I guess I can be thankful that he trusted me to some extent.
But anyways, YAF is definitely becoming a haven for me in HK. The encouraging and genuine people that go there is such a motivation for me to be better. I cried a lot today - tears of reminiscence and sympathy really. So one of the orphan girls wrote us all a letter in Chinese...
In short, she said that she would always keep us in her prayers, she'd be a good girl, and wait at the orphanage for our return. The last bit broke my heart knowing that it'll be a while 'til we go visit again, if ever. Our prayers is for every one of those amazing kids to find a good home. Well anyway, God always provides.
What a coinkidink today. I saw Tim Wong AND Jake Wan at CWB, separately though...
Anyway, I have a fever so I'm gonna jet.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
China the second
Location: the mean streets of Luoyang, Henan, China.
Purpose: Love in Action
I can truly say that I've come back a changed person. I've let go of my old ways and thoughts and am pursuing an entirely different mindset. God is truly amazing and the power of prayer has demonstrated that.
Each day I've spent with a team that I only merely got to know within the past two weeks and kids from the orphanage that I have fallen in love with is making me never want to return to Toronto. I want to adopt all the kids that I have spent time with, showing that Love does exist, abandonment will not consume their lives, made me a different peson.
I want to adopt all the kids but I know I can't. It was definitely the most difficult thing to have to say goodbye to them and answer "I don't know" when they constantly ask "When are you going to come back to visit?" My heart broke because I wanted to spend every day with them so they wouldn't ever have to feel lost again, so that they would come to know Christ and find eternal comfort in Him.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
The strength that they have is beyond anything I can ever imagine. The ability to smile, have fun., joke around like normal kids... the tears that I cried for them and then their words that wiped away my tears.
Before I left for this trip, I asked God to open my eyes and my heart to what He has in store for me. I've gotten more than a glimpse of this vision and I am so encouraged. I know that after two years of working with kids, I didn't want to have anything to do with kids in the future... But after spending 5 days with these awesome children that God placed in my life for a reason, I can't help but continually pray for them each day, pretend that they are my very own siblings.
Empty promises can never be made. I promised to write to them and I will.
I was so moved by God this week I can't explain it all it was so surreal.
People got so sick this week including me, God's healing power was demonstrated. I don't understand why I never prayed everyday before this week.
I have lots more to say but time is limiting. So in short, I'm humbled, changed, determined for more.
God is good.
Purpose: Love in Action
I can truly say that I've come back a changed person. I've let go of my old ways and thoughts and am pursuing an entirely different mindset. God is truly amazing and the power of prayer has demonstrated that.
Each day I've spent with a team that I only merely got to know within the past two weeks and kids from the orphanage that I have fallen in love with is making me never want to return to Toronto. I want to adopt all the kids that I have spent time with, showing that Love does exist, abandonment will not consume their lives, made me a different peson.
I want to adopt all the kids but I know I can't. It was definitely the most difficult thing to have to say goodbye to them and answer "I don't know" when they constantly ask "When are you going to come back to visit?" My heart broke because I wanted to spend every day with them so they wouldn't ever have to feel lost again, so that they would come to know Christ and find eternal comfort in Him.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
The strength that they have is beyond anything I can ever imagine. The ability to smile, have fun., joke around like normal kids... the tears that I cried for them and then their words that wiped away my tears.
Before I left for this trip, I asked God to open my eyes and my heart to what He has in store for me. I've gotten more than a glimpse of this vision and I am so encouraged. I know that after two years of working with kids, I didn't want to have anything to do with kids in the future... But after spending 5 days with these awesome children that God placed in my life for a reason, I can't help but continually pray for them each day, pretend that they are my very own siblings.
Empty promises can never be made. I promised to write to them and I will.
I was so moved by God this week I can't explain it all it was so surreal.
People got so sick this week including me, God's healing power was demonstrated. I don't understand why I never prayed everyday before this week.
I have lots more to say but time is limiting. So in short, I'm humbled, changed, determined for more.
