Monday, January 26, 2009
HAPPY CNY!
I came back on Saturday morning. Awww, it's so good to be back to a place all so familiar. I know it's just a "holiday" for me. heh. After that, life will resume in Shanghai! I will live like an intern and a student.
The past month has been a month of adjustment - adjusting to the weather, the culture, the working environment, the independence. The biggest lesson I learned last month is managing my expectations and knowing and learning about God's faithfulness. :)
Let me share a piece of good news with you! I was at the airport on Saturday when I received this sms from cons "Babe! Ruo just accepted Christ!". Oh my gosh, the joy within me was overflowing! The whole of heaven was prolly rejoicing along with us I was so excited and I was so happy for her! Praise the Lord. I immediately called them. I talked to the girls for a while and realised how much I miss them! Can't wait to spend time with you girls! Really! And I am excited for Ruo's journey with the Lord... :) :) :) I'm also excited for you too Cons! It's gonna be a fruitful year ahead for you.
My resolution this year: To be PASSIONATE. Passionate for God, passionate for worship, passionate for the people. Passion comes from a joy to want to please the Lord, passion looks forward to the end (even if you meet a road block in the midst of your journey, you will never give up), passion derives from a steady relationship with God.
This 6 months in Shanghai is also going to strengten my relationship with the Lord. In a place so far away from home, away from the comforts of having your family and friends around me, the only person I will turn to is God...
The Lord has been speaking to me about His faithfulness. Psalm 117 says, " Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples! For great is His steadfast love towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord."
it was recorded.
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1:25 AM
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Managing Expectations.
This week, I learned about managing expectations.
It wasn't exactly a high for me this week... I let my emotions take control of me again. And I lost the rational side of myself. I started to miss my family and my friends. And I think about the random lunches/dinners/suppers with them.. And the steamboats with the fabastic clique.. And church with the girls.. I expected myself to fit into the culture/environment here in an instant. But it hit me this week that I still need time to adjust.
The problem with me was this, that I had a pre-conceived notion of what life in Shanghai would be like. I expected it to be a certain way.. the way I wanted it. But because it didn't really meet my expectations, I was very disappointed. I broke down 3 times this week.
I thank God for encouraging me through various individuals. Thank you, you, for bearing with my negativity.
I am going to believe and trust in God's plans for me and I pray and believe that I'm gonna have a blessed time in Shanghai. :)
Psalm 121
1.
I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?
2.
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3.
He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;
4.
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5.
The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6.
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7.
The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;
8.
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
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12:44 AM
Monday, January 05, 2009
Shanghai Update!
It has been 2 weeks since I first stepped into Shanghai. I had a farewell I never intended to have. It was bitter sweet. My parents were so overwhelmed by my first group of friends that they decided to leave me alone at the airport with them. heh. Well, why do people always start to treasure people more when they are gone/when they are going away? I miss everyone at the airport a whole bunch. Every single one was precious to me and some of my friendships were only at the budding stage! Just as we were getting comfortable with each other, I had to leave. Sigh. Thank you for your well wishes, pretty cards, lovely mango delight, meaningful messages and warm hugs. I missed every single bit of it. I really hope to remain in contact with you all! I wonder how many of you are still interested in reading this blog of mine! heh!
Well, my greeting to Shanghai was nothing less than sweet. Joey greeted me with welcoming SMSes. heh. His driver sent us to my new home (courtesy of Christine Shao - his cell group mate). I'm now living in a condo in the rich man area and I have a queen size bed to myself. Heh. It's so nice to just turn on the heater and sleep under the duvet! Ah! So delightful. After unpacking, we headed back to his house where we had a candle-light dinner. Small, simple, sweet affair! Guess what, HE ACTUALLY COOKED!!!! (Now I need to buck up! haha. Zhi, need your help here!) He cooked Aglio Oglio (Seafood - Salmon, Prawns and Mushrooms). It was yummy I must say! No, I'm not being biased. I was very impressed. HAHA. He also passed me a 2009 diary - he hand-made it. Something he totally suck at (art), but he went all out to make the book! Awww.. Pretty. I'm using it now. Heh.
Everything is looking pretty good so far. I thank God for that. I thank God that He has answered my prayers (everyone else's prayer) that I might be able to cope with the weather changes, drastic changes - from HOT to COLD.
Then came HARBIN! Boy was it cold. It was -20 degrees Celcius! (negative 20!) 18 of us went on this trip together. It was a cosy group because it was his cell group. I enjoyed every bit of Harbin except looking like a DA BAO, BA ZHANG. All the winter wear made me puffy and fat. Well either that or I've really put on a lot of weight since my entry into Shanghai! haha. OH, I SKIED! I was the dare devil. heh. I skied down an intermediate slope with hardly any background in skiing. Well, I remembered violently tumbling down the mountain when I lost control of myself. heh. THANK GOD I AM STILL ALIVE MANN!
I will put up pictures soon! Once Mr Tan uploads the pictures. hehe.
Today's my first day at work - at Standard Chartered. I wore a shirt, a blazer and a skirt. It's NORMAL rright? But you know what, i was severely overdressed! I felt so out of place as I was walking along the streets and when I stepped into the office. ;( OH WELLS, tomorrow I will dress down! haha.
Two things happened today. They are extremely unglam moments of myself:
1. I spilled hot coffee over myself. Now I smell of coffee.
2. I slipped while walking down the hill back home! SO EMBARRASSING. Thank God my ankle is alright!
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10:46 PM
