I never expected that I'd have the opportunity to study here in Regent, although I've dreamed of doing so for many years. I was moved to tears when I received news that I've been granted a scholarship by the College. My heart leapt with joy at God's awesome provision.
Leaving family and friends, YA and all was not easy. I had to wrap things up in the office, packed up my room as I was not sure when I will return to KL and basically tried to pack my life into 2 suitcases. Church and YA was busy with 40 Days Purpose Driven Life during that season, which provided a natural break that made way for my departure. All the farewell meals and well wishes served to remind me that there are people out there who care for me and will always be interested in my welfare no matter where I am on this planet Earth. I am truly blessed.
I am grateful for the wonderful accommodation that He has provided for me. Even managed to make arrangements for someone to pick me up from the airport. I am thankful for the opportunity to study at the feet of Christ, through His servants, especially in the summer. His grace sustained me through all the courses I took. I was also processing through a lot of things with regards to my decision to come here, my calling and my faith altogether. He provided a good friend here, who patiently heard me out and helped walk me through that period. With many years of experience as a minister albeit in a different tradition, and a personality that's totoally unlike mine, he was the perfect candidate to be my sounding board.
The Fall term, being my first term proper, had its trying moments. Nevertheless it has been relatively smooth and good generally. Found a church to settle in; made friends whom I can share to cook with; got involved with the International Alpha group; and survived all my papers and exams, especially Greek. The Christian Thought and Culture 1 course ended up quite a nightmare as the amount of material we had to study for the exams were enormous. I felt rather overwhelmed and didn't know where to start preparing for the exams. It was at this point when emails started going around as people were consolidating the materials and freely shared their notes with fellow coursemates. It was pretty amazing to see such Christian attitude and my friend jokingly mentioned that community arises out of crises!
He has given me a fantastic job, which matches my giftings and somewhat meticulous nature. I'm learning a lot from my supervisor and appreciate the ability to supplement my income. Although I don't work many hours, it's still time which I could otherwise spend on my studies. Thus it forces me to be more disciplined with my time management as I will have to put in more hours into my job when Winter term begins in 2 weeks time.
My first Christmas in Vancouver is a memorable one. Besides all the great food, it's been a time of getting closer to some of my friends and opportunity to get to know others a little better. Usually during the term, everyone is busy and College is not exactly the easiest place to socialise and develop friendships. It was also great to hear from family, friends and colleagues from home and around the world, literally. I do miss spending Christmas with loved ones as it's not been easy being so far away from people I care about. I can only entrust them to His loving arms and look to Him to take good care of them. I didn't think I'd say this, but I miss the craziness of our Christmas services back home. The Christmas services here are so mild and quiet. Some churches do put up large scale productions but these would usually be staged during the first 2 weeks of December.
I had my share of Christmas gifts this year but the one that stands out is the following poem from a friend, who is very observant and obviously knows me quite well! All the way from Malaysia, it came printed in a hand-bound volume of poems she wrote for different folks.
Cheryl Wong,
She sure ain't King Kong.
Though the impact she makes on people,
To that mighty ape is quite comparable.
Loud, hip, fun and funky,
That's Cheryl, even before she gets friendly.
Taking pride in being positively different.
She has done well, I am very certain.
I don't know about you,
But I for one, miss this cool dude.
Of course I'm glad she's enjoying herself at apple fests,
Between her many assignments and doctrinal tests.
She loves to dance to Michael Bublé,
I bet with her moves she can flatten a soufflé. ;p
However I know where she got all her funkiness,
Her mom games online with the household broadband wireless.
She, the strong-faithed yuppy,
Me, the ol' boring frizzy pea,
Together we go absolutely crazy,
It's been wonderful having her as a friend,
Also 'cos her C.S. Lewis books to me, she lent.
- by
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