My Story

Greetings from the Land of Living Skies

2010-09-18T08:49:00.015-07:00

Hello from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!

It is sunny outside but it's 4 degrees! With the temperature being so cold, it makes me think that I've missed Fall. Nevertheless, I am enjoying the weather to the fullest.

You must be wondering about my first three weeks experiences in a new land. It is rather difficult to summarize my time in Saskatoon but I will try my best to describe to you what it is like to be living in Saskatoon and to be doing ministry here.

My Team

My team consists of my supervisor, Lisa, and two fellow interns, Tim and Becca. We come from all over: Lisa's from Montana, USA; Tim's from La Crete, Alberta; Becca's from Wolfville, Nova Scotia. We live in a house that is close to the university. We live in community and do things as a family. It's only week three for me but I already feel the tension of living in community. It's amazing how much you discover about yourself when living with others. We have yet to butt heads (praise God for that). For me personally, it's the little things that bug me the most. For example, I can't stand dishes that are not clean properly; I can't stand lots of lights being turn on around the house. If you're in the living room, clearly you don't need the lights in the kitchen and dining room; I get frustrated when someone is not punctual especially when it has been told that we're leaving at 7PM, then you ought to be prepared to leave before 7PM, not getting ready at the strike of 7PM. *Phew* Aha! I'm discovering so much about myself just by looking at what drives me up the wall. It is through community living that we learn to love one another, learn to express our feelings to one another, and learn to come to a solution as to how to deal with conflicts. I believe it will be a good learning year for me.

City of Saskatoon

People have a misconstrued understanding of the province of Saskatchewan. To many Canadians, you don't choose to GO and LIVE in Saskatchewan. It's the forgotten land. Why on earth would you choose to live in Saskatchewan when you can opt for other 'better' provinces like British Columbia, or Quebec, or the Maritimes?
But you know what? Saskatchewan is a really beautiful province. Yeah, when I was flying over it, it was so flat I could see for miles and miles without any obstruction. But, oh the vastness of the land! It is so amazing to be in a province where you could gaze out to the horizon and see wheat fields and grasslands and just how beautiful the land is. Saskatchewan's tagline is: Land of Living Skies. I tell ya, they live up to that! Oh the beauty of the skies! It's like they're alive! And their sunsets are breathtaking! My team and I drove out of the city a few days ago and we got to witness one of the best sunsets!

As for the city of Saskatoon, it has its own beauty and charm. The South Saskatchewan river flows between the city and there are six bridges that connects the west and east sides. My house is located close to the university (about a 10 minute walk). There are parks and trails by the river where you can explore. Oh so beautiful! As you can see, I am loving the city and I am definitely very happy to be here. Each day I wake up and smile and thank God for the privilege to be here and to see Him working in this 'forgotten' province.

I don't think I can ever get enough of this land. So much potential and I believe that God is already doing something in this land. "A spiritual awakening oh Lord is what my heart asks of you for this land and for this people."

IVCF/Student Ministry

Student ministry is so different here. I have experienced a ministry back at University of Victoria where a fellowship has already been established. Here at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), we are helping them to reconstruct and redevelop the fellowship. It is like pioneering work/mission work on campus. We go onto campus and most times flop ourselves somewhere and be a 'furniture' (ie. making our presence known on campus) or we go on campus and walk around or get involved in student activities so that we get to meet students. Tim decided to join ballroom dancing - to learn to dance but also to meet students. I am looking forward to taking a class on curling - to learn to curl and to meet students. There are two student leaders and my team and I have been spending time with them, helping them dream and vision BIG for God and for their campus.

There has been days when I'd go on campus and sit in a corner and say to God, "Gee.... I don't know why or what I am doing here. Things have not been easy. We don't have a fellowship here. Students don't even seem interested in knowing or talking about you or the Gospel. So really, God, I have no purpose here." And as I heave a sigh of discouragement and dejection, I heard the quiet whisper of a loving God, "Do not be discouraged, do not be disheartened. Take heart for I am with you. I brought you here for a purpose and while you may feel like nothing is happening, take heart for I have a plan and a purpose."

Even though things are hardwork, I sense God's love for the city, the campus and the students. My team and I were praying for the campus 2 weeks ago and I saw a picture of a lamb and then Jesus saying, "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life to the fullest." Jesus wants to be a Shepherd to the lost sheep in this campus. And Jesus is asking me, "Are you willing to allow me to use you to bring my kingdom and love to this campus?"

My response?

"Oh Lord I am willing. Take my life and everything that's in me and use it all for Your glory."

Home will always be home

2010-07-30T06:44:00.004-07:00

I have been home for a month. The first 2 weeks was rather tough as I tried to adjust to life at home after being away for 3 years. It was not easy adjusting but thank God that He helped me to ease back into life at home. Although I am adjusted, life is still not the same. Malaysia has changed and so have I in the past 3 years. That being said, nothing has stopped me from enjoying at home.

I am grateful for the opportunity to visit my extended family in Tawau, KK and Labuan.
A few highlights from the trip:

- Throughout my 2 week stay, I was showered with an abundance of love and care! I felt like royalty! As I struggled with homesickness (homesick for my life and friends in Canada), God showed me that I STILL do have a community of family and friends here who love me lots. Though things have changed, nothing has changed their steadfast love and care for me. For that I am very grateful.

- I was given the opportunity by my high school teachers to share my high school and university experiences as well as my journey and life experiences in Canada with the Form 3 and Form 5 students at my former high school. It was such a blessing to be able to share with them my story. I also really treasured the time I was able to spent with my teachers. They were all so overjoyed to see me again. My teachers took me out for lunch, shared with me their joys and struggles of teaching and they continued to shower their love towards me even though I have moved on to finish my tertiary education.

Pn. Lim, Pn. Chan and Mrs. Tay. They taught me while I was studying in St. Anne's.

- I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship that I had with my extended family in Tawau, KK and Labuan. I also enjoyed sharing with them my experiences living in Canada for 3 years. These are the people who have seen me grow since I was 10 years old until today. In a way, they are like family to me. I know that I can always turn to them for guidance, support, and prayers.

My Bible Knowledge teacher, Aunty Ping Ching, with her BK students from 2002-2009.

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My family and I took a family vacation to Penang for 3 days recently. I really enjoyed the fellowship and bonding time we had as a family. I especially enjoyed spending time with my family be it in the car, while we were eating or while we were shopping. I know my mom and dad had been planning for this trip for a while now so I hope that they had enjoyed themselves.

"We should love one another" 1 John 3:11
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Life has been good and I know that it will continue to be so. I have limited time but still so many more people to catch up with! I trust that I will somehow be able to schedule everyone in before I fly back to Canada.

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:13-14

June 2010 Update

2010-07-10T03:09:00.003-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings from Malaysia! It has been and continues to be hot and humid! Things have been a whirlwind since I arrived home two weeks ago. It is hard to begin describing my experience of being home. No amount of preparation was sufficient when it came to dealing with the reverse culture shock. I knew that it would be hard but I never expected it to be this hard.

I am still adjusting to the hot and humid weather. The first few days were the worst as I felt lethargic, sweaty and there were moments when I thought I would not make it through the day! My body has sort of adjusted a little to the weather. Rain has finally arrived and it has been pouring like cats and dogs these past 2 days. I welcome the downpour as it brings with it the cool breeze and clears the sky. Nevertheless, I still long for the Victorian weather that I have been privileged enough to enjoy over the past 3 years.

Even though I missed my Malaysian cuisine, it has not been easy adjusting to the eating lifestyle here. My body went into shock as I was not able to get my usual diet of skim milk and cereal for breakfast, a big serving of fresh fruits and vegetables and good cheese! ;) I am also not used to having rice for every meal. I miss having fresh vegetables and fruits. I tried eating a raw carrot when I first came back and it tasted horrible. I was pretty upset that I couldn’t get lots of the food that I eat in Canada here. (I do welcome a care package consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables from Canada)
On a brighter note, I have unlimited access to an abundance of food. There are food stalls and hawker stalls at almost every corner and some of them are open 24 hours! I am also able to get Malaysian fruits at a fairly cheap price. I am reminded of the vast array of food and fruits that we have here in Malaysia and I am grateful for it.

I went through a period of intense homesickness. All I wanted to do was nap and cry. I really wanted to return back to Canada to be with my community and friends. I miss my lifestyle, the weather and the food and how easy it is to meet up with friends. I was sad and felt rejected that no one really inquired about my experiences in Canada. I felt like I have never left Malaysia. It was like time stopped and then resumed from where it stopped. I also quickly came to realization that my family has their own schedule and activities and at times, I felt lost and useless. I also felt like an outsider, peering into the lives of my family. It is hard to not have my own routine and familiar surroundings. I miss my community and lifestyle in Canada, but I am able to enjoy myself as well as my time with family and friends in Malaysia.I know that my family and friends are happy to have me home. Although it has been hard adjusting to life at home, I am grateful to have the opportunity to spend my summer in Malaysia. I am beginning to see that God has a greater purpose for me this summer. As many of you know, I am fundraising for my upcoming internship. Things took off amazingly but it got really hard when I came home. I felt really discouraged to a point where I lost all sense of purpose. However, God is good and faithful and somehow in His own ways, He used various people and various events in my life to encourage and spur me on. I am more at peace now because I know that God wants to provide for me and He will! I am called to be faithful to my call. Thus, I will continue to share my story and the works that God has done in my life. I will leave the rest to God.

I believe that July and August will be better now that I have been home for 2 weeks and have experienced the worst of reverse culture shock. I am slowly realizing that even though I am far away from my community, I am not forgotten. I am also well loved by my family and friends here as well as my community in Canada.
The next time you hear from me, I trust that it will be filled with many God encounter stories and possibly a few good laughs stories. Take care, keep in touch and God bless.

Blessings,
Rachelle

2010-05-31T20:38:00.001-07:00

Yay! I heart my friends :)

2010-05-31T18:45:00.001-07:00

I'll be home in 17 days.

2010-05-09T20:07:00.001-07:00

Here's a few photos while I was in Kelowna :)

Georgia and I at the top of Knox Mountain. Lake Okanagan is behind us.

Georgia and I in an apple orchard.

Georgia and my paper bag puppets (I helped her make one for her class)

Me on a dairy farm!

