part 3

Part 3: Morning!! I opened my door to see this!

The masterminds: Hannah and Aidan, who woke up really early to surprise me!

Aidan trying to be scary; will be staying with him over Christmas.. in Paris! ^^

Hannah, one of the kindest ppl I've ever met. She's so motherly! Will be staying with her in Dec too, in Sussex!

part 2

Part 2: Banging on my door at 12am (Surrpriseee!)

and i opened the door to see fifi, jinping, milad and gwen bringing in a cake n presents! Very funny cos they were soo scared that the banging wld wake my neighbours up and that the smoke frm the candles would set off the ultra-sensitive fire alarm!!

Sainsbury's strawberry cheesecake

Love these people!

Me and Chickybabe- who orchestrated the best birthday surprise ever! Muacks girl! Thanks so much!

19th bday

My first birthday abroad...

Part 1: Dinner at Yun's, a Chinese restaurant

Out with 10 wonderful friends!

Duck in ?? style

Birthday cake number 1: Vanilla ice-cream with a chocolate and choconut shell

Deanna Gwen Me (gwen's 1st time trying chinese food; he and milad stole the chopsticks!)

Me Kristy Milad Jinping

Absolutely DELICIOUS lemon chicken! Droollll...

challenged

Happy Birthday Benedict! :)
Thanks for being a blessing!



Ok, promised to blog about the House Party and what I learnt there. :) Here goes!

House Party in Wales was awesome; I think God taught me alot of things, through people and situations. I can honestly say that I'm a different person now; alot more confident in approaching new people and talking to them. 2 mths ago, that would have been impossible; I was shy as a mouse and only spoke up upon being spoken to, especially in group settings. I still rmb feeling shy and awkward during Alpha when we had to mingle with all the new friends; and just wanting to stick to Xinxin or hide in the kitchen. So pathetic right!! And yea realised that alot of it had to do with my fears- fear of being rejected by others; fear that they wouldn't like me; that I was embarrassing myself; that I had nothing to say etc...

And I really have to thank God for ppl like my sister, who's been there with me on this journey of growth and self-discovery, every single step of the way. Love you Cheh; thanks for the tough advice and talking sense into me even when it hurts. I do need prodding in the right direction at times. :) And thanks for rejoicing with me in such little victories too!!

Also for Aidan, en route to Wales I just casually asked him how he made friends so easily (in this respect, he kinda reminds me of Thong.. lol) and he shared with me 'his story', how it didn't come easily to him as well. It was God's moulding thru painful experiences + lotsa practice + trying to love people the way God loves them that honed his social skills. And he told me I had it too! That both encouraged and challenged me- to rise up above my fears and approach new people throughout the weekend away.

Twas good!! :) :) :) I really enjoyed myself! And discovered that it wasn't so scary after all, that people open up to you once you're honest and smiley. :) Praise the Lord. I like this new side of myself; thank you Lord for teaching me. And little comments from friends helped too; like how Samara told me, "You were really good at lunch today". Simple things like tt really encourage. :)

Last night we had bible study and we discussed our response when our non-Christian friends indicated they were interested in Christianity. Aidan was saying how we should be prepared cos we may never know when the opportunity comes; it may be when we go back to e corridors in our blocks. And this morning it happened! My law friend was sharing her problems with me and I managed to direct the conversation to the bigger things in life, like "What do you think your purpose in life is?" and how she seemed to be looking for something but not knowing what it was. Then after that I told her about how God loves us and wants the best for us and she told me she used to be a Christian but stopped believing in God. Because she was disappointed in Him and the behaviour of other Christians.

And then it was seminar time! ARGH. Afterthat we were too sleepy and exhausted; I was having a major headache, (still am) so didnt press to continue the conversation even tho I wanted to. Still, I did not and still do not know what to say to her. What would you say to someone who is disillutioned with God due to past experiences? And as I talked to her, I could relate to alot of her feelings- I'd been in similar situations b4 and it's horrible as it is. Even worst still to be without hope in a loving God! I don't feel properly equipped... I want to do more than listen to other people's problems, but it's hard!

Wales trip

House Party 2006 in Wales

17-19 Nov

Sherwood 9:20! My bible study group in hall. From left: Pete, Aidan, Pekka, Hannah, Elodie, Sam, me and Samara

In Cefn Lea, pretty Wales

Log cabin mates going wild

Win one for the Green Team!

A child's poem

"You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God! Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway."


"If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids."


"But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.

And...that's why I believe in God."


- A child's prose.

Childlike, yet startingly true.

I especially like the 2nd paragraph- Indeed God goes everywhere with me, even if I'm distracted or unaware of His presence.. He has been good!

Had a good weekend; Nottingham Games was held on Sat and busloads of Singaporeans and Malaysians from all over the UK came down to Notts. And I met Karen here!!!!!! I was sooooo happy to see her. And met Kimberly from Dunman, Yafen and Kandy from VJ too! I didn't even know they were in the UK too. Made a few friends from Imperial College too, through tennis. So great- I will have people to stay with when I go down to London. :) Didn't get to meet Arch though! Boo.. Haha anyway, it was absolutely FREEZING on Saturday. Wind speed: 23 km/hr. I helped out with tennis and it was outdoors in the Cripps Hall couts. Brrr!!!! So cold! It was quite funny cos everyone was bouncing up and down to keep warm and it was quite a sight to see the tennis players all bundled up as they played the game. After a while, it wasn't so funny anymore cos each blast of wind really cut right through the layers we were wearing. And I was reduced to a huddled up ball crouched against the fences. Then I gave up and escaped to the warmth of Cripps Hall and took a nap there on a bench. Conclusion: Hot weather makes one sticky, sleepy and uncomfortable but at least it's bearable. Cold weather is unbearable! It makes one sickly and miserable and worse still, suffer if not properly protected.