God is good.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Gateway Camp
A time away from the usual friends and family was definitely a scary thought. And even though I dreaded going, I changed my mindset and instantly started enjoying myself. I had a lot of fun getting to meet new people from all over the world and within my group. This is something I am going to remember forever. As well, it's honestly been a while since I've really spent time with God and I got to do it this week. I learned lots about God, about China, about people. I got to do a lot of the things I wanted even within confinement. I survived dehydration and crappy food. I will never take Toronto for granted ever again.
Highlights would include trying to masculinize Charlie, dancing, the random games we would play to kill our time, devotions, evening rallies, Texas hottie, etc.
I also met a guy yesterday night and it's killing me to remember his name and how I'm ever going to meet him again. LOL
Well I'm off to China again. But first, I have to meet up with my cousin dearest tonight otherwise it'll be ages before I see her again.
Oh, I saw some celebrities today in Causeway Bay. I wasn't crazy ecstatic 'cause they are not to par with Edison or Daniel Wu. SIGH* ANDDDDDDD I saw Kevin Ng (the twin of Marcus Ng) after like... 3 years! OMG.
My next update is when I come back from missions... oh dear computer how I will miss thee.
Highlights would include trying to masculinize Charlie, dancing, the random games we would play to kill our time, devotions, evening rallies, Texas hottie, etc.
I also met a guy yesterday night and it's killing me to remember his name and how I'm ever going to meet him again. LOL
Well I'm off to China again. But first, I have to meet up with my cousin dearest tonight otherwise it'll be ages before I see her again.
Oh, I saw some celebrities today in Causeway Bay. I wasn't crazy ecstatic 'cause they are not to par with Edison or Daniel Wu. SIGH* ANDDDDDDD I saw Kevin Ng (the twin of Marcus Ng) after like... 3 years! OMG.
My next update is when I come back from missions... oh dear computer how I will miss thee.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
China trip 2007 #1
Destinations: Shanghai, Wuxi, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Hangzhou
I basically summarized the trip as a Shanghai trip 'cause well, I've never heard of the other places beyond the name. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't necessarily enjoy every moment of it, but the culture of China just started growing on me. I started appreciating the history that I "learned" from each place I visited and I got a little more humbled as I visited the older, more primitive villages.
I really wish I wasn't so lazy to upload pictures so that I can post them as it is quite tedious. Maybe later and you'll see the beauty of it.
Shanghai's nightlife was pretty, however very overrated. I've seen nicer, personally.
Hangzhou was by far the most beautiful place I have ever seen besides Europe.
I definitely want to visit there again, any takers?
I met this really cute old couple that reminded me of my grandparents back in Toronto and I'm gonna call them up again later during my stay in HK for some brunch!!! (yumcha)
Anyway, after all the food I've been eating for the past 10 days... I feel the aftermath. :(
I basically summarized the trip as a Shanghai trip 'cause well, I've never heard of the other places beyond the name. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't necessarily enjoy every moment of it, but the culture of China just started growing on me. I started appreciating the history that I "learned" from each place I visited and I got a little more humbled as I visited the older, more primitive villages.
I really wish I wasn't so lazy to upload pictures so that I can post them as it is quite tedious. Maybe later and you'll see the beauty of it.
Shanghai's nightlife was pretty, however very overrated. I've seen nicer, personally.
Hangzhou was by far the most beautiful place I have ever seen besides Europe.
I definitely want to visit there again, any takers?
I met this really cute old couple that reminded me of my grandparents back in Toronto and I'm gonna call them up again later during my stay in HK for some brunch!!! (yumcha)
Anyway, after all the food I've been eating for the past 10 days... I feel the aftermath. :(
Monday, July 09, 2007
I'd be the biggest asshole ever if I turned down this China trip to spend time with my grandparents to chill with people in HK I will potentially see more of in Toronto.
Today, the nicest coincidence occurred. I saw Tim Wong in the subway station after 1093802498308 years. Or months rather. So it definitely made my day.