Fat Seals and Good Times

2010-04-29T23:48:00.003-07:00

Chrissy and I went to Oak Bay Marina to feed the seals (it's a Victoria thing to do ;) )

Boy oh boy! The seals that greeted us that day were fat! Good lives I must say.
It was really fun feeding them and seeing them flap their fins on the water. Sort of like them saying "hi" and/or "Give me my food!" ;)

2010-04-29T23:44:00.003-07:00

If you ask me how do I want to live my life, I have one answer: to leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.

I sure do hope I am doing that!

Oh Tanah Airku

2010-04-18T18:53:00.005-07:00

So, I may as well make it public: I am finally going home for a visit!! Three years away from home. It has been an amazing three-year stay in Canada. Heck, it has been so good that I'm returning back for another year! ;)
Nevertheless, I eagerly await the day I step foot on my tanah air (homeland). Sometimes it takes going away to be reminded of your tanah air and just how much it means to you.

I have 2 friends who are coming to visit me and my family in August! So, some things & places that I'd like to bring them to:

1. Pasar Malam

2. Ramadhan stalls (how convenient that they're visiting during Ramadhan)

3. Mamak. No trip to Malaysia would be complete without a trip to the mamak stall. Now they will get to experience the true meaning of "supper" ;)

4. Petaling Street. Of course. Can't miss it!

5. Central Market

6. KLCC & Menara KL

7. Shopping!!!

8. Lake Gardens

9. Zoo Negara! This is Chrissy & my top places to go to when she visit ;)

10. National Art Gallery

11. Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building

12. KL Railway Station

By no way is this an exhaustive list. Depending on how much time we have and how gung-ho we are, we may do more or less.
Either way, I know that when Chrissy and Siobhan come to visit, we will have an unforgettable KL experience.

-Pictures courtesy of Google

Year-End BBQ

2010-04-09T21:57:00.002-07:00

My last IVCF UVic event! :( How time flies!

Year-End BBQ: Business themed & we had office Olympics! (:

Human curling
Paper clip three-legged race
Haha ;) The dress up, tie a jump around your legs, hop while holding a mug of water, go under a volleyball net, and slide to pour the water into the jug game ;)

Filing Bible books in order

All grown up

2010-04-09T21:55:00.001-07:00

Now things are feeling more real. By things, I mean finishing university and moving to the working world.

Flower Sale!

2010-03-25T21:02:00.001-07:00

Check out our cool and awesome flower costumes (:

Surprise Party

2010-03-20T22:02:00.003-07:00

I had a group of friends who gave me a really nice birthday surprise party today!
What wonderful friends I have. I was really, really surprised and was very touched by their effort in putting the surprise party together. Elisabeth made a chocolate raspberry torte (right?), cheesecake and scones and we also had 2 kinds of tea. And then, my friends bought me at least 6 kinds of tea! (:

As I was riding the bus after the party, I realized just how loved and blessed I am! I have amazing friends in Victoria who love me unconditionally and today, they have shown me love. I truly appreciated their kindness, generosity and love. This among many other events, have testified to me that indeed, God had a purpose for me to come to Victoria. I know for sure that I graduate, not only with a degree and head knowledge, but also with the full assurance that I have a big community who love me unconditionally and that they have each impacted my life for the better.

Knowing just how influential my community has been and continues to be, it will be SUPER hard to say goodbye to Victoria (or BC in general) in June. Part of me wants to continue school, not because I love homework, but because I want to stay here longer as I have a solid community. But I know that God has a bigger plan for me and for that, I will have to uproot and move. Yet I know that even though I am saying goodbye to good old Victoria and BC, the people I've met will always be in my heart and no matter how far apart we will be, they will always be in my heart.

As I sit on the bench at UVic's bus loop and as students walk around, chatting, I am reminded of how much UVic means to me. I hope to one day return to UVic. How, When, and What for - I don't know - but that's okay. (: I do have memories to carry me on. Maybe that's how my dad and mom go on with life in Malaysia after returning home from Canada. They have fond (and not too fond) memories of BC and ON that forever changed their lives.

So my friends, thank you for all you have done. Not only friends in Canada, but friends in Malaysia and all around the world. The little things you have done for me go a long way and I cherish each one of you.

2010-03-18T20:28:00.002-07:00

Blessed 24th Birthday my dearest Chrissy.
I'm so glad we got to celebrate our birthdays together 2 years in a row (:
I hope you had a good one and may this year bring you more love and blessings.
I love you so much.

Our birthday cupcakes (:

I am so glad God brought you into my life.
With love,
Rachelle

Seattle

2010-03-18T20:21:00.001-07:00

Gum wall at Pike Place Market. Disgusting but awesome!

Kim, Chrissy, Rachelle, Jacqueline

Space Needle from our hostel bedroom window

Yay us :)

All I want for my birthday are...

2010-03-07T20:55:00.003-08:00

twenty two things:

1. Cookbooks on cooking and baking!

2. Tea and chocolate birthday party.

3. A letter and/or card from home.

4. A decadent chocolate cake with 22 candles on it.

5. 22 types of books!

6. A bouquet of flowers :)

7. A new dress and a pair of heels ;)

8. A call from someone to wish me a blessed birthday.

9. 22 types of tea as my birthday gift!

10. 22 birthday notes from friends.

11. A candle light dinner ;)

12. $1,000 credited towards my internship.

13. Breakfast in bed ;)

14. A walk in the park at night.

15. Being told "I love you" twenty-two times (or more! haha)

16. Snuggles!

17. Ice-cream.

18. Hugs & kisses!

19. Lots of birthday gifts.

20. A surprise party.

21. Shop til I drop ;)

22. For you to be happy =)

2010-03-04T23:53:00.002-08:00

Chinese New Year 2010

Go Canada Go!

2010-02-28T15:24:00.001-08:00

Here's to Canada for making history in the Winter Olympics 2010! :)
Go Canada!
I'm proud to be in Canada.
Time to party it up! :)

2010-02-21T23:53:00.002-08:00

Then... August 2007

Now... February 2010

[PS: A new family portrait needs to be taken when I return home]

VOP 2010

2010-02-21T13:41:00.004-08:00

In front of the Olympics flame

The Vancouver Olympics Project (VOP) went really well. I attended 2 days of it with some UVicers. On Wednesday, the theme was Celebrating Repentance/Justice & Thursdays's was Celebrating Creation Care.
It was really nice getting away from Victoria for a bit though after being around tons of people for 2 days, I was so ready to return back to the island on Friday ;)
I'm very content to watch the Olympics on TV. Heehee...

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Spring like weather - Beautiful! :)

I've been occupied. With what eh?

2010-02-15T23:38:00.003-08:00

No, my blog is not dead. I just have been well, occupied. You'd think that with all the time in the world, I'd have time to spare. No. That's not the case. But I believe that soon this will be remedied. Once the Olympics is over ;)

My weekly schedule is filled with Bible Studies, Bible study prep sessions, meeting up with students, reading (both leisure & educational read), and for the next two weeks, Olympics :) I've come to conclusion that there's some Canadian blood in me. Hah! It's a good thing that I will for sure be in Canada for another year or so. Don't get me wrong though, I am still proud to be a Malaysian and will in no way give up my Malaysian citizenship and I will stand strongly for my country.

I guess I will always, always have a heart for both countries. Yay! :) It's a win-win situation.

A little of my thoughts since the Winter Olympics started on Friday:

I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to come to Canada for my studies. I am definitely living in a very blessed and prosperous country (Now I understand why my parents fell in love with Canada). Canada is a great country and I want to soak in as much experiences as possible before my time is up.

Seeing Canadians cheer and root for their athletes during the Olympics have stirred a myriad of emotions in me. It's rather comical to see a Malaysian rooting for Canadians but hey, if you've been living in a country for a long time, you'd feel as patriotic as a Canadian citizen ;)

Anyways, my main train of thoughts basically is, I'm proud and grateful to be living in BC! It is after all, the best place on earth ;)

January 2010

2010-01-30T21:36:00.003-08:00

This week has been really good. I especially enjoyed Bible Study on Monday, student dinner with Joe and Shantel on Tuesday, Bible Study prep with Chrissy on Wednesday, supper and quality time with Leila on Thursday, tea shopping and quality time with Emily on Friday, Ring Out and watching "UP" on Friday, and brunch with Kaitlyn, Mustard Seed, and quality time with Stephen on Saturday. So yes, it has been a good week. I look forward to another great week.

Having the opportunity to spend time with friends on a weekly basis has been very rewarding and fulfilling. I have been waiting for this time for a while now where I can hang out with friends and not feel guilty because I need to do homework :) Just this week, I have learned so much just by spending time with people. I have also realized that my tertiary education has not gone to waste because I am now able to carry out a discussion with someone and actually be able to disagree and justify my thoughts and opinions and not feel guilty about it.

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Rachelle’s January 2010 Newsletter
E-mail: rachellelow88@ilovejesus.net

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Dear Family and Friends,
Wishing you a very Blessed New Year. I trust that your new year is off to a great start. I started off my new year with a joyous ushering of the New Year with 16,000 students gathered together in St. Louis! Then I spent the rest of the day on a 13-hour bus ride to Hamilton, Ontario followed by a 16-hour sleep! I spent the first half of my month in Hamilton, visiting a dear friend as well as taking some time off after school to recuperate and be refreshed for the new school term as well as a new chapter of my life.

Highlights of the latter half of December ’09 & January ’10:
*Urbana: How can I describe Urbana? It was huge (16,000 students) and exciting! It was my first experience of Urbana so I wanted to maximize my Urbana experience. I thought that I will be able to absorb everything but of course I felt overwhelmed! Anyways, God was faithful and I have gained so much from Urbana.

A few highlights:
o Family group: I love my family group. I had the opportunity to
spend quite a lot of time with my staff worker, Chrissy, and a fellow
leader, Josh. I have gotten to know Josh better and have been very
blessed by him. I am very thankful for the opportunity to spend time
with him and learn from him. In addition, I have also met and
gotten to know fellow student leaders from Simon Fraser University
(SFU) and University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). In the
midst of 16,000 people, it was comforting to know that I have a
family group to be with and to share the Urbana experiences with
them. Having the family group makes the hugeness of Urbana
manageable and less scary.
o Manuscript study: Though manuscript study each morning was quick and intense, I have seen the Word became alive. I have been studying John 1-4 since August ‘09 and having to repeat it for the fourth time can be repetitive. However, at Urbana, I saw John 1-4 in a totally different light and have gotten new things from it! It was very exciting and I am very excited to start a bible study using the same passage and going through it for the fifth time!
o Vocational calling: It was at Urbana that God opened my eyes to see the bigger picture of my presence in Canada. I am very pleased to say that my time in Canada has not come to an end just yet: God has shown me that my mission field is Canada. I am here for a reason and He has big plans for this country. I am very excited to be part of bringing God’s kingdom in this land that I have grown to love.

