Not enough...

I can't believe it... I just had dinner not too long ago and I'm hungry already... Grr... porridge is not enough for my big appetite! =(

Can't wait for my swelling to go down so that I can open my mouth wider to munch on some proper food!!

HUNnnNnnNNnggGGgRrrrrYYyyyy~~~

Wisdom Tooth Trauma...

Had my surgery to remove my left-bottom wisdom tooth today. It was quite traumatic because of the complications my tooth had:

i. It was horizontally impacted, so more difficult to remove
ii.The roots of the tooth were curved, so couldn't just pull the tooth out straight
iii. The roots were very close to a nerve, so there were chances of bruising it during extraction.

I think I shall spare you most of the details, and I'm just so relieved its over!

Thank God for ANAESTHETICS!

And thank God that I haven't had much pain so far ever since the anaesthetics wore off. Took only one pain-killer so far as precaution, and haven't had to take any more since yesterday. Hopefully that's a positive thing (or is it a sign that my nerve is damaged, hence I can't feel the pain?)

The right side of my face is swollen from the surgery, and it's expected that it will reach its maximum size on the 3rd day - which is tomorrow! Yikes. NO... I will not post any photos of it here! Hahaha..

Can only manage to chew small amounts of food at a time on my left side, and have mainly been eating oats & porridge for my main meals. Am supposed to be on a soft diet. Though I must add that I sneaked in an ice-cream yesterday 2 hours after lunch 'cos I was hungry... and ice-creams are SOFT... hahaha...

Please pray for speedy recovery & no further complications (like infections... Eek!!)

Update request fulfilled...

Funny how my sisters are asking me to update my blog....(?!) Hey, I'm staying in the same house as you-lah, and you know what I have been doing anyway.. Haha..

Anyway by "popular" demand.. =P

Just sat for my IELTS (International English Language Test System) yesterday as part of my PR application requirement.. Glad it's over 'cos was quite nervous! Was especially nervous during the "speaking" test, getting my words jumbled up & using wrong vocabulary.. aiyo... Pray that I can get at least a band 7 for each of the test~!!!

Arhhh!

Getting my bottom wisdom tooth extracted tmr.. my first surgery.. *gasp*.. quite worried actually but trying hard not to think about it. I guess I'm especially anxious because it won't be my usual dentist who would be doing the procedure, but an oral surgeon whom she recommended. Apparently it will take about a week to recover, and I won't be eating solid foods during that time.. WHAT?! Porridge every meal for 7 days??! =(

Attended the Curtin Uni Pre-departure talk today at Sheraton Hotel, Subang Jaya to meet students who are anxious to study in Perth for the first time. There were quite a number of students, mostly studying Pharmacy so it was good to have Esther Ho around to share her experiences. The OCF students who were there (3 of them) managed to get some contacts, so hopefully they're able to follow up on these new students and help them settle down in their first few weeks of Uni. (and of course to invite them to OCF too.. hehe..) Please pray for these students!

Otherwise, good time hanging out with the two Esthers from Curtin (Esther Ho & Esther Kok) at a mamak place after the session. The Roti Canai wasn't fantastic, but the company was! =)

OK, More updates after my wisdom tooth trauma tmr!

Trip to Singapore

I visited my friends in Singapore in December. Had a ball of a time there (as you can tell from the photos!). Managed to catch up with some of the ex-OCFers from WA (ie. Robin, Daphne, Dom & Lee Peng), my church friends (Su Ann & Elaine) & the ex-OCFers from Canberra.

(At Vivo City)

Stayed with Dewi and it was a great time catching up till the wee hours of the night. Was so tired by the lack of sleep that I started to get quite grumpy on the 4th day. Bad bad bad... so I had to excuse myself from dinner on Sunday night and went back to sleep instead (hence my absence in the Orchard Road photos..)

