:: Sunday, May 29, 2005 ::

Who needs graduation pictures anyways? This weekend we went to Kingston to watch Priscilla graduate and get her fancy dancy diploma.

:: Jesse 6:03 PM

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Congrats Priscilla on your Bachelor of Occupational Therapy!!!

:: Jesse 6:02 PM

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You give and take away, my heart will choose to say... blessed be Your name.

The past 2 days have been quite reflecting. Richard and I opted to go to a Mennonite retreat centre to have a solitude retreat. I have always wanted to do one of these (heard Caleb always go on and on about them) where my only initiative was to just hear from the Lord. Sometimes retreats have so many other agendas, like getting to know others, having fun, listening to sermons... these are good, but sometimes silence is much needed.

And the Lord spoke and made it clear. I will not be going to India this summer. Instead I will obey to be here for my family while my uncle battles with liver cancer. Though it was extremely tough to stomach the thought that all my leads and preparation for India was not going to materialize this summer, I had to listen to that still small voice inside... "Trust and Obey". I know the Lord doesn't do these things to punish us or to tamper around with us... no... He knows me and loves me.

I praise the Lord because He loves His children and will give heed when we call on His name. I know that it will be challenging to stay and face the needs that surround me, but I guess it is all a part of my Father's love for me. Bless God.

:: Jesse 12:27 AM

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We were surrounded by beauty. Trees, blossoms, all kinds of birds (saw my first Oriole)... it can actually be kinda distracting sometimes because of it's beauty.

:: Jesse 12:27 AM

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There's something about nature and understanding the glory of the Lord. It is something about its intricacy that captures the "wow" of the Lord.

:: Jesse 12:25 AM

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That's what I call a BIG fire. It was about 6 feet tall... "Consuming fire, fan into flame... a passion for Your name..."

:: Jesse 12:24 AM

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Richard Lau and I just before we headed off back to the city to continue on with our hectic lives. Praise the Lord, He is always faithful.

:: Jesse 12:23 AM

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Thought I'd post once again...

This blog has been unrightfully used to moan and groan about busyness and exhaustion. Instead of falling into that temptation once again, I will instead share about the good things that have been happening here in London over the last few months.

6 years of post secondary school education, many cups of coffee, student bus passes, moving in and out, fellowship, churches... it's all coming to an end soon. Before I'll know it, in a year I'll be done and all the freedom of being a student will be over. But when I'm in the midst of this, all I can think about is getting out of it. I was walking home today and Jessica bumped into me walking across the road. Instead of having a nice long conversation in the middle of Western Road, we quickly jumped off to the sidewalk. It was refreshing seeing someone so joyful and full of energy, as I am surrounded by people who are quite stressed out at this time of the year. It got me thinking as to how much I've seldom taken the time to count my blessings.

There are many reasons to be joyful. Though many problems in school, there are still many chances to learn, many chances to grow, many chances to give thanks. I thank the Lord for all the people He has blessed me with here in London, from people like Jasper and Darana who openly welcome me over any time, to Pam and Roger, my beloved counsellors who have played such a huge role in my life. London, though becoming a bit unpleasant, has always been my refuge.

The last 2 weeks, I've been studying at Starbucks with the "starbucks crew" for 10-12 hours at a time. Typically I buy just one drink and that's pretty ghetto, seeing that I used to just buy a cheap tea. Nowadays, I bring my own dinner, water bottle, and kleenex to help clear my sinuses.

But the most exciting thing is: INDIA! Yay!!! The Lord provided and I will be going July 4-7 for training, and then leaving July 11th-August 22nd to Raxaul India, to a Christian Hospital where I will be doing some dental work on the rural and local people with SIM International. I feel so unready, being in the midst of exams and barely having any time to pray. Not only that, there are a few fears, such as:

1. My stomach ain't really good... and sanitation is poor there so I'll probably get really sick and mad stomach cramps
2. The temperature is crazy hot, and me being so north american with my 22 degrees celcius room climate it'll be difficult to adjust
3. I can barely speak any hindi, I know how to say HELP! Butchow!!!!!
4. Are my dental skills really up to par?
5. I'll probably get in trouble because of my love for Indian music and dance...

But most importantly, to get myself spiritually ready, to not be overwhelmed by the culture shock or desperate need, and to be open and willing to do as the Lord commands... that will be the true test.

A website of the hospital can be found here:
http://www.eha-health.org/hospitals_duncan.htm

As well, a very convenient testimony of another dental student named Angeline Tan who went in 2001 can be found here:
http://www.healthserve.org/pubs/a0155.htm

:: Jesse 11:10 PM

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