How I appreciated a cup of hot chocolate after braving the cold. :) And the chinese dinner provided by the Malaysian Singaporean Society. Whee!

Dinner tonight was good- FINALLY! Am so happy to have good food. Beef spaghetti, peas and a yummylicious slice of cake. I think I overate though.

I'ts been such a long time since I last wrote an essay- 10 months? And I'm struggling now, editing a speech for mooting tmr. Finding the right word and syntax doesn't come so naturally anymore, as it did for the countless History, Literature and GP essays that constituted the JC days.

Carol

Good times- Prom night Dec 2005 at Ritz

Was reading through old entries in the blog I share with my VJC friends.. Sugar-puff-honey-crunch always! haha.. Good memories eh! Seeing each other every day in school, ponning maths n econs lectures together, thinking of what delicious canteen food to eat, comparing skirt lengths n trying to escape from tan yew hwee, laughing at the 5 boys in class, getting through the dreaded As, talking about our dreams and ambitions and where we thought each other would head to after JC..... just being so happy together. :) I hope you all remember the "meaningful conversations" I always tried to initiate! Hahaha.. The JC years just zoomed by like that and all of us have gone our separate ways (with the exception of wei n fio! lucky lucky lucky)

And I just wanna say thank you for being such wonderful friends. It never fails to amaze me how we can connect so well despite being such different people, with our own quirks and idiosyncracies. Heh.. You girls are special and unique! Miss you all.


Carol (honey)

CU event

Had the Sherwood 9:20 (my christian union group in hall) evangelistic event last tuesday- which was really good fun! :) Although my group, comprised of the arty-farty people came in last. Hahaha.. I wasn't particularly looking forward to it cos I'd been inviting people all day and it was discouraging hearing negative responses time and again. So I was especially happy that people like Min, SQ, Jayoung, Dave and Bazil came- the most unlikely people who seem closed to Christianity. To God be the glory! :) In particular, I'm very happy because Dave (a 2nd year brit who stays next door) came. It was super last minute; Aidan told me to go back to my block to invite more people; 10 min before the event started. So I banged on Dave and Bazil's door (my neighbours) and to my absolute surprise, they came along too!

Anyway, Dave thanked me yesterday for inviting him to the pub quiz and told me he really enjoyed himself! That made my day. :) It was a breakthrough because I'd been trying to befriend him for quite some time- he doesn't seem to have any friends in hall and he always eats by himself. And I think it's the way God wired me- I enjoy reaching out to people who feel left out and desire that they feel loved and included too. I know all too well what it feels to be left out and it's not a nice feeling! Heh..

And before dinner I had a sudden realisation of how sheltered I still am, despite being miles and miles away from home. Looked thru the CCUSA website b4 dinner- thinking of working in America or volunteering in South Africa during the summer. Very scary.... I will truly be on my own. Here, God has provided so well for me- I don't have to worry about much except my studies. And I thought of my peers-Grace Tan whom I grew up with, now sooo independent, criss-crossing the USA and maybe even Africa in time to come! And James Pang, dedicating 3 mths of his time to serve God faithfully in Thailand. Aidan and Hannah, my CU leaders- both of whom took a gap year after college; Aidan to work with the wildlife in South Africa and Hannah to work in a nursing home here. Compared to them, I feel so small and timid, so unable to take care of myself! Yet I feel so privileged to know these people and am encouraged by them to think beyond myself and my limitations..

Love Carol

fireworks

Fireworks have been going on all night- yesterday, today and tmr! BOOM BOOM BOOM. Spectacular... Last night was especially beautiful- 20 tonnes of fireworks going off at another hall. Could see them from The Downs (this expansive green hill) when I came back from the Christian Union meeting. :) It's Guy Fawkes day tmr, but I think the Brits are too excited so they've started setting the fireworks off already. Bonfire night tmr!

Hehe anyway it's been a great weekend. Went for a walk at Wollaton Park on friday afternoon; I felt so liberated among the wide open spaces- like I could finally breathe again. (Mad week, had 2 tutorials and 1 seminar) And just enjoyed God's creation; the lovely fall colours, towering trees and tranquil lake. Had fun kicking the heaps of fallen leaves too! Though I had to compose myself when other people walked by. Hehh.. Then back to my room, where Aidan caught me just in time, then rushed off for Tort lecture and finally CU meeting which was great.

Today me, Fifi, Kyunghee and Jayoung (Korean girls) went to watch The Taming of the Shrew in Stratford-upon-avon, Shakespeare's birthplace! Was really fun! :) The play was not bad; but I thought it was too modern a take on it and I couldn't really catch what they were saying.. Too sleepy n didn't read the play beforehand. Anyway, Stratford-upon-avon is really nice, a charming little town. We agreed that it's even nicer than York.. Will post pics soon! Oh yea I bought a cactus too! :) Hope it won't die in winter.. The temperature has plunged. In the past few mornings, The Downs has been covered with frost! Shiver....

Alrighty good night everyone!
So tired!

Love, Carol

thankful

All I can say is, thank God for Kristy and Esmond! :) Shall elaborate more in a later post when I'm not so swamped with work. Lotsa reflections about lessons learnt and challenges identified, which qll point to God's provision.

Also thank God for the outing with the Hong Kong girls yesterday. They're really nice and I'm glad I didn't feel very out of place despite being the only Singaporean. Fifi is coming back from London tonight! Yay haha.. :) SQ will be back too, from either Sweden or San Francisco, can't remember.

