There are times where I emphasis the Canadian part of my identity more so than the chinese part for very good reasons. For example in such times as these. Courtesy of Miss Mitts.
They built a four story restroom in my hometown complete with open air Virgin Mary themed urinals among other specialty toilets. How did we go from tea, silk, and porcelain to...glorified urinals? Sometimes I really wonder...
It's just so ridiculous, but when I visit my hometown I will definitely be going there for photo ops. Oh Chines.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
New York
This most recent visit to New York has been the best visit by far due to two factors. One is that I've gotten to know the people here better so I have friends! Two I got to drive around the new CRV so I'm not cooped up in the house all day.
Highlights
~The semi-surprise grad party
Mum told me a few people were coming to dinner on Sunday. By a few she meant 30-50. Her and dad got a tent.
~The art lesson
After a hiatus of four years from official art lessons, paints were dug up, canvases were found, and off I went for a relaxing and therapeutic afternoon of learning the "sfumato" style of oil painting used by Leo Da Vinci. This has inspired me to lug my easel and my hoard of art supplies back to Canada. AND...oil paint is much MUCH better than acrylic. I am now an oil paint fan.
~The mini LAN party
Spent a few hours on the computer with family friends playing Age of Empires. Another thing I haven't done since high school. Technology's gotten much better I have to say. :P Gee really? Been trying to figure out which hobbies will resurrect now that I have more free time. I don't think gaming's going to be one of them. I just can't get into them that much as I once did, but I am bringing my classic playstation one back with me. Just a few more RPGs to finish up...maybe. There are just some days where you're so brain dead that you can only play games.
~The massive balloon fight
Was not at all good for my right shoulder, but I think I have more confidence in my abilities for the softball tournament at staff conference. Hopefully the soreness won't persist.
~The food
My maternal grandma's visiting so the food is 100% authentic. I can't emphasize how good it is. I might as well be in China. Ohhh homecooking. YUM!
To Canada I return on Sunday.
Highlights
~The semi-surprise grad party
Mum told me a few people were coming to dinner on Sunday. By a few she meant 30-50. Her and dad got a tent.
~The art lesson
After a hiatus of four years from official art lessons, paints were dug up, canvases were found, and off I went for a relaxing and therapeutic afternoon of learning the "sfumato" style of oil painting used by Leo Da Vinci. This has inspired me to lug my easel and my hoard of art supplies back to Canada. AND...oil paint is much MUCH better than acrylic. I am now an oil paint fan.
~The mini LAN party
Spent a few hours on the computer with family friends playing Age of Empires. Another thing I haven't done since high school. Technology's gotten much better I have to say. :P Gee really? Been trying to figure out which hobbies will resurrect now that I have more free time. I don't think gaming's going to be one of them. I just can't get into them that much as I once did, but I am bringing my classic playstation one back with me. Just a few more RPGs to finish up...maybe. There are just some days where you're so brain dead that you can only play games.
~The massive balloon fight
Was not at all good for my right shoulder, but I think I have more confidence in my abilities for the softball tournament at staff conference. Hopefully the soreness won't persist.
~The food
My maternal grandma's visiting so the food is 100% authentic. I can't emphasize how good it is. I might as well be in China. Ohhh homecooking. YUM!
To Canada I return on Sunday.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Wall
The rubber has hit the road. I've hit a wall in terms of support-raising. I am pretty much out of contacts in Ontario. I've a handful of contacts left to contact, whom I just can't seem to reach. Referrals are in short supply. I didn't expect it to happen this early on in game, and I was definitely hoping that it wouldn't. This new development brought with it a plethora of feelings.
It's a mix of relief, helplessness, fear, and excitement.
Relief, because Ministry Partner Development is proving to be stretching. A challenge has come up. Not everything is honky dory. I was starting to think I was a bit abnormal for not really been challenged. My situation is not weird after all. Now I have a chance to put my faith into practice. To have the opportunity to stay true to my commitment to the Lord to be joyful, grateful, and faithful when the hard times come. To bless His name when the sun's not shining.
Helplessness, because well really what can I do to change situations and move hearts to prompt people to gather courage to give and to refer me to others? That is only something God can do.
Fear, because the unbelief in me whispers, "What if He doesn't come through?"
Excitement, because I know He will faithfully provide for all my needs, in wondrous ways. The unknown makes it even more exciting. I can't wait to see what twists and turns God will take me through to bring me to full support.
Pray with me for more contacts, and to God be all the glory.
It's a mix of relief, helplessness, fear, and excitement.
Relief, because Ministry Partner Development is proving to be stretching. A challenge has come up. Not everything is honky dory. I was starting to think I was a bit abnormal for not really been challenged. My situation is not weird after all. Now I have a chance to put my faith into practice. To have the opportunity to stay true to my commitment to the Lord to be joyful, grateful, and faithful when the hard times come. To bless His name when the sun's not shining.
