1 Week Left before I go to Nicaragua

I really can't believe it's almost here, 9mths of planning and actively participating w/ my mission's team to put this all together is almost here.

The Lord has continued to show me His blessings, and how it's not what I do or don't do down there, but to just continue to shine like a beacon of light for Christ is all that matters. He has a plan, I just have to wait, listen, be patient, and fully rely on God (F.R.O.G) kinda like jumping Frog.

I continue to be thankful to my team members for lending their ears, both Jon and Vern for the past week or so. There have been so many emails bouncing back and forth, advice, guidance, updates, accounting questions, everything. Thank you for lending me your ears. As our final week approaches, I get more excited everyday. My coworkers are excited and can't wait til I come back and present to them what I've learned and done. My Fellowship has been very supportive as well, guys, I don't know what I'd do w/o you. Some of you have been up w/ me to the wee hours in the morning talking to me, seeing how I am spiritually and asking me what I've learned. For that I am thankful and blessed. My friends, I'm so glad that you have all shown interest in my trip and supported me in various ways. I hope to continue the friendships and build from there. Last, but not least, my family has been supportive and showing their concerned at the same time. Yes, I am going down to Malaria epidemic country, although there is no vaccine, there are preventative treatments to some extent.

I look at it this way, the Lord has asked me to go, so I must go. Yes, there will always be fears, struggles, etc...but the Lord has given His confirmation, His blessing, so I know He will take care of me. Things will happen, things I cannot control, but I know He remains in control and at times like these when I will be away from my closest friends, my comfort zone, I have to remain strong, my faith has to be strong. The Lord has so much to teach me. I continue to pray and seek His Word.

Back from Ottawa

Last weekend, I went up to Ottawa w/ Elaine, Alana, Pat, Marc and Dave just for a weekend get away. For me it was something to do, to relax go on vacation before my missions trip. Our trip started Friday afternoon after work, thanks Dave for driving. Everyone was shocked that I only had one FIDO duffle bag and one backpack for the weekend, and this includes ice skates, sleeping bag, pillow and clothes. I went into work that day w/ 4 bags but came out with two. I was able to use every inch possible and squeezed out a lot of air, good practice for my missions trip. Thanks to Alana for also driving up there as well, we took numerous breaks and still beat the boyz there(I know it's not a competition).

On Saturday, we went to winterlude w/ Elaine, Alana, Pat, Dave and Elaine's friend Jason. Saw lots of ice sculptures, had beavertails, lebannese dinner and drinks at 18. Best of all, I got to ice skate for my first time on the Canal. It was snow covered and there were dents and cracks all over so it wasn't easy to skate. So I basically held onto Alana or Pat as they were walking along the ice. I almost fell a couple times, ok, so a bit more, but I managed to grab onto someone each time to prevent/break my fall.

On Sunday, we all went to OCAC, where Pastor Dan was talking about pornography. I also met up w/ Steph from Hamilton who lives in Ottawa now. We all went for pho after Church, just like Sauga, and then went to the Byward market w/ the boyz in the freezing rain/hail. Due to the storm, our night out was cancelled but we stayed in and watched "No Reservations" and "The Kingdom", both movies I must say I really enjoyed. I kinda fell asleep through "The Kingdom" b/c I got tired and was actually sick. Must have stayed out and not bundled up properly on Saturday. I learned where Elaine gets her Sunday naps from. Everyone naps on Sunday except for me. Anyhow, after medication from friends and Auntie, I felt a bit better Monday morning.

On Monday, I woke up early say 9:30am, got ready and made breakfast for my hosts and friends, then finished watching "The Kingdom." On the way back, we switched passengers, Pat and I switched as D was driving me home. It was relatively a quiet ride back, listening to Christian music 1/2 way and the other 1/2 was jazz. Both were music that I enjoyed, so no complaints there. We all met up again in North York for dinner at Congee Wong. It was a good time to just catch up again.