(Orchard Road Nativity Scene)

Had a little Christmas party at her place on Saturday too. It was great having fun with these ex-OCFers and some current ones too (like Ilona). Pot bless dinner with roast turkey and honey baked ham (ok that was ordered from Canadian Pizzas), baked pasta & apple waldorf(?) salad (Jaclyn's yummy contribution!), Caesar salad (Mag), Fries (Dewi?) and jelly by me! hahaa... Oh, and log cake from Bengawan Solo, drinks and chips. Did I miss out any dish?

We had Christmas carols (guitar playing by Ju Lynn), and I shared a short(? ok 10 minutes..) devotion from Phil 2:1-11. Then we broke up into groups and prayed for one another, and then there was the wacky gift exchange game that we had to play (thanks to Dewi & Mag!)

(Dewi & Mag busy explaining how the gift exchange works.. so many twists & turns!)

(CHeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesseeeeeeeee......)

Mag... we're waiting for you to organise the next Christmas gathering ok? Let's have it in Sam & Karen's new place =P (Oops.. Sam are you reading this? hehehe..)

My best friends' wedding

The long-awaited wedding of two of my best buddies from Canberra - Steven and Yuen Peng!

It was held in my church, KL Wesley Methodist.. pretty right?

This is the OCF Canberra bunch... I only know 2/3 of them.. quite a few first year students whom I've never met till that day!

This is the candid shot of the bride & groom with the best man (Douglas), and the bridesmaids (Magdalene & Me!).


I must say that the photographer, Greg was really good! Love this photo!

Haha.. they got a 'sabo' during the dinner for this! We (i.e. crazy OCFers) were not satisfied with this kiss at all! No No No... hahaa.. too bad I don't have the photos for our 'sabo'... yet... will post it up when I get my hands on that photo CD!

Happy couple walking out after the ceremony!

Tragedy...

Been a very busy week, but I'll update about that later.

Yesterday, I found out that one of my Uni friends was swept away by a wave in Queensland after helping a young woman to safety last week. It's been about a week now and they've still have not found him. Everyone is caught in a limbo between wanting to accept reality as it seems & holding on for a glimpse of hope.

The latest news I got was this newspaper clip:

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22889112-3102,00.html

Honestly, I don't know what to pray for. Perhaps for some closure to this incident?

We're all still hoping for his survival... God willing.

back in KL

Am back home! Lovely dinner with Jaclyn, Mag, Samuel, Karen & Dewi at some Jap restaurant last night in Singapore. Didn't sleep till close to 2:30am? Chatting with Dewi when I stayed over her place. Amazing how we've not seen each other for 2 years now, and yet we could just sort of pick up where we left off & continue on from there... Reckon that's a mark of the foundations of our friendship...? Or maybe it's just cos Dewi is just so friendly & open? =)

Had a swim after arriving home today.. and reckon it's just about time to crash into bed. Wonder how my bed feels like now? haha.. btw, I'm adjusting to the oily food back here after 5 months of quite healthy eating in Perth.. will I survive?!

leaving on a jet plane...

Leaving Perth in a few more hours.. well, at least another 14 hours really.. hehe.. can't wait to meet up with my friends in Singapore - Dewi, Jaclyn, Mag, Sam & Karen. It feels just like yesterday since I said goodbye to them in June (except Dewi whom I last saw in 2004?).

Went shopping today... really happy with a certain purchase (won't tell you what it is! haha..), but also found out that I am such an impulsive shopper! Basically, I bought something that I regret buying (pink & white body wash, lotion & soap set.. what am I gonna do with it?!) ... In the end I sold it to Jonathan to be given as a secret gift for his workplace's "Secret Santa" thingy. Haha... geez...