Helplessness, because well really what can I do to change situations and move hearts to prompt people to gather courage to give and to refer me to others? That is only something God can do.
Fear, because the unbelief in me whispers, "What if He doesn't come through?"
Excitement, because I know He will faithfully provide for all my needs, in wondrous ways. The unknown makes it even more exciting. I can't wait to see what twists and turns God will take me through to bring me to full support.
Pray with me for more contacts, and to God be all the glory.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Running on Empty...Literally
I had a support appointment in Newmarket. As I pulled out of the parking lot at the end of the appointment I noticed that I was a few notches away from empty on the fuel gauge. Sitting there at the red light I was flanked on both sides of the road by a gas station. Going against my better judgement I decided to wait until I hit the 400 to find an Esso just so I could rack up more aeroplan points. Little did I know...
As I drove further away from Newmarket and closer to the highway the roads became darker and darker as there were less street lights and less buildings. There were no gas stations. By the time I hit the 400 the fuel gauge was nearly empty, but I calmed myself with the fact that the fuel light didn't go on yet. I still had time. As I was gunning it down the highway I was trying to decide whether I should go slower to save more gas or go faster to try to get to the next gas station on time. I turned off at nearly every exit to try to find a gas station, but each exit was as dark as the night with no blinding white lights nearby to signal that there was gas nearby.
I was starting to get nervous. I drove around a bit at one exit only to use what little I had left to find a closed gas station. The fuel light went on, I started praying like mad, and at the same time started scolding myself for, one: stubbornly wanting those aeroplan points and two: never calling CAA to get a membership for the past four years. As if that would help matters.
I went back on the highway praying that the next exit would bring a gas station, but the darkness just seemed to loom on forever. Who knew that such a major highway would be so deserted?
Finally a sign announcing the existence of a service station relieved my fears and answered my prayers. It was an Esso to boot as well. In the end I didn't get stranded, got my gas, AND my aeroplan points. Oh God is good.
I should get on that CAA membership.
As I drove further away from Newmarket and closer to the highway the roads became darker and darker as there were less street lights and less buildings. There were no gas stations. By the time I hit the 400 the fuel gauge was nearly empty, but I calmed myself with the fact that the fuel light didn't go on yet. I still had time. As I was gunning it down the highway I was trying to decide whether I should go slower to save more gas or go faster to try to get to the next gas station on time. I turned off at nearly every exit to try to find a gas station, but each exit was as dark as the night with no blinding white lights nearby to signal that there was gas nearby.
I was starting to get nervous. I drove around a bit at one exit only to use what little I had left to find a closed gas station. The fuel light went on, I started praying like mad, and at the same time started scolding myself for, one: stubbornly wanting those aeroplan points and two: never calling CAA to get a membership for the past four years. As if that would help matters.
I went back on the highway praying that the next exit would bring a gas station, but the darkness just seemed to loom on forever. Who knew that such a major highway would be so deserted?
Finally a sign announcing the existence of a service station relieved my fears and answered my prayers. It was an Esso to boot as well. In the end I didn't get stranded, got my gas, AND my aeroplan points. Oh God is good.
I should get on that CAA membership.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Family
My whole extended family on my step dad's side came up to Canada to celebrate my convocation and my grandparent's 50th anniversary along with my maternal grandma and some of my mom's cousins. To make things easier I always referred to them as either the "white" side of the family or the "yellow" side. It was a good system.
It was a great time of family bonding; the joking and teasing from the uncles, the bantering, being spoiled by the aunts, the antics with the cousins, and just the unconditional warm family love that you could feel emanating from everyone. It was beautiful. It made me treasure my family more. I absolutely looooved it.
With the family I finally got to hit up Niagara Falls as a bona fide tourist. Did the whole boat tour thing and we took THE funniest group photo. Everyone has just got the wonkiest expressions on their faces.
We also went to this sleepy town east of Kingston and chilled at a B& B there called Sleepy Hollow. That was a first as well. I loved it. It was so quaint and cozy with a delightful country feel. It reminded me of my Stillwater, Oklahoma days. My oldest cousin, who's my age and I got to share a room with a massive king size bed. We could've fit another one of our itty bitty cousins in between us or two.
One of the funniest memories from that trip was when we went across the border to New York state to see this old castle a la Casa Loma. I was a bit nervous since the last time I tried crossing the border without my passport we hit some troubled waters. This time I was driving with my cousin and we were blasting the music. The customs officer asked us a bunch of questions, but the best one was "how do you know each other?" We gave each other a look thinking...would this guy actually buy the fact that we are indeed related? It was plain from appearances that there's no way we can be biologically related. She's blonde and blue eyed with a pale complexion, and I've got black hair and brown eyes. So we threw it out there tacking on "BY MARRIAGE," at the very end hoping for the very best. In the end he believed us to our great relief, and we went on our merry way.
