FUDGE BUCKET !

Ok so I didnt realise so much would happen before next month.

Since the internet is like superrrr slow I wanted to wait till the 1st of August to sum up all my thoughts in the past few days.

BUT NO.

This is just grrr. I have a 2nd interview for this NCR Reception thing at Mum's work and I'm kinda freaking out. My first was went #$!@$! And yeah. I'm freaking out.

At least I know I have this job already, but it's just the thought of being interviewed again with The Big Boss is just freaking me out. Like OMGSHHHH!

So yeah I'm probably going to just read things over and over again tonight to prepare for this 9:30am interview. FUDGE BUCKETTTTT

Please God be with me and guide me through this. I know I'm only 19 (well nearly) and so this is just going to be one of many interviews I will have in my lifetime. But still, I want it to go reasonably well because I'm FREAKKKKING OUT

:D That is all.

Wounded Healers

I quickly browsed through one of my favourite sites, and this quote came up which is sooo true, especially to me recently. Like there's so many things I looked back at, little things, and thought Simone you made a fool of yourself, but then I think about it, it could have been worse, and so what!?, what am I going to do about it now ? . . . 

Nobody escapes being wounded. We all are wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. The main question is not "How can we hide our wounds?" so we don't have to be embarrassed, but "How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?" When our wounds cease to be a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers. Jesus is God's wounded healer; through His wounds we are healed. Jesus' suffering and death brought joy and life. His humiliation brought glory; His rejection brought a community of love, As followers of Jesus we can also allow our wounds to bring healing to others.

Henri Nouwen

So yeah. And yesterday I spent the afternoon hanging out with Eman in the city. It was awkward at first because I never really hanged out with his him in Sydney, but we were with him everyday in Auckland. And its weird that I feel like we've known him forever, when I had just me him a week before OLC, at the NSW Delegation Party.

Anyway, I didn't really need to get anything in the city. I guess I just wanted to hang out with people, especially people in YFC since I know its just a great community, and I just want to get to know as many people as I can.

So yesterday we basically went to St. Julian's in the city, then had Hungry Jacks, then went to QVB to the Hobby/ Toy Store, then the Apple Store, then back to the Toy Store.

I asked him a lot of random questions, like how he got to be so close with Kuya B. And goshh the way he spoke about Kuya was like woahh. Hahah it made me feel really lucky to be related to him LOL. But yeahh apparently they became real close back in the last OLC in Nz 2006, then they caught up again last year in Canberra. I think they spoke to each other a lot, as in online and stuff. Apparently they were leading a camp both at the same time so he talked to Kuya a lot, and I’m guessing he also talked to Kuya about his mother’s passing. But yeah I felt really touched by his sharings, and the same goes with all the other ones I heard at OLC. He really sees Kuya as an idol, someone who gives such great inspiration. And when I think about it, I don't blame him, because it's so true. And it probably isn't obvious at first, because the way Kuya goes on about it, he just so cool, laid back, easy to talk to and just so so so .... humble! Everyone should strive to be, or well even just live, like him! I'm sure everyone single person who has ever met him would agree that Christ really does shine within him!

On Tuesday we’re going to have a UTS Hangout at Parramatta (because its central to everyone except me of course! No one leaves in Sydney East !?!). And yeahh I dunno, but I’m kinda excited for that. I’m excited to share my experience from OLC. For some reason I also have a feeling though that they are going to talk to me quietly about leadership, since they’re both graduating like really soon. It’s kinda a scary thought because I still feel like the new one, but I know if I’m given this opportunity, it’s because of Him, so he will be guiding me throughout the whole thing. So yeah.

I’m also considering having a party at my place for my 19^th. I dunno who to invite though, coz there’s so many people who I feel like I should invite, but I only met them like once. So we’ll see.

And yeahhh I can’t wait till the 1^st of August so that we will have our internet back!!! And I’ll upload some of the photos. But for now, that’s it.

G'd UP; from the feet up!

Ok so I've been back in Sydney for like 4 days now. And I kept trying to delay this post for many reasons. Not because I didn't have fun or anything (believe me, it was MADD fun!), it's just that I feel as if I should write and recall it all properly. As in, really reflect and write something that I will look back at and think WOAHH that was awesome! Soo . . .