Been packing, but still unsure whether I got all that I need to go home? Haha.. oh well, hopefully I don't find out I left some important document behind when I get back to KL. I wonder how my parents will look like now that they've been exercising regularly to prepare for their Mount KK climb next year.. haha...! Oh, and what about Esther PopZ? Hahaha.. maybe lost weight from her SPM stress? kakaka... Yo Popz, I know you're reading this!:P And Bobby!! My soft toy! Eh PopZ, you better make sure he's in good shape (i.e. his nose is still intact) before I get back!!

It's all rather surreal now... it really feels like I just got here yesterday! But I'm sure it'd be an exciting summer back home! Malaysia... here I come!

Fremantle Trip

1st time at Fremantle yesterday with the girls - Esther K, Radha, Connie & Spring. Trying to make a slideshow of the photos... hope it works!

Newsletter #2

Dear friends,

In this issue, I will introduce you to some people I spend time with apart from the OCF students. Also top on the news are my plans for this summer!

My housemates!

Jonathan and Soong Leng have been very generous to provide me with rental-free accommodation. We generally have dinners together, though I must add that I get the better part of the deal, cooking only once a week! I assure you that there has not been any food poisoning due to my cooking skills (or lack thereof)! Thank God!

My mentors!

Believe it or not, I have 3 mentors! Pastor Max, one of the pastors of Subiaco Church of Christ which I’m part of, and his wife Aunt Patsy are my ministry mentors, primarily to mentor me on my work with OCF and studies at Bible College. So when I need advice tackling a certain theological or ministry issue, they are there for me! We meet up fortnightly to talk about things and pray. Aren’t they a lovely couple?

My other mentor is Angel, an ex-OCFer who has heaps of experience and a contagious love for the gospel, so it’s great to “pick” her brains and be infected! We meet up fortnightly, sharing about other aspects of life and to pray. She’s a ball of energy and it’s always fun hanging out with her. She and her husband, Ivan are planning a 6-month mission trip next year, so please pray for them as they get that organised!

My boyfriend!

David is also an ex-OCFer who is currently training to be a medical General Practitioner. He is Jonathan’s younger brother (note the resemblance?) and is still actively involved with OCF, discipling some of the guys. I get great advice from him about ministry in OCF, so I suppose you could classify him as one of my mentors too! We generally meet up on the weekends, catching Australian idol on TV, jog around Matilda Bay and pray together!

My Subicare Bible Study Group!

(Soong Peng's birthday celebration)

It’s great to have a Bible study group outside of OCF where I can get “spiritual feeding” from. Guess what? I’m one of the youngest! Everyone in the group is either a working adult, or a “professional student”. We’re studying the book of Esther now and it’s very encouraging to trace God’s providence all throughout the story!

Bible College – Baptist Theological College

(Gael, my group mate)

One of the good things about assignments so far is that I get to read some of my own personal collection of books which I’ve yet to read. I’m also absolutely delirious about the 20,000 volume of books in my library. The bookworm in me is getting very hungry!

However, I got some REALLY good advice from a friend recently about balancing studies and work with OCF: “…the books are probably going to stay put on the library shelf for a while but lives are passing you by, so don't waste the opportunities given you.” WOW! Told you it was good advice!

Recent interesting assignments:

• Feminist Theology – Is God really male?
• Christian Ethics: Homosexuality – What does the Bible say about homosexuals?

Sermon illustrations have been occupying my mind. Trying to make everything into a sermon illustration, e.g. visit to the dentist – it’s about pain in the present, but relief in the end! Reckon I could (mis)use my new found inclination as a threat too – “Don’t irritate me else I’ll talk about YOU in my sermon illustration!” Now don’t you think that’s POWER?!

Exams are over now (YAY!), hoping to take the summer break to mull over some things I’ve learnt in class – especially the stuff about postmodernism and how that affects our theology and evangelism.

Ministry with OCF – OCF Murdoch

(Students enjoying themselves)

Mainly meeting up with my disciples (2 of them) these past weeks. Making it a point to meet up with one student leader each week to get to know them better and provide an avenue of support for them. Figured students don’t necessarily come to me even if they have problems, so why not I take the first step and go to them instead?