I received a package from Cheh in Australia during the week too!!!!!! Thank you so much Cheh, you sure made my week! I love you lots! :) :) :)

Oh yes, something interesting happened this morning. I was stupefied by the end of summer term. Went down for breakfast at 830am, only to find Kenneth at the entrance of the dining hall, unable to get in. After knocking on the main and side entrances to no avail, we gave up and went back to our rooms. Still clueless, I went to church with Kristy at 930am and again the doors were securely shut. How odd! Everyone seems to be on strike this morning, I thought. Then the light dawned as 2 African ladies who were also standing outside the church told us that summer term has ended!! What does that mean? I wondered... Anyway, after enlightenment, it just means that the UK/Europe pushes back the clock by an hour, since the days grow shorter as the night increasingly encroaches upon it. ie daylight saving time. Haha to follow up on my train of thought, I mused, How arbitrary this daylight saving time mechanism is! Can a continent meddle with the long hands of a clock, supposedly representing order and certainty, just to suit its own agenda? Is time therefore part of our socially-constructed reality, just as the law purportedly is (as we learn in Understanding Law), which works because people collectively believe in it? Well, there's obviously more to it than that, but yeah just some food for thought here. :)

Love, Carol

Mood: all pepped up.

some physical activity

I went swimming with SQ today! I feel so good! :D Finally some strenuous physical activity since I got here. Is climbing The Downs counted? Heh it sure makes me puff and pant every morning, that hill.

Speaking of hills, I watched One Tree Hill with Baz this afternoon... It's not bad, but too much stuff on basketball.

I think I'm getting fat!!!!! Aaaaaahhh....

And reading contract law cases is just killing my eyesight. :(

Talked to Biyun last night on MSN, she's super funny!!!!!!!! I was laughing like crazy. Hehe miss you girl- your humour and extraordinarily LOUD voice. Shout to me from SIngapore! Hahaha..

I'm sorry this post is just a random mixture of events..

Good night everyone.

burdened

Teach me to pray when I am in doubt:

"But I trust in Your unfailing love;
My heart rejoices in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for He has been good to me".

-Psalm 13:5-6

aimlessness

Some important notices:

1) My address:
Room D011 Sherwood Hall
University Park Campus
The University of Nottingham
Nottingham.
NG7 2RA
United Kingdom

Please write to me! :) I check my mailbox everyday; so you can be sure of a reply. Hehe

2) View my pictures online at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/carolannekoh
Enjoy! :)
Will post pics of my York trip soon.

Anyway, I'm quite happy because God kinda addressed my doubts.. Felt very bogged down recently- wondering what God's purpose is for me here and what I want to get out of the whole overseas experience. I seriously couldn't answer those questions! It's been almost a month since I went to England and still I don't know... So yea.. I've been feeling guilty at my lack of discipline and purpose.

Talked to Chua on MSN just now and he found it so funny because it was so obvious to him what God's purpose for me is, whereas I was completely clueless! Ahaha...
So here it is, to be the best law student I can be for God and to testify for Him! Basically to be faithful in the roles that God has laid out for me- be it a student, friend, sister or daughter. In order to please and glorify Him. :) Thanks Chua! You are wise... I know you are reading this! Hehee..

Yeah suddenly I am reminded of why I wanted to study Law- to train and sharpen my mind; also to be in a position of influence that I might point others to Him. And last night, I had a short glimpse of its benefits.. Felt very happy that I could apply the skills that I learnt to studying the Bible! :)

And personally, I only have a broad idea of what I want to take away with me at the end of the 3 years. I want to grow as a person- discover God, discover myself.. And come back a changed and better person, equipped to serve God and other people!

Let me know if you have any input! :)

Love, Carol

Good night, sleep well

My parcels from Singapore came this afternoon!!!! :)

I banged on Bazil's door (he is my corridor neighbour) to ask him to carry them for me, but it turns out that they were very light. Hehe.. Anyway, I'm so happy!!!!! :) Been faithfully checking my pigeon hole every day, on the lookout for mail and the parcel slip. So yay I'm so happy.. :)

Haha.. anyway, memorably, I opened the box to find some of the gifts friends gave at the airport- which Mummy snuck out of the carrier bag while I wasn't looking!!! Ahaha.. It was very heart-warming. :) Felt so loved, reading the poem, cards and little rolled up messages... As I read them one by one, I thought of each giver.. Faces, smiles, memories. And more than that, what the person meant to me and what I in turn mean to him/her. Felt a pang of homesickness.. I miss the people I love and the ability to be myself with them. Had dinner with my Christian Union friends at Weatherby's in Beeston... CHICKEN BRIYANI!!!! A very welcome change from horrible British fare. Heh.. Still, I was the only non-white and I felt awkward, conscious of myself and out of place at times.. Really thrown outta my comfort zone! A learning experience indeed.

Ah well.. back to my little blue box of notes. Was supposed to read them on the airplane, as Huixian directed; but it's only 3 weeks later that I actually did! Timely, since I already felt so loved at the airport and on the airplane and I'd had quite a bad week.. Sick and stressed. =sTold myself to read just one per day, so that I'll be happy for the next 20 days perhaps? But I ending up reading all!!!! Whatever happened to self-control? Flung to the wind in blissful abandon. :)

Oh well... It was a good reminder that I am loved- by family, friends and God. Yes I am loved! And not alone!

Sleep tight everyone!

