This, is gonna be a super long post. I guess everyone has the experience of updating their antiviruses after a long time of not updating it. The process will be extremely slow. Likewise, this post. It takes a long time for me to finally have the mood of updating my life journal. And from here I will have a hard time trying to recall what have happened in the past two months.
On the 26th of June, I took a flight to Australia to pay a visit to my bro before I fly to the United States. He is graduating at the end of this year, but I guess I have no chance to attend his convocation. Too bad isn't it? Well, I guess I can only give thanks to be able to at least step foot on that piece of land that I once wished to have my tertiary study on. Australia is a very beautiful place. I won't deny that I prefer the scenery in Australia over that in Malaysia. When I went there, it's winter. And the weather is a bit cold for me, ranging from 5 degree to 20 degree. Still, perhaps it's a good training for my life in the States. Not complaining.
Throughout my 14 days stay in Australia, I came to experience what kind of life my brother has been living in the past nearly-3 years - a life where God is always present, a life of great fellowship with the fellow Christians, a life of endless joy and comfort. To start off with, all his housemates are passionate Christians, and their passion can even go to an extent where they sing worship songs together as they prepare dinner. QUT has four life groups. QUT 1 lifegroup was conducted right inside my brother's apartment unit. However, I was invited to QUT 4 lifegroup, whose meeting is within walking distance too. By coincidence, or rather, God's awesome timing, I was able to attend Hope Church Conference during my stay in Australia. It was an energetic, life impacting conference. Hope Church is a charismatic church by the way. Made a lot, a lot of new friends throughout the conference. Really give thanks for that. Particularly grateful to have my itinerary in Australia planned out by my brother and my close friend Timothy. I had a great time traveling around with both of you, not forgetting all those people who joined us for the trips. Took a thousand plus photos throughout the trip. Hopefully the Camaraderie Photography page in Facebook will be famous one day. To cut the story or narration short, it was really a very interesting trip, and I thank God for the opportunity to experience Him, to make new friends, to travel around, and basically, everything.
Came back to Malaysia and I stayed at my friend, Yen Ming's house at Banting for three days. Planned to have my Visa interview during those three days but then I didn't manage to have the interview scheduled for that time. So in the end I explored Banting under Yen Ming supervision. Lol. Banting is a small town, not really so developed. A lot of palm oil trees in the town; even right outside Yen Ming's house. A lot of beaches too. It's a great experience to stay in a place like this, away from hectic pace of urban life.
Came back home on the 13th of July and rested for a week plus. Ate a lot of the food in my hometown, and did the same things that I usually do whenever I have the chance of coming back. The same old procedures, the same type of local delicacies. Haha.. Met up with my close friends, and had a farewell dinner with them. Said goodbye to three of my close friends, who were and is going to India to further their studies (you get what I mean). All the best to you all. Be a good doctor and dentists. I look forward to meeting with you all again after three years.
Went back to Banting again on the 22nd of July. Had my US visa interview on the 23rd. Thank God everything went smoothly, and I got my Visa on the 24th of July. Attended JPA predeparture talk on the 25th of July. A boring talk about what we should prepare and do before we fly to the United States. Got a lot of money, both US and Malaysia notes. Haha..felt so rich all of a sudden.
Stayed overnight at my friend, Guit Teng's aunty's house after the predeparture talk. Her aunty's husband is the developer of Danga Bay. A very big house it is. Had a great time there with so many girls and no guy at all except me. Sweat.
Went to Ipoh on the 26th of August. Missed our bus again. Somehow missing buses became our trend. We missed the bus from Malacca to Shah Alam during our trip to Malacca a couple of months ago. Anyway, had a great, great time in Ipoh eating and exploring the caves. Stayed up late at night, hanging around at cafes and bar, talking nonstop and playing games. It was a fun-filled trip. Special thanks to the organizer and host, Zheng Fong. Again, my previous housemate/roommate. All the best in the States people. We will meet again :)
Went back to Banting again after the trip, on the 28th. Had the privilege of visiting Yen Ming's church, Banting Methodist Church. It was small, but the people inside are friendly and the bond is strong. Big or small, God's churches are always awesome. Had the pleasure of building up a certain level of relationship with her family throughout the stay, especially her siblings. Felt like being at home due to their similar characteristics as my siblings. Thanks for the food, the hospitality, and again, everything. Haha...
Came back to Sibu again on the 31st of July. Went to Miri on the 1st of August to meet my sister. Not really sure if I will see her again, so the 15-hour journey to and fro was nothing. Haha..be a good teacher la. Teach the students well. And enjoy your life to the fullest. Take care :)
And finally, reached home again on the 3rd of August. It was a tiring journey starting from Australia, but nonetheless, fun and rewarding. Have been home for a week. But in less than a week time, I will be flying to the United States. In the state of ambivalence now. Will try to write another blog post before I fly. Signing off. Weeee.. :)
p.s. All the photos taken throughout my trip are posted in my Facebook profile and also in Camaraderie Photography. Thank you.
