I like to leave my blog dormant, or so I realized. It's been a while. Life in the United States has been really busy. So busy until a certain point that I thought of packing up everything and leaving this place. Pathetic huh? I mean, being under a scholarship, with unlimited opportunities in this new piece of land, who will think of doing that? Me.
Took four courses this semester. Statics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Differential Equations. Sort of too heavy for me. The workload is killing me. It's no longer like college. And I was forced to accept that I am in one of the top 10 engineering schools in the world. There was a certain point in my life here, that I thought of letting go of everything and change my major, or even just drop everything and go back to Malaysia. Feel like my passion in photography has overtaken my passion in Mechanical. But God has been faithful. I felt motivated through the people and the environment here. Top engineering school's life. Pathetic, yes. But I guess the result will be rewarding.
Throughout my life here in Ann Arbor, I think the most blessed part is the people here. I got to know a guy from Sibu. His name is Jacky. And he is a really great brother, both in real life and in Christ. Driving us everywhere for the past two months, caring about us, helping us in as many ways as he can; I just couldn't thank him enough. Imagine driving out at 2 a.m. just to fetch my friend and I back home. Normal people don't do that. It takes great friendship and love of God to do so. For that I give thanks.
Church life has been great. Church community is exceptionally friendly. Got to know a lot of friends. Even though there is a certain period of depression because of failing grades(trust me it's really bad), God has been my healer and my motivator. He never fails. Awesome huh? Weather is changing. Winter is coming soon. Looking forward to the first snow. Not really sure when is the next time I will write on my blog again. But for any updates, just go to my facebook profile. I am super active there. Hahaha..signing off.
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Friday, 10 August 2012
A Very Long Summary, of A Very Long Journey
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.
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.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Pre-Australia
Time really passes fast. Here I am at LCCT again, waiting for my flight to Australia. Anticipating the photos that I am going to take, the places that I am going to visit, and most importantly, the people that I am going to meet. Gonna be an awesome vacation :)
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Malacca Trip, and The Aftermath
So the story goes in such a way that a few weeks after going to Cameron Highlands, we went to Malacca for a two-day trip. 16 people. 4 cameras. One to four? Haha..
Apart from eating, we took a lot of photos. Too many I personally think. It's good to have a few cameras in a trip. I like to browse through others' albums rather than my own. No idea why. That is just me. Malacca is a nice place to walk around. The sky was so blue when we reached there. Such a nice setting for landscape photography. We stayed in an apartment beside the beach. The apartment was large enough for us to go crazy inside. Definitely suitable for 16 friends, of which some are really crazy :P
We ate a lot in Malacca. Visited the Pan & Wok for pork chop. Visited Mille Crepe twice; addicted to the cakes there I think. The cakes were really nice. Jonker Steet was as usual. The usual crowd, and the usual food. Had a very nice fellowship with the gang that night. Thanks to one of my friends, Yen Ming, for thinking of doing such a thing. A session where we talked our hearts out and said what we wanted to say to everyone present. We talked for around 5 hours. A new record I think. Hopefully there was no regret after the trip.
On a different note, I got quite close with a girl lately. From a friend that I seldom talked to, to a friend that I joked and chatted with, to a friend that I pour my heart content to. I am thankful for having a friend that can actually pull me out of my misery. With her, I experienced the feeling of having a Christian girlfriend. Not to say that she is my girlfriend. Still, the feeling is so nice. Having someone so close to you and yet worshiping God at the same time, with the same devoted heart. Aww..the difference is so great. And the best thing is, last time I didn't pray before I eat. Now, due to her influence, praying before I eat becomes a habit. I used to forget to do it, and only do it when I see people doing it. I guess having a relationship with a Christian really makes a difference after all. Well, the story ends here. ATU night tonight. I wonder how it will turn out to be. Camera Ready. Teehee :)
Apart from eating, we took a lot of photos. Too many I personally think. It's good to have a few cameras in a trip. I like to browse through others' albums rather than my own. No idea why. That is just me. Malacca is a nice place to walk around. The sky was so blue when we reached there. Such a nice setting for landscape photography. We stayed in an apartment beside the beach. The apartment was large enough for us to go crazy inside. Definitely suitable for 16 friends, of which some are really crazy :P
We ate a lot in Malacca. Visited the Pan & Wok for pork chop. Visited Mille Crepe twice; addicted to the cakes there I think. The cakes were really nice. Jonker Steet was as usual. The usual crowd, and the usual food. Had a very nice fellowship with the gang that night. Thanks to one of my friends, Yen Ming, for thinking of doing such a thing. A session where we talked our hearts out and said what we wanted to say to everyone present. We talked for around 5 hours. A new record I think. Hopefully there was no regret after the trip.