Love, Carol

quickie break

Tried taking an afternoon nap; but I still feel groggy. The flu is making me so lethargic; when I am well I seriously need some exercise! Stand up and stretch! Haha.. Skipped lunch today; just thinking of the hall food quells my appetite and the LONG queues are a major turnoff. Needed to take a nap too; to sleep off the headache. Anyway, I still feel greedy... thinking of the snacks (ie chocolate, fruit bars, muffins, sandwiches etc) at the retail outlets which we can purchase with our meal cards. Ahhhh must go there to stock up tmr!!! I only have super healthy stuff on my shelves- raisins, apricots, pumpkin seeds, biscuits, tea, honey and milo. Mum and Cheh would be proud of me. :)

Candace and Nat say there's lotsa sales in the city- YAY!!!
There's this shop called TK Next or something which sells designer clothes at a fraction of the original price; I bought a pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans there last week for about S$50! And I bought a 2nd hand pink duvet cover too; for about S$12 from the British Heart Foundation. Hope it makes my room look cheerier! :)

Carol

Various collages of happy memories encapsulated in time.


Always a last, lingering glance at this before I leave my room :)

Gao Jia!

A peek into my life

After reading James' blog, I feel inspired to post pictures and update friends about my life overseas too. And of course, being reminded time and again by friends who want to see my room spurs this entry as well. Which is long overdue! :) It's been an exhilarating experience so far! And I think writing it down/blogging helps to keep me thankful. (Have to admit I haven't been faithful in either! =s)

Alrighty, here's a sneak peek into my life in England!

I'm sorry the 1st pic is the sink. Not terribly exciting.. hehh

So grateful to have this in my room- My own sink!

My bed, with the furry pillow I hug to sleep! (given by the YA)

Nice and full :) Some of the cards and notes that I cherish.
Front view of my room

calling home

I feel so excited whenever I dial all the lengthy numbers and when the operator says, "Please hold while we connect your call." :) Just called home and talked abit to Kor. He just got his new car today!!!!! Happening!! :) Heard it's really hazy in Singapore now and that alot of people are ill. Naughty Indonesian famers setting off forest fires! Haha.. I will pray that the Lord will keep my fanily and friends safe and well.

My fresher's flu is getting better; sore throat is almost gone thanks to the honey water and apple cider vinegar. Just have runny nose and a throbbing head; which is really not conducive to studying. I really enjoy what I'm studying though! It's really stimulating. Moreover, Law is always what I wanted to do so yes, I give thanks that I'm given the opportunity to learn it... :)

Okie gtg for a picnic at Wollaton Park! Heheoverseas life is really exciting. Gwen, my French friend, will be helping me and my friend Fidelia plan our France tour in Decemeber! It's really nice of him. :)

Love, Carol

1st law lecture!

Listening to Rod Stewart now- his songs remind me of Mummy and Daddy. :) And of watching the live DVD at home. I feel so nostalgic.. Have I Told You Lately?

Had my first law lecture today!! At 9am in the morning; Fidelia was so worried when she didn't see me at breakfast. Why? Because I was sooo exhausted; some prankster set off the fire alarm TWICE at 4am last night. Again! A few nights ago, it wailed THRICE at 3am. It's really horrible; not just the screaming siren but the huddling in the cold outside in your pyjamas. Brrr brrr!! I'm so glad for the warm duckling socks Cheh and Mark sent from Australia and the fleece pyjama top I bought at Beeston. (A nearby neighbourhood that has many charity shops) The weather is getting colder; it's the wind that really gets to me though. Chilly...

Oh yes, about the law lecture.. I didn't understand practically everything the lecturer was saying!!! Oh my gosh.. It was about Law of Contract, which I know nuts about and I was soo lost! Had a really bad headache after that, worrying that I couldn't keep up etc.. Yeah and then there was another lecture at 5pm so we had to do some readings on cases.. By the time I got back from some induction meeting for vlounteering, it was 3pm and my headache was getting worse because I hadn't started on my readings!!! Argh... But instead of worrying more, I prayed that God would give me wisdom and understanding; that the Holy Spirit would illuminate my mind and finally, that I would finish the readings by 430pm. And praise the Lord; the light dawned and I managed to understand and cover the material in time. During the lecture, I actually understood what was going on! Yeah! Praise the Lord! :)

Indeed, "The Lord will hear when I call to him"- Psalm 4:3
Sunday service's memory verse.. Was so happy to be in church on SUnday morning.. Really felt strengthened and uplifted. Read Psalm 18! :)

Love, Carol

Arrival

Hello this is my first post from Nottingham! am in my friend's room now.. we just cooked dinner! My first Chinese meal since coming here. hehee staying over at her place tonight and then we're going to church tomorrow. Yay I'm happy because I really miss going to church on Sunday morning.

This is just a very short p0st- more to come!!!!!! :)


Love you all in Singapore,
Carol

Some group outings over the week. :)

ECP outing- had fun cycling and singing in the rain (with Justina) =D

Me and Xinxin, who has taken very good care of me! haha

All smiles- 04A54 at Marina Square

breakouts :(

So tired, preparations are really wearing me out! Headaches are back; sorry I can't meet up/cancelling on so many people.. Just 4 days to go.. Hopefully everything will be settled by then..

