Sunday, January 31

saturday marked my first day-trip out of Manchester-to Liverpool. Didn't go to Anfield, we reserved that for another time but this trip was to cover the other attractions there. The amazing thing was that we didn't bring the lonely planet guides that we have, so we were completely lost when we first arrived there, with no map and information/address of the locations which we planned to go. Thankfully there was a lady giving out free maps at the terminal and most of the attractions were within walking distance, so we basically manage to travel on foot. It was a rather simple and relaxed time, enjoying all the extremely cold wind which was blowing during the day as well.

Beginning to miss the people in Singapore. Took it for granted that they'll always be there but now that i'm overseas, it's almost impossible to meet them up. But I believe that through the people i meet and interact over here, they'll give new experiences and encounters which i'll learn and treasure the lessons learnt.

jel; 9:34 am

Friday, January 29

I thank God that He has been protecting me through the journey to Manchester, to bring me safely here and to allow me to adapt quickly to this place and even blessed me with this wonderful opportunity. It was almost a dream come true simply to be able to be in UK. I was reminded to be thankful that I could even have this opportunity to be here for 5months to make new experiences and to gain a bigger perspective. The world is so much bigger and it's just waiting to be explored and discovered. Being here itself is the first step in understanding the bigger world doesn’t revolve around Singapore and I'm beginning this journey of exploration. While being excited about all these new discoveries, I appreciate each moment and each day for I’m constantly reminded that this opportunity is blessed by the Lord and I will treasure and make the best out of this given opportunity.

I am really thankful for all the birthday well wishes received through facebook. Was a bit overwhelmed by all the messages but I appreciate each one of my friends :) thanks and i do hope to keep in touch with my friends in singapore even during this period of time

jel; 8:46 am

Thursday, January 28

had a good morning run today with adrian and louis. running is something that I didn't want to stop or take a break while I'm here, so I was quite determined to continue in this discipline. Thank God that I found running mates, esp for adrian, whom I was got to know the day before.

Early morning runs in winter sounds crazy and it did indeed seem so in the beginning when the cold wind blows and i'm not covered in multiple layers. But it became gradually better when the body warms up and I soon enjoyed the run around the neighbourhood. In fact, i liked it better than in Singapore due to the less humid weather and cool breeze. Discovered and explored new places around the residential areas and also found out the shortest route from my hall to the gym as well :)

Had my timetable more or less firmed up today. I was quite shocked to find out that there are no tutorials at all for all my modules! So basically, each module is only 2 hours every week. My total weekly contact hours is 12hours for 6 modules. For the first time, a Science student has fewer contact hours that a Arts student (my friend). Lessons may be a bit slack, but I'll prob have lots of preparation to do esp for the higher-level modules, some of which I may not have all the pre-requisites.

there are quite a bit of uncertainties with regards to trips and upcoming plans. Praying that God will lead the way and make paths straight for me and also to make the right decisions too

jel; 4:59 am

Tuesday, January 26

figured that more people will be reading my blog ever since i came over to Manchester, thats why I'm blogging more of my daily happenings which I usually do not when I was back in Singapore.

Today was the first day of orientation. It isn't the kind of orientation we have in Singapore, but more like an orientation to be familiar with school admin and important issues. Somehow during the orientation, I felt the excitement of being an international student. I guess for the past years of education, I am so used to being a local student, used to the environment that I'm not and I never could quite understand or put myself in the perspective of the international students. But here I am right now, an international student in a faraway place and also a minority in a huge student population. For the first time, I have the first hand experiences of the feelings that international students go through. More than that, I could also sense the kind of exposure one would have studying overseas. It is indeed exciting and it definitely broadens one's perspective on ideas and cultures around the world. I wondered how nice it would have been if I was indeed studying for my degree overseas but I am just thankful right now that at least I had this opportunity for one semester.

I love this current weather in Manchester. Some would comment that its tad cold but I find it rather refreshing. Enjoy the nice cool weather everywhere you go to. Will miss it when it warms up.

jel; 7:06 am

Monday, January 25

today is sunday. Continuing on my journey of discovery. Actually it was less of a discovery today as we basically went back to the same city centre to buy stuff. Went into quite a few of the shops which we went yesterday to purchase items for cooking of dinner just now. But I did saw a few more brands which were located at the Ardnale Shopping Mall other than the ones I mentioned yest, like New Look and River Island. I had this aim of getting stuff from these shops over here as they are generally cheaper than those in Singapore and I'm glad I can find all these brands all under one roof. Make things so much more convenient.

