Friday, April 29, 2011

Strength of a bear, hair of a lion, appetite of both. =D

Just got back from life group, in which we saw William marry Kate, ate really yummy chicken curry/tau yew bak/sambal brinjal/cookies/bread pudding/sweet potato doughnuts, laughed and listened to Romans 12:1-2, 12-18 be read. I'm just really high at the moment, being on holiday, chatting to people, irritating people and really letting my hair down. And I'm glad that these people are the people I will share my life with, whether it has been the entire 5 years I've been in Melbourne, or just a year or two. I've learnt to relax, be less reserved, be more joyful, to smile and not be afraid of smiling thanks to these people. I've learnt to be comfortable in my own skin, to really let loose my wacky side, to laugh out loud with my mouth open wide. It's just amazing.
Being a medical student can be stressful and there have been many times where I've complained about time constraints and the burden of the sheer bulk of material we have to cover, but then I think again, and it's thanks to God placing me to read medicine in Monash Uni that I've come to know these precious people, not just superficially as acquaintances, but really just on that deeper level, extending the boundaries to encroach on true sisterhood/sibling-hood in Christ.
Looking back at the past 4 years, the journey has been enjoyable and when I compare myself now with how I was back then when I was a first year medical student, the difference is remarkable. I did not dare say a prayer out loud then, even giving thanks was a struggle, but I praise Him for helping me overcome that fear. Even in my studies, He has been faithful and I just realised how far He has guided me when I was talking to one of the juniors on the subject of taking histories and what questions to ask. Also for the people who have been with me since pre-university, or even just upon arrival in Melbourne but whom I am able to share with even if we're not in the same church, I am blessed. Family-wise as well, that everything has run smoothly so far, with Mummy and Papa just a phone call away when the going gets tough, and Che-che and Fiona to talk shop, catch up on what's happening or even to just recommend the occasional drama to one another, and Coach and Sheldon for advice whenever this Luddite needs something technologically advanced.
And for that 2 best friends of mine, with whom I immediately let my real self be known, thank you for being a pillar of strength and just really being there to be as deep or as superficial as time dictates. =D
This may be long and maudlin but I'd like to have it on record here so that when the Christina of the future decides to read this blog, she'll know that on 29/04/11, this is what was running through her mind. In black and white. =D

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Easter and holidays

I just came back from the Oceania Convention at Phillip Island. It was a really amazing experience just personally encountering God, learning how to better serve in ministry, getting to extend fellowship beyond just friends but to a real sisterhood and just really soaking in and being refreshed by Him. =D From BGR talks in a cabin late at night, playing Saboteur with the youths, having a cup noodle party the final night, to playing in a mixed team and just really letting the Spirit guide us through, to a sharing of childhood dreams and future callings, I've been abundantly blessed by this year's Easter. There was something different about this year's OC, and it is now my fervent prayer that we do not let this die down. =D
So I'm on my vacation rotation and one question I've been asked is how I plan to spend this holidays. Well, I really just want to rest and relax, and the only things I've got on agenda is to go to Canberra to renew my passport as well as all the hospital information days. I guess I am really glad for the opportunity to just do nothing and just really focus on job applications. And to start the next rotation really enthusiastic and excited, not exhausted. =D