Anyway, spent yesterday with Mummy!! Who took off to be with me. Aww.. I felt like a tour guide, bringing her around.. Ahaha.. :) Went to 4 different places, all in a day's work. Hoho.. We discovered this really quirky, laid-back shop in Chinatown which sells so many pretty vintage-looking dresses, skirts and shoes! What a gem.. Bought a nice beachy white top there instead of the cheongsam which I was supposed to buy. Can't find any nice ones la... Cut my hair too; it looks ALOT thinner. Got a shock when I looked at the floor of the salon; it was strewn with what looked like a full head of hair. My hair!! So much gone! =(

Feel quite excited about the pending overseas study because I picked up some travel brochures of Europe yesterday... Oh my gosh, sooooooooo beautiful!!!! I can't believe I'll be actually be IN those places for real. :)) Breathtaking... I'd be totally in awe. :) Thank you Lord! Met Cathleen, the Malaysian Singaporean Society president yesterday too and a word of advice from her, "Start thinking about your Europe trip!" Hahaha.. She looks alot like Cherilyn from YA. Yeah I like her; she seems to be very helpful and sensible. :)

Gonna be a long day today... Give me strength O Lord!


Love, Carol

pre-departure musings

Started packing already, I feel a strange heaviness when I slowly strip my room of its contents. There isn't much space left to fit in things that remind me of home. *sobs* Less than a week to go! Just feeling numb and a bit depressed at times... Trying to go out less this week so that I can spend time with the family and with God.. And finish reading the Tales of the Kingdom series, which really buttresses my faith and comforts my heart, even though they're just childrens' story books. =) To the King! To the Kingdom! To the Restoration!

Met James Pang today for the IT crash course!! Yay.. I know how to use the webcam already! and Microsoft Excel too, among other things.. =D Thanks James!

Oh my gosh my sis (Dazz) is soooo funny.. I can hear her laughter all the way from the living room! She's watching My Lovely Samsoon. Ahahaha...



Love, Carol

Knowing You

All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now compared to this

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing
You're my all, You're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love You Lord

Now my heart's desire is to know You more
To be found in You and know as Yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All surpassing gift of righteousness

Oh to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death, my Lord
So with You to live and never die



This is my prayer...

reading up

Reading up on student safety in the UK now- Am quite scared that I'll get mugged or robbed. Gotta be vigilant!! There's this cool website called Immobilise where students can register all their valuables so that the it's easier for police to track them down.

Bought lotsa stuff to bring over with Mummy yesterday- which was fun. :) I'm beginning to feel independent already. Hahaha.. Only have 20kg luggage allowance, so will probably have to send boxes via Singpost. Yups, met Thong after that for dinner, listened to all his funny army stories and got him all excited about going overseas to study too. =D It'll be a White Christmas, a winter wonderland come december! Wowee! It's no harm finding out more, talking to people, reading up and widening one's perspective. Afterall, I was deadset on studying locally when I was still in JC.


Okie gonna start packing TODAY! =))

family goes to church

Am now creating a photo-sharing account at Shutterfly, in case my laptop crashes or something and all my precious pics are gone! Haha.. =D Will give u guys the website soon. I'm not sure whether I should post up the embarrassing pics though.. Need to practice some discretion. Hehee.. :)

Dazz blogged about how she visited my church on Sunday- Go check it out! hahaha..
Anyway, I'm was overjoyed when my family went down to my church, Brighton Community on Sunday. :) I was quite nervous that my parents would find the worship too loud and charismatic, and be put-off, but somehow- the songs we sung had a few traditional ones as well; Shout to the North being one of them! Praise the Lord! Haha yay my family really enjoyed the praise and worship. Dazz says the band is happening!! All right! Hahaha.. It's really interesting to see your church through the eyes of your family members; it sure gave me a fresh perspective of Brighton and made me love it more. :) Daddy says it's very young and vibrant and that he likes the pastor, who's a good man. Haha.. And all agreed that they liked how people were able to respond to the message by going down to the altar, as a symbolic act of worship and surrender to God and receive as the leaders prayed for them. Very personal.. :) I remember that was something that I really appreciated at the beginning, being able to stand there in His presence and be ministered to as someone prayed for me. Then I started taking it for granted as time passed and I grew more comfortable in the church. Yup so I'm glad for the timely reminder... and I will be grateful for the days I spend in the house of the Lord. =)

Also very happy how I'm able to share with them what I love about my church- the engaging worship, the solid word, the ministry time after service and most of all the family of God- the people who have been so warm and accepting of me. :) Had a great time introducing my family members to them!Hahaha.. and I think Mummy, Daddy and Dazz felt the love too. Ahaha :)) Pity Kor wasn't there and Cheh and Mark in Australia or else all of us would have been present that sUnday morning. All the same, I give thanks. :)

Had CG at my place after service too, the first time in years... =D Chinhao kept saying how much he liked my place!! Hahaha too bad I'm leaving.. I really miss having cell at home.. friends filling the place with laughter, songs and prayer. And I think my parents do too; they kept asking my CG to stay for dinner and even asked me to invite them for a BBQ before I leave for England! Ahahaa! :)


Blessed to be a blessing.

Love, Carol

relieved

Yay I'm so happy.. Fixed my iPod today morning! Love it love it love it!!!! All by myself too, although credit has to be given to Huixian, Chinhao and my bro who tried to help. =D Finally... Music when I travel! Thank you Lord! And Cheh sent me a DVD of 1000 songs too! Hooray! Thanks Cheh! :)

Everything's more or less settling down- received an email from Notts today, confirming that my room in Sherwood Hall is secure. Phew... :) Met Grace Khoh today, who's going to Bristol... She's so excited about leaving! Hahaha.. I think she won't wanna return to Singapore after the 3 years.. Had fun catching up, talking about our plans in the UK and checking out winter wear, which is so pathetic.. Will probably get the cheapo red fleece jacket from Cold Wear and get the rest in Notts.

Still haven't started packing yet- Bare rooms make me sad. I want to bring as many things that remind me of home and loved ones as possible.

Leaving exactly 2 weeks from today... Singapore will be a distant land in no time.