The castle on Heart Island was beautiful, but a bit disappointing on the inside since it was never finished. As we toured the islands we found out that some people bought some of the islands for as low as $24 way back in the day. Now they go for about oh... a few million. Dang! What an investment. I should be buying myself real estate like that. What with global warming and everything I should buy some dinky little island in the Arctic Circle or something. Maybe that'll pay off.
On the way back to the Great White North we stopped by a go-kart track and roared around the track. It was great fun although I will never will wear a skirt to go go-karting in the future. We also hit up the batting cages where I got whacked by a 70mph fast ball. That put me out of commission, and I didn't even get a war bruise to show for it.
Oh fun times with the family.
It was a great time of family bonding; the joking and teasing from the uncles, the bantering, being spoiled by the aunts, the antics with the cousins, and just the unconditional warm family love that you could feel emanating from everyone. It was beautiful. It made me treasure my family more. I absolutely looooved it.
With the family I finally got to hit up Niagara Falls as a bona fide tourist. Did the whole boat tour thing and we took THE funniest group photo. Everyone has just got the wonkiest expressions on their faces.
We also went to this sleepy town east of Kingston and chilled at a B& B there called Sleepy Hollow. That was a first as well. I loved it. It was so quaint and cozy with a delightful country feel. It reminded me of my Stillwater, Oklahoma days. My oldest cousin, who's my age and I got to share a room with a massive king size bed. We could've fit another one of our itty bitty cousins in between us or two.
One of the funniest memories from that trip was when we went across the border to New York state to see this old castle a la Casa Loma. I was a bit nervous since the last time I tried crossing the border without my passport we hit some troubled waters. This time I was driving with my cousin and we were blasting the music. The customs officer asked us a bunch of questions, but the best one was "how do you know each other?" We gave each other a look thinking...would this guy actually buy the fact that we are indeed related? It was plain from appearances that there's no way we can be biologically related. She's blonde and blue eyed with a pale complexion, and I've got black hair and brown eyes. So we threw it out there tacking on "BY MARRIAGE," at the very end hoping for the very best. In the end he believed us to our great relief, and we went on our merry way.
The castle on Heart Island was beautiful, but a bit disappointing on the inside since it was never finished. As we toured the islands we found out that some people bought some of the islands for as low as $24 way back in the day. Now they go for about oh... a few million. Dang! What an investment. I should be buying myself real estate like that. What with global warming and everything I should buy some dinky little island in the Arctic Circle or something. Maybe that'll pay off.
On the way back to the Great White North we stopped by a go-kart track and roared around the track. It was great fun although I will never will wear a skirt to go go-karting in the future. We also hit up the batting cages where I got whacked by a 70mph fast ball. That put me out of commission, and I didn't even get a war bruise to show for it.
Oh fun times with the family.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
My Very First Wedding Present
I know a few years ago I posted an entry about how my mom bought me a gift during Christmas vacation, but she wouldn't give it to me because she meant it for my wedding. I can't find the post anymore, but...
This weekend she brought it with her in honour of my convocation and so that I can wear it to Ashley and Ryan's wedding. It was a Swarvoski necklace and earring set. It was beautiful, and I can see why she initially bought it for my possible future wedding. I joked that she gave up on the hope that I would ever get married, but who knows? :P Only the Lord. :D
This weekend she brought it with her in honour of my convocation and so that I can wear it to Ashley and Ryan's wedding. It was a Swarvoski necklace and earring set. It was beautiful, and I can see why she initially bought it for my possible future wedding. I joked that she gave up on the hope that I would ever get married, but who knows? :P Only the Lord. :D
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Iron Foot
Be Aggressive, Be, Be, Aggressive
You'd think the last thing your mom would tell you is that you're not aggressive enough when it comes to driving or at least when it comes to switching lanes. But that's what mine did. When my mom was here this past reading week she was getting annoyed with the cowardice that I displayed when I was attempting to get to the other side of those dotted lines. I guess compared to the way New Yorkers drive, anything less is cowardly. Plus Guelph took whatever edge I had out of my driving skills these past four years.
But I am a wimp no more!
After four weeks of MPD, weekly trips into Toronto, and more than 1000km on the highway, coupled with mom's New York way of switching lanes, I am a confident, bona-fide lane switcher, and city driver. (But not a jerk.) I no longer balk at the thought of switching lanes multiple times to get to an exit, nor am I doomed to drive as slow as a turtle if I have the misfortune to be stuck behind a slowpoke. Nor do I wait until there's absolutely no oncoming traffic or wait until the traffic's 10 km away before I switch.