Spent a few hours with Nathan today in Cityplaza walking around and then deciding to watch Die Hard.
Next movie up: Transformers and HP5.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning at 5AM and I won't be back in HK 'til Saturday at 8PM. And then the next morning I gotta wake up to go to camp. SIGH* busy busy busy.
Today, the nicest coincidence occurred. I saw Tim Wong in the subway station after 1093802498308 years. Or months rather. So it definitely made my day.
Spent a few hours with Nathan today in Cityplaza walking around and then deciding to watch Die Hard.
Next movie up: Transformers and HP5.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning at 5AM and I won't be back in HK 'til Saturday at 8PM. And then the next morning I gotta wake up to go to camp. SIGH* busy busy busy.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
out of sight, out of mind
I get really tired for some reason. I haven't gotten a chance to enjoy the nightlife here yet 'cause I want to retire and go to bed so early.
So far the past two days all I could do eat is eat and walk around. Not many purchases but I get to see Katz a lot! That's definitely something to look forward to.
I guess I'm going to Shanghai and some surrounding cities this week. I don't really wanna go. Actually, scratch that. I AM AGAINST GOING. But I guess if this time is used towards spending time with my grampa I guess I'll stop complaining. I'll have to put all selfishness aside and suck it up and make the most out of it.
I'm also having second thoughts about China missions. Since I'm already going, I'll open up my heart and hopefully my eyes will also open during this trip. I need to focus and lose the attention from the things that's been consuming my mind.
Timing wasn't right. Will it ever be?
I want to make more pictures of my trip, but either that what I'm doing isn't extravagantly picture worthy or I'm too busy to take any.
So far the past two days all I could do eat is eat and walk around. Not many purchases but I get to see Katz a lot! That's definitely something to look forward to.
I guess I'm going to Shanghai and some surrounding cities this week. I don't really wanna go. Actually, scratch that. I AM AGAINST GOING. But I guess if this time is used towards spending time with my grampa I guess I'll stop complaining. I'll have to put all selfishness aside and suck it up and make the most out of it.
I'm also having second thoughts about China missions. Since I'm already going, I'll open up my heart and hopefully my eyes will also open during this trip. I need to focus and lose the attention from the things that's been consuming my mind.
Timing wasn't right. Will it ever be?
I want to make more pictures of my trip, but either that what I'm doing isn't extravagantly picture worthy or I'm too busy to take any.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Day Two:
Waking up bright and early seems to be part of my daily routine now I don't know why. It just so happens that I wake up before 7AM naturally. I think maybe the sun rises earlier or my family's just really loud in the morning when my grampa goes to do his morning exercises.
Speaking of exercises, I must do some myself. I already feel myself packing on some weight and it hasn't even been three days. I can't wait 'til I get to dance though. Thanks to Mike, I've found a drop-in studio nearby that I can go to. :)
I think I'm spending the day with the Kwan-ster today so I can't wait. It's been a freakin' long while since we've done so.
I had lunch at Pizza Hut yesterday. The restaurants here are so much nicer than it would be in Toronto or North America for that matter. Pizza hut here is like practically almost fine dining at an affordable price. Their selections are so much nicer and you'd want to stay there for more than the quick time than you would back home. YUMM FOOD.
People here stare at me a lot. I dunno, do I really look like that much of a tourist? Do I really draw that much attention just because I dress differently? Anyway, I guess it can't be too bad that people find me fascinating in one way or another LOL.
My parents really want to spend the next week in Shanghai, but I am adamantly refusing. I wonder what is to happen. If that is the case, I will hardly be spending any time in the streets of Hong Kong until August. I don't think I really want that. *crosses fingers* LEAVE ME ALONE THANKS!
On another note, it gets kinda depressing sometimes shopping. Everything's really nice here so I want to buy everything. :( I've already covered my eyes and walked away from a lot of nice stores so I wouldn't feel sad.