Farewell my friends,
Carol

prep work

Finally collected my UK Visa yesterday- for $295, it'd better be nice!!!
Met Grace and Jiachuan there at the Visa Application Centre! Hahaha... nice surprise=) shall bunk in with them should I travel to London. They've both started packing already! Argh!! And my suitcase is still enclosed in its Isetan wrapper.

Oh well, have to go for my medical checkup and get the meningitis jab today I think.. Good thing I asked grace and jc or else I wouldn't bother...

Read Tales of the Kingdom this morning, and some book on relationships from Cheh last night. I love Tales of the Kingdom!!!!!! =)) To the King!

joyful

My last few entries have been largely depressing. =s

Yesterday I still had my long face on, felt very down.. And then I remember reading a few Bible verses hung on my window. Philippians 4:6-7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". And so I prayed for His peace.. =) and sung the song "Everytime I Pray" repeatedly throughout the day. Felt my spirits lift considerably after that. Haha.. =)

Looking back, I'm glad the sinking revelation about leaving so soon finally hit me on Monday night in Li Kai's car. Thanks for listening dude! The next morning, I took a long walk in my garden like how I used to do before and marvelled at His creation- the soft rays of the morning sun falling on the stony walls, the scent of my favourite jasmine plant opposite my room and at the growth of the many many fruit trees Daddy planted.. Saw Daddy up reading his newspapers, Mum doing her morning stretches and Kor getting ready for work. Hehh.. Later i played with Itchy, the neighbour's cat. Love the way she flops to the ground whenever she sees me and starts rolling about on her stomach- another attention craver!! Super cute.. hahaha. I will miss the morning routine, its familiarity... Yet I now can better appreciate the little things in life that make me happy and I'm thankful for it. =)

Anyway just wanna say a big thank you to the people who cheered me up yesterday! Hahaha.. To the overseas buddies, you guys rock!!! Grace- who wrote to me from Hawaii and called me up to chat from New York last night!! So touched.. =) Sarah in Adelaide- who totally understands my pre-departure blues and is so kind about it.. Cheh for always thinking of me in Australia and arranging to chat with me later today just after I told Mum I missed her!!

And to the people in sunny Singapore... Hazel for promising to write letters to me and acceding to my weird request to go to Pasir Ris Park to climb the spiderweb!! Hahaha.. The VJC clique of course, with whom I always feel free to be myself, quirks and all.. Hehee thanks for wanting to spend more time with me and buying stuff for me to bring to the UK!!! =D Wei, I want to go to CBC again and explore Changi Village. May-chelle for always reminding me of my roots with her "hey gao jing!" and allowing me to manifest my bimbo side with her. Haha you have it too Michelle!! Plan our baking outing soon! Dazz for immediately thinking of me and going into my room to offer me chocolate once she opened it.. Haha thanks xiao mei, jiayou for your promos!! =) Kenneth for the yummy buffet lunch treat. Ephraim and Xin for organising the Sentosa outing for me!! Whee...

Yup so praise the Lord, for His bountiful blessings! =) Praise the Lord, oh my soul.


Love, Carol

leaving on a jetplane

Hi all, for those who wanna send me off at Changi Airport,

my flight is on the 18th of September, Monday night.. 10.55pm. So probably come at about 8 plus? Don't make me cry ok? Hahaha...

"Why so downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him,
my Saviour and my God".
-Psalm 42:5

Realised that I've been feeling the way David the Psalmist did, very pensive and restless these days.. Last night was the first time I honestly voiced out how I really felt about going overseas.. It felt strange, yet at the same time there was some kind of release. And there's just so many mixed feelings that are just swirling about, bogging me down; fear being the foremost one. I don't really dare to face them. I'm just running away for now; don't wanna think about it. But somehow I know that sooner or later I will have to sort them out one by one and surrender them all to God. Just pray for me. Prayer does make a difference! I do so wanna be free, assured and light-hearted when I leave.

Finally finished reading C.S Lewis' "Mere Christianity"... Solid stuff! I think it's a book that I'll re-read over and over again. Sometimes I'm ashamed that I take weeks and months (at times) to read Christian literature, while in comparison, I take days to finish fiction books.

everytime i pray

I just love the chorus of this song..

Everytime I Pray

I will come to You in prayer
I will seek Your face
I will stand within the gap
There will I intercede

For everytime I pray
I move the hand of God
My prayer does the things
My hands cannot do
For everytime I pray
The mountains are removed
The paths are made straight
And nations turn to You

I am weak and helpless Lord
You, my strength shall be
Guide me with Your gracious hand
There will my victory be

everytime i pray

I just love the chorus of this song..

Everytime I Pray

I will come to You in prayer
I will seek Your face
I will stand within the gap
There will I intercede

For everytime I pray
I move the hand of God
My prayer does the things
My hands cannot do
For everytime I pray
The mountains are removed
The paths are made straight
And nations turn to You

I am weak and helpless Lord
You, my strength shall be
Guide me with Your gracious hand
There will my victory be

the reappearance of tat

Us outside the Bugis Fountain. =D

















Dom making his quick getaway from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. Hahahahaaa

















As promised, I hereby present.... Thong, darker, fitter, broader, more fashion-conscious, back from his Taiwan training!! Heh
















Heeheeeheee...


So sue me!

poetry

"Bright College Days"

Bright college days,oh, carefree days that fly,
To thee we sing with our glasses raised on high. [holds up eyeglasses]
Let's drink a toast as each of us recalls
Ivy-covered professors in ivy-covered halls.

Turn on the spigot,
Pour the beer and swig it,
And gaudeamus igit-itur.