Some demographics about the centre:

• ~ 18 regulars - 5 boys, 13 girls
• ~ 80% from Singapore, rest from Malaysia
• ~ 50% veterinary science students; other courses: Education, Media, Commerce etc.
• 3 Bible study groups, 1 Discovery group for non-Christians (which had only 1 attendee who came for 1 study this semester). Let’s persevere in prayer!
• 4 graduates in 2007, 7 by end of 2008: meaning we’ve got to step up our recruitment of freshies next semester! Pronto!

Been thinking about how I’m contributing to the centre and whether I’m suitable for this? It’s so easy (and I confess to still doing it) to assess my worth by the things that I’ve done or not done. Perhaps I have the “Martha” syndrome?

Summer plans

I’m going home! Busy 1st week back – wedding preparation of Steven and Yuen Peng – 2 of my best buddies! First time as a bridesmaid! Horror thought: what if I trip over the train of the bride’s gown?! Having some friends over at my place, so got to get the house organised!

Christmas celebration! Time to reflect on the wonder of God taking on human flesh to be born as a helpless little baby! Oh yes, if you’re intending to give gifts, why not check out this website (www.usefulgifts.org) about giving gifts that can help the poor?

Considering a little “pet project” whilst in KL – to visit Christian Fellowships in the pre-university colleges to tell them about OCF if they have students coming to Australia. Looking to get in touch with FES. Hmm… do you think that would work?

There’d be a handful of OCFers in KL for the holidays too, so will try to meet up with some of them. Summer Bible Studies anyone? There’s also the upcoming IDP pre-departure talk, which is a great way to meet students eager to go overseas for the first time.

I’m planning to apply for an Australian PR (Permanent Residency). Found out that the visa conditions now are favourable for me (thank God!) and God willing, I’ll be able to get that organised. Of course, there’s lots of catching up to do with friends and family!

Praise and Thanksgiving Points:

1. For surviving the semester at College!
2. Answered prayer of increased dependence on God!
3. Generally successful in building relationships with the students.

Prayer Points:

1. Orientation program next year for the new students.
2. Networking project with the Christian Fellowships in KL.
3. Time to start fund-raising again. Pray that I’ll speak to the right people who will be willing to financially support my work here with the students.
4. For all my summer plans!
5. That my spiritual disciplines won’t go on holiday during the holidays!

I love spreadsheets!

Semi-productive day today. Went down to Mandurah with David cos he wanted to look at the potential place he's renting for his 6-months placement there next year. Then was given assignment by him to design a spreadsheet so that he could use to calculate loan repayments and stuff. WaaaaAaaH! Free actuarial consultation ah? Oklah, that can hardly be considered an actuarial type job... any finance graduate would be able to do it too! =)

So.. guess what have I been working on the whole day now? Yes! Toiling at that spreadsheet! Oh, but I just love them spreadsheets though.. hehe.. and it's good exercise for my lazy brain, and to recall all those formulae...! What a DELIGHT! Ok, you must think I'm a nutcase by now... oh well, can't please everybody! =)

old friends...

It's been great catching up with old friends the past few days... never once face to face! Been chatting to YP, Julynn & Ernie boy over the phone (thank God for Optus Free Minutes!), and got a pleasant e-mail from Sen Mee, my former supervisor from Prudential. Ah.. just brings back such nice memories...!!

On the same note about old friends.. was browsing through friendster, and came across two of my closest friends in primary & secondary school. I've not seen or talked to them for years now, but suddenly my heart is just aching for them, aching especially for them to know the Lord. Read their blogs - A's blog gives a hint that she is deeply troubled.. while B's blog gives a glimpse that he's trying to figure out what this life is about, amidst the wonderful time he's having.

Will you please pray with me for them? I don't know when or how, but please pray for their salvation. Thanks.