DAY 1 - The flight to New Zealand

I don't know if I wrote it down, but on the way to OLC i kinda felt like crapp. I mean even before we got to the airport and then booking in and all. I just really couldn't be bothered. It was like I was only doing the whole thing because I already told heaps of people I was going and that I was soo excited and because, yeah I had already paid for the whole thing.

At the airport I didn't really know a lot of people who were on the same flight. And for some reason I didn't care. I mean, I didn't care about the fact that I had many opportunities to talk to people and make new friends. I just could not be bothered. So I basically booked in on my own and was seated in row 40, one of the last seats in the back, while most of the YFCs were seated around rows 20, all the way in the front. I sat next to this lady who was on her way to Argentina, and she was like heaps nice. Just before take off I took out my rosary beads and decided to pray, and then I realised the old lady next to me was doing the exact same thing. She had this really ancient old prayer book that looked like it was written in Spanish and was praying as well. I kinda felt safe in a strange way after that.And maybe through that God was talking to me, saying that no matter what His plan was for me in the next week, He would always be there by my side.

And I know it was only a 2hour plane trip, but it felt like forever. Thinking about OLC as some kind of burden is kinda sad looking back at it now. I was seriously on the plane staring out at the window the whole time, with random thoughts going through my head, and tears pouring out of my eyes. I think at that point I was kinda overwhelmed and thought ... really, why am I doing this again? Because it was the start of my journey to my first OLC, but there was like no joy coming out of all of it.

So yeah we got to Auckland International Airport just after 5pm their time. Joey picked us up which was pretty funny. Because he took us to the carpark where his car was and he stood in front of this nice blue shiny BMW trying to pull his keys out of his pockets. Monica and I kinda looked at each other and thought 'Is he being serious!?!'. Of course he wasn't, but the whole thing was pretty funny, he hasn't lost his weird sense of humour lmao. We then dropped off another Sydney guy to his host family, and the host family had a little baby. Monica would not let him go, but I don't blame her, the child was adorable! Then on the way back Joey was telling us how he has a kid (of course we eventually figured out it was all a joke) THEN when we got to the corner of their street, there was this mansion like house, and he told us "we're home"   and full drove into their driveway!?!? Of course it wasn't their house! He did that a couple of times during the week, and the last time he did it, I remember Jed was there and he was like "Bro, you're a dork"    lmao!

So yeah we came into the house and Tita Esty was there! I was like OMGSH! It's been at least 5 years since we saw her, and that was in the Phils, but this time we were in Nz . . .  in the Bonnevie's home . . . and she was making dinner! She is soo cute!!! She told us about Ana too and how she misses her sooo much. It nearly made me cry. But I know that they talk to each other heaps and soo they have a strong, loving relationship, even if they are in two separate countries, over 8hours away.

And then yeahh we had dinner, then Joey's MP came over and she's like heaps nice :) He then showed us some of the photos from last year's OLC and it was like woahhh this is what I should be prepared for! And there were a couple of embarrassing photos in there of my sisters and I too since they did stay over at our place for a bit. Then after that we went for a drive around their city. And omgsh it was like empty! This was a Thursday night! Of course it wasn't like empty, empty but it was like soo quiet. I mean you could walk in a straight line! Then we went to the back streets because Monica wanted to see where all the 'non - lady like people and their services' were at, it was pretty funny :S When we came back we watched the movie The Orphan which was super annoying. But I must admit, it had a pretty good twist and story line to it. That's when Eman, another dude who was staying at the Bonnevies came. I had met him the week before at the Delegation Send - Off Party, but that was really brief. He is hilarious. Then yeahh I think we slept earlier than normal since we had to get up early the next day to drive to Hamilton, where OLC was to be held!

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
continue to live in Him,
rooted and built up in Him,
strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

Day 2; 3; 4 - OLC: .

So I think we left at about 1pmish and started heading off to Hamilton. Joey was the driver the whole trip and he drove the van instead of his car for obvious reasons. So in the car was Him, Eman, Monica, Jed, Marvin and his bro Mark, and