Let all the nations hear our song
The song of Jesus
And His blood that proved His love for all
As we worship You
May all the lost and broken come
May they hear Your still small voice
Call out their names each one

As we bow in adoration
And stand in reverent awe
Show Your majesty and glory
Let Your anointing fall
As we declare Your name Lord Jesus
As the only name who saves
May the power of Your salvation
Fill each heart we pray

By Don Moen

Songs

I was thinking about it, and I realised that the songs that we learned while growing up in Sunday School, makes so much sense now.

Like 'Read the bible, pray everyday and you'll grow...' It actually makes so much more sense to me. I used to think of physical growth and like I'll be taller if I pray and stuff.

And the song that goes 'He's the Lord of the sunshine, and Lord of the rain...'

Ok I don't know the point of this post. I guess I'm just like happy? That I understand all these better and stuff. Ok I'm done with my random post. I totally just lost the whole point of my post. Haha.

sigh

SZE YEN CHAN AND TIFFANY YOUNG AND WHOEVER ELSE WHO READS THIS BLOG WITH ME KNOWING

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW WEIRD IT FEELS TO KNOW THAT YOU COME TO MY BLOG!

Now that I know, can't you at least tag! And as for now, I won't lock this blog. But it's going to take a while for me to get to this new fact man

Time Check

Ok exams are in a days time and it's getting rather scary. So anyway, here are some important dates for myself

31st Oct - English
3rd Nov - Further Maths Paper 1
5th Nov - Further Maths Paper 2
6th Nov - Psychology and Accounting
7th Nov - Math Methods Paper 1
10th Nov - Math Methods Paper 2
12th Nov - Flying back to Singapore

I need to find out the date for mission trip, that one I keep forgetting

15th Dec - Results are out

And then first school posting comes out in early Jan. I better start recording down all these and remembering them

Mushroom in a dress

Mushroom looks so pretty in a dress, with her hair all pinned up nicely! And to think she doesn't want to wear them.

Everyone go see the photos. She really looks very pretty in them!

How Excellent Your Name

Oh Lord, our Lord
How excellent Your name is
How excellent Your name in all the earth
Your glory fills the heavens
Beyond the furtherest star
How excellent Your name in all the earth

When I think about the heavens
The moon and all the stars
I wonder what You ever saw in me
But You took me and You loved me
And You've given me a crown
And now I praise Your name eternally

This song just suddenly popped in my head, and the second part just stood out so much. I really feel that God is speaking to me through this song and yeah, I kinda don't feel as heavy hearted as before. So yay.

Remembering the moments

End of school. Another year just simply zoomed past. And well, before the year come to an end, I just want to acknowledge my friends in Taylors College.

Coming to Melbourne wasn't an easy decision for me and having no friends here made it a whole lot worst. But God has really blessed me with each and every one of you (my friends from Taylors) Knowing each of you have made my life so much more fun. From the first day when I met Jinli and when I first met Mush. How I met Ben in English class and Aiwee through him. And everyone just kept coming into the picture.

It was just amazing to have known all of you and I really thank God for each and every one of you. You guys un-dulled my life and enriched my 'aussie experience'. And I don't think I want to go into so much detail before I start crying in my room.

But yeah, I really don't know what I'll do without all of you. So thanks a lot guys! I really really love you all

Cell Info Session 2008

The session today was really a good one, so thanks Dong, Liwei, Ben and Yen. Each and everyone of you actually impacted my life in one way or another today. Ok. It's very hard to share what went through my mind here. Guess it's also rather personal so I don't really want to put it on my blog. But you can ask me if you really want to know.

Hmm let's see.
4 more days till my mum comes.
4 more days till graduation
12 more days till start of exams
15 more days till coffee min starts
22 more days till exams end
24 more days till I fly back to Singapore (WAH SO FAST AH)

OH AND JUST TO INFORM THE WHOLE WORLD! I, MONICA LEE, PASSED MY LEARNER'S PERMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!! I'm one step closer to driving!! How exciting!!

Happy Birthday CHIARUIJUN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS CHIA RUIJUN!
hope you had a fun fun birthday.
(I need to come up with a nickname for you soon!)