On a different note, I got quite close with a girl lately. From a friend that I seldom talked to, to a friend that I joked and chatted with, to a friend that I pour my heart content to. I am thankful for having a friend that can actually pull me out of my misery. With her, I experienced the feeling of having a Christian girlfriend. Not to say that she is my girlfriend. Still, the feeling is so nice. Having someone so close to you and yet worshiping God at the same time, with the same devoted heart. Aww..the difference is so great. And the best thing is, last time I didn't pray before I eat. Now, due to her influence, praying before I eat becomes a habit. I used to forget to do it, and only do it when I see people doing it. I guess having a relationship with a Christian really makes a difference after all. Well, the story ends here. ATU night tonight. I wonder how it will turn out to be. Camera Ready. Teehee :)
Friday, 8 June 2012
Ice Skating
Life is like ice skating. You fall for uncountable times at the beginning, and you get up every single time, tough and ready for the second fall down. Until one day you get so tired of falling down, that you tell yourself never to fall down again no matter what. At that moment, you make a vow to yourself, to be strong and ignorant of the tribulations and challenges in life, to strive and to never give up, to weather and to never give in. That way, you thrive.
Monday, 4 June 2012
Regret
I just want to find a place to shout my lungs out. Why is it so hard? When I thought I've gotten over it, Bang! It hit me right, it hit me hard, that things are never going to be the same again. I wish we can be friends again, but the thing is, how is it possible for you to act like nothing has happened between us at all? How is it that you can still smile and laugh in front of me like that? How is it that you can let go so easily? In the end I have come to decide that you don't deserve anyone's love. You don't. I wish we have not met. I wish I were not in this position, torn between wanting to forget and wanting to keep. How ridiculous is it that I am being tortured by someone who doesn't even care, who doesn't even realize that as she lives her everyday life happily, someone else is being ripped apart. I really really really regret.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Appreciate
Okay here I come crapping late at night again. Attended Re:Union by Acts Church last night. It was a really amazing conference overall. But I couldn't really understand the front part, where they invited some rock singers who sang songs that I could never catch the words even though I tried really hard. Pastor Kenneth said the performances were to show to all the people how much talents there are in the Kingdom of God. Well, maybe that explains. It was an amazing closing of the three-day conference, and the praise and worship session is by far, the longest that I have attended. The atmosphere was slowly built up little by little until it reached the peak, when the whole Stadium Negara seemed to be shaken by our praise. It was heart moving. It was astounding.
One week of no-class life ends tomorrow. Two assignments to be passed up next week, but I have not touched either of them. So cool. A test coming up, but the same thing applies. I don't even know which chapter is included. That's how messed up Summer Sem is. But well, I guess everything is gonna end in three more weeks. Sigh, time is really passing fast. Not anxious to go to the United States at all. I like the people here. I like the food here. I like the weather here. I like being here. Appreciate, appreciate, appreciate, is all that I can remind myself of. Be grateful for the past, be pumped up for the present, and be hopeful for the future. With faith, hope, and love :)
One week of no-class life ends tomorrow. Two assignments to be passed up next week, but I have not touched either of them. So cool. A test coming up, but the same thing applies. I don't even know which chapter is included. That's how messed up Summer Sem is. But well, I guess everything is gonna end in three more weeks. Sigh, time is really passing fast. Not anxious to go to the United States at all. I like the people here. I like the food here. I like the weather here. I like being here. Appreciate, appreciate, appreciate, is all that I can remind myself of. Be grateful for the past, be pumped up for the present, and be hopeful for the future. With faith, hope, and love :)
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