*Holiday in Hamilton & Toronto, ON: Though I missed home (Victoria),
having 11 days in Hamilton provided me with rest and time to process & reflect my
Urbana experiences. Though I was itching to head back and do student ministry, I
realized that God needed me to first get rest so that I will not be running on
adrenaline and the high of Urbana. It was nice getting to see Hamilton and
Toronto, hang out with friends, drink lots of tea (and eat lots too – that’s what
Asians do), ice-skate out in the open, and took a tour of McMaster University. I am
very blessed to have the opportunity to be in Ontario and experience a little of what
the province has to offer.

*UVic’s Exec Retreat: We had our
annual exec retreat on Denman Island
from Jan. 22nd – 24th and it was a
really good weekend. We had the
current and new leaders gathered
together and it was a good time of
fellowshipping and getting to know
one another better. The weekend was
filled with fun and laughter and
affirmation of what God has done in
our lives through our mentors. I
personally was really encouraged to
see everyone putting in so much effort
into being a blessing to one another.
Having the opportunity to be a
student leader with this amazing
group of leaders is a huge privilege
and joy. That weekend showed just
how good God is in raising up
kingdom leaders at UVic.

While it is fun not having to do any homework, I feel a longing to continue being a student. Sometimes it is hard to see my roommate leave the apartment to go to school while I stay home. However, having the time off has opened up opportunities for me to do the one thing that I love: student ministry. I am slowly getting into a rhythm of bible studies, meetings, discipleship times, and meeting with students on a regular basis. I do have plenty of time on hand and sometimes I feel guilty for not doing something beneficial. However, the more I think about it, the more I am realizing that maybe this semester is meant for me to take rest without feeling guilty and to actually do things that I love doing.
To summarize things up, January has been a really relaxing month and as February comes around, I hope that it will be a month filled with challenges and that it will also serve as a platform for me to continue to grow and be stretched in areas of my life that needs work.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24”
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May Jesus continue to dwell in our midst and may we learn to be more aware of His presence among us.
Thank you so much for your continual support and prayers for me. As we begin another new year, may we continue to be thankful and grateful for the many blessings that God has given us. God’s abundant blessings on you.

Blessings,
Rachelle Low

Prayer Requests
*IVCF: Pray for God’s blessings upon the leaders and IVCF community as we continue to invite people to follow Jesus.
*Exec and Chrissy: Pray for good partnership, God’s anointing and protection as we serve our campus and bring the Good News to students.
*Using time wisely: Pray that I will be a good steward of my time this semester. Pray also that I will learn to rest in Jesus and not feel compelled to fill every waking hour with something to do.

Exec Retreat 2010

2010-01-28T15:03:00.004-08:00

All of us at the retreat. It was a really good weekend as we got to have fellowship with one another.

Having fun on our afternoon walk through the forest and by the ocean and then back to the cabin.

Interns! :) Robin and Maria.

Having fun in the tree that we climbed.

Jesus, I thank You for friends and good fellowship.

Memories of Hamilton

2010-01-14T09:20:00.008-08:00

I am back home in Victoria (where it's beautiful but warm!) and am slowly adjusting back to BC time and recovering from exhaustion and travel excitement. For example, I took Christine's house keys with me back to BC! The lady at the post office laughed and joked around with me when I went up to her and said I needed to mail the keys! Before I left, she said, "Next time don't forget to leave the keys behind and not bring them with you!" Haha! Good times.

Hamilton has been good. I had a wonderful 11 days with Christine and her housemates. Some highlights of my trip:

1. My Dog Joe cafe: Christine and I sat, drank tea/coffee, and read in the warmth of the cafe while the snow fell gently outside.

2. Trip to Toronto: we ended up not exploring more of downtown Toronto because it was so windy and snowy that day. But, we did get warm in a coffee shop - sat, read, drank coffee while watching the snow fall and people walking outside.

3. Tea shopping and tea tasting with Christine: we sat, tasted 5 kinds of tea, snacked, wrote letters and chatted as the snow fell outside :) Hmmmm...

4. Ice skating on Lake Ontario: I got to skate thrice with Melody! It was really nice having the opportunity to skate on a frozen lake. I also found that I have better balance on the ice :P

5. Downtown Hamilton: Christine and I explored a little and got cheese ;) We came home and had cheese and crackers and tea for lunch! Yummy!

6. Avatar! Christine and I went to watch Avatar with Dave and Eric. We wanted to watch it in 3D but tickets were sold out by the time we got there! :(

7. Bean Bar: Christine took me out for a nice dinner at Bean Bar. We had ribs and sweet potato fries and 2 HUGE pieces of cake! Heavenly... Then we walked to the grocery store and home because we were so full and needed to digest the food :P

8. Movie watching, nap times and lots of introvert time. I appreciate the abundance of quality time with Christine :) I can't wait for more when she comes over in the summer.

9. Tour of McMaster University.

10. Snow! ;)

Good times :)
Thank you Christine and house for such a wonderful time! I will always treasure the times I had in Hamilton and I look forward to visiting again :)

A tiny bit of Ontario

2010-01-08T11:38:00.004-08:00

The joy of being on ice ...

The memories of trying to get a decent picture of the CN Tower and not freeze to death while in Toronto...

The beauty of Downtown Toronto...

The blessings of friends...

:)

2010-01-07T12:10:00.001-08:00

The beauty of snow-covered ground and the sound of blades on the ice. The joy of having friends to laugh and smile with. The opportunity to enjoy God's creation in all of its splendor and beauty.

I thought I'd leave a random New Year's post

2010-01-04T19:33:00.002-08:00

This is in response to my sister's post:

"I am horrible at crossing roads, very very bad. I hate crossing roads ALONE because it's like turn left, turn right, turn left again, then shouldn't I turn right again too? When do I stop turning? Secretly, I like it when someone holds my hand and guides me across the road."

See the sign behind me? I evidently enforce a rule that no one jaywalks and that everyone obeys the signal at any crosswalks. Thus, since I'm good at that, I will hold your hand and guide you across the road when I get home and when we need to cross roads, my dear sister ;)

On a different note, I am enjoying my stay in Hamilton. Canada is sure growing on me. I love the mild and beautiful weather in BC, the crazy Chinook weather in Alberta, and the cold, wintery, snowy weather in Ontario. I can't decide which is my favourite ;) But I guess that's okay. I could always opt to stay in every Canadian province and territory and pick my favourite or live a nomadic lifestyle. Either way, I'll be happy! :P Anyways, enough of ranting.

Road trip here I come!

2009-12-24T16:25:00.005-08:00

Only 2 days until I leave for my super exciting trip!!! In 2 days, I'll be busing down to Seattle and then flying to St. Louis, MO for Urbana!

After 5 life-changing days at Urbana, I'll be busing to Hamilton where I'll have 12 days of bliss. Then I'll be flying home to Victoria to begin my final semester at UVic doing student ministry :) Exciting eh?
(click on map for my route. See... I'm sort of making a round trip: starting from the West heading to the East and then back to the West.)

----------

BLESSED CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED NEW YEAR !

2009-12-22T23:41:00.001-08:00

Rachelle’s December ‘09 Newsletter

---------------------------------------------

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” –Luke 2: 11

Dear Family and Friends,

Wishing you a truly blessed and wonderful Christmas that is filled with God’s overflowing abundance of grace, love and peace. As you celebrate Christmas, may you be reminded of God’s blessings and goodness in your life.

Christmas this year will be my 20th green Christmas (I had my first white Christmas last year which was a dream come true!) and though I am disappointed with the no snow situation, I am glad to be celebrating this joyous season with people who are close to my heart.

A friend asked me once, “What’s your favourite Christmas tradition – it can be one that you practice or not?” I replied that it would have to be having a huge (and I mean HUGE) Christmas dinner with family and close friends followed by everyone sitting around the Christmas tree opening presents. I generally enjoy having people come together to be in fellowship – it brings me much joy and excitement. This Christmas, there will not be a huge turkey dinner with many people; nevertheless, I know it will still be a good Christmas – one that is quiet and relaxing but filled with God’s abundant rest and peace.

Highlights for the year 2009:

 [January/February]

*Exec retreat to Denman Island: a weekend of good bonding and fellowship with fellow exec leaders.

*My 2nd Chinese New Year celebration away from home. It was really nice to have the opportunity to share a little of my culture with my friends in Victoria.

 [March]

*My 21st birthday celebration: I received all that I dreamed of and more of it! I had the honor of celebrating my birthday with friends who are dear to my heart.

 [June]

*Summer adventure to Pender Island: my first camping experience in Canada, getting lost, and tons of sweet fellowship with my three amazing friends.

 [September]

*Great Escape at Pioneer Pacific: the blessings of strengthened relationships, the joy of forming new friendships and the opportunity to see students coming together and forming their own community. Not forgetting the gratitude of being in nature and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

 [December]

*Christmas Banquet: the opportunity to get together as a community to give thanks and celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God.

*High tea with Chrissy: the opportunity to conclude the semester with a time of reflection and joyous celebration for all that God has done in our lives and on our campus.

2009 has been a great year and looking back on it, I am very thankful for the many precious experiences and life lessons I have gained. I am very thankful to be blessed with friends who over time, have grown to be part of my family. As I celebrate the birth of the Messiah, I also celebrate the gift of friendships that I have been so graciously blessed with. Being away from home during this special season has been hard as I miss my family. However, God has been so good in providing me with my family of brothers and sisters in Christ in Canada whom I can celebrate Christmas with.

As this year draws to a close, I look forward to yet another exciting year, one that is filled with many thrilling and challenging experiences as well as the beginning of a new chapter of my life.

“Blessed Christmas and A Blessed New Year to you”

Agape, Rachelle

2009-12-19T22:51:00.003-08:00

I love you!