Line 7

Line 7 are getting more and more funny by the day. I think it must be due to the stress. We're screaming, laughing our heads off and just being completely whacky. And until now, I can't get over what happened today.

Aiwee knocked over Jinli's water bottle
Jinli (being super childish) took Aiwee's bottle and threw it
And after a while, this guy came.
Aiwee:Excuse me, can you pick up my bottle
(the guy ignored her, or maybe he didn't know he was being talked to and just continued walking)
Aiwee: OIIIIIII!!!
(the poor guy had to walk back just to get her bottle)

Oh oh. And I really don't get Aiwee at times most of the time.
Aiwee: What are we eating tomorrow. It's the last week 2 wednesday lunch of the year
Me: What do you want?
Aiwee: I don't know, just choose
Me: Umm. Ghin Khao? Nam loong? Pacific house? Dessert house?...
Aiwee: I don't want
Me: Ok so tell me what you want
Aiwee: SOMETHINGGGGG DELIGHTFULLL
Me: (too stunned for words)
And then we started making fun of that. Or rather Jinli started making fun of that. Haha.

Ok enough rambling. I shall go start on my work. Haha. OH AND MR PLUNKETT (english teacher) CAN SPEAK CHINESE! HOW COOL IS THAT!!! Haha. And many other languages. Haha.

Happy Birthday Nessa!

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY VANESSA!!!

Hope you enjoyed yourself even though we kinda gave ourselves away when we were scampering around the house. Haha.

Oh btw, let me know if you have any photos that you want

Here In My Life

I have never walked on water
Felt the waves beneath my feet but
At Your word Lord, I’ll receive Your
Faith to walk on oceans deep

And I remember how You found me
In that very same place
All my failing surely would have drowned me
But You made a way

You are my freedom
Jesus You’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life

You have said that all the heavens
Sing for joy at one who finds
The way to freedom, truth of Jesus
Bought from death into His life

And I remember how You saw me
Through the eyes of Your grace
And though the cost was Your Beloved for me
Still You made a way!

You are my freedom
Jesus You’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life

You are my freedom
Jesus You're the reason

Bad day

Today is starting to be a bad day. I come back up from breakfast only to have this horrendous backache which is killing me! And on top of that, I am totally unable to focus on anything. I can barely do one question of anything. And it doesn't help that my phone keeps ringing because of all those telemarketers. I know it's not easy to be a telemarketer but seriously, I'm 17. What on earth do they want me to buy from them? I don't even have a credit card!

And now my stomach is feeling all weird. And I still can't focus on anything. Sighh.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUSHROOM!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUSHROOM!!!! You're finally 17, even though, quoting you, "age is just a number!" Hope you enjoyed your birthday and your birthday card!!! And hope you saw many backsides today! And stop showing me your predigested food. It's super gross. Don't give me that stupid face and that stupid tongue. Your neck is still your weakness!! Muahaha. XOXO MUSH!! You know we all love you! Haha. And I know you love me =D

End of holidays

Sadly, this is the last day of the two week break. It was really a very fun break and I'm so sad that it has to come to an end. This will be my last post for quite a while (or so I hope)

Daylight savings started today and I'm taking quite a while to adjust to it, especially the calling back part. (ok I just had the weirdest problem with my keyboard, something about sticky keys? Whatever that is) And now I'm so tired. I'm very sure that this has to be one of my most unproductive holidays that is so close to exams. 4 more weeks!!!!!!!

Ok I'm getting sleepy. Maybe I should sleep early. Hope school is fun.

OH I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MS SUSS AGAIN!! (oh darn it. All my books are in the hostel. How am I going to carry everything?)

I don't know what I'm talking about.

Oh before I forget. If you think about, losing an hour can be rather scary. Like where did it go? It's like mush's supernatural stuff. An hour just disappearing. It's quite creepy ok. Even though when I say it, it just sounds stupid. Ok I need to stop rambling.

I WANT THAT HOUR BACK!!!! I LOST SO MUCH SLEEP BECAUSE OF THAT ONE HOUR!!!GAHHH

Singapore Day

Singapore Day was good I guess. Reached there at 1015 and was supposed to meet like the people in my cell there, to show everyone how kiasu we are. But they never fail to show me that they have punctuality issues.