This girl's got her city driving groove back! YEAH! Now I fully enjoy driving. I think before I gave off the idea that I didn't enjoy driving, which was somewhat true. I didn't enjoy driving only when I was driving under circumstances that scared me. i.e. snowstorm, rainstorm, heavy traffic. But now I fully enjoy it because I have so much more control over my car. The only downside is coming back to Guelph puts a cramp in my style because of the sudden increased numbers of police cruisers coming out of the woodworks. I remember thinking to myself that I needed to go online to familiarize myself with the Impala logo so I can identify police cruisers easily. Sigh.
I need to obey the speed limits.
I need to obey the speed limits.
I need to obey the speed limits.
You'd think the last thing your mom would tell you is that you're not aggressive enough when it comes to driving or at least when it comes to switching lanes. But that's what mine did. When my mom was here this past reading week she was getting annoyed with the cowardice that I displayed when I was attempting to get to the other side of those dotted lines. I guess compared to the way New Yorkers drive, anything less is cowardly. Plus Guelph took whatever edge I had out of my driving skills these past four years.
But I am a wimp no more!
After four weeks of MPD, weekly trips into Toronto, and more than 1000km on the highway, coupled with mom's New York way of switching lanes, I am a confident, bona-fide lane switcher, and city driver. (But not a jerk.) I no longer balk at the thought of switching lanes multiple times to get to an exit, nor am I doomed to drive as slow as a turtle if I have the misfortune to be stuck behind a slowpoke. Nor do I wait until there's absolutely no oncoming traffic or wait until the traffic's 10 km away before I switch.
This girl's got her city driving groove back! YEAH! Now I fully enjoy driving. I think before I gave off the idea that I didn't enjoy driving, which was somewhat true. I didn't enjoy driving only when I was driving under circumstances that scared me. i.e. snowstorm, rainstorm, heavy traffic. But now I fully enjoy it because I have so much more control over my car. The only downside is coming back to Guelph puts a cramp in my style because of the sudden increased numbers of police cruisers coming out of the woodworks. I remember thinking to myself that I needed to go online to familiarize myself with the Impala logo so I can identify police cruisers easily. Sigh.
I need to obey the speed limits.
I need to obey the speed limits.
I need to obey the speed limits.
Hillsong United
Last Saturday I took the night off and went to the Hillsong United concert with Becky, Hannah, Amanda W. , Shona, and we met up with Selina, Aban, and Amac at the Molson Amphitheatre.
It was...uplifting to be there praising the Lord with 12,000~ other people. It's the one "concert" in my memory besides Passion where I actually came away feeling full instead of empty. There's something about the lyrics to Hillsong songs. I was praying them as I was singing them. My favourite song of the night was "I Stand". I think it was the other girls' as well. "Take it all" was a close second for me.
Aside from the spiritual aspect it was uber fun to hang with the girls. There's just something about them that even if we were just bumming around the couch it would be tons of fun, but throw in the concert and the fun factor just skyrockets through the roof.
Highlights
~ the awkward moment with the random teenage boys from NY. Awkward, but funny so it's a highlight. Besides I've had worse.
~ getting free CDs
~ getting V.I.P. seating courtesy of Miss Wong
~ headbanging in the car and showing those high school girls in the car next to us just how cool university grads can be.
~ blasting "Mighty to Save" at the loudest volume that my little Honda's speakers can play because sadly it's not a "United" song. *tear*
~ afterwards we went to Korean BBQ at Commerce Gate where we had all you can eat for $8.99. What a steal! It was really delicious and I had unlimited plum juice. Yum. The best part was when at the end when the waiter was clearing our table Becky started to sing "take, take, take it all." Hahahaha
Lowlights
There was just one lowlight. Very frustrating. On the way down to Ontario Place we were guessing the price of the parking for this massive event. We speculated that it couldn't possibly go higher than $15. That would just be ridiculous.
When we got to Ontario place we drove around looking for parking close to the entrance, but we eventually had to turn back to the parking lot farthest from the entrance. As we inched up to the ticket attendant to pay for our parking, we saw the sign say $12. We rejoiced because that was $3 lower than what we had expected. BUT! Just as we were one car away, the attendant came out of the booth with a big magnet sign, took off the $12 sign, and replaced it with the magnet that said $20. Booooooooooooooooooooo! So in the end we had to pay $20!
It was...uplifting to be there praising the Lord with 12,000~ other people. It's the one "concert" in my memory besides Passion where I actually came away feeling full instead of empty. There's something about the lyrics to Hillsong songs. I was praying them as I was singing them. My favourite song of the night was "I Stand". I think it was the other girls' as well. "Take it all" was a close second for me.
Aside from the spiritual aspect it was uber fun to hang with the girls. There's just something about them that even if we were just bumming around the couch it would be tons of fun, but throw in the concert and the fun factor just skyrockets through the roof.