Alright I'm off to CARPE DIEM so fare thee well!!!
BTW, I'm typing this 12 hours ahead of Toronto time so whatever the time posts... yeah you get the drift.
Waking up bright and early seems to be part of my daily routine now I don't know why. It just so happens that I wake up before 7AM naturally. I think maybe the sun rises earlier or my family's just really loud in the morning when my grampa goes to do his morning exercises.
Speaking of exercises, I must do some myself. I already feel myself packing on some weight and it hasn't even been three days. I can't wait 'til I get to dance though. Thanks to Mike, I've found a drop-in studio nearby that I can go to. :)
I think I'm spending the day with the Kwan-ster today so I can't wait. It's been a freakin' long while since we've done so.
I had lunch at Pizza Hut yesterday. The restaurants here are so much nicer than it would be in Toronto or North America for that matter. Pizza hut here is like practically almost fine dining at an affordable price. Their selections are so much nicer and you'd want to stay there for more than the quick time than you would back home. YUMM FOOD.
People here stare at me a lot. I dunno, do I really look like that much of a tourist? Do I really draw that much attention just because I dress differently? Anyway, I guess it can't be too bad that people find me fascinating in one way or another LOL.
My parents really want to spend the next week in Shanghai, but I am adamantly refusing. I wonder what is to happen. If that is the case, I will hardly be spending any time in the streets of Hong Kong until August. I don't think I really want that. *crosses fingers* LEAVE ME ALONE THANKS!
On another note, it gets kinda depressing sometimes shopping. Everything's really nice here so I want to buy everything. :( I've already covered my eyes and walked away from a lot of nice stores so I wouldn't feel sad.
Alright I'm off to CARPE DIEM so fare thee well!!!
BTW, I'm typing this 12 hours ahead of Toronto time so whatever the time posts... yeah you get the drift.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
safe & sound
I arrived in HK pretty early July 5 2PM. I thought I was gonna arrive in the evening. Once I stepped outside the beautiful airport I could already sense that I was probably gonna hate the weather here. It's not even HOT per se, it's just stuffy. Like the musky weather just lingers around you and stuffs your nose.
Anyway, I subtlely squeal inside me at a sight of a Caucasian. You can already tell that I'm missing Toronto even though Toronto is very heavily dominated by Asians. I can't wait to see everybody that's over there. The first thing I did when I got home was call everybody's numbers I knew in Hong Kong.
So the place I'm living in is at my grandparent's house in Happy Valley. It's very different from where I was used to living the past two times I've visited HK. It's a lot... older, and... stinkier I guess. I swear my grandparents are obsessed with mothballs or something. And it definitely doesn't help my when my grandpa is a Buddhist so there's the daily incense going up now and then. Oh well, I guess I have to live with it. I've already been stocking up on the air fresheners. LOL
It rains everyday here apparently so I can never go wrong by bringing an umbrella out just in case. I also don't sleep with a blanket; that's how hot it is. I have a big feeling I'm gonna get fat real soon 'cause my grandma keeps making me eat her food even if I'm not hungry and I JUST got here.
The airplane ride wasn't as bad as I thought it would. The newly renovated planes with the personal TVs and headrests in economy class definitely enhanced the ride. PFFT who needs first class. :D
Hope everyone's having a lovely time back at home or wherever you guys are. This summer's gonna go by WAY too fast so cherish the moments that you have!
Love you and thinking of you all~
Anyway, I subtlely squeal inside me at a sight of a Caucasian. You can already tell that I'm missing Toronto even though Toronto is very heavily dominated by Asians. I can't wait to see everybody that's over there. The first thing I did when I got home was call everybody's numbers I knew in Hong Kong.