I expected like more for Singapore Day but it was just like three propaganda stands, a lot of food, and a stage hosting propaganda. So it was kinda like a day whereby if you're not careful, you could get brainwashed. Haha.

But with good weather + good friends + free food and drinks + a lot of freebies + the occasional cool breeze, well it turned out quite fun. I conclude that I prefer the weather here (except maybe summer) compared to Singapore.

Anyway, I really better start studying and doing more productive stuff with my life. Exams are coming!! Ohh. Day light savings start tomorrow, so I'm going to lose an hour tonight, and then I'll be 3 hours ahead of Singapore again. Sighh. Anyway, if you want the pictures, just ask me online and I'll tell you the link. Yupp.

Toodles!

Yen's 21st

Today was one of the funniest birthdays I've ever celebrated! It's so hard to type out what happened and so I shan't. But ask me ok?! It's so so funny. I shall upload the video once I get my hands on it.

Haha Yen. I'm going to be teasing you so so often! Now I get to bully you back!!! Yipee!

Anyway, some pictures...

#1 - Smiling so happily when we're celebrating Clement's birthday (pretending to play along)

#2 - Getting a bit impatient with us during dinner (wondering desperately when the sabo will start)

#3 - So terrified of the sabo ( I bet he regretted anticipating this)

I never knew my cell leader was such a paranoid person. And quote Tiffany, 'so full of himself'. But then again, he was a good cell leader. Too bad he's not our cell leader next year. Haha. Oh I hope next year's sabo is super duper bad!!! I better not say so much. My birthday comes first. Good thing he doesn't know my blog... i think.

Anyway. HAPPY BIRTHDAY YEN!!!
you have to admit it, I bring joy to the cell!! haha. Ok no more ego talk

Disgusting

THIS IS PLAIN GROSS AND SICK! link

To my dear brothers

I remember how we used to fight so often, especially Brendan. I remembered saying that you were the trouble maker since you fought with both Ian and I. All those fights the three of us had all seems so childish now when you look back at it.

I know I used to think it was a curse to have the two of you as brothers and I was more than willing to trade the two of you away for anything and everything.

But now, I take that all back. No one can ever be better brothers than the two of you. I know I won't let anything happen to the two of you, no matter what. Even if it means giving up my dreams.

Well, basically I'm just saying, I really love you two!

I guess being apart for a year has really shown me how much I love them. Phone conversations with them just keep getting better and better :)



and no ziteng, I'm not copying you in the sense that I have photos every post. It just so happens that the past few posts ended up like that.

Lovely weather

It's such a lovely day and the weather forecast says it's going to be sunny all day. And what am I doing? Studying.

Studying on days with such lovely weather should be a crime.

What are the chances of such perfect weather in Melbourne? I should just throw all my books aside and just go out. But exams start at the end of the month, so I've no choice but to stay here.

Oh how I long to go to the beach...

I love this photo
(poor Liwei looks like he's going to cry)

Cell Retreat

Back from cell retreat and it was AWESOME! There's really no reason to hate my cell. And I'm not going to post all my pictures here because it's going to take forever and I'm too lazy to do so. And anyway, for anyone who actually knows and reads my blog (from cell), please send me the pictures to my email. Thanks!!

After the much needed rest and play (which I really had a lot), I really have to start studying now. Haha.

Daylight saving

Apparently it's 8 days till the start of daylight savings. And you know what that means, I won't be as contactable anymore (to those in Singapore) I guess I could stay up if I wanted to, but on the other hand, I should really be studying since it's so close to exams. So we'll just see how eh.

SO.. If you want me to call you, it had better be soon. Because once I'm 3 hours ahead again, I may be too lazy to call. Haha.

Anyway, I'll be off for cell retreat tomorrow. That's going to be super exciting, I can't wait!! Apparently there's a 'committee' and I'm in second-in-charge. Hmmm.. That's so strange, since I haven't done anything except offer manual labour this morning. And I don't think I'll be doing anything there as well, so oh well, I just get a cool title. HAHA. Hopefully Yen never reads this. Then again, I doubt he knows my blog. But in case, HI YEN! Remember to tag. Haha.