PS: I'm in Vancouver and am enjoying my personal retreat before Urbana :)

2009-12-19T01:53:00.001-08:00

Guess what? Guess what? Guess what??!!! :D

I'm officially done with my tertiary education! Yay!!!! Praise God for His faithfulness!!!

I can't believe I'm all done. Haha...

Anyways, hello holiday! :)

It's befitting for it to rain today

2009-12-15T17:35:00.005-08:00

I remembered walking into Centre 1 in January feeling nervous and excited to be working with infants! I was greeted with 10 adorable faces - apprehensive for the first few weeks - and 4 staff. I was showed around the centre and was instructed as to what my tasks were each time I came into work.
I got to know the staff as well as the 10 kids who became more at ease as I came into work each week. Before I knew it, I felt part of the team and I had little kids coming up to me wanting me to hug and love them. I learned how to interact and care for the littlest ones and I learned how amazing the staff team were (and still are).
Soon April came around and it was the end of my work term. I got a summer job without having to apply for one - it fell right into my lap as my supervisor wanted me to work with them. So I became a regular 'staff', coming in every day throughout the summer.
And as always, time always fly by. Soon, the summer season was over and it was back to being a workstudy student. I continued working in Centre 1, enjoying every moment of it.
Now it's December and today, I said my "goodbye" to the 4 amazing staff and 10 kids whom I've grown so attached to! Tears were shed (I'm still shedding them now). It felt like I was torn apart from my family.
One of the kids gave me a big hug as I kissed and hugged him goodbye. It was a treasured moment. I'll miss him so much. I saw him grow and I'm so sad I won't be able to continue seeing him grow! Not only have I grown attached to the staff and kids, I've grown attached to the parents as well.

I never had such an amazing work experience and I wished I could stay in Centre 1 forever and ever. My past year was enriched because of Centre 1. I never thought leaving work would be this hard. I love my team, the kids and their parents.

"I wished you could stay forever and ever but you have new adventures to explore."

PS: I made it through Monday and I'm still standing ;)

Goodbye smiley little faces...

2009-12-15T11:32:00.001-08:00

Today marks my last day at work :(
Tears will probably be shed later....

I've been counting numbers since Tuesday

2009-12-12T00:27:00.003-08:00

... Numbers to the page or word capita to my papers ;) Imagine how excited I got when I finally reached that magic number! woot! I started off today with 20 pages and now I'm down to 10 pages! :D Anyways....

Ask me if I'm still alive once Monday comes around. I have tomorrow to write a 20 page paper and study for an exam. I have of course, started working on the paper and I am half way through it (at least that's what I want to believe. hah!). I mean, I have 10 pages left to write. If you'd seen me on Thursday, I was shell-shocked and I did not know what I was doing, but thanks for my prof., I powered through on Thursday night and came up with an outline for my analysis. So, in a day, I went from not knowing anything to having my entire paper figured out (at least the big picture and end goal). I was dreading having to write this paper because I just wrote an 11 page "Executive functions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and compulsive-like behaviours in young children" and am pretty much wiped out from writing. However, half way into this 20 page paper, I found myself enjoying writing it and even came to a point where I had a fleeting moment of "oh my gosh! 20 page will NOT suffice!" Well, the part I dread the most would have to be integrating external sources into my paper. This is my first case study paper, so it's a whole different approach to research. I am enjoying this more than the conventional way ;)

Anywho, I should go to bed and be all hunky dory and refreshed for an extremely long Saturday filled with paper writing and last minute studying madness! Cheers to student life. I will be so glad to be done in a week. Speaking of a week, a week to total freedom is taking forever.

4 years done!

2009-12-05T06:43:00.002-08:00

DONE! Woot! :)

Though, I still have some papers and exams to write. AND right after ending classes, I got the cold. Haha... And thus, the bed has and will continue to be my best friend for the next few days.

I can't wait to recover and be done with exams.

13 days to total freedom.

8 classes left to the semester

2009-11-26T17:56:00.003-08:00

Only 1 MORE week of school and I'll be done with my undergrad career!
Excited? Yes. Nervous? Yes. I'm a bundle of mixed emotions!! I am already mourning the loss of being a student - I enjoy the student routine and rhythm - and soon, I will be functioning on a different routine. However, I'll be glad to see the end of homework, assignments, and exams. I look forward to having the opportunity to learn new things and not be tested on it.

So... 7 papers and 3 exams to go

2009-11-09T21:44:00.003-08:00

It's November :)

And I'm busy writing Christmas cards :D

Way to stay ahead of the Christmas post rush!! Heehee...

46 days til Christmas....

A good laugh

2009-11-05T23:37:00.001-08:00

Here's some Malaysian comic strips that I found amusing :)

2009-10-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

Rachelle’s October ‘09 Newsletter

---------------------------------------------

E-mail: rachellelow88@ilovejesus.net

Dear Family and Friends,

I cannot help but wish for a moment that time would slow down a little. Despite the endless string of assignments and midterms, I do not want the school semester to come to an end. While September has kept me on my feet, October has been a mellower month – less frantic running and doing – but more quality time spent with students and friends (oh, and with schoolwork as well). I have felt so frustrated because I was unable to find my rhythm to the things that I do weekly. However, I think I am finally finding it, that is, after making it a point to writing down my schedule for each day in detail – down to the hour. I find that by doing so, I make use of my time productively and most times, have surprised myself by accomplishing more than I had anticipated.

In as much as I am busy with school, I find joy and peace with my involvement with IVCF. In the first week of October, we had our annual fall retreat called the Great Escape, and this year, we went up to Pioneer Pacific Camp on Thetis Island for the weekend. Thirty eight of us spent a whole weekend together, and at the end of it, bonded together tightly. In hindsight, I am so amazed at the relationships that have been formed over that weekend. Today, whenever I attend Ring Out, I cannot help but be in awe at the sweet fellowship that we share in Christ Jesus. That weekend really brought all 38 of us closer, not only as friends but as a body of believers.

The joy that I receive from doing student ministry does not end at that. I have been meeting new students at Ring Out, and have the opportunity to spend some time with them. One of the joys that I experienced recently was seeing a first year student connecting with other IVCFers at Ring Out. At the end of the night, he came up to me and said, “Thank you for inviting me to IVCF. I had so much fun!” In addition, spending time with students – be it over coffee or while serving our community – has deepened my passion for student ministry, and has shown me how passionate these students are for God and His kingdom. My heart’s desire is for these students to be kingdom leaders and be witnesses of the Gospel on campus.

The call to leadership encompasses the call to discipleship as well. This was one of the many lessons I learned this year. Having the privilege to intentionally spend time with two girls, Carmen and Kaitlyn, has been one of my weekly highlights. Carmen, Kaitlyn, and I meet every Saturday for our discipleship time. As part of discipleship, we study the Scripture (the book of Acts), pray for one another, and be in fellowship with each other. Carmen and I instantly connected back in August when she emailed me to inquire more about IVCF. Kaitlyn and I met at the first Ring Out, and even though we do not know one another, I felt connected with her. The three of us immediately bonded together at the Great Escape. When I extended the invitation to disciple both of them, they said “YES”! Thus far, it has been a joy and honour to be walking alongside them and have this opportunity to invest my life in theirs. Carmen said, “Thank you for investing your time in our lives”.

Prayer Requests

v Pray for Chrissy and the leadership team as we serve one another and our campus.

v Pray for God’s anointing and wisdom as I serve my leadership team and those around me.

v Diligence and discipline in my studies; the ability to use my time wisely as I study and serve in IVCF.

May you constantly be reminded of the awesome and glorious power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your partnership, love, support and prayers.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

Agape, Rachelle Low

2009-10-10T23:16:00.005-07:00

Blessed Thanksgiving!

* I had a lovely and filling turkey dinner with Sue and her family. Turkey with stuffing, scalloped potatoes, salad, cranberry sauce, bread & cheese sticks, pumpkin pie, ice-cream, and chocolate cake! :D

* I'm heading to Vancouver to spend the remaining Thanksgiving holiday with Chrissy! Yay!!!

"Your love is extravagant"

A glimpse of the Great Escape

2009-10-09T09:23:00.003-07:00

The view of the ocean from Pioneer Pacific

Pioneer Pacific Camp

Archery

Robin, whom I've gotten to know better over the weekend :)

Pumpkin and Turkey!

2009-10-08T21:23:00.003-07:00

It's that season of scrumptious turkey dinners - Thanksgiving!
I had 3 Thanksgiving dinners last year, which was amazing. And I did not get sick of turkey.
This year, I am secretly hoping for lots of Thanksgiving dinners as well ;) Well, I have a few dinner invites, but I can't make it! Booo.... Oh well! I'd give up turkey dinners to spend time with Chrissy! :)
I'm heading to the mainland to spend Thanksgiving with Chrissy. Hopefully we'll both have lots of turkey dinners :P
That being said, I do have a Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday! :D
Oh the joys of food!!!

The Great Escape

2009-10-07T15:28:00.001-07:00

The picture says it all ;)

2009-10-01T22:37:00.002-07:00

This blog lives again!!! :P
And just when I have some time to update it, I'm leaving the city and heading to Thetis Island for the weekend. Hurrah for the Great Escape!!
If you want to picture just how excited I am for this retreat, imagine a little kid in a candy store and having the opportunity to pick any candy she wants, however much she likes.
Okay, multiply that by a bajillion times. That's how excited I am ;)

I'll update once I return from the retreat.
-------
On a different note, hello Fall!
Mmmm... rain jackets, boots, wool socks, sweaters & scarves, hot cup of tea/hot chocolate, a nice bowl of soup! Ah... how I love the fall season!

September Celebrations

2009-09-13T20:56:00.003-07:00

Blessed Birthday to my dad, mum, and brother! :)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Love you always!!! xx

2009-09-09T21:13:00.004-07:00

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact you are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

We are shaped by words from those who love us or refuse to love us. And we are shaped by the words of those who don't even know our names. It is the heart cry of all mankind to be loved and accepted, and sometimes a simple word of encouragement can make all the difference.

William Barclay once said, "One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement. It is easy to laugh at men's ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise, of thanks, of appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man (or woman) who speaks such a word."