It was quite atrocious trying to buy the food items and cooking equipments for dinner. We did not really plan what to cook and what to buy, so everything was impromptu and we had to try to recall what we have still need and rush to buy everything before the shops close at 5pm. That marked the start of the series of unfortunate events. Next as we were leaving to return back to hall, we realized we left the rice cooker we bought back at the shop. But the shop was closed already and we just have to leave till tomorow.

Cooking began and we found ourselves lacking in many equipments and necessities, wondering how to cook the ingredient with so much restrictions. In our rush, we used a microwaveable tupperwave into an oven, mistaking it as a microwave. It was much to our horror to discover the melted tupperware and we had to try to remove the melted ware from the oven tray too. Just when we thought that the damage done to the food and equipment are bad enough, the worst was to come. We thought there were too much fumes coming the kitchen with little ventilation and I joked about triggering the fire alarm. To our horror, the fire alarm really went off! To make matter worst, the fire alarm caused the ENTIRE hall residents to come out of the building and wait for inspection by the security. We were really shocked at that moment. Thankfully nothing serious happened and we were advised to keep the kitchen doors closed while cooking. I thought there were more than enough mishaps which happened today and I was so glad the day came to an end.

Tomorrow will be the start of the orientation. Looking forward to visiting the campus grounds and meeting more exchange students.

jel; 5:39 am

Sunday, January 24

it's the end of my first day in Manchester. Has been a full day of exploring new things. It all started from the airport where me and my friends are like the only Asians among all the British, from Changi to London Heathrow to Manchester airport. I remember blogging about a pseudo experience in a faraway country when I was in Phuket. But this time round, I'm really in a faraway country where the majority are indeed the British (or at least we are the few Asians around). It seemed weird from the beginning since we already do not fit in to the crowd, but I try not let physical appearance be of any hindrances in my interactions with them. I do treasure this opportunity in fact :)

Even after being here for a full day, the fact that I'm in Manchester now still seemed like a dream which I've been thinking of since I got the place 2 years back. Maybe the wait had been so long but it was unthinkable that it happened. I thank God for His protection over me throughout the journey and the smooth settling of my accommodation. The only grievance I have is that there is no power supply from my power sockets, so I basically have no access to charge any electronic devices. Thankfully I can depend on my friend who is staying nearby me. That also explains why I am typing this from the computer cluster within the hall now. (One interesting thing i discovered through this was that the British has slightly diff keys on its keyboard)

Spent the day exploring the city. I really have to say it was one of the most daring thing we've done thus far. We had no maps with us, just based on my vague memory which i recall from the map i saw previously. We had no idea what bus to take. So what happened was we just chose a bus to board and asked how much to pay for a trip to the city, not even knowing where we want to go. We alighted at what seemed to be a busy street and decided to alight there. Everything was basically pure exploring with completely little knowledge of where we are. Thats what I call true explorers.

Somehow, we stumbled upon Chinatown, discovered a whole lot of Chinese groceries which are great for CNY meals. Thank God for that. Later we stumbled upon the shopping district of Manchester. It really is amazing. It has all the brands that I was looking for in UK (well at least most of them) like Topman, H&M, Primark. There were some amazing items and at pretty affordable prices too especially Primark :)

Meals where not amazing today, Had subway and kfc for lunch and dinner respectively. Food outside are really not worth the money. It was the first day and we just had to settle the easy way out but we'll try to cook our own meals on weekends. Thank God our breakfast and dinner are catered :)

Would love to upload pictures on fb but that will have to wait till Mon when the repair man comes in. Till then, I'll have to continue to use this comp to type my updates

jel; 4:27 am

Friday, January 22

leaving in a few hours time. Would not want to think too much but just to look ahead at the journey that i'm embarking on. Want to list down the list of things which I'll be missing during my absence in Singapore over the next few months (in chronological order):

1. Chinese New Year
2. G12 Conference
3. Good Friday
4. Jerald's 1st birthday
5. Opening of the 2 IRs (opening dates unknown)

Of course, many other countless events as well, such as my friends' birthdays! no worries, those i've missed will get something special when i'm back :)

There are so many new things I can look forward to seeing when I'm back:

1. The 2 IRs (including Universal Studios!)
2. Duxton Plains Skypark
3. New Circle line stations
4. 313@ Somerset B3

And many more new buildings/features which are being constructed now but will be ready in the coming months. As you can tell, I'm always fascinated by new places and love to explore them as soon as possible. Although 5 months is a short period for drastic changes but the above mentioned changes are enough for me to anticipate my return.