Here's to parties we tossed,
To the games that we lost (We shall claim that we won them someday).
To the girls, young and sweet,
To the spacious back seat Of our roommate's beat up Chevrolet.
To the beer and Benzedrine,
To the way that the dean Tried so hard to be pals with us all.
To excuses we fibbed,
To the papers we cribbed
From the genius who lived down the hall.

To the tables down at Mory's (Wherever that may be),
Let us drink a toast to all we love the best.
We will sleep through all the lectures,
And cheat on the exams,
And we'll pass, and be forgotten with the rest.

Oh, soon we'll be out amid the cold world's strife.
Soon we'll be sliding down the razor blade of life.
(Oooh!) (laughter) ... Ready? ...
But as we go our sordid separate ways,
We shall ne'er forget thee,
thou golden college days.
Hearts full of youth,
Hearts full of truth,
Six parts gin to one part vermouth.

-- Tom Lehrer


This poem reminds me of all the high school/college films I used to watch during Lit and English class. =) Dead Poet's Society! My all-time favourite show... Ah the heady, impulsive days of youth, dreaming, passion and rebellion; of young men trying to find their place under the sun and learning "Carpe Diem" along the way. And then there's the Brit films that Mr Harris used to show us during Lit lectures, can't remember what they're called now. Just remember feeling a great rush of thrill and anticipation about the whole college experience- of bicyling down cobbled streets, hair flying in the wind; of driving down to the countryside during long and lazy afternoons; of engaging in witty and intellectual conversations with peers... And most importantly perhaps, feeling free and eager to explore who you are, the vast world we live in and the God who created it all.

Haha and when I got home, I remember excitedly telling Cheh I wanted to study overseas! Hahaha... Sometimes I wonder if I'm too idealistic.. Anyway, the rest was history, albeit with some hiccups along the way. Well, I thank God for answering my heart's desire! =) He is a good and loving Father and He will continue to lead and guide me, even when I'm far away from home.

Found this passage especially reassuring..
"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your Presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there Your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast".

-Psalm 139:7-10


Love you all, Carol

busy bee

Spoke to my mum last night and through her, I realised I've been spending all my weekends with the Brighton people! James too, since he started joining us a few weeks ago. Haha I think that's a good thing, although she's quite unhappy that I only come home late at night. Friday had cell at NUS, Sat had Alpha and guess where we went after that??? Night Safari!!! Wahaha... Sunday had service and Hui Xian's "surprise" birthday partay at James' place in Chua Chu Kang. So yup, been travelling out of the East quite a bit. =)

I think my blog's morphing into a picture journal.. will post up the pics soon!

NTU sleepover pics:)

This is what Hui and I did to amuse ourselves during our NTU sleepover. With the help of Fionne's Macbook. Enjoy! =)
















Sleepy and contented Hui















Failed attempt at a Bangra pose















Our scary Sadako pics! Heee
















Hypnotised by spooky hands coming from the window!


Hahaha so bo liao right?


Love lots, Carol

melancholic

Staying over at wei and fio's NTU hostel was fun... I like their room so much! Fionne did a really good job beautifying it.. =) thanks for letting me sleep on your bed Fionne! Hahaha.. I want my room to be nice and pretty too! haha according to them, Hui and I can be legal squatters for $20 a month! Not a bad deal huh.. Invite Hui and I again and we'll bring a house-warming gift! ;) Wei also introduced us to her OG mates who were nice; think it's great that she's found a group of friends so quickly! I would never want to go to NTU though; super ulu la! So much walking! Am still glad I went for the 'experience' with them though; it made the whole experience of moving out and having your own space more real.. and I also got a first taste of Uni life, taking in the sights and smells, the eager anticipation of young people ready to spread their wings- at once both exciting and frightening. I think I would like hall life- the blissful independence that comes with it. Right now, I wish I'd be UK bound sooner. Not that I'm raring to go, I just want to get away..

dread

Ok I think I'll get hell when mum returns from Thailand tonight... Haven't settled my accomodation acceptance or visa.. Bleah! Head is so heavy! Nose is so stuffy! How to go out today?? Sorry if I'm gonna blow off lotsa people.. I just want to sleep sleep sleep. =(

Some pictures taken on sat for cheering up.

Gallivanting in town after Alpha. From left: Eph, James, Me, Huixian, XinXin and Eugene.

Playing the piano makes me happy.

short entry

Hui, Fionne, Me at ECP during National Day 06.

4 of us at last year's outdoor Romeo and Juliet play.. The one with lotsa mosquitoes! =) oh yeah I had a fringe back then! Ack...

Bought my webcam and thumbdrive today!! Finally... =) Went with James Pang, Chin Hao and Ephraim... Good to go with guys to Sim Lim cos they do all the thinking and make all the decisions for u.. Hehh so I was satisfied to be a bimbo just for today. Hee.. Will try experimenting with the web-cam soon! Haha my new toy.. I wanna get an MP3 player next!

Past few days have been super tiring, I think I'm gonna fall sick. The symptoms are already here, headache and stuffy nose! =( Gonna have sleepover tmr at NTU at wei and fio's hostel... heh hehh hope it'll be fun but not exhausting! I'm so pooped.. Will post up more pics soon.. hehe

Love, carol

happy national day

It's a sleepy friday morning and i've a headache.. very bad, i've been going back to sleep after breakfast almost every day!

Anyway, catching up with the VJC gang was fun! As usual, hui and wei were the first to arrive at my place; fionne was late cos she overslept(what's new?) and huimin was missing. This time, the hot topic was Uni orientation.. haha i'm quite thankful that I didn't go for the NTU hall camp with wei.. the mambo queen! hahaha! Can't imagine hui dancing too!! Super funny man..

