Thank God, it has been resolved! :)
So now I can tell you the story.

I stayed to study in Singapore because I felt there was stuff I wanted to do in church, and also cos I couldn't really afford to study overseas. But all the research I did on unis in Australia and NZ (cos of my mom -.-) made me really want to study abroad at least for a little while if not 3/4 whole years. Everyone will say that it's for the experience, and that is true. But I really wanted to see what it's like somewhere else, and understand why society varies across time and space. Humans are very strange cultural creatures. Yes, I cannot begin to explain how my thinking has been changed since my introduction into sociology. It's awesome. I really like what I'm studying, even if it brings up challenging questions about the things that I believe in.

In any case, I applied for the Student Exchange Programme (SEP). I wasn't sure what my chances were, when i was somewhere at the bottom of those who were applying in terms of my grades. I had to count on the mini essay we had to include in our application, and I wrote an expanded version of the aforementioned paragraph. Then I did all there was left to do, I prayed. We prayed. And God answered. I got my first choice. We got our first choice. Hooray! ... or not.

You see, it never occurred to me that it would be wrong to go on an exchange with Ngiap since there are others (whom we do not yet know personally) going with us. And so we faced opposition from my leaders. I could choose to go without their blessings, or I could choose not to go. How now? The thought of not going, was quite painful. I really wanted to go, I wanted to see the world, I've been wanting this ever since I entered uni, I've been waiting for this. But the thought of going without being blessed by the authorities God has placed in my life, that kinda kills me more. Having entered into a relationship with blessings, I've come to understand that going with blessings is really quite an incredibly wonderful thing. And what kind of example would I be if I went against spiritual authority? It was a real struggle, and I guess I was about to come around to choosing what is right. At the same time, my mind was desperately searching for ways that may allow me to go with blessings. Perhaps if I could find someone whom I know, or a friend knows, who's also going for the same exchange, maybe it'll help. But before all that, I havent event sought my parents blessings yet, so first things first.

I was kinda surprised when my mom gave me her blessings rather easily the moment I had answered some of her questions. And my dad was in agreement as well. The gist of it was that, because we had conducted ourselves well throughout the whole process of getting together and even while we are together, they could trust us. See what I mean by it's really different when you are blessed before you do something? Haha. And my mom went to talk to my leaders, who decided that as long as we remained accountable to a leader while on the trip, we could go! Also, on one of the nights we were praying together, Ngiap prayed that we would find somebody also going on the same exchange as us, and I added in that it would even be more awesome if the person is a christian as well. And that night we felt the presence of God with us as we prayed. And wahla! We found a friend who has a good christian friend who's going for exchange together with us! Is God amazing, or is God amazing??? :)))))

So it is that I'll be off to Netherlands in about 8 months with full blessings from those in spiritual authority over me!! Europe YEA! Woohoo! So excited! :))))) Now just gotta pray that there will be enough $$$$. Oh, i forgot to mention that at first I was content to just go some place in Southeast Asia where the standard of living is lower, and so Philippines was one of my choices. But by faith, my Dad told me that it's okay to apply for Europe cos he'll find the money somehow. God will provide. Awesome.

God is good! He has given me miracle after miracle. And hopefully, I'll have another testimony on 20th December when results come out! :)

Elizabeth chirped at 1:28 PM | No comments

What a week.
It's been back to back meetings to plan for youth camp, mission trip, leaders meeting, training and then worrying about SEP. I am exhausted. Havent been eating properly and i think I may have messed up my stomach. There's a perpetual dull ache that intensifies nearer to meal time :/ But in all things I give thanks to God who is sovereign over every aspect of my life.

This trip to berakit was kinda miserable physically. I clocked about 2 hours of sleep the night before, because I woke up in the middle of the night with a very strong urge to gag that prevented me from sleeping. At every rest/check point I got, i had to make a choice between going or opting out, and I'm really glad that each time I managed to opt in, because when you're finally there and you get to see the smiles and joy of the children, it's something absolutely amazing and it makes everything worthwhile. There were many delays and hiccups, but through it all we could still see the sovereign hand of God covering us. We arrived just as the sun was setting and the main generator was down so there was barely any light in the village, but I thank God that because of all the hiccups we got blessed to have a perfect view of the eclipse amidst all the twinkling stars :) It's kinda magical to stand together in the cool night air after a day of hard work and just be amazed by God's handiwork :) So yes, i had a great trip despite the physical discomfort :)

But it's back to reality in Singapore, with many things to settle. I guess there isn't really such a thing as holidays in Singapore because you just get busy with something else. Darned post-modern society! The hunter-gathers worked less and were just as happy if not more. But alright, we were placed here for such a time as this.

I'm not sure how i'll manage everything when i'm such an epic fail multi-tasker, but God please be my guide and strength!

Elizabeth chirped at 11:23 AM | No comments

Think it through, pray it through.

There were 3 things I wanted to do in Uni: Stay in Hall, YEP and SEP.
Two of which I have already done. And the last, I've just been given a chance. That I managed to secure a place despite being at the bottom academically, is itself a miracle. I don't understand why God would place me in such a predicament. It seems like He has been doing that ever since I've entered uni. Giving me the choice between the good and the good, and making me choose one. I would dearly love to go, but I must be an example. It is not that I agree that the actual trip itself stumbles others. But I think it is my disobedience or simply going without being blessed by the authorities in your life, that is what would stumble other people. So dear God, make a way if you will.

Elizabeth chirped at 12:44 AM | No comments