Watched "Anne of Green Gables - the sequel" last night after my exams until 3:30am. Pheww! What a movie! Anne is just such a hilarious character... and quite a "drama queen" too. Really love it... I think most girls would love it... hahaha...

So only woke up at about 10:30am today... it's the latest I've slept till so far in the semester! Am generally a morning person and get woken up easily when there's sunlight. But since I've drawn the curtains, was able to sleep through all that! hehee...

Been busy writing my newsletter, which will be sent out shortly.. after I get a few more photos to put in... and then it's packing up to go home for the summer! how time flies.. 5 months has passed by just like that!

Freedom!

Itchy hands... just had to mess around with my blog layout! Haha.. well I suppose not much has been done.. I'm really bad at this sort of stuff..

Anyway, I'm pleased to announce that I have finished my exams! Whooopie!! Freedom! Now i can read all the OTHER books in the library that I've always wanted to. (DOPE!).. Ahh... a real bookworm huh...

But first up... I need to clean up this mess in my room! Busy day tomorrow!

Oh Zechariah...!!

ohhh! I'm not sure whether I'm panicking, or just a little tired of preparing for the exam.. Why is the book of Zechariah so long?!!!! Hahaha.. haihh.. see-lah, that's what I get when I do things so last minute...

okok.. persevere... persevere... now join me in my chant:
"Zechariah is part of the word of God... so I need to learn it!"
"Zechariah is part of the word of God... so I need to learn it!"
"Zechariah is part of the word of God... so I need to learn it!"
"Zechariah is part of the word of God... so I need to learn it!"
"Zechariah is part of the word of God... so I need to learn it!"
"Zechariah is part of the word of God... so I need to learn it!"
"Zechariah is part of the word of God... so I need to learn it!"

Ok, I'm convinced now.. I think!

Some random pics...

This was taken on the last night of the OCF Murdoch Local Committee (LC) Retreat. Having gourmet pizzas at.. I can't remember the name of the place now. Hahaa.. Those two pizzas are DESSERT pizzas.. Pecan and Mud chocolate or something like that.. oOooooo.. yum..! This pic is gonna feature in my next newsletter as well! Haha..

My birthday dinner at Matsuri Japanese Restaurant. Yummm... sashimi...



Subi Bible Study Group. A "surprise" birthday song & "cake" (its actually just fruits in the tupperware.. but looks like a fruit cake from afar.. hehee..) for Soong Peng! This will feature in my newsletter too!


That's it for now.. I really should be studying!

one more to go!

Yay! Just finished my New Testament exam... left 15 minutes earlier too because I had already finished writing what I had prepared to write. Gotta prepare for my next and last paper tomorrow - Old Testament! Aiks!

Can't wait to finish the next exam so I can watch Anne of Green Gables.. hehehe.. love it love it love it!

Geez.. its still sooooo hot here... ahhhh.. dreaming of a jacuzzi..

Glad I'm indoors!

Hot hot hot! Max 38 degrees in Perth today. WOooo!
One good thing - my laundry is sure to dry in no time. Yaay!
Oh another good thing - its just too hot to sleep on my bed in the daytime.. so there is less incentive to sleep and more to stay awake to study! .. that's if I don't keep getting distracted by everything else... like blogging.. DOPE!

Yaay.. ! I finished the 5 questions I was supposed to do. Haha.. I'm ready for a night of dancing!! =P

If I don't... then...

oh boy.. i'm soooo slack!! Slept half the day away yesterday, and for the hours when I was awake, basically did nothing productive!

My exam paper is still half empty, and I still can't get the motivation I need.. haiyahh.. keep giving the excuse that I worked so hard during the semester, and now I'm just recovering.. haha.. yeah right, more like hibernating than recovering..!

well, here's my resolution for the day: to finish 5 short answer questions to my Old Testament exam before 5pm, otherwise I cannot watch "So You Think You Can Dance" tonight. Ah!!

So cruel!!!