Highlights
~ the awkward moment with the random teenage boys from NY. Awkward, but funny so it's a highlight. Besides I've had worse.
~ getting free CDs
~ getting V.I.P. seating courtesy of Miss Wong
~ headbanging in the car and showing those high school girls in the car next to us just how cool university grads can be.
~ blasting "Mighty to Save" at the loudest volume that my little Honda's speakers can play because sadly it's not a "United" song. *tear*
~ afterwards we went to Korean BBQ at Commerce Gate where we had all you can eat for $8.99. What a steal! It was really delicious and I had unlimited plum juice. Yum. The best part was when at the end when the waiter was clearing our table Becky started to sing "take, take, take it all." Hahahaha
Lowlights
There was just one lowlight. Very frustrating. On the way down to Ontario Place we were guessing the price of the parking for this massive event. We speculated that it couldn't possibly go higher than $15. That would just be ridiculous.
When we got to Ontario place we drove around looking for parking close to the entrance, but we eventually had to turn back to the parking lot farthest from the entrance. As we inched up to the ticket attendant to pay for our parking, we saw the sign say $12. We rejoiced because that was $3 lower than what we had expected. BUT! Just as we were one car away, the attendant came out of the booth with a big magnet sign, took off the $12 sign, and replaced it with the magnet that said $20. Booooooooooooooooooooo! So in the end we had to pay $20!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
These Things Happen, Stories of MPD Bloopers
Bust Out the Awkward Turtle
Friend A was an acquaintance who I haven't seen or talked to since high school. When I called her up I caught her at a bad time. As I was trying to build rapport I found it to be hard. From my POV there were long awkward pauses.
"Awkward, awkward, awwwwwwwwkwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaard," I chanted to myself in my mind until my real voice followed suit and blurted out,
"Awkward!"
Needless to say I immediately tried to finish the conversation as fast as I could then and there.
Chinese Time
This past Saturday I had three appointments scheduled back to back. Despite being stuck in traffic for a tiny bit I had made it to my first appointment on time. As I waited for my friend I begin to remember the concept of "chinese time" meaning that chinese people usually showed up 15-25 minutes after the appointed time.
I kept this in the back of my head as I parted ways with my first friend to meet my second. Standing in front of Second Cup I was sure that he was going to show up. After all we confirmed over Facebook. But as the 15 minute mark passed and then the 25 minute mark passed, my confidence wavered. Worst of all I had forgotten to ask him for his cell phone number and I didn't give him mine. At the 40 minute mark my stomach was aching for food, and I was pretty sure he wasn't going to show up. In any case I just couldn't wait any longer. I hadn't eaten a thing all morning except for a few bites of stale croissant from Second Cup. So I left. Moral of the story? Confirm by phone and get the cell number!
5k in 1.5 Hours
The same day that Divine Appointment #2 happened, Blooper #3 occurred. In between the two Doris called for our weekly phone appointment and I had asked her to pray that the appointment later that night in St. Kitts was going to happen because so many things could go wrong on the way.
Well to start off with I left a bit later than originally planned because my alarm clock didn't go off for my nap. I was still going to make it on time though if I drove at a decent speed. I hurtled down highway 6 towards Hamilton all the while torn between a desire for more speed and the fear of the sign that said: 100km Fine: $95. If I got a ticket would that be reimbursable under MPD? I consoled myself with the fact that once I got on to the 403 I would be able to go much faster. Little did I know...
Two lanes on the QEW were closed due to an accident. This meant that the 403 was backed up from the QEW all the way to highway 6 where I had turned off. As my car inched along the 403 at a whopping 0km per hour the road signs again taunted me with: QEW 5km. Finally after 1.5 hours I got to the turnoff for the QEW. Straining to see ahead I could tell that the traffic wasn't moving much faster there. By this time even if the QEW was moving along smoothly I would have arrived 2 hours late. At the very next turnoff I left the 403 and doubled back to Guelph.
But it wasn't all for naught. When I got tired of the music that I had in my car I tuned into 680 news where I heard all the juicy gossip I mean news from this past week. Apparently the Governator and some dude in Ottawa have a bet going on who's going to win the Stanley Cup, and Toronto wants to put microchips in its garbage bins.
Moral of the story? Listen to 680 before leaving.
Friend A was an acquaintance who I haven't seen or talked to since high school. When I called her up I caught her at a bad time. As I was trying to build rapport I found it to be hard. From my POV there were long awkward pauses.
"Awkward, awkward, awwwwwwwwkwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaard," I chanted to myself in my mind until my real voice followed suit and blurted out,
"Awkward!"
Needless to say I immediately tried to finish the conversation as fast as I could then and there.