Less than 3 weeks before my missions trip

Yes, I'm counting down to the time I am actually leaving. I am excited and nervous. There is a lot to do still, preparing emotionally and spiritually. Although, no matter how much I prepare, it'll never be enough to what I'll be experiencing there in Nicaragua. There are people that I do want to see before I go, who knows, when the next time will be? Just reconnecting w/ close friends that I've lost touched with for one reason or another...I know when I come back, it will be hectic (work and personal life). On this journey I pray that God redefines my purpose, reaffirm His promise to me, to see God's hand in these people's lives, to shape and mold me into who He wants me to be. I know I can be an "emotional person" so I'm sure I'll cry while I'm down there and when I get back to Pearson, very huggable, not that I'm not, just more than usual. I pray that while I'm preparing physically and emotionally with luggage and materials/supplies that are to be brought down for the children, that I don't lose sight of why I'm really going.

My missions trip to Nicaragua has yet to begin, but the term "missionary" began long ago when I became a follower of Christ. It's only now, while I've been preparing for this, how true it is that I am a missionary in my own backyard. Inviting my friends who have yet to hear the "Good news" for dinner, sharing with them with what I believe but not just words alone but by my actions. Getting to know them better, showing the love God has given me to them. Just listening to their beliefs and asking questions.

That's it for now...

Chinese New Year!

Last Friday, there was a dinner party hosted by the "Lok Family" ah yes, there were approximately 25 people in our townie. Thank you so much for helping out. Plans with picking up food, last minute things were very last minute, but God provides:) I was happy to see my family happy, it's been a long time since they've had people over. That night it reminded me how blessed I am to have all these people in my life. Some I've known for a long time, and some that I just met that night. Unfortunately, my dad was MIA, he was in Toronto, go figure....and my brother sprained his ankle right before dinner started. We just arrived to my place, and wow guests were already here. But I am blessed truly:) It was a night of a mixture of people from MCAC, HCAC, and friends from afar. Great conversations among the guests, some went upstairs and just jammed (worship music), some were talking in the kitchen, and the rest were entertained by the wii.

Everyone went home w/ homemade "Lo Bak Goh", chinese white turnip cake, "dim sum" item, and "red packets." Despite the snow, everyone got here safely and went home safely.

Thanks to all those that came, pictures will be posted on facebook and on here when I get around to it:) Happy New Year to All!

Missions Update

It's been over a month since I last blogged...so much has happened but what to blog about? One of the biggest things for me in 2008 is going on this missions trip to Nicaragua next month. I can't believe it. Something that God opened my eyes to, and "GO!" and now I'm getting ready to embark on my first missions trip. Leaving my comfort zone, my family and my closest friends, to a country that is one of the poorest places in the world. I know I have a lot of things that I have to deal w/ before I go, including school, and just other matter that requires my attention.

Though this past week has been rough, in general, I sent a friend a prayer request, and tonight, after sharing w/ another friend tonight about how rough it's been for me, but I realized that I place the expectations for myself really high, and when it doesn't turn out the way I want it to be I feel dissapointed, a failure inside of me. But tonight, something's changed...I rather not go into details, and I know this paragraph sounds like a lot of missing pieces to a puzzle, but to 1 or 2, this will make sense and that's all that matters. God has reminded me that He is faithful and used His servants to reassure and encourage me.

I was listening to a song a friend wrote, and it really moved me. It made me think about my missions trip, "there's nothing to fear as long as I put my trust in You" how true that statement is. When I'm down or when my heart is broken down there by what I see, there will be times I don't know what to do, how to go on...there will be ups and downs down there, but I'm glad that I have my team down there w/ me for support, I will have my close friends praying for me daily and most of all, knowing that Jesus is there alongside of me on this journey. For He will comfort those who seek Him, He will hear my every prayer...He will guide me on this journey.

Please pray for my team as we are in the last month of preparation, we are planning our ministries down there, and fundraising for the Verbo Christian school. Pray for our health to be strong while we're down there, and team unity.