Syndesmos

The title is a greek word. Its pronounce as 'Su-Des-mos'. Its been an exciting weekend, went for OCF summer retreat. It was a three days and two nights camp. There, i got to know a group of people, either from Malaysia or Singapore. The camp was relaxing and fun. Messages were good. It was a good reminder of my own objectives and also a good time of fellowship. But i got to say, it seem a little disorganised.

New words and name
Mozzies - Mosquito
Uti - Utility vehicle (pickup or lorries)
Chook - Chicken
Peta - Peter (Female version)

Thursday, had a tutorial, which was canceled and nobody knew. We were standing outside the class for 45minutes, waiting for the tutor to come, but he never came. After i got back, i was exploring around the unit's website and i came across the discussion board where the tutor put a topic, stating that there was no tutorial in week one. The rest of the day, i cannot remember.

Friday, i had an hour lecture, it was on introduction to mass communication. The lecturer had a script in his hand and he was reading off it. Now can you imagine how boring would that be. Anyway, after i got back i had to pack my bag for the retreat. Since it was only going to be a short camp, i packed light. Did i mention, it cost me AUD$50.

The pickup time was 245pm. I was 5 mintues late, when i got to the meeting point, there was no one. I started to panic, i was wondering if people here really keep to the timing. So i waited, at 310pm, there was still no one. I called Lindy, and was i told that the timing had be changed to 315pm. I was relieve and a little annoyed. People started appearing at 320pm. By the time all arrived, it was 4m already. The camp starts officially at 4pm, and we left the pickup point at 4pm. Maybe they do not really keep to timing after all.

By the time we got the the campsite, it was 430pm. I thought we were very late; i looked around, and realised Murdoch OCF was the first to arrive -- the retreat consist of people from Murdoch, UWA and Curtin. People started to come in as time past, introduce myself and got to know more people.

Things are planned here differently from that of Singapore. Its good that roles are given out properly, people know and complete the tasks that they are given, this will really help to get things organise. Thank God for people like Zhiqiang to always push for things. In a day, they have two messages, one in the morning and the other at night, and a workshop in the afternoon.

The theme of the camp was Unity in Christ. The person speaking on the messages was Pastor Timon Bengston. I felt he was good, the points he brought out were biblical and fair.
Four main points were given.
1) Defining unity John:17-20-23
2) 7 basis of our unity Eph 4:2-5
3) Purpose of unity Eph 2:11-22
4) Application Phil 2:1-15

Workshop was by uncle Nat, this is what they call him. We had to do the DISC test to find out our personality. D for dominant, I for Influence, S for Steady and C for conscientious. I am a SD person. I had only 1 point for C, now i wonder how did i become the administrator for last year youth camp.

Other that the talks, we had small debates. Calvinist against the amonians(or however you spell it). Tiring topic, never really came to any conclusion. But it did led to other interesting topics like, The right person for you. Is there only one, or are there a few or you can choose anyone as long as they are Godly people. Has God plan everything out or is there this permassive will he has, to allow humans to choose. Write in my comments to let me know your thoughts. No debates just thoughts.

The camp got to interact with people, played card games, taboo and bridge. Back in BSC, here is an idea i have which may be helpful. When we have events, maybe we could like set aside specific people to talk to new-comers when they come, not everyone has to be busy to setup the event, Sometimes we just want to help set up things or just want to do something to look busy, we tend to forget new comers and they just linger around. Those who have been selected, do not feel useless, or free just because you got nothing to do, your role is important so as to make people feel welcome and comfortable. It is not force, but something we want to do out of love. Break out of the comfort zone which we have been taught over the years but yet not do.

Well that was over the weekend. I came back on Sunday, and got to chat with my family and dear! She went over to my place to visit and taught my family to use skype. It was good to see them. Thanks dear!

Now that school has officially started, i have things to do. With the time i have, i will probably study most of the time. Still thinking whether i should use part of it to do my own personal inductive bible study. Its not that i do not wish to, but whether i will be displined to.

This post is slightly long, thanks for reading. Do continue to pray for me.
Prayer list
-Pray for focus on God
-Pray for a holy live and not be distracted by the distractions here.
-Pray for discipline and wisdom to spend my time.
I will see you all soon. God bless and take care.

"Good Morning Sir"

School has finally begun. It feels weird going back to lectures and tutorials after three long years, got to adapt back to a study life once again. I have classes from Tuesday to Friday, Monday is the only free day i have; then again Thursday and Friday i only have an hour of lecture each.

On Monday, there was nothing much to do, but play cards and watch DVDs. During the evening i cooked for them, Kwok, sam, DJ, Rick and James. I made lemon beef, it was a recepie i found off the internet. It tasted a little too sour, added too much lemon. Overall, its still edible. Now anyone interested in trying? I will cook it for you.