Chinese Time
This past Saturday I had three appointments scheduled back to back. Despite being stuck in traffic for a tiny bit I had made it to my first appointment on time. As I waited for my friend I begin to remember the concept of "chinese time" meaning that chinese people usually showed up 15-25 minutes after the appointed time.
I kept this in the back of my head as I parted ways with my first friend to meet my second. Standing in front of Second Cup I was sure that he was going to show up. After all we confirmed over Facebook. But as the 15 minute mark passed and then the 25 minute mark passed, my confidence wavered. Worst of all I had forgotten to ask him for his cell phone number and I didn't give him mine. At the 40 minute mark my stomach was aching for food, and I was pretty sure he wasn't going to show up. In any case I just couldn't wait any longer. I hadn't eaten a thing all morning except for a few bites of stale croissant from Second Cup. So I left. Moral of the story? Confirm by phone and get the cell number!
5k in 1.5 Hours
The same day that Divine Appointment #2 happened, Blooper #3 occurred. In between the two Doris called for our weekly phone appointment and I had asked her to pray that the appointment later that night in St. Kitts was going to happen because so many things could go wrong on the way.
Well to start off with I left a bit later than originally planned because my alarm clock didn't go off for my nap. I was still going to make it on time though if I drove at a decent speed. I hurtled down highway 6 towards Hamilton all the while torn between a desire for more speed and the fear of the sign that said: 100km Fine: $95. If I got a ticket would that be reimbursable under MPD? I consoled myself with the fact that once I got on to the 403 I would be able to go much faster. Little did I know...
Two lanes on the QEW were closed due to an accident. This meant that the 403 was backed up from the QEW all the way to highway 6 where I had turned off. As my car inched along the 403 at a whopping 0km per hour the road signs again taunted me with: QEW 5km. Finally after 1.5 hours I got to the turnoff for the QEW. Straining to see ahead I could tell that the traffic wasn't moving much faster there. By this time even if the QEW was moving along smoothly I would have arrived 2 hours late. At the very next turnoff I left the 403 and doubled back to Guelph.
But it wasn't all for naught. When I got tired of the music that I had in my car I tuned into 680 news where I heard all the juicy gossip I mean news from this past week. Apparently the Governator and some dude in Ottawa have a bet going on who's going to win the Stanley Cup, and Toronto wants to put microchips in its garbage bins.
Moral of the story? Listen to 680 before leaving.
Divine Appointments
I love MPD because a person can witness God do crazy things and see prayers answered.
Last week I was praying for more contacts. That same week I had my newsletters printed up.
"That's good work you're doing there Shelly," the printer guy said to me when I went to pick it up. We spent a few more minutes chatting, and then I leave. As I drive away in my car I realize...
"Hey! That guy was a Christian. He seemed interested in campus ministry. Have I not been praying for contacts?"
"Go back and ask Him!!!" One voice in my head screamed at me.
"No that'll be so WEIRD," another one protested.
(Please note, I am NOT a schizo)
I pulled into the parking lot of my next appointment debating with myself whether to go back or not. Finally gathering all my courage and blanking my mind to block out all my fears I drove back to the printers and asked for an appointment. He gave me a business card and asked me to contact his dad. End of Divine Appointment Story #1
This past Monday I was anxiously online doing some administration because well, I didn't have much else to do. My contact list was starting to dry up like a creek bed at the beginning of a drought. One of my friends who I've been trying to meet up with came online, and we tried setting up a time. It just so happened that he was very free at that very minute for the whole day. Well so was I! I quickly jumped into the car and drove to the Loo area. When I walked into his apartment to meet him who should be there but another one of my friends who I haven't seen since high school. We set up a time to meet up on Tuesday, but in the end he tagged along too.
But that's not where God's hand on the whole thing ends. Two weeks back I had been referred to a pastor in T.O. I was just told to call the pastor up. To be honest...I was a bit apprehensive about calling up a pastor point blank, but I was going to do it. It just so happens that friend #2 goes to said pastor's church and was close to him. Who do I ask for a favour? Friend# 2.
Mmmmhmm...God is gooooooooooooood!
Last week I was praying for more contacts. That same week I had my newsletters printed up.
"That's good work you're doing there Shelly," the printer guy said to me when I went to pick it up. We spent a few more minutes chatting, and then I leave. As I drive away in my car I realize...
"Hey! That guy was a Christian. He seemed interested in campus ministry. Have I not been praying for contacts?"
"Go back and ask Him!!!" One voice in my head screamed at me.
"No that'll be so WEIRD," another one protested.