To Vancouver.... and back to the island

2009-09-06T12:35:00.004-07:00

SLC! I have to give a summary on that! :) It was an amazing 5 days despite me falling sick. I met up with friends I've not seen all summer; and I met new friends too!

This year, we studied the first 4 chapters of John.
Some things I learned from it:
*Jesus' invitation to "come and see" - it's intriguing that His disciples did not question Him; but they just responded to His invitation by going and seeing and spending time with Him. I want to be like that too - to be able to trust Jesus and to follow Him wholeheartedly. And I want to be like Jesus who invites people to "come and see".

*Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well - I want to be like the woman, who after hearing Jesus' words, became the well spring of life that gave eternal life to others. She ran into her village and invited her fellow villagers to "come and see" Jesus. Because of her, many came to believe in Jesus and became saved. Wouldn't you want to be a well spring of life that gives eternal life to others? I do.

Some highlights of SLC:
*I had the opportunity to meet and get to know this year's interns! They - Maria, Robin, Mike, and Leslie - are awesome people! I enjoy their company and presence; and I look forward to getting to know them better. (That makes me miss Christine more though... she's interning in Hamilton)

*Volunteering at the Community Garden down on Hastings. It was great doing gardening with a group of friends and just being down in that area. I've heard so much about the homeless and East Hastings, but was never "allowed" to go there. But I finally step foot in that area. I found myself drawn to those living there on the streets. It's a whole different experience when you are actually there. You can't help but learn to see things and people through the eyes of Jesus.

*CAMPUS TIME! Now that was something I was looking forward to for a long, long time! =D I definitely had fun doing some plannings, being challenged in the vision for this year... and having the opportunity to bond with some of my fellow team members.

-----------

It's September! Wowzers... It sure felt like it was a week ago that I ended my summer course. Now, I'll be back in school for the final semester of my undergraduate career in 3 days!

I'm saying "goodbye" to Vancouver today (sad). Each time I come over, the goodbyes get harder. I used to not have any friends at all on the mainland; but now, I have so many! Being very people oriented, it is especially hard having to 'depart' from them, even if it's only momentarily. The thought that I will only see them in 3 months time saddens my heart. Geee... I wonder what it would be like when I have to really say "Goodbye" to my friends in Canada... That's a scary thought for now.
Even though I am sad to say goodbye, I am looking forward to going back to the island. I am especially thrilled for the many people time I will be getting! :) It is going to be an exciting year! This year, my place will be sort of like a "party" house - in a good way - I'll be having a few friends who will be staying over (slumber party! yay!) when they visit the island; and I will have a 'new' roommate! =D Well, she's UVic's IVCF staff worker and she'll be staying with me when she's over on the island! I'm super excited that I think I'm literally bouncing off the ceilings :P

I look forward to school as well, not the homework and studying parts, but the others, yes. Like, I look forward to getting into the rhythm and routine of school; meeting up with friends; doing lots of IV stuff; spending time with friends... the fun things that I get to do as a student! :) Oh, and not forgetting, I look forward to going back to work!!! My little munchkins! I heart them!! <3

Until my next update, friends!

¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning. ¹⁴The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1: 1, 14

2009-08-27T05:57:00.003-07:00

It's 5.57AM and I"m all set for my long journey to Vancouver :P
SLC is TODAY! Yay! I'm so excited....

Yesterday, I ended my summer job at the Daycare. I never thought I would be so sad to leave. I even cried at the bus stop! :'(
My coworkers wrote me the most touching card and even gave me a thank you gift!
My time at the daycare over the summer has been amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed it; especially being able to bond with the kids! I will miss them ever so dearly!
I will still continue working at the daycare in the fall, but I will only be there twice a week, which really saddens me. I have enjoyed the privilege of going in for work every day the past few months and that has helped me to get to know the kids and my coworkers better.
the kids said goodbye to me yesterday, but they don't really understand what is happening. One of my coworkers said to me later, "Even though (Thea) doesn't really understand what is happening, she'll soon get it and will miss you a lot. I'm sure she'll ask for you tomorrow"
Awww......
Each day, I would be greeted with smiley faces and cute little "hi" at the door when I come in for work. The babies are all so excited to see me! That really warms my heart! :)

Even though it will be nice to take a break from work, I am already looking forward to going back in September. My coworkers said they will be counting down the days until I return ;) [I think I will too]

For now, I'm putting in a few more things into my backpack and away I go to Vancouver!!!!!!!!!!!!

730 days in Canada

2009-08-24T11:13:00.008-07:00

I have been in Canada for exactly 2 years!

Wowzers! It's pretty hard to believe that I have not been home for that long. Victoria is my home -- for the past 2 years, I have learned to be independent, established a good network, and I am very much familiarized with my surroundings. Malaysia feels 'distant' to me -- I have a mental image of Malaysia I left 2 years ago. I know so much has changed, and it will be shocking for me when I return home.

Some memories/how I've 'changed' in the past 2 years:
Me, on my first day in Canada (Aug. 2007)

My first trip to the Okanagan to visit Alison and her family/ My first encounter with snow! (Dec. 2007)

My first Exec Retreat at Denman Island (Jan. 2008)

My first birthday celebration away from home [20th birthday] (March 2008)

My first adventure with Georgia - Kamloops - to visit her family (April 2008)

Trip to Surrey to visit the Ongkili family (June/July 2008)

First Canadian wedding experience at Qualicum Beach (July 2008)

Me! at the Great Escape, Cowichan River (Sept. 2008)

Reading break up on Denman Island (Nov. 2008)

Christmas Banquet (Dec. 2008)

Snowfall in Victoria (Dec. 2008)

My first white Christmas (Dec. 2008)

My first trip to Alberta! My dream come true - a trip to Banff National Park (Dec. 2008)

My first horse ride in the snow (Dec. 2008)

My first encounter with winter temperature as low as -38! in Calgary (Jan. 2009)

Exec Retreat on Denman Island (Jan/Feb 2009)

Chinese New Year dinner with friends! (Feb. 2009)

My 21st birthday extravaganza celebration in Vancouver with my closest friends and the interns.
Alison & Chrissy share the same birthday as mine (: (March 2009)

Epic Pender Island Camping/Backpacking trip with Georgia, Robyn, and Christine (June 2009)

Me today (Aug. 2009)

2009-08-19T12:12:00.002-07:00

It has been great not having to study or worry about school for the past (wowzers!) month! Can't believed it has been a month since I last ended my summer courses! :)
I've been sleeping/napping/resting/relaxing a lot; and when I say lots, it's lots, like 11 or 12 hours of sleep each day; and possibly more :P It has been good and refreshing! I'm slowly getting the rest that is much needed.

Of course, I do more than just sleep the day away. I've been doing lots of planning for IVCF with Gareth and Chrissy. I love diving into details and doing lots of organizing. Going on a tangent for a bit, I love organizing to the extend that one night (at around 11PM), I decided that I should reorganized my room. So I did! :P Only after that was I able to fall asleep :P

On to more updates...

I have 5 more days left of work!!! Egad! In as much as I'm looking forward to a nice break, I will miss working with my coworkers as well as the babies! I feel like a proud mum right now :P haha...
Yesterday, I walked into the centre and the babies went, "Mama!!!" Haha... My coworkers laughed and told them "She's not a mama, it's Rachelle."
Aren't they adorable? :) I heart them all!

Another week to Student Leadership Conference!!! Yipeeeee!!!!! I'm super, uber excited for it. It's pretty hard to describe the reasons why I'm so excited -- I'm just excited for EVERYTHING ;)

The Worker's 23rd Psalm

2009-08-11T11:23:00.001-07:00

The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.

He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.

He restores my sanity.

He guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mail, system failures, copier jams, back-ordered supplies, unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget cutbacks, red tape, downsizing, gossiping co-workers and whining customers,

I won't give up, for You are with me.

Your presence, peace and power will see me through.

You raise me up, even when the boss fails to promote me.

You claim me as your own, even when the company threatens to let me go.

Your loyalty and love are better than a bonus check.

Your retirement plan beats any 401K, and when it's all said and done,

I'll be working for you a whole lot longer!

(Author unknown)

Home from London

2009-08-07T23:49:00.002-07:00

I got to meet up with Alison again after not seeing her for more than a year! We went out for dinner; then hung out at my place (I had the opportunity to host her for the night). Did the catching up of our lives - sharing experiences, our fears and dreams, and just enjoying the company of one another (:
One conversation I appreciated was when she shared her experiences of having to adjust to her culture upon returning back. Things change in a year; and we change as well. I fear especially when I have to return home and having to deal with the culture shock and all the cultural adjustments that comes with it. However, listening to Alison share her experiences have shown me that it's something inevitable; and that even though it will sometimes be hard, it's impossible.

I am thankful that even though we've not seen one another for a year, our friendship is still strong and I believe that God continues to strengthens our relationship.

It's sad that she was only able to spend one night in Victoria. It would have been great to have her stay longer (:

Closer and closer to the end of Summer

2009-08-06T22:12:00.004-07:00

After 2 months of classes; and about 3 months of work, I finally got a super long holiday! Yay!
I decided to get out of the familiar for a bit, so I headed to Vancouver.

The purpose of the trip was to spend time with Jing, who is leaving home for good at the end of this month (*sob*). I also managed to spend time with other friends I've met through IVCF.

My friends, Larisa, Riaga, and Mitchell, were very hospitable and generous - they opened up their place and put up with me for 4 days! (:

On Monday (August 3rd), Jing and I spent the day together. We had Vietnamese food for lunch; followed by amazing bubble tea! We then headed to 4th Ave to do some window shopping. We then had sushi for dinner; then I suggested dessert; so we headed to Joey's!
All in all, we spent most of the time eating. Seriously. We ate so much! I guess that's what we are good at; so why not use it eh? :P

On Sunday - the day I headed over - I got to spend time with Larisa. It was nice as I got to know her a little better. I'm glad we had that opportunity to do so.

On Tuesday, the Main House had a BBQ dinner in honor of me! =D I know! Pretty amazing eh? I felt so appreciated and loved!
We had hamburgers and tons of salad... we then played Ticket to Ride - pretty rad game I must say.
And it was nice seeing friends whom I've not met for a long time as well as meeting new friends.

