Closure

I think it's time to close up the lid on this crystal jar; it is a terrible indulgence to listen to yourself go on about, well, yourself. At least I don't think I can carry this on, I'm not cut out for self publicity. But I think I'll keep this place for awhile more, to post pictures, like stickers on a jar.

My rantings will go to my Wordpress from now, but I think there's more subtlety in that one, more freedom of expression. Thanks to those who've been dropping by, I do hope we may be a tad closer than digital friends:]

Cheers!

A Long Way From Home

This will be home for the next 6 weeks - the LST RSS Endurance. No mail, no TV, no internet, no GSM, no sound, no picture. Just the sun, sand and the sea.

Just my kind of job.

People have been asking, "Why did you sign on?". I've always answered, "Why not?" I believe God made me a fine soldier for a reason, and I intend to fulfill the purpose of my design to the best of my abilities. I am a Christian, then a son. Brother and friend. Now I'm adding sailor and, hopefully, officer in time to come. What a great many things for a man to be! That's cause man wasn't made for any single job, his capacity surpasses that, I'm sure. Jobs fit a purpose, they're not the same, but that's another story for another time=]

I'm gonna miss HOME...3 weeks of confinement in OCS was bad enough, I'm not sure how I'm gonna fare for 6 weeks. Hey y'all reading this - I'm gonna MISS YOU. Oh well...Gotta earn my pay. I'll always remember 2WO Razali's favourite phrase - "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." To all my beloved cellmates, and to anybody reading this, push on to do the right thing, it's gonna be worth it in the end.

The RSN emblem has a Singapore coat of arms over an anchor and a laurel supporting it all. The anchor signifies the navy's seafaring nature, with Singapore at the center of its purposes and the laurels for excellence. In a more individualistic point of view, I see the anchor anchoring me to home in the center, with laurels of grace supporting me as I leave it behind when I sail. A corny thing, maybe, but I've learnt that these things preserve who I am when I'm away on long trips.

Ok, enough of such serious stuff. I celebrated my birthday in camp last week, with my brothers from MIDS wing. They got me a RSN cake! I'm glad to be in the company of such motivated and diligent people, and it comforts me much that they're people I know I can count on in the difficult days ahead till we commission as officers. Maybe not all of us will make it, and we're all different in some ways. But we are all working towards something in common, together, and that's all I need to know. Nothing comes close.

Off to SAFTI

Hoho...I'm going off to SAFTI MI tomorrow. sigh. 3 weeks confinement, no fun at all. Oh well. At least I've got my buddy Eugene there with me, and of course, God is here, as always=)

I'm down with a serious throat infection, probably tonsillitis, and it's really bothering me. The medicine I've been taking don't seem to help much too. Can't eat, can't talk, can't sing, can't swallow my own saliva without feeling stabbed in the throat. God help me.

And those are my buddies from Bronco3. Everyone's going separate ways from now on, but I'm sure we'll still hear of each other long after.

Last post was April 6th...it's been a long time indeed.

I have graduated from Basic Military Training, and just got my posting yesterday. I'll be spending the next 9 months in OCS, training to become a midshipman.

A bundle of things have been happening, but nothing quite as amazing as knowing my God more. As life went on, changes came along. Growing up, financial independence, family commitments, priorities, restrictions, freedom. All at once. If God hadn't been with me, I would be messed up indeed.

Down with a fever right now, so can't really think straight, much less write more. Will update more soon..

GOOD FRIDAY

It is Good Friday today.

What's so good about this Friday? Why not other Fridays?

Cause on this day (well not TODAY exactly, but for convenience's sake..), the Son of God who came from Heaven died and redeemed us from our sins.

Now why would He do that? That is another question altogether, but the answer that sums it up is LOVE.

Just as we were tainted by Adam's blood of sin, we were made clean by the blood of Jesus. This day 2000 years ago, a Father's love came through and rescued us from the pits of hell. He struggled and fought through the terrible hunger, the scorching desert sun, the scorn of all people, the hooked flail and whips, the pain of death and the guilt of sin, to reach us who were at the bottom and offer us His helping hand, which is now bloodied and wounded. He did it even with the knowledge that not all would take his hand, nor appreciate His efforts that are unparalleled in the history and future of the universe.

Now why would He do that?


Cause He is Love personified. And that's why this Friday is good, cause He is good.

Would you take His hand?

Fill me.

Fill my heart with your heart,
So that I may become more;
Become who I should be,
Who I really am,
That is in you.

---

Booked out.

_____

Loyalty to country,
Leadership,
Discipline,
Professionalism,
Fighting Spirit,
Ethics,
Care for Soldiers.

______

These are the "SAF 7 Core Values" that we must all recite before a water parade every 2 hours on the island of botak men on the east side of Singapore. Pretty interesting practice, and every value listed there is actually quite meaningful if you look at it from certain angles. But like many, if not all, moral practices in Singapore, it sometimes turns into a farcical joke because of insincere hearts and minds that do not bother to think just a little more into its intended meaning.

I'm beginning to get used to life on Tekong, it's very similar to what I had imagined it to be, and sometimes even better. The accommodations are very comfortable, and we're fed VERY well. PT is tough. Drills are tough. The weather is a little warmer and more erratic than on the mainland. My platoon is fantastic, and my section is just crazy. The commanders are strict but still reasonable, and I really have very little to complain about.

Can't say it's the same for some others though, there are many here who complain about EVERYTHING under the hot Tekong sun. I shan't elaborate, nor say that I've never complained before, but I think the insatiable appetite of Man to please himself is fearsome indeed.

2 weeks on Tekong seems much longer than it is, and I missed many people in many places very much. Thanks everyone, who's been messaging me and keeping me connected. People from church and my dear students, you know who you are, I really appreciate your well wishes and jokes about my short hair. Forgive the lack of replies though, cause I did not transfer all my contacts over to my non-camera-out-of-date-low-battery-life-phone. There's only 45 minutes of precious private time everyday, and much of it is spent washing and cleaning already. But please continue to keep your messages coming:]

God's been taking care of me while I'm out there, as He's always had, and the things He's provided for are too many to list. But I remember one time, when I came to the end of my strength, He came to my help just as the whisper of my prayer left my lips, as if He was just waiting for me to ask, just waiting to give me that which I needed. He is awesome, and that place became hallowed ground in that very instant.

I feel complete at this moment, and hope to overflow. Glory to His name.