:: Fragile Things ::

I figured i’ve changed much over the years. After all, God loves us too much to allow us to stay where we’re at. So, I decided to move blogs. Only so that i could keep some thoughts private. Such wonderful options this WordPress offers :D And after a life-changing experience at OA, i figured that it was also time for a brand new season. With you. With Him.

Anyway, I told myself i wouldn’t/shouldn’t be affected so easily. Some things, i’ve yet to learn and fully comprehend. I thank you, for making me realise that. I thank You, for Your grace that is sufficient for me.

“…All along I thought
I was learning how to take
How to bend not how to break
How to live not how to cry
But really
I’ve been learning how to die
I’ve been learning how to die…”

Life is definitely worth living.

“And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Bring it on. I’m ready.

OA was brilliant.

I’m exhausted, but happily so :)

Highlights :

• The 3.5 hour hike in was no joke. The 3 hour hike out was better. Somewhat. But still not a joke. *predicts that Ellie will be bedridden in the morning*
• It was fun sleeping in the hut. Even if i *did* wake up multiple times to yelping dogs, crowing roosters at every hour and the fact that the hut moved everytime someone walked/sat/stood up.
• OA services are awesome. The worship especially :)
• Preaching in front of people you don’t know, in a language you only used back in your hometown, plus KIDS running all over the place, was very interesting.
• Bathing in the river is not my cup of tea. It was a hair-standing experience. Lol. I was the only one who came out *bright* pink from head to toe.
• Baby “lurs” (wildboar) run kids over. Literally.
• It was weird not having to wash my hair everyday. Heck, it was weird not *bathing* everyday.
• Sleeping bags are useful shells to hide from flying beetles.
• My little brown boy. Ah, i miss that cute little fat face. He’s unsaved. Will have to keep praying for him :)
• OA kids have the shortest attention span ever. I am no match for them. It was fun face-painting and nail-painting with them.
• I didn’t get to cook for OA. But we sure had good food :D Mah Ling rocks. And you never know how welcomed a hot cup of Milo is in a cold night in the jungle.
• A great team :) Ah, the funny moments will definitely be cherished. “What happens in OA, stays in OA….for awhile.” ;)
• I pooped under the stars :D After half an hour of choosing the *perfect* spot.
• I learnt how simple people outside of KL lived. I wonder how did we learn that we *cannot* survive without the latest gadgets/shoes/clothes/expensive foodstuff. Heck, you’d wonder how these people lived without toilets that don’t flush on their own. They’re just so grateful for anything and everything.

Last but not least…

• I miss it already :(

Elder Joy was right. You’ll always feel a lil’ bit of something when you leave OA to the normal routine of *life*. I had to jump straight into assignments. Which, i can’t put it in any other way but “sucks”.

It was nice tho…living without having a phone beeping. Or a watch to tell you what time it is. It was nice being away from the lappie too. It was nice…taking it slow.

I think i speak for every other OA team and my own when i say that it’s an experience worth going for. Worth every cent, sweat and energy. And sleep too (considering how i was rushing my assignments before going).

Bottomline : I’d go again :)

Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours. These people need You.

3 down, 1 more to go. Oh, and one presentation on Tuesday too.

I got so caught up with the busy-ness of assignments, i didn’t even get the opportunity to get excited for OA. Sure, it was somewhere in the back of my head, but this was/is something that i’ve looked forward to since….the beginning of last year!

Then, i was planning my schedule to go for OA in a time that was *convenient* for me to go.

How ironic it is that i’m now going at a time where i’m most bogged down in the semester. *smirks*

Ah, God. Your thoughts and Your ways are definitely higher than mine. I pray that i’ll go in peace, knowing that there’s still one more assignment to hand in. Consolation : it’s only worth 10%. Note the only. *grin*

We will fly way up high
Where the cold wind blows
Or in the sun, laughing and having fun
With the people that she knows
And if the situation should keep us separated
You know the world won’t fall apart
And you will free the beautiful bird
That’s caught inside your heart

Can’t you hear her?
Oh she cries so loud
Casts her wild note
Over water and cloud

That’s the way it’s gonna be, little darlin’
We’ll be riding on the horses, yeah
Way up in the sky, little darlin’
And if you fall I’ll pick you up, pick you up

Don’t worry ’bout a thing little girl
Because I was young myself not so long ago
And when I was young, when I was young
And when I was young, oh I was a wild, wild one.
-Horses-Rickie Lee Jones-

I’m excited now. Am looking forward to the during and the afters.

Whee!

**********************************************************

On another note, you’ve changed. *thoughtfully* I can’t put my finger on what it does to me though. Oh wells.

Ah, Lord. Remind me again why i do what i do. It’s 1.30am and once again i’m drawn to thoughts of how i need to depend on You.

For my two finished assignments…Lord, Your favor and blessings.

For my unfinished two assignments…Lord, Your strength.

For my untranslated OA message…Lord, Your wisdom.

For my short attention span to complete the above…Lord, Your patience.

For my lack of tact to those around me…Lord, Your love and grace.

For my wildest dreams and desires…Lord, Your will.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not in your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

So i hold on.

:)