5th day of Aus trip!

Today's weather is just nice. Not too cold to be wearing jackets. One thing that I really love about it here is the parks. People sitting anywhere on the green grass spending time together or even just wasting their lives away. I've always wanted to do that but the grass in Malaysia are usually too long, gives out a strong smell or full of mud. There's green almost everywhere here and the skies look extra blue with a mess of clouds.

Food is awesome. Grocery shopping here is SO fun! There's all kinds of everything. The roast chicken are sooo good, coming out fresh from the oven so there's still a soft and juicy texture to it. Fruit juices mainly come in huge plastic bottles and the cheese section is so wide.

People here are generally nice. The take time to convey their words politely and add a huge smile to it. A cashier at a huge supermarket made my day the other day.

I have only a few days left here before I go back to Malaysia and start a new sem. Sigh. Wish I had more time for me to do my own stuff like journaling, making a scrapbook, read some books and even think about the year ahead. Like blogging right now =)

A yolk to carry

I'm upset, mad, hurt and confused.

How do I express my appreciation all out if you always seem so cold and 'expect so much outta me'? Everytime I try to be myself in front of you, you think I'm being immature and 'improper'. What's more, you tell other people unconcerned how 'disappointing' I am. Now, hearing you 'ask' for a 'thank you' isn't easy for me to give because even if I do, how much of it will be 'considered' as 'sincere' to you?
It took me so much guts to even ask a favour from you and now I feel like I'm being stepped on, whether knowing or unknowingly. I'm a 20 year old in a family who isn't causing major problems in the family and I really don't have any favour at all in your eyes????

But I really am thankful. Just wish you could see it from a Humble point of view.

Children recited a poem I never learnt before:

Soft kitty, warm kitty,
Purr purr purr,
Sleepy kitty, happy kitty
Purr purr purr.

SHELDON!!! HAHAHAHA

PRASIA

Made new friends from the Philippines! It's a good thing to know who people who stay in the church's guest house.

They sang so well, I got goosebumps. Singing in parts so well and confidently in a group is the amazing-est thing ever. They sound like a music track with such clear pronunciation. Of course, the sound guy played a huge role, but wow.

Carnavaaaaal

Had my first meat buffet ever!! And it was good. A hole in my pocket but at least I enjoyed it and I’d rather this than fine-dining. =)There was beef, fish, prawns, lamb, ham, chicken, sausages, 'interesting' garlic bread and pineapple! Nyom nyom nyom.

The past few days of lack of appetite, I’m glad it went away yesterday. I was a lil’ more hungry during lunch and dinner turned out good! (pulling out from Carnaval would be trouble. hahaha). Had the chance to enjoy what I put on my plate and even taking it down with a good feeling. Mmmmmm.

Dum dum tak!

I can't believe it is already over!!!! One month of dance stress has passed. The excitement of moving into a new building has happened! Woohoo!

The performance was great. Though the biggest mistake made, was made. But it was an awesome time. To be on stage, with people I hardly know, doing a hip hop routine under a choreographer who we enjoyed having too. Come to think of it, this is probably one of the last performances I will get to do before I go to aus. sigh.

The lights were great, there were no technical errors and all of us had so much fun. After one upsetting rehearsal the week before, we managed to perform with so much 'umph', and we got good feedback. That sunday was our turning point. Really thank God we cleaned up the mess together as youths of Grace Assembly. Wasn't easy to push people considering I wasn't much of a 'Leader' in uth. But God answered my prayer. He gave me an opportunity to take charge of something I had a passion for. Like Lydia said, it isn't so much of our destination but our journey there. Those were tough weeks having to attend practices for this and ghm. Most importantly, to show that I am dedicated to each and not neglect either one. =)

The procession under GHM was amazing too. Though I almost tripped on my skirt =( and bumped the crown into my brother's, it felt so amazing to be up there and to feel the awe. The sound of tambourines filled the entire place and with banners and strimmers. Looking at every child to adult in different attires dancing to that beautiful song felt really majestic. Plus, it was my first time wearing the 'bride' attire. I've never worn a tiara! And I've realized how difficult it is to keep one on one's head. haha.
I grew up in this ministry, and I'm proud to be able to lead others, as how I was taught. Uncle has always been like a second father to me. Encouraging me, joking around with me, giving me opportunities, making me feel special just like how he treats his children. For this, I am so blessed.

As always, there's picture time after performances. And since we all had interesting roles, the outfits we had on were so interesting! The pictures looked hilarious. I personally had a great time being a character I had no idea how to play. Rushing to change from the previous outfit was tough. Safety pins and hair pins...what an experience. The 'nerdy' outfit took me ages to decide on. In the end, I decided to wear overalls which made me look fat, stunted and plain silly. Plus, I realized at the last minute behind stage that doing the 'baby freeze' in that was very restricting. The safety pin popped! Glad it went well on stage, yes. Phew!

Right now, I am so tired yet excited for what's happened tonight. Thank you God for an amazing night with people.

Couldn't have done it without Lydia

"I wouldn't know"

Bright lit smiles,
Words of praise,
Things I always remember,
And a song my heart sings
Once upon a December.

Someone holds me safe and warm,
Memories flow through a heavy storm,
Figures dancing gracefully,
Tis' only just a dream,

Years went by, long ago,
Still I yern to remember,
In my sleep, someone sings,
Once upon a December

Now a song I will sing,
Once upon a December.

We gonna do stunts! Jason showed us a few like they were so easy, as he said so.
I would really really love to do ALL that.

So he taught us how to do the 'baby freeze'. The guys were given no choice to do the 'chair freeze'. Oh poor them. But it looks pretty cool!!! Now, I don't have to do the 'shoulder freeze' cos it hurts like crazy. I am proud of my self for accomplishing the baby freeze in a couple of hours. After so many bad landings, bruises, failed attempts.......I have gotten it. I found my spot! Now, just have to Pray that everyone including me, will be able to FREEZE for a couple of seconds. Really really hope so.

Sunday's rehearsal came with discouraging comments. But I'm glad and so proud that everyone made it a point to push for more. Yesterday's practice was very technical, but productive! Performance is this sunday!!! *deep breaths* I'm not sure if I feel excited about moving into the new building or that I'm just nervous about how the performance is gonna turn out at a new stage, new flooring and new Everything!

There's this feeling deep down that I may not be doing the right thing. On what basis? Being too contemporary for the congregation. Like I'm a rebel or something. I don't have any evil intentions, just excitement to do a dance I (and others) enjoy. The opportunity to let the youths do moves they're really good at and hopefully break a few mindsets, especially during this event of 'Moving up'.