Till then, I will enjoy this upcoming journey of exploring new places over the next 5 months :)

jel; 3:56 pm

Wednesday, January 20

A few highlights from my past week:

Greenview Sec Orientation
It was really a blessed opportunity to be involved in the Greenview Secondary.I was there as volunteer for trybe who was organizing this camp. Although my interaction with the sec ones are indirect considering that my role as a trybe facilitator is to assist the Peer Support Leaders in leading the students, there were still many opportunities when I could interact with the students. It was a new experience considering that this is the first time I’m involved in a school which has a large percentage of Malays in its student profile. Culture of the school is very differernt compared to a Chinese-majority neighbourhood school and it definitely allowed me to gain a new perspective of relating to students. Being involved in activities like Amazing Race and Dragonboating did bring a breather in my midst of preparing for SEP.

What was the most rewarding about this camp was the opportunity to inspire my PSLs. I had a debrief with my PSLs indivdually and highlighted their strengths as well as provide guidelines to help them in growing their leadership skills. I was pleasantly surprised to hear their hunger to grow in that aspect as they questioned about problems and learned as I shared with them. It was during that time as I shared my experiences that I’ve seen my own growth through the years as well. Although the debrief session was short, I believed and trust that what I’ve shared will bring forth actions that will be make a difference in their journey as a leader.

Gkidz
Attended Gkidz orientation for the leaders. Through the orientation, I’ve began to see to see the role of Gkidz as a ministry, instead of just a service to take care of the children while the parents are attending service. There are much involved in how this ministry looks into growing the children in the ways of the Lord and to see these children as precious as they mature into people of faith.

It was my last week with the Gkidz before I fly off. There’s a bit of disappointment knowing that I can’t see them for the next 6 months. This week was really a blessed time getting to really interact with those who were present in my group and I thank God that they have quickly warmed up to us after these few weeks. But I know I can leave for Manchester in assurance that they will be well taken care of in the hand of Wei Ren.

There was a slight disappointment when Pastor Khong added another session of Romans on Friday as because of that, quite a number of good friends in church who had intended to send me off at the airport could not make it. I would have told them the same thing even if they want to send me off as I know the Romans class is definitely more important than sending me off. As what I’ve shared with joanne, sometimes, things don’t happen the way we want it to but we just have to accept it and learn to appreciate and enjoy every moment that is given.

I'm very thankful for very moment in this week. The anticipation is building up as the day draws nearer but there's also a portion of uncertainty lying ahead although i'll choose to trust that God will lead the way. Will claim this promise of God which I shared with my kids at Gkidz last Sunday from Josh 1:9

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Indeed the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go

jel; 11:26 am

Wednesday, January 13

Attended a funeral wake just now. It was a funeral wake which I wished I didn't have to attend. It was a dear friend, a fellow peer. An abrupt end to her life which I wished never happen. I had tried to imagine in the past how it felt if a friend, especially a peer, passes on. I understand that feeling now and its definitely not something comforting.

i had a dinner appt with her and it was arranged just the night before. It hurts when you realize how all these happened so sudden, with such a long journey ahead. And there's so many questions unanswered.

However, it's really not the time to go a quest for answers. It's a time to appreciate this beautiful life God has given to my dear friend, a life that's growing in faith, a life that's inspiring to the others around her. Thank you for crossing my path somewhere in my life and although our paths have parted, they'll meet again in heaven.

Farewell my dear friend, may your sweet voice continue to bring forth songs of inspiration in our hearts

jel; 12:41 am

Thursday, January 7

counting down to the days left before I fly off. Somehow as the day comes nearer, my life these days somehow revolves around this exchange. I'm either shopping for my essentials/necessities, meeting people who want to catch up with me and conversations with friends revolve around overseas trips/uk. I guess in some way this prepares me mentally and physically ready for the trip.

Since this is my first post of 2010, I shall post some of my reflections for 2009:

Had this desire in the beginning of 2009 to dwell deeper into His words, especially after I got my bible commentary. However, I got caught up with many things along the way that brought distractions. Did not progress much with using the commentary. Through this reflection, it brought upon my heart to want to continue with this desire to know God’s words deeper and to be disciplined to the commitment.

I’ve learnt that one’s outward behaviour and attitude are reflections of what are within and these are largely dependent on one’s spiritual walk and devotion with the Lord. I find myself ‘unbalanced’ most when I do not spend adequate time with God and neglect to place Him first in my life. It is a constant reminder that my daily walk with Him is of utmost importance.

I’ve learnt to recognize God’s grace upon me on many occasions when I continue to fail to learn from mistakes but yet He continues to remind me time and time again till I learn to overcome. Very often, I’ve failed to recognize God’s sovereignty over my studies and stressed myself trying to do well based on my own capabilities but God was patient in guiding me through this journey and allowing me to gradually overcome this obstacle.

jel; 1:10 am