Ok I shall go out and enjoy the weather before I come back to hit the books. Sigh. If only there wasn't any exams. Melbourne would be even more fun. Haha.

I want to go to the beach again!

Picnic

We're not two and a half men, we're three and a half girls :D

Great weather + good food + AWESOME company = A whole day of fun!! (with many many pictures)

YAY! We finally had our picnic! The weather was really good today. The sun was up, the cloudless sky was blue. We first went to some gardens (which I totally forgot the name) and ate and played cards and took many photos. Then we decided to go to St Kilda's where we took more photos and just hung out. I thought I took too many photos of myself. Jinli and Aiwee were there to prove that I was normal. Haha. And sadly, my camera battery died on me when we at the beach. JINLI AND AIWEE SEND ME ALL THE PHOTOS PLEASEEEEE!!!

Mush isn't very good at taking jumping shots. We jumped so many times and barely got a nice shot of us in the air.

Anyway, that's not important. The important thing is that today was really fun and we should totally do this again some day.

OHHH!!! And this is super funny.

Jinli(singing): The hills are alive..... (from the show Sound of Music)
Mush: RUN!!

Hahahahahaha!!!!!

LTC

#1 - my LTC cell
#2 - people from my cell that was present at the last day of LTC retreat

LTC ended just yesterday and it has been a wonderful experience. And I don't know how to describe whatever else is on my mind, so I shall just leave it as that.

Now I'm just waiting for cell retreat!! Oh exciting!!

Root 3

I’m sure that I will always be
A lonely number like root three

The three is all that’s good and right,
Why must my three keep out of sight
Beneath the vicious square root sign,
I wish instead I were a nine

For nine could thwart this evil trick,
with just some quick arithmetic

I know I’ll never see the sun, as 1.7321
Such is my reality, a sad irrationality

When hark! What is this I see,
Another square root of a three

As quietly co-waltzing by,
Together now we multiply
To form a number we prefer,
Rejoicing as an integer

We break free from our mortal bonds
With the wave of magic wands

Our square root signs become unglued
Your love for me has been renewed

Trials are over!

YAY! Trials are over!!!!! well for me that is. And it's really by God's grace that I managed to complete each paper. I felt totally unprepared for both accounting and psychology but I actually finished both of them with time to spare, with answers that I think is quite ok. Yup. Praise be to God that I got through the whole trials. I really want to thank Him for helping me through every paper and giving me the clarity of mind. I never felt so good after an exam. Haha. Praise the Lord.

Ok that's all I have for now. Two weeks holidays here I come! Haha.

Accounting versus Psychology

Oh I really don't like having accounting and psychology exam on the same day, whether it's now or during the actual thing. Psychology, something I really enjoy. And accounting, something that really requires my time.

But since psychology is counted tomorrow, I guess it'll get more attention tonight. (I'm secretly screaming yay!!)

Anyway, methods today was good I guess. Considering that I didn't feel a bit prepared last night. It's really all by God's grace. And I know it's going to be by His grace that I'll get through tomorrow. And after that, FREEDOM! Well, at least for the week.

Ok I'm just trying to procrastinate. Which is such an irony, because all I want now is time and when there's time for me to study, I rather not. But my head is so tired. How am I going to remember so many things. I need to make so many things meaningful if not they won't go into my LTM!

Gahh. Stress!!! Ok enough time wasted. I shall study. Maybe I should sleep early, wake up early and study in the morning. That way I'll feel more refreshed right?? But then again, what to study in the morning. Accounting or psych? Accounting is the first paper, but psychology is more important in every aspect. HAHA

CRAP!! I realised I haven't started on research methods yet. DIEEEEEE

Funny

Further Maths today was AWESOME! It's really by God's grace that I enjoyed it so much, even though there were some questions I resulted to guessing.

In between paper 1 and 2, Jinli and I went to MC and she said the funniest thing. We were looking at the puppies, so there were like 3 glass surrounding it for us to see.
Jinli: I wonder if they can see us
Me: Of course lah. You think they blind ah
Jinli: No I mean, do you think like the glass is the sort that we can see from outside but they cannot see from the inside
I walked to the opposite of Jinli
Me: Hello.. You can see me right?

ok it doesn't sound so funny when I type it here. But it was really funny then. Okok and just now. Like just just, I was at Mush's room and like before I left this convo took place.
Me: Eh, I'm going to take your towel
Mush rushes over
Mush: Shoo lah
Me: Just lend it to me for 5 mins.
Ok I shall skip all those
Me: Come on, just lend me one of those for 5 mins
Mush: Ok I'll lend you my air
And she just opened her mouth, tiptoed and blew hair into my face.
GOSH MUSH!