As hui and wei were relating their first-time clubbing experiences, I felt kinda distanced; that I was the passive listener without anything to share. It was as if I was leaning in from a looking glass, seeing the foreign and the bizarre through their eyes. It scares me, my isolation... and I wonder how I am to cope in England where the clubbing scene is even more prevalent. Looking at the big picture, what disturbs me is how clubbing seems to be some rite of passage for young people once they reach a certain age, how the peer pressure is so very real and how it becomes such a great part of a young person's life. How it seems almost normal, because everyone is doing it and ostentasiously enjoying themselves.. But it's not normal!!! Everything is so pretentious there.. Just my personal opinion though.. Not sure whether I should go with fio and hui just to look see before I leave. Think I'll come out shocked and traumatised! Haha.. most prob won't go..

On a more light-hearted note, National Day was really fun! Glad I took li kai's advice and went to out to catch the NDP live (albeit only the fireworks) to soak in the atmosphere before leaving.. =) Went cycling at ECP with the easties after wei went home. East is best! Double-biked with fionne; her first time riding a bike! *Applause* Haha the guy at the bicycle shop kept giving us dubious looks and insisted that I try ride it myself before fionne came on behind.. and I'm glad we proved him wrong! hui said we were very steady riders! No accidents! Yay =) And guess who we met... Mr Harris! Haha! With his entire extended family..Made one big U-turn just to chat with him.. Hehh will go definitely go back to VJ to see him b4 i leave. Dinner was absolutely delectable. Pigged out on all the local delights at the east coast hawker centre. Hokkien mee, satay, oyster omelette, you tiao rojak and sugar cane juice!!! Yummy!!! Think I've been eating too healthy food; a little indulgence is good once in a while. =) Later rode back to the bicycle shop, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and pinkish golden sunset along the way.. I just LOVE east coast park. =) Thanks girls for a really pleasant National Day.. Didn't get to catch the fireworks though; was in the toilet when it started! Grr... Haha..

My Nottingham Uni tea party is today! Haha... booked my flight too; it's monday night, 18 Sep.

Love, carol

pictures! (^-^)

James the master chef!

Eugene and Li Kai. Just had to post this up cos I had such a hard time getting them to pose for pics! Haha!

Girls at Macs before watching tacky guy show: Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift.

Yong Qing in action!

The Alpha food team! =D

long update

Hello hello again! Prepare yourselves for a loooong entry of updates. =)

Some highlights... Saturday was our 1st Young Adults Alpha session! At the penthouse of Orchard Parksuites which was super nice and grand... ahhh =) The morning was a mad rush, cos I'm on the food team. Woke up at 7.15am (that's after getting home at 12+ the night b4... I'm really learning to stretch myself physically. hooray!), brisk-walked to Eunos MRT to pick up James, Yong Qing and Jeffrey, walked home to good old Joy Court and then the cooking began! Everyone was in a semi-comatose state but we just snapped out of it very quickly. Haha it was very fun and funny! Yong Qing the chicken and potato man especially was so hyper... wahhaha will never forget him dancing away while massaging the raw chicken with flour. Hilarious sia.. Shall post some tell-all pics! =) And it's great that we had James, the master chef to save the day... Cos none of us on the food team know how to cook! -_-" Yeahh.. am so proud of James.. my talented cousin using his culinary skills to serve God! Very happy that everyone said the food was very good! =) Next week's menu is pasta.. yummy.. Hmm friday was also exciting cos I got a late morning surprise!! Hahaha.. Li Kai and Eugene descending on my doorstep when I was still in my pyjamas! To discuss their travel plans.. hehh =) Fun! They're exciting people. Haha..

Had a good Sunday too, cos James had a personal encounter with God during worship! Yeah! =) I'm so happy and excited for him! He told me later that he'd never had so much joy before.. Haha I was very touched... Indeed investing your time in people is so much more fulfilling than investing them in material things- temporal and fleeting. And here's something which spoke to me during service too: The reason why you and I are still sitting here, living and breathing is because we haven't fulfilled God's plans for our lives. So, the inevitable question is, what is His plan for my life? I think I'm beginning to have a clearer picture of that... =) To be like streams of living water, refreshing other people.. Shall continue to seek God about it though. Do you know God's plan for your life?

Some updates bout painting too, since it is painting which has eaten up a large chunk of my time. The living room is finished! woohoo! Jus painted the hall entrance this morn, to the tune of my current fave song, Fascination from Take the Lead soundtrack playing on repeat mode. Hehh it's the only nice song in that CD.. and the one I listen to when I can't sleep at night. Over and over. =) Anyway, I felt so accomplished today, helping Daddy scrape walls and do patch-up work, besides painting. 1st time in my life I'm doing such things! Heh.. Also happy that I'm slowly beginning to get the hang of improvising on the piano.. =) Will watch the worship dvd that Janice has kindly lent me soon..

Wow it's National Day tmr.. Keep the flag flying! My last National Day in Singapore before I return 3 years later..

love, carol

ramblings

Wanted to post a funny poem titled "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" by Noel Coward here but the html was too garbled.. So use your imagination! Hehh.. =)

This week has been all about painting, painting, painting. Almost done though! And all that hard, manly work is well worth it-- the house is beginning to look nice! Can invite ppl for housewarming already... Hahaha

God loves a cheerful worker

Spoke to Mark, my bro-in-law last night for a long time about preparing to go to the UK, what to expect and the whole experience in general.. And really.. thank the Lord for him! I don't feel so lost and apprehensive anymore, knowing that he and so many others have gone before me to the UK. =)