(Please note, I am NOT a schizo)
I pulled into the parking lot of my next appointment debating with myself whether to go back or not. Finally gathering all my courage and blanking my mind to block out all my fears I drove back to the printers and asked for an appointment. He gave me a business card and asked me to contact his dad. End of Divine Appointment Story #1
This past Monday I was anxiously online doing some administration because well, I didn't have much else to do. My contact list was starting to dry up like a creek bed at the beginning of a drought. One of my friends who I've been trying to meet up with came online, and we tried setting up a time. It just so happened that he was very free at that very minute for the whole day. Well so was I! I quickly jumped into the car and drove to the Loo area. When I walked into his apartment to meet him who should be there but another one of my friends who I haven't seen since high school. We set up a time to meet up on Tuesday, but in the end he tagged along too.
But that's not where God's hand on the whole thing ends. Two weeks back I had been referred to a pastor in T.O. I was just told to call the pastor up. To be honest...I was a bit apprehensive about calling up a pastor point blank, but I was going to do it. It just so happens that friend #2 goes to said pastor's church and was close to him. Who do I ask for a favour? Friend# 2.
Mmmmhmm...God is gooooooooooooood!
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Fat Duck and Tofu Burgers
If I could only eat one type of food for the rest of my life it would be burgers. I love my burgers.
There's a new pub in Guelph called "The Fat Duck". It has the MOST delicious tofu burger ever. It's not a mish mash of stuff thrown in to make a veggie burger. It's just one huge honking piece of mhmm...tofu with spicy mayo. Delicious. It is my newest addiction. I'm sad that I just discovered it. Becky had it first last Monday when we were having our sabbath together. Only three more months to enjoy its bean curd goodness. Well technically two since I'm gone for half of July and God-willing moving into Toronto by mid-August. Another thing to say "See you later to," when I move.
There's a new pub in Guelph called "The Fat Duck". It has the MOST delicious tofu burger ever. It's not a mish mash of stuff thrown in to make a veggie burger. It's just one huge honking piece of mhmm...tofu with spicy mayo. Delicious. It is my newest addiction. I'm sad that I just discovered it. Becky had it first last Monday when we were having our sabbath together. Only three more months to enjoy its bean curd goodness. Well technically two since I'm gone for half of July and God-willing moving into Toronto by mid-August. Another thing to say "See you later to," when I move.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Shifting Into "FAITH" Gear
Faith gear.
Get it? Faith, sounds like fifth? I know cheesy.
I don't even know anything about driving a standard transmission although I would like to learn.
The first 1.5 week of MPD was "easy" in terms that I could live more by sight than by faith. I had all these appointments lined up so spiritually it was somewhat easy to just coast. But now as second week draws to an end along with my contact list, it's time to start really living by faith,
Get it? Faith, sounds like fifth? I know cheesy.
I don't even know anything about driving a standard transmission although I would like to learn.
The first 1.5 week of MPD was "easy" in terms that I could live more by sight than by faith. I had all these appointments lined up so spiritually it was somewhat easy to just coast. But now as second week draws to an end along with my contact list, it's time to start really living by faith,
Things I Enjoy About MPD
1. Catching up with people, and getting the down low on their lives
2. Driving everywhere with the music blasting
3. Sharing my call and my vision
4. Seeing other people get excited about the ministry
5. Being able to try a lot of Starbucks' drinks
6. Witnessing God do a lot of fun, crazy, and unexpected things
7. Getting closer to the Lord
8. Learning to improve my listening skills
9. Being able to pray for others
10. Buying lots of pretty thank you cards
2. Driving everywhere with the music blasting
3. Sharing my call and my vision
4. Seeing other people get excited about the ministry
5. Being able to try a lot of Starbucks' drinks
6. Witnessing God do a lot of fun, crazy, and unexpected things
7. Getting closer to the Lord
8. Learning to improve my listening skills
9. Being able to pray for others
10. Buying lots of pretty thank you cards
Confirmation!
Dear Shelly:
On behalf of the University of Guelph I am pleased to inform you that your application for
the Summer 2007 convocation has been approved....
I am graduating for sure with HONOURS!!!
How did that ever happen?
Must totally be a God thing.
I'M EXCITED!!!
HAHAHA
On behalf of the University of Guelph I am pleased to inform you that your application for
the Summer 2007 convocation has been approved....
I am graduating for sure with HONOURS!!!
How did that ever happen?
Must totally be a God thing.
I'M EXCITED!!!
HAHAHA
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
I Heart T.O.
I've been going into Toronto every weekend thus far, and the frequency of the trips will only increase. I'm getting to love it more and more especially now that I'm a "working girl", I'll be able to explore more of the city.
Things That I Love About T.O. As a City
1. Being able to go 70+ on major roads and still be ok.
2. BBT and T&T
3. The arts scene
4. Ashbridges Bay
5. All the cool restaurants
Things That I'm Looking Forward to in T.O.