Haha. Ok once again that didn't sound funny when I typed it. Darn it. But oh well, I can just find it funny on my own.

Ok now back to studying.. I can't wait for Wednesday to be over!

Oh and this a video of Tyron, the chef. HAHA! He thinks that Singaporeans end the sentences by singing. So this is how he speaks to us. haha

Spring!!

One thing I really love about Melbourne is that it has 4 seasons. It would have been a bit more ideal if it snowed (in this context), but it doesn't matter, because it's already the 13th day of my favourite season. SPRING!!!

However I must say, the temperature change was rather drastic. Maybe it's because I'm in Melbourne. But that's not the point. I always had this image that spring was a very colourful season and a very happy one as well. And it's really pleasing to see the leaves 'springing' out and stuff. Really really beautiful. I realised I've really grown to love nature more and more.

Speaking of seasons. We had the girls/guys night for OCF yesterday and the theme for the girls' side was "in every season". It was really fun and the whole planning really taught me a lot. Yup. The food and deco was AWESOME! I'm not saying that because I'm in charge of that aspect. Because to be honest, I didn't really contribute much except manual labour. Haha. But yeah, I had to say that yesterday was really really fun and I'm glad that I had the chance to be a part of it. Yup.

Anyway, I led BS today in LTC and I must say it was rather exciting? I was really nervous and I'm really grateful that my cell group responds, and that Jon was leading with me, and last but not least, for the facilitators. I really won't know what I would have done without them.

Oh and trial exams have started. And it'll end on Wednesday. Well for me that is. Haha. Yupp. I'm so sad the weekend is almost over. I really enjoyed it, even English trials. But oh well. Next two weekends will be AWESOME!!!

Ohh I can't wait. Oh and I think we should have a picnic, since the weather is so nice..

Look!! Leaves coming out already!
(you can compare this to the previous post)
Haha. I must seem so free to be able to take these photos.

Carefully designed

Ever since coming to Melbourne, I've learned to appreciate the presence of the sun and clear blue skies. Also, I have found great pleasure in just admiring the trees, seeing them change from season to season. From a tree full of leaves to just a bare tree, it's really beautiful. And it struck me, if a tree is so carefully designed, each unique, what more us?

Psalms 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Something to think about and a chance to thank God for carefully designing each of us, to be unique and precious in His eyes :)

Homecell

Homecell was AWESOME! Well technically it's not really homecell since we didn't have it at someone's home but basically it was really really fun. A good time of fellowship, food and games. And a lot of laughs.

Guess wearing the colours of our national flag is not all that bad. I survived in shorts! Ok now I have to bathe and reply Joanne's email! haha.

What can I say, I really love my cell group. (Too bad not everyone came today) (taken at Jeremy's birthday)

Focus

It was so unproductive today. OH NO! I cannot continue like this. How am I going to get into Melbourne Uni like that. And to top that off, what Jinli said about the top 20 is really scaring me. She was saying how the top top few had about 97 plus plus and the bottom 20 was about 93? And my enter 85. Which means I have to score higher than that. And goshh. Me stressed and don't seem to be doing anything about it. Sighh.

Ok, from tonight onwards, I shall not be as contactable as before and I shall remain focused on my work. YES!

Shopping

I like even week Wednesdays, since I only have 2 lessons (of which both are really slack) and I end at 2. That gives me so much time to do a lot of things. And today, we went shopping. (There was some 'sale' thingy from 5-9pm)

#1 - Aiwee

#2 - Secretly, Mush enjoys the attention

#3 - My hair after I removed the tiny braids

#4 - The design of my new tee. =)

And I also bought a memory card reader. For some reason my other one just vanished into thin air. So yes, I'm finally able to upload photos. And one thing I learnt today, Big W has EVERYTHING!

Ok back to being a nerd. Toodles