Before i continue, Rick is from Sweden, my mistake from the previous post. And i also got Lindy's dogs' name wrong, its Marzo.

Tuesday, i officially start lectures. One was on photography, the other was on screen and sound. The photography lecture was interesting, talks about how pictures constitutes a message, in relation to us, society and the natural world.

The other lecture was three hours long. The lecturer talks about forms, narratives and shows. Interesting. People just walked out of the lecture; 'there goes one,' he says. It was not that boring, well after his hour of lecture, we watched a movie. Run Lola Run. Its a german movie i think.

We were released after the movie, and i went back to the student village. Upon getting back, i receive mails regarding the bank i signed up with. People here do not have a bank book. All you need is a bank card, dangerous is it not?

During Tea(dinner), we had spaghetti made by Sam. We had alot. While over dinner, i learnt more interesting information. Now, in Singapore, when we say 'stone', we are describing a person who is just staring blankly into space and not doing anything. Here is Australia, when you say someone is stonning or stoned, it means the person is on drugs. So do watch how you use that word here in Australia, we do not wish for anyone to get caught for wrong reasons.

Wednesday, had tutorials today. The tutorial classes here are really different. There are like only 8-10 people per class. Again, it may just be that i have a small class. Its really kinda interesting. In Singapore, when the tutor ask for comments or questions, nobody talks, or only one or two. Here, everyone talks, i was the only quiet one around. I am still trying to adapt to the system here, i am shy.

When people comment or ask questions, they usually think through it first. I am a slow thinker, i need time to digest and think through, but yet they can do it on the spot. A lot of catching up to do. Photographs and paintings, what are the similarities and differences?

After classes, met up with the guys: James, DJ, Rick and kwok. We went to Garden City to shop a bit. Did not buy much stuff except a bottle of lollies. Came back to have Tea. James and DJ cooked for us, noodles and chicken. It was good.

Thats about my week thus far, wonder how it will go on. I got movies to watch, not because i got nothing to do, but because its part of what i study. Story and plots, whats the difference?
Homeworks to do already. Well. see you guys soon, have to work hard from now on. Take care all, goodnight. Praise God.

Ps: to anyone who is free and will pass by clementi. I need to buy textbooks, i got a friend who is leaving on Saturday, if you could go down clementi on Thursday or Friday, please call me. Its beside Clementi S11. I think its called Clementi bookshop. Buying books here is very expensive!

To my dear: Dear, i miss you! been doing my QT =) hope you have too. Hope to see you online soon, so we can skype again!!

Festive Season

Happy Chinese New Year guys and gals!!!

Sadly, this year i am not celebrating chinese new year back home, yet in Perth with the Tans' Family. It feels so different, no ang bao, no giving of oranges and no visitation. I always find it boring to have to visit others, being at a place you do not often go, greeting each other and always asking the same question; 'Hey what are you doing now?'

Just to backdate, friday was Festival Day. All the different guilds, clubs and societies were recruiting people. There were a lot; ranging from anti-nuclear society, Energy-saving, to Save-the-plants(wee should love it) and many others. Drama club was good, walking around with a suitcase and acting whenever he wanted.

After walking round and round, i decided to join the Murdoch Guild, OCF, diving, surfing and gym. There were a lot of others i would like to join, for example, kendo, fencing, but they are all too expensive.

On our(kwok and i) way back, we met a guy from Hongkong. It was good he met us, because he has not enrolled in any of his units. Monday we were starting school and he does not even have any class. So we helped him and explained to him how the system works and what units he has to take over the three years.

After a good 2 hours he finally understood and enrolled into his classes. Now he can start school without worries. We headed back to our rooms, and i slept till dinner. There is really nothing much to do here, except play cards and watch DVDs, till it was time to sleep.

Saturday had the OCF bbq event. People here have bbqs during the day, and we had sausages and sausages. There was salad too. The people are friendly, but somewhat people still tend to talk to those they know.

I guess its a asean thing. Correct me if i'm wrong, but this past few days, observing the westeners, they just go up to anyone and greet them. While looking at the aseans, they will tend to group together and talk among themselves. i wonder why.

Anyway, at night i had dinner at the Tan's place. We had steamboat. It was really nice of them to invite me over their place for dinner. One of the traits of a Christian family, hospitality. They had this dog, Muzzle; it reminds me of the weapons tip that nearly made me blind, its really big and playful. Kwok did not go, as he went freemantle with Sam and Jenny.

Learnt a few more new words.
Macdonalds --> Maccies
Freematle --> Freeyo
Lorry --> Lukies (or something like that)
A few more others which i am too tired to remember. They like to cut short words, maybe singaporeans are known as singgays. It works right?