Most of Tuesday and Wednesday was spent resting and reading and doing a lot of introvert moment - definitely something I needed. I was a down time and it helped me to refocus my energy on things that I've been neglecting. For example, reflecting on my past months and giving myself the time to mourn and feel sad that my closest friends have left Victoria. The down time was also very helpful in giving me the opportunity to not think about school or work. The past months, everything evolved around school and work, and it's safe to say that I was on autopilot. So having the off time helped me to turn off that switch and begin to really live my life, basically.

I'm now back on the island - it's nice to be home you know. It's back to the same routine, minus school :)
I have 2 weeks left of work! Time flies eh???? It's crazy!
Summer's almost over. I'm not sure if I should feel sad or not. There's just a balance of pros and cons.
I'd love to have the summer go on for reasons such as: less school work (well, not really. but you know, you get a course over and done with in 3 weeks); less busy (it depends); the freedom to do anything I want (less courses, more time to hang out with friends, or just to idle it away!); getting to travel anywhere (unless you're working, then that's not the case). And I'd love to have the summer end because: I GET TO SEE MY FRIENDS (especially Kim and Chrissy; my Exec members!) AGAIN; I get to do my FINAL semester of my undergrad!; IVCF will be in full swing; I'll be ONE step closer to Urbana '09; and I'll be ONE step closer to visiting Christine as well! =D Oh! And I'll get to experience Fall and Winter again! Yay! It's strange, I know. I have a fetish for crazily cold weathers for some reason. Not that I don't appreciate hot weathers, I do. But I find cold weathers intriquing. And when that involves snow, all the better! *grins*

2009-08-05T13:53:00.002-07:00

Saying goodbye to Vancouver =( But I'll be back in 3 weeks time. It will be a super exciting trip - meeting up with friends again and seeing friends I've not seen for 4 months!!! And of course, SLC.

On a different note, check out this book entitled "The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness" by Elyn Saks.
A good read and she brings you through her journey of dealing with schizophrenia.

Vancouver

2009-08-04T11:38:00.002-07:00

I am having a great time in Vancouver - sweet fellowship with friends and a good amount of introvert time (:

I miss chatting with Christine and Georgia. Friends, we gotta try and find a time to chatty chat. We need to update one another ;)

Updates

2009-07-26T12:36:00.003-07:00

I thought it's time I updated my blog since my sister seems to think this blog is dead ;)

I am finally D-O-N-E with my summer courses! I had one in June - Ethics of Violence, War, and Terrorism - and I thought I'd never live to see the end of the class. But I did! And I actually enjoyed it thoroughly! Philosophy is not my forte; but the class was interesting and I had a really awesome professor! I was really sad for it to end.
Then this month, I took my first Psychology 4th year course. I thought I was swimming in familiar waters - I was - but little did I know that my professor decided to structure the course like a grad level class. In a period of 3 weeks, I read close to 30 articles; wrote 5 papers; and did 1 presentation; and I had to 3 class discussions; and participated in discussions every day! I am a shy person and having to speak out in class is something I avoid at all costs. However, I had no choice but to learn how to overcome my fear in this course. Thanks to the constant support of my family, friends, classmates and my professor, I have taken the first few steps of overcoming this fear. I am still shy to speak out, but I am not as fearful as before. Thank God for that! :)

It has been a really busy month for me; but I am glad the busyness has ended (at least I hope it has).
I am emotionally exhausted and I am looking forward to be resting in the presence of God - to be filled up by Him - so that I will be ready to face a brand new semester (and my LAST one too) in the fall.

To celebrate the ending of my summer courses, I and two other friends, Rebekah and Weston, attended the Luminara Festival yesterday at Beacon Hill. We saw a circus performance, a parade, and lots of lanterns! And we got soaked from the rain too ;) Nonetheless, it was a great evening!

With Love

2009-07-21T22:39:00.002-07:00

Goodbye (for now) my dear friends. I know we'll see one another again soon...
I have been so blessed by your friendship! You were the first people whom I met when I came to Canada. If it wasn't for you, I would have packed my bags and left a long time ago. You have made my stay here so meaningful and amazing, that it is "home" for me. My home will always be my home; but this home, right here in Victoria, holds a special place. I cannot define the word "family" without mentioning you.

I love you so much!

With Love from Pender

2009-07-01T09:20:00.006-07:00

Day 1:

All ready to go

Backpacks on our backs, we were on our way... 6KM+ walk to the campsite

That's a "Car Stop" sign we found on the island

We made it (:
Important supply: FOOD (:

At the beach

Some introvert moment for each of us

And of course, snack time!

Day 2:

Getting the job done.Ready to hit the trails

Look at that smiles! :)

Descending a rather steep hill

We got lost... so what did we do? hit the beach and have lunch =D

Getting our bearing right with a rather unhelpful map. Tsk tsk tsk...

This was what we found ;P We totally trespassed on the person's property. Oops!

Our well deserved ice-cream!

First Canadian Camping/Backpacking Trip

2009-06-30T13:27:00.001-07:00

Made it - to and back from Pender Island.
It was an amazing trip with 3 awesome friends.

More photos to come...

Some things are worth more than money

2009-06-22T20:59:00.002-07:00

What makes working at the daycare so rewarding?

- When even one of the little ones, after having a snack, immediately makes a run towards you and jumps on you to give you a big hug! (:

- When one of the little ones tries to say your name which doesn't always sound right, like "Cho-choll" ;)

- When your co-workers somehow knows your love language and fills your emotional tank full each day.
I get "thank you for all your help..." every day! (:

Daddy

2009-06-21T09:05:00.002-07:00

thanks for believing in me and investing in my life to see me succeed.
I love your quiet spirit; gentle humor; and great wisdom.
Thanks for your unfailing love for us - Sam, Tim, and myself.
I'm grateful and thankful to call you my dad.
I love you, daddy.

Blessed Father's Day.

- this Father's Day, I am also thankful for my other 'fathers' - Ps. John and Uncle Con. Thank you for your love and care; and thank you also for believing in me.

Because of all of you, I am where I am today.

2009-06-14T17:10:00.003-07:00

Blessed 18th Birthday!

Thanks for being the cutest lil sister an older sister could ever ask for!
Thanks for using your creativity to bring joy and encouragement not only to me, but to so many around you.

Thanks for all the good and bad times we had together in Labuan:
- thanks for being so understanding when I insisted on having my own room
- thanks for always saving me from mummy's lectures whenever I forget to especially wash the bathroom ;)
- thanks for the times when you'll wake me up from my afternoon naps and I'll shout at you because I didn't want to wake up
- thanks for all the: *gives me look* "You're not wearing that are you?" "Of course it doesn't go together"
- remember the time mummy made us wait for her for an hour after school? ;)
- remember Cikgu Jackson calling you, Rachelle's sister, and me, Samantha's sister? ;)
- remember all the talks we had about St. Anne, the teachers, and the students?
- remember our first Boot Camp together?
- remember our first MAC together?

Thank you for all the good and bad times we had in Subang:
- thanks for letting me sleep in your room so often
- thanks for being so patient with me when I overslept and forget to come pick you up from tuition class
- thank you for the times when you'd listen and fall asleep while I talk the night away ;)
- thanks for all the awesome shopping trips together
- thanks for making me your guinea pig and graciously allowing me to eat the food you cooked and cookies you baked
- remember the time we sneaked the whole tin of keropok into your room in the middle of the night and ate til we were so full and couldn't go to bed? ;)
- thanks for being my faithful CSI NY buddy
- thanks once again for washing the bathroom even when it's not your turn
- thanks for all the sms-es you'd send me :)

Today:
Thanks for being that special YOU.
I pray your 18th birthday will be one filled with God's amazing and abundant blessings. As you journey into an exciting phase of your life, may you discover more and more of God's faithfulness in your life.

I am so very proud of you; and I believe you'll achieve more than what you think you can.
I love you so much; and I miss you too.

IVCF Beach BBQ

2009-06-07T14:04:00.003-07:00

It was a great evening - friends, food, company and music :)

----------------

On a different note, my sister is returning home from NS tomorrow! yay! :)

Kim, it's your birthday!

2009-06-02T22:01:00.003-07:00

Blessed Birthday Kim!

I hope your birthday is as special as YOU.
I'm glad we are friends. I've been really blessed by you and I am glad there will be more awesome times with you in the new year.
Thank you for your friendship; and all the smiles, laughter and joy you have brought into my life.

I pray that God will continue to show you His favor as you walk faithfully with Him.

You are amazing and special; and I love you so very much!
A great big hug from me to you.

2009-05-27T10:36:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I begin to wonder when do I have to draw the lines between 'trying to carry the weight of the world' and being merciful & empathetic.
And the sometimes are at times like now.

Dirty dishes and laundry

2009-05-11T20:51:00.002-07:00

Today, I realized just how many dirty dishes 10 kids can make from the time they're awake until about 4PM.
Oh, and don't forget laundry too.

Today's my first day of my summer job - I still do the exact same thing I've been doing since January - but it's somehow different. One thing is for sure - MORE work.

However, in the midst of all the chaotic dirty dishes and laundry excitement, I have experienced how it feels to have 10 kids; learned a few childcare tips; and the best part of it all, receiving love, hugs, and smiles from the children.

Now, I do wish to have the experience of changing dirty diapers. Oh wait... I actually do have that experience. ;)

And Jesus said to His disciples, "Let the little children come to me"

Hurrah! Hurrah!

2009-05-09T09:58:00.001-07:00

A classmate of mine way back in Primary 3 found me on FB; and thanks to him, I found my childhood best friend; and two other classmates!
This is so amazing. I'm really glad that I finally am in contact with them. It has been at least 11 years since I last saw them.

For once, I'm thankful to technology ;)

Some really good quotes

2009-04-30T23:30:00.004-07:00

Kim: We have a pot of chocolate ganache left. What should we do?

Tim: Did you say a pot of chocolate ganache?
*grabs pot from Kim*

Clark: Hmm... that's how we can get Tim into a room quickly.
How about Chrissy? Kim, who's the guy that's good-looking? Matthew something?

Kim: Matthew McConaughey.

Clark: Hey Chrissy, there's a life sized picture of Matther McConaughey in the kitchen.

Chrissy runs from dining room into the kitchen.

Chrissy: I knew it's not true and that I'll fall for it.

Clark: How about Alan?

"Foosball"

"How about Clark?"

"Hey look, a computer needs fixing"

Clark: Kim?