So the place I'm living in is at my grandparent's house in Happy Valley. It's very different from where I was used to living the past two times I've visited HK. It's a lot... older, and... stinkier I guess. I swear my grandparents are obsessed with mothballs or something. And it definitely doesn't help my when my grandpa is a Buddhist so there's the daily incense going up now and then. Oh well, I guess I have to live with it. I've already been stocking up on the air fresheners. LOL
It rains everyday here apparently so I can never go wrong by bringing an umbrella out just in case. I also don't sleep with a blanket; that's how hot it is. I have a big feeling I'm gonna get fat real soon 'cause my grandma keeps making me eat her food even if I'm not hungry and I JUST got here.
The airplane ride wasn't as bad as I thought it would. The newly renovated planes with the personal TVs and headrests in economy class definitely enhanced the ride. PFFT who needs first class. :D
Hope everyone's having a lovely time back at home or wherever you guys are. This summer's gonna go by WAY too fast so cherish the moments that you have!
Love you and thinking of you all~
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
You're definitely an example of why I never followed through with what I wanted to do a year ago. And you're definitely a reminder of what I shouldn't do in the future. Thanks.
I'm learning, and I'm going places!
Live. Love. Laugh. Learn!!!
That's what I'm doing.
I'm leaving in less than 6 hours and I don't know if I've emphasized this enough but...
Sorry that I'm missing people's birthdays back home!
Right now, I think I MIGHT've overpacked.. with like 8 outfits and 3 pairs of shoes... but this is just a security thing ehehe.
I'll see whoever's over there, but now... I needa finish some last minute stuff. The next time I blog, I'll be halfway across the world!
Pictures will be posted on Facebook and all my wordlings will be here. :)
I'm learning, and I'm going places!
Live. Love. Laugh. Learn!!!
That's what I'm doing.
I'm leaving in less than 6 hours and I don't know if I've emphasized this enough but...
Sorry that I'm missing people's birthdays back home!
Right now, I think I MIGHT've overpacked.. with like 8 outfits and 3 pairs of shoes... but this is just a security thing ehehe.
I'll see whoever's over there, but now... I needa finish some last minute stuff. The next time I blog, I'll be halfway across the world!
Pictures will be posted on Facebook and all my wordlings will be here. :)
Monday, July 02, 2007
i'm feelin' great!
I just had my last gym training before I jet off to HK. It was the last but it was the best. There were so little people and I felt especially pumped to show improvement.
Basically it was satisfying and I can't wait to come back from HK so I can do more conditioning/training. Coach is great, people are encouraging and things are finally coming together. :)
I'm staying home tomorrow basically to wrap up everything in Toronto in preparation of my long six weeks. I think I am going to need to find a library for source of Internet to update this blog and to reach everyone back home and locally in HK but hopefully I can outdo my mom and persuade her into thinking that I'm not gonna rot at home when there's an available computer around. HEHE.
I'm trying to find some drop-in hiphop dance classes for me to join while I'm there so I still keep my fitness. If not, I guess jogging helps.
Right now, I really need to figure out some last minute university stuff so I'm not going crazy. People aren't emailing back like they said they would. I lost my first year calendar and sites are confusing!
Thank you to Richard today for hosting a well-needed chill out pool party. Thanks for organizing, running around getting the food, taking care of everyone. YOU'RE AWESOME!!!
Basically it was satisfying and I can't wait to come back from HK so I can do more conditioning/training. Coach is great, people are encouraging and things are finally coming together. :)
I'm staying home tomorrow basically to wrap up everything in Toronto in preparation of my long six weeks. I think I am going to need to find a library for source of Internet to update this blog and to reach everyone back home and locally in HK but hopefully I can outdo my mom and persuade her into thinking that I'm not gonna rot at home when there's an available computer around. HEHE.
I'm trying to find some drop-in hiphop dance classes for me to join while I'm there so I still keep my fitness. If not, I guess jogging helps.
Right now, I really need to figure out some last minute university stuff so I'm not going crazy. People aren't emailing back like they said they would. I lost my first year calendar and sites are confusing!
Thank you to Richard today for hosting a well-needed chill out pool party. Thanks for organizing, running around getting the food, taking care of everyone. YOU'RE AWESOME!!!
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