1. Celebrating my 22nd birthday at the Panorama restaurant
2. Trying to get rush seating for the Ballet
3. Going to the TSO for $10 a pop, and great seats at that
4. Getting involved in a church
5. Shakespeare under the stars
6. Beach volleyball at Ashbridges
7. Karaoke
8. The occasional DDR...although I AM out of university now...
9. Being close to my fave Japanese restaurant so I can get Sushi Pizza more frequently now
10. Taking piano lessons
Things That I Love About T.O. As a City
1. Being able to go 70+ on major roads and still be ok.
2. BBT and T&T
3. The arts scene
4. Ashbridges Bay
5. All the cool restaurants
Things That I'm Looking Forward to in T.O.
1. Celebrating my 22nd birthday at the Panorama restaurant
2. Trying to get rush seating for the Ballet
3. Going to the TSO for $10 a pop, and great seats at that
4. Getting involved in a church
5. Shakespeare under the stars
6. Beach volleyball at Ashbridges
7. Karaoke
8. The occasional DDR...although I AM out of university now...
9. Being close to my fave Japanese restaurant so I can get Sushi Pizza more frequently now
10. Taking piano lessons
Getting Back to My Roots
Saturday night I had a chance to hang out with my high school friends again. Things I like about hanging with my high school crowd:
1. No one cringes when it comes to squid.
2. People know what Initial D is.
3. The history and the inside jokes.
4. The azn jokes about stereotypes.
5. The way we celebrate birthdays.
1. No one cringes when it comes to squid.
2. People know what Initial D is.
3. The history and the inside jokes.
4. The azn jokes about stereotypes.
5. The way we celebrate birthdays.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Limitations
I. am. so. very. exhausted.
I think I've pushed myself to as far as I could go in terms of Ministry Partner Development this week. I was three appointments away from the all-time record number of appointments in a week. So close yet so far. I'll try for the record again another week, but now that I know my limits, it's time to work out a schedule that would actually be sustainable for the next 2.5 months.
God has been so good in big and little ways this week. I am thoroughly enjoying MPD, but I definitely need to catch up on some R&R.
I loved how God showed up in little ways yesterday. It was so sweet. In the morning I dashed out of Guelph, running a bit late for an appointment in Toronto. In my bag was a stash of thank you cards that I had to mail out that day. The area I was heading to was not part of my "hood" when I lived in TO so I had no idea where mailboxes or post offices were. Plus I had three appointments scheduled back to back so there was no time to stop in between anyways.
Upon finishing my first appointment, lo and behold, what should be parked outside the building, but a Canada Post truck!
Then later in the day I was running low on gas, but I had no time to stop and fill up since I was dashing between appointments. I was looking for an Esso gas station since that's the only place that I fill up because of their aeroplan awards, but I didn't know of any Essos around the place I was driving to. As I pulled into the plaza, what should be there, but an Esso gas station?
Truly, truly God is good.
I think I've pushed myself to as far as I could go in terms of Ministry Partner Development this week. I was three appointments away from the all-time record number of appointments in a week. So close yet so far. I'll try for the record again another week, but now that I know my limits, it's time to work out a schedule that would actually be sustainable for the next 2.5 months.
God has been so good in big and little ways this week. I am thoroughly enjoying MPD, but I definitely need to catch up on some R&R.
I loved how God showed up in little ways yesterday. It was so sweet. In the morning I dashed out of Guelph, running a bit late for an appointment in Toronto. In my bag was a stash of thank you cards that I had to mail out that day. The area I was heading to was not part of my "hood" when I lived in TO so I had no idea where mailboxes or post offices were. Plus I had three appointments scheduled back to back so there was no time to stop in between anyways.
Upon finishing my first appointment, lo and behold, what should be parked outside the building, but a Canada Post truck!
Then later in the day I was running low on gas, but I had no time to stop and fill up since I was dashing between appointments. I was looking for an Esso gas station since that's the only place that I fill up because of their aeroplan awards, but I didn't know of any Essos around the place I was driving to. As I pulled into the plaza, what should be there, but an Esso gas station?
Truly, truly God is good.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Three Words
My cup overflows.
I am so happy right now. My heart is just brimming over with joy. The more I practice my VACA, the more I love where God has placed me.
I am so happy right now. My heart is just brimming over with joy. The more I practice my VACA, the more I love where God has placed me.
Placement
I am going to Toronto!
I was so nervous before I opened up my placement because never has such a major decision been made for me, but I am so ecstatic to be a part of such a cool and fun team.
I literally jumped, screamed, and cartwheeled when I found out. I was outside by the freeway so it was all good.
God is good!
I was so nervous before I opened up my placement because never has such a major decision been made for me, but I am so ecstatic to be a part of such a cool and fun team.
I literally jumped, screamed, and cartwheeled when I found out. I was outside by the freeway so it was all good.
God is good!
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