Chrissy: MEAT!

Clark: Jacqueline? Something to do with sustainability.
Rachelle?

Chrissy: Hey look, there's a pile of thank you cards that needs to be written; or, look, there's a group of people who needs to be appreciated.

------------------------------------
Clark, Chrissy, Alan, and myself were in the kitchen talking; and we were debating as to how far the guys can get away from me.
Then Chrissy said: "The further you go, the higher the chances you will receive notes from her"
To which all of us agreed.

-----------------------------
Tim: We got to start asking you to pay rent. You are over so often.

Rachelle: I agree; It feels like I come and stay over most often. I hope I'm not causing all of you too much trouble.

Tim: *laughs* Awh, no. We love having you over. Plus, that's what this house is for.

------------------------------------------
Clark: How about between Jing and Rachelle?

Chrissy: Oh, I'll have to go with Jing; although Rachelle can massage the crap out of us.

-------------------------------
Alan: Rachelle, why are you so quiet?

Rachelle: I'm always quiet [to which Chrissy nods her head]
See, even Chrissy agrees.

Chrissy: Yeah, she is; except when she's excited. Then, she's like a chipmunk.
*makes chipmunk sound*

Rachelle: *laughs hysterically* You're so right.

--------------------------------------
Chrissy: Woah, woah....

Rachelle and Chrissy: *laughs out loud*

Chrissy: You make me stumble with all of your love. And I'm the one who's wearing the right sized flip flops.

Baking Day with Kim and Jing

2009-04-26T21:24:00.004-07:00

A day with Kim and Jing. We baked lemon meringue pie. Hmm... so good :)

Good job, friends.
Chrissy: Can I poke it, Kim?

[..]
Kim: Now I want to poke it too. Let's pretend to poke the pie.

Chocolate and friends

2009-04-24T18:45:00.003-07:00

Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache topping drizzled with white chocolate and topped with strawberries.

Good job Kim =D
Hang out with Chrissy and Alan after putting sugar into our systems ;)

To the one and only...

2009-04-15T20:11:00.005-07:00

Blessed Birthday Georgia!

I pray that God will open up the heavens and pour out so much blessings upon you.
May this year be one filled with lots of exciting and crazy adventures with Jesus :)

You are so loved and appreciated, Georgia.
Thanks for being such a great person and I will always cherish the wonderful times we have had spent together.

"He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing"
Zephaniah 3:17b

Have a good one, my dearest!
I love you!

Blessed Easter

2009-04-13T10:18:00.003-07:00

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at the beach.

It was so beautiful despite being rainy.

Nothing like having an Easter Sunday meal with family and friends.
Weston, Christine and Georgia came over and they made breakfast
(I was chased out of the kitchen. heehee)

Nothing beats celebrating the resurrection of Christ over death with people close to your heart.

Photos courtesy of Christine

Year End BBQ

2009-04-05T22:59:00.005-07:00

Swing dancing with Weston and Georgia! :)

Good job my friends.

--------------------
Appreciation Time for Mark, Georgia, Christine, Tony
Thank you for giving your all into IVCF.
We appreciate you!
Tony
Christine
Mark
Georgia

Close to my heart

2009-04-04T10:30:00.003-07:00

Adrienne - Glad I met you while I was in Qualicum :)

Georgia - I'll miss your teasing and all the talks we used to have!

Vanessa - your joyous spirit is contagious!

Christine - wink... Oh boy, I'll miss all your teasing ;)

Alison - You know how much I love your creepy touches! =D

Year End BBQ

2009-04-03T23:51:00.002-07:00

Oh, hello! :)
We headed back to the 50s friends.
Awesome friends, awesome food and awesome conversation.
Oh, and awesome swing dancing.

More pictures coming soon....

Almost There... Very close...

2009-04-01T22:23:00.002-07:00

Final TWO days of school! And an episode of stomach flu. Can't get any better eh? ;)
But praise God that even though I feel so crappy and horrible, He is good and faithful.
He has blessed me with really awesome friends whom I can count on in any situation.

Okay... I think the med is kicking in and I feel really drowsy.

---------

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 4:6-7

An overwhelming sense of tiredness

2009-03-21T21:18:00.004-07:00

I'm really tired - I can't explain why I'm feeling as such.
All I want to do is to idle my time away, which I did, although I should have had used it to get as much assignments done as possible. But there will always be a time when you'd just not want to do anything.
At this point, I want to run the race and finish it well. I feel like I have tons to do in a course of two weeks! :(

Nevertheless, if there is one thing to be thankful for today, it'd be for friends and family who care and love beyond what my mind can comprehend. ♥

PS: I miss my sister so much!
-----

Thank you for saving me, what can I say?
You are my everything, I will sing your praise.
You shed your blood for me, what can I say?
You took my sin and shame,
a sinner called by name.

Great is the Lord,
Great is the Lord,
For we know your truth has set us free,
You've set your hope in me.

Mercy and grace are mine, forgiven is my sin,
Jesus my only hope, the Saviour of the world.
"Great is the Lord" we cry,
God let your kingdom come,
Your word has let me see,
thank you for saving me!

Pictures: Robyn, Alison, Chrissy and Rachelle's Birthdays

2009-03-18T21:40:00.011-07:00

Alison, Christine, Georgia, Robyn and myself made a trip to Vancouver over the weekend (March 13-16) to surprise Chrissy for her birthday as well as to celebrate Alison, Robyn and my birthdays :)
It was an epic trip. I enjoyed myself so much - I just wanted time to stand still.
I had the best birthday celebration ever - I got what I wanted and even more!

On the ferry

You're all so cute!
---------

At the Intern House, Saturday March 14th

Playing Skip Bo

Prepping and cooking for student dinner

Don't mess with Georgia ;)

Two of my really close friends, Kim and Jing

Surprising Robyn on her birthday!

Surprising Chrissy with a Baked Alaska

The Baked Alaska!

Surprise Chrissy! :)

--------------

Sunday, March 15th

Thank You card for the Interns

Lovely ladies =D

Georgia making lunch for us! :)

-------

Group pictures....

Oh my! Scandalous! ;p

------

Monday, March 16th

Evelyn and Adora 'kidnapped' me and took me out for lunch. Then we caught the ferry back to Victoria

----------------

Thank You Jesus for such an incredible weekend!
Thank YOU for awesome and amazing friends.

A Glimpse of the Past Weekend

2009-03-17T21:02:00.002-07:00

I had the best birthday weekend ever! :)

I'll upload the photos soon!

And we enter into month three

2009-03-07T10:39:00.003-08:00

So it's March... I'm not sure how to feel at this point. I mean, I AM glad that it's March, but with March rapidly going by, soon, I will have to say goodbye to soooo many good things. Change is bound to come, but at this point, I am not ready for it.
Just yesterday I received an email from my mum and she was updating me a little about her life and about the family. She was telling me about how quickly her children have grown up. Soon, her little girl will turn 21; and her other little girl has gone through so much: working world, earning her first pay-cheque, fending for herself, and the latest - being summoned by the government for National Service in another state, across the South China Sea.
And not to mention mummy's little boy, who is turning 15; and being all 'grown up' and wanting to be 'a man' ;)

Change scares me - not that I don't welcome it, rather, most of the changes I've gone through involves pain, like having to let go of something good. But then again, only from change did I received more good things. I guess I fear of having to lose things, people, events that I have grown to love and cherish (and even grown comfortable with). Well, I guess when the time comes for change, God will have already prepared my heart, as well as the heart of those who are close to me.

Reading my mum's email did make me reflect back as well as to put myself in my mum's shoes. She mentioned of her feelings of "loneliness" knowing that soon, her children will are all growing up so fast and soon will be "leaving" her.
It must be really hard on her, and on my dad too. My mum would voice out her feelings; but my dad on the other hand, is quiet (my sister takes after him). But I think he did express his feelings through the little things he does: like he would google everything about UVic and Victoria and Canada for me since I told him I got accepted to UVic. When my sister got called for National Service, he googled everything that had to do with Sarawak. I guess in a way he's looking out for us; but I think he really wants to be close to his children. :)

SO, despite knowing that change will come - be it in my own life or even in the life of my parents - I will for now, enjoy every moment that God has given me. To have fun, laugther, creepy touches, hugs, and all those exciting, soul-searching & scandalous talks with friends. To enjoy the good-life He has blessed me with in Victoria. To love and be loved by Him and by others.

And talking about all those things, I am really excited for I [think] I will be getting ALL of those (and hopefully more) this coming week and weekend! =D
I'll keep you posted on that.

For now, I hear my assignments gently nudging me to spend some quality time with them; but my heart yearns to instead sip a mug of Chai tea, snuggle in bed and read "The Paper Bag Princess", "Thomas' Snowsuit", "Something Good", "Hug Time".... you know, heart-warming and lovable and "awhhhs..." children's books.

It's that time of year...

2009-02-28T22:01:00.001-08:00

Yah... that's how I'm feeling. I just want my work load to magically disappear.
oi......

Sunday Blessings

2009-02-22T20:18:00.002-08:00

Andrea and I spending quality time together baking chocolate chip cookies

Homemade bread. Now that is stellar! ;)

Awh... don't you just love homemade bread? I do.
=D

It was a great Sunday - baking cookies and making bread.

It's Breathtaking

2009-02-21T09:52:00.002-08:00

View from Dallas Rd Beach

So much for doing lots of homework during reading break *wink*

Reading Break

2009-02-16T17:05:00.003-08:00

How to maximize your time during Reading Break:

In one day, do the following:-
- Journal
- Read Lord of the Rings (or some really long novels)
- Learn and new knitting pattern and knit
- Do Assignments/Projects/Revision
- Send a couple of emails; reply emails/FB messages
- Cook breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Write cards/notes to someone
- Bake bread (or something else like a cake or cookies or whatever you like)
- Watch a couple series of your favorite TV Series

Ta-da! Yah, I did all those (or more like will be doing some of them soon) in one day ;)
Yay for Reading Break!

Chinese New Year Dinner

2009-02-12T20:57:00.003-08:00

This year is my second CNY away from home.
I sure did miss home, but having my own family in Victoria does help to ease the homesickness.

This year I had about 20 friends over and cooked up a nice Chinese meal for them.
Christine and Elisabeth came and gave me a hand, which was amazing! :)
Andrea brough Yee Sang and we all had the fun time tossing food ;p Hurrah!!!