Sunday went to Subicao Church of Christ again. Worship was alright, though Lindy said the lady leading was abit emotional, but i did not notice as i was not paying attention to what she was saying. They do sing hymns, contemporary hymns, which sounded quite good. Message was alright. I felt his points were all over the shop, it was on Proverbs 1:1-7. He covered a lot of points, but did not really link to each other. My opinion.

Came back and went round taking pictures with Sam. Recently we got to know three other guys, James, Rick and Dj. James and Rick stay directly below us and while Dj stays a distance away from us. They are all Aussies, nice and friendly too. Standing among them, i feel really short, not that i am tall anyway.

Dinner was another bbq organise by the student village. Then got to know a few more other people, whose names i have forgotten. Its not easy to remember so many names at a go. When i do, i will try to introduce them here.

Alright, i am off to sleep already, may you all collect a lot of ang baos and must treat me when i return. One last thing, i gave myself an english name, Philip. Its easier for them to remember. Sweet dreams all. God bless.

The Tan Family(Lindy is covered by their dad)

Food

Can time fly?

It is Thursday, been almost a week since i left. I remember clearly last week around this time, i was still busy packing my baggage, my dear had such a busy time helping me pack. Time really flies and God has been good.

Yesterday, Geoffrey came to visit us.

Below are a list of names if you have problems pronouncing them.
Geoffrey --> Jeffrey
Erin --> Aaron
Ellen --> Alan
If you have more, please email me, so as to help others know how to pronounce them.

There is really nothing much to do here. Played soccer today with Sam, Kwok and Jenny. Sam is a female soccer player, and she is really good. Making me feel like an amateur. After playing for 10mins, i realise how unfit i was; i will be starting my training soon!

After the game, we just sat down on the grass patch and relax. I never really understand why they would do that - No they are not cows. In Singapore, no one really sits on grass area to chilll out. Jenny was rolling around, in Singapore, you will only see army boys doing that. To know how it feels like, i tried to roll around too. After rolling a round, i just wanted to bathe.

Jenny and Sam cooked dinner for us tonight, it was their turn. We had angelios, however you spell it. It was great! Then we played cards. In two days, i learn to play two new card games. 'Poker' and '******'. The second game has no name for it, yet. We ended off the night with a movie.

Recently i started reading a book, Desiring God, it was from Jasmine and Rosemary(Thank you for the book). The first time i read it was when i was going to the toilet to clear my tummy upset. It was a bit confusing at first , because of the word Hedonism, which was new to me. It means please or pleasure, somewhere along that line.

A short paragraph caught my attention. It talks about 2 groups of people, during the night, being under the stars. One was a person, having a torch. He feels safe and secure, because that light is near to him, but yet because the light is so near, he fails to see the beauty of the sky and the stars. The other was a person without the torch, because he did not had the torch, he was able to see clearly the beauty of God's creation in the skies.

It strikes me, as i thought how sometimes we could be so caught up with things happening around us that we forgot to enjoy and see the what God has done. As i read on, i will share more.

Thats about the things that happen the past two days. I will be off to sleep now. Pretty dreams, and remember to pray.

To my Dear,
I hope you are alright. Working under stress is not easy, having so many customers and being short handed. Even though you might make a few mistakes, dont let it get to you k? Hugz. Take it in the positive light, you learn to cope better with stress and get your menus right. All of these takes time.

You should really get a better webcam, my place has! that day i could hardly see you over skype haha. Smile my dear =) Orange is smiling everyday. Get some and rest and take a picture of your bugs bunny toe and let me see! haha. Last thing, come online soon k? then can skype again! Miss you lots. Night

Decisions, decisions

Hi guys, hope all of you had fun reading my first post. Please leave comments, i am trying to improve my writing skills.

Being in orientation for 2 days; which took up 2 hours each day, i am spoilt for choices. I am majoring in media studies, but i could either do a double major in Screen and Sound or a minor in Creative writing. Both seem excellent. At the end, i decided to do a double major. Well screen was something i wanted to do, and i may even end my course earlier (if all goes well).

Thus far, God has really been good. He has really bless me alot, and in many different ways. The weather has been good, hot sun; cool breeze. At night it tends to get cold, TG for the Tan family who lend me their quilt till i get my own. I do feel sad for kwok, he does not have any.

TG i am able to get the modules(units) i want for this semester, its really quite relaxing; instead of the usual 4 units i have to take, i only have to take 3. TG for my flatmate,samantha, really sweet girl; also i have a new flatmate, Marilyn. Lastly, TG for the things he has provided.

13th of Feb, evening, we cooked for Sam's dad. His name is Peter, nice and friendly person. His leaving on the 14th, so we wanted to let him have a taste of what asian cooking is like; we attempted fried rice. It was not too bad. They really liked it salty.