Overall, it was an excellent night! It's definitely a CNY dinner to remember thanks to all my lovely friends who came to share in this experience.

Tossing the Yee Sang

ADPians/Malaysians in UVic.
The group is slowly but surely growing! Yay Canada! ;)

All the lovely people who came that night.
And look! Most are wearing red too. *wink*

Denman Island Exec Retreat

2009-02-03T21:21:00.009-08:00

IVCF Exec Retreat at Denman Island.

It was a super amazing and epic weekend!
Everyone enjoyed themselves and we all felt affirmed, encouraged, blessed, and loved at the end of the retreat.

The cabin

View from the cabin

Christine and Mark giving announcements

Friends in the living room

Meal time! :)

The epic tree that we climbed

The guys having some sneakpeat time ;p

The Asian connection :)

In the tree....

Hurrah for jumping picture :)

A tree hugger that's for sure ;p

Elisabeth and Vanessa carrying Steve over the stream.

The beach

Affirming one another :)
Such a great night!

Kim and Chrissy doing the airplane

My lovely roommates at Denman, Chrissy and Kim; who kept me laughing throughout the weekend.

Roar!

Group picture

Tough girls ;)

Denman Island Epicness

2009-02-01T19:12:00.005-08:00

1 Peter 4:10 (New International Version)

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Land of Awesomeness

2009-01-29T22:12:00.002-08:00

Tra-la-la-la-la-la....
So, the long awaited trip to the island of awesomeness aka Denman is finally here!!!
I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon; and I am so excited, it's taking a toll on me.
I'm like a kid suffering from ADHD right now. I have a test tomorrow, and I'm having a hard time concentrating on my studying for my mind is racing with thoughts about Denman and the weekend!
I feel like not studying and just sit and allow my mind to freely soar ;)
Okay... maybe not (I have an overactive imagination).

Alright, now back to drugs, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and neurophysiology...
good times....

*mental note to self: Denman in roughly 15 hours*
*I can do it*

Blessed Chinese New Year

2009-01-25T09:25:00.002-08:00

Blessed Chinese New Year!
Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Wishing you a blessed and prosperous New Year.
May God be blessing you abundantly this new year; and may He guide your every step.

Have fun! Celebrate with family and friends; and may this festive season be filled with Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.

With love from Canada!

------
PS: second CNY away from home. Honestly, I'm suffering from homesickness at this time. I've been dreaming that I was home. Good times.... ;)

Life....

2009-01-24T12:03:00.003-08:00

I haven't been updating my blog due to the one main reason: I have nothing exciting to blog about.
Life seems like... well, life.

On a lighter note, it's the weekend, and I've already idled half of my day away. I should start on my assignments soon.

School has been fine, just that, it feels like I've been in school for way too long (when it's only the 3rd week of the semester). I have had a quiz and a test and more of those fun stuff all throughout the semester. My weeks are insanely busy, with something due each week. :(
Looking at the bright side, I am almost done ;p

As for work, it saps a lot of my energy supply every Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Despite that, I enjoy what I do. The kids are so adorable! I love little Lucas and little Coal. And little Jonas said "Hi Rachelle" twice =D
Awhhhh... they are all so lovable!
Just from working at the Daycare, I have learned so many skills that will indeed come helpful in the future.

My social life is coming along great! I have had some really amazing time with friends. I had a sleepover party with my friend, Aurore last weekend. We watched LOTR (2) and Pirates of the Caribbean (1). We were up til 3am.
I went on a shopping trip with my friend, Rebekah on Sunday :)
I had a great time talking and praying with Christine on Monday.
I had some great and life-changing conversations with Adora and Evelyn.
I had a good time talking with Weston on Thursday.
I had a nice "hike" up Mt. Tolmie last night with a group of friends.

After all the amazing social activities, I am taking this weekend off to be a hermit crab. I need my down time for next weekend is THE weekend I've been anticipating for so LONG! It's almost here.

-----------

"Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom"

2009-01-19T22:31:00.001-08:00

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

A weekend filled with absolutely not getting any homework done! You gotta love it!

2009-01-17T16:16:00.003-08:00

I can't believe that I've been missing out so much!
In the midst of the busyness of school, I hope to read all three LOTR books ;p
Hmm.. sounds a little too lofty of a plan.. We'll see how.

Man, I still can't believe how I could have ignored LOTR all this while... tsk tsk tsk

So I've watched the third movie; and this morning I watched the first; and later tonight, I'll be watching the second.

Yay to a weekend filled with....

... movies, and sweet hanging out-ness!

Gotta love life on the island! :)

I consider myself fortunate...

2009-01-13T20:23:00.008-08:00

Some pictures taken while I was in Calgary with Rebekah.

We decided to head over to the Calgary Tower and then explore Downtown, but plans changed due to the extreme weather ;)

Looking all fine in the train.. Well not really. We were 'defrosting' from the extreme weather.
It was a whopping -38 that day!

Calgary Tower at the back. I was freezing!
You can only see my eyes. ;p I was really tempted to just pull my toque all the way down and cover my entire face!

"Owh heat! How thou art my beloved friend!"
I said to Rebekah, "Ahhh... isn't this nice?"
She responded, "Yeah, the view is nice"
And I replied, "Oh, I mean the heat, not the view"
Haha... I was so engross in the heat ;)

Some pictures taken of the view of Calgary from the Tower.
It's a flat province. Never seen anything so flat ;p

Weeee... stepping unto the glass floor.
Pretty nerve wrecking when I took the first step.

Imagine falling if the glass floor suddenly gave way....

Trying on the RCMP hat at the gift store...
Rebekah looking all pretty and stylish...

Me? *Speechless*

I live to tell the story of how I experienced and Survived the -38 weather ;p
Good times...

NSLC pictures from friend's camera

2009-01-12T22:05:00.002-08:00

A few more pictures from another friend's camera :)

Trail Ride

There's me on my dear horse, Skye! ;)

All of us representing the province of BC!

NSLC Adventure Begins [Part 6]

2009-01-11T21:43:00.005-08:00

A couple more pictures from NSLC.
Uploading these pictures really brought back such GREAT memories for me.
I hope you enjoyed browsing through them. I wished I could upload all the pictures, but that won't be possible - I think I have close to 500 pictures of NSLC ;)

Chrissy and Kim - two wonderful interns I've met

Last day - cleaning the room :)

The host team singing a closing song to the tune of "The Final Countdown"

Pretty cool shot by Andrew :)

Chrissy and myself

Katherine and myself - She's a fellow Malaysian I met at NSLC. Her parents are from Kuching

Heidi and myself - her brother-in-law is a Malaysian!
Cool eh?

Christa and myself - she's a prayer warrior :)

Alan (another intern), myself, and Riaga - a very cool guy from Kenya :)
PS: This picture reminds me of the Twin Towers. Haha...

Group picture! Weston, Myself, Chrissy, Rebekah, Pamela and Robin.
We represent UVic!
Chrissy joined our group as UVic doesn't have a staff or intern.
We love you, Chrissy!

Friends relaxing? Or maybe they're having a guy bonding moment...

... and what's wrong if another joins? Hehe... Riaga piling on top of them

A group picture!
I miss all of you dearly!

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A really nice picture taken by Rebekah.

This concludes my NSLC account.
I've enjoyed the conference so much and I am so blessed to get a sponsorship for it. It has definitely been a life changing experience for me.

NSLC Adventure Begins [Part 5]

2009-01-11T18:46:00.006-08:00

The last night of the conference.

We had an Ugly Sweaters and Facial Hair party, followed by a bonfire to usher in the New Year :)

Friends deck in ugly sweaters and facial hair ;)
Good job everyone!

Line dancing

Ugly sweaters

More ugly sweaters (Hahaha...)

Alright Heidi! ;)

Look! I found a friend who has almost similar design! ;)

Myself, Chrissy, Rebekah and Kim

Myself, Rebekah, Weston from UVic :)

Bonfire time!
The lighting of it

Bonfire..heat, warmth!

It's like a scene from a movie or something.

Ahhhh.....

Roasting hotdog from afar due to the extreme heat.
Good job! ;)

Larisa and myself

Rebekah and myself

NSLC Adventure Begins [Part 4]

2009-01-10T13:06:00.011-08:00

Day trip to the Rockies! Huzzah! My dream come true. I can die a happy person now that I've been there.

My group did a hike around Johnson Lake. Beautiful scenery!
I have tons of pictures but I can't upload every single one here. So, check out the pictures on Facebook ;)

Departure

The care I was in got stuck in a ditch. Good times...

The other convoys ;) Hehe... All stopping to help us out

View of the Rockies on the way to Banff

Arrival at Johnson Lake

The start of our 3km hike around Johnson Lake
Scenery of the mountains
Feels like we were in winter wonderland (wait, we were). It felt like we were in Narnia too! ;)

Friends.. Heidi and Micky

Matt sliding down a slope. Good times....

Heidi and Micky covered in snow...

... Jing and I clean from snow ;)

The end of our hike

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The town of Banff

Car mates, clearly exhausted from the exciting Day Trip ;)

Goodbye Rockies, until we meet again

NSLC Adventure Begins [Part 3]

2009-01-09T15:37:00.005-08:00

Walk and Talk activity.
It ended up more like a "huff and puff" activity after all the going up slopes ;)
Fun times...

The start of our walk

Some sceneries

Up the slope

Doesn't this pictures (points above) looks like a modern day version of Michael Angelo's painting of Adam and God? ;p

NSLC Adventure Begins [Part 2]

2009-01-06T18:43:00.006-08:00

Pictures from NSLC

Arrival

Getting to know you, getting to know me...

More fellowshipping

New friends I've met

Group game on the first night

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Our weather report each morning.
This particular day, it was sunny and the temperature was something like -14 ;)
[Anything above -10 is warm ;p]

Yummy breakfast

Manuscript study on Joshua

Al Anderson, our Bible study leader/facilitator

Deep in reflection

NSLC Adventure Begins [Part 1]

2009-01-06T18:23:00.005-08:00

Pictures from my and many friends' cameras.

Pioneer Ranch Camp, Sundre, Alberta

View from the lodge

A volleyball court

View from the lodge

The cabins

View of the parking lot

Scenery

Arrival

The mudroom with our shoes ;)