Sam's friend, Jenny, came over to eat - They met each other on the plane to Perth. She stays alone in another flat, therefore sam invited her over to eat. Thankfully we had enough to go round. It was a 3 course meal - Soup, followed by Fried Rice, then SaraLee dessert. After dinner, Jenny made us try this veggiemart with bread, it was the black stuff you put in porridge to add taste to it. Yuck. It goes with porridge, not with bread!

Following, we took some photos.

Left is Peter (Sam's dad), Sam
Sam and JennyAll of us

Peter bought a lot of things, i think we have enough to last us the next few weeks. I am going to grow fat. That is bad.

Well, this is just an update about whats been happening around, i think there were more, but too tired to think. Got to catch some sleep, meeting Geoffrey tomorrow - Geoffrey is another poly friend who came over to study.

Goodnight all. Sweet dreams. Thank God.

'Welcome to my Life'

Hello Everyone!
I have decided to start my blog, sorry for the long wait. Well here's a summary of what i have been up to the past few days.

9th Friday
0730 Arrival at T2 Airport
0745 Check in of baggage
0800 Farewell to all
0845 Entering the gate
0935 Take Off
Good bye Singapore... To those who do not know, Perth is one hour ahead of Singapore
1535 Arrival in Perth (Perth's time)
Hello Australia...

After checking out, we had to wait for the pickup bus; waited for an hour. Both kwok and i felt so lost. Finally, the bus came and off to the student village(hostel)!

Reaching the place, we went to the office. The people there were friendly and helpful, and our Resident Assistant was a guy from Sri Lanka. Nice guy, but he ends every sentance with the word,'beautiful'. Interesting. Well after signing some forms we check into our room. Double-room, its really small. =(

Well after settling down abit, kwok's friend shellby came to pick us up and brought us the the city area for dinner and abit of shopping. Had jap food for dinner, it was not too bad. I bought pillows, bedsheets and my prepaid card.

Having finish our dinner, we went back to our hostel to unpack our stuff... i wonder how long more before i kill kwok or he kills me.
Ps. Thanks to those who came to send me off and those who did not.

10th Saturday
Got woken up early in the morning by a new flatmate who checked in at 0900. Her name is Samantha; which i forgot the next hour because i was sleepy. She is 18 this year and doing pet science. 5 years course.

Well after she settled in, her dad brought her out. For us, we went out shopping again with shellby. This time we got more stuff for our room; our room is really messy even though its only day2. Oh i got my student card in the morning, now i i have internet access. Woo!

When we got back, we decided to unpack our stuff and set up the different things. I was setting up the internet and kwok setting up the fan. Now, kwok was about to kill me, i deleted his 'heroes' which he downloaded in singapore by accident. =\ 'Close the browser la', i did just that. =\

Internet here is different, it goes by the amount of Kbytes used. I top up $20 into my card, which allows me of a maximum download of 515MB worth of things. So got to watch my internet access.

At night, had cereals for dinner then talk to the new flatmate for a while, then we caught High School Musical. Sam brought some DVDs and we decided to watch that. Haha, it was funny because when she brought out her DVDs, she was embarassed to display that show out and i saw it. Since kwok did not watch before, we decided to catch it. When it ended, we went to sleep.

We are both alive

11th Sunday
Woke up at 0830, as there was a welcome breakfast at 0900 for international students. Saw alot of people from all over the world; Hongkong, Amercia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia.
Its going to be exciting.

After breakfast, waited for lindsey to come pick me up, was going to visit their church. The church is called Subiaco Church of Christ. Friendly people over there, about service, well i have say its slightly different from our church. Message was, well alright. Kwok did not want to come along, so well he stayed in the hostel.

After service, had lunch at a vietnamese place, the food was quite good. I tried to call kwok but the pig did not pick up. Oh well, i thought he went out with Sam, so did not buy food for him. When i got back i found him sleeping, what a PIG. haha too bad no lunch. Oh by now my Prepaid card is up and running! woo! finally after waiting for 16hours. To those who want my number, can get it from Corli; due to Bao's safety the number will not be placed here.

We waited for Sam to come back, then we went groceries shopping, bought back food to cook for the night, felt silly, should have bought food for the week. Well anyway after we got back, we cook fried rice. Rice, Ham, Egg and carrots, it was a success! Kwok admit it, the fried rice i cook tasted better. Yours well, i added too much pepper for you, haha sorry. =p

Evening had to settle my orientation stuff, going to sleep soon got to wake up at 7am Orientation starts at 0800 on Monday

Well thats a summary of my weekend. Do drop me emails or messages if you see me online, i will try to reply whenever i can. Goodnight guys. God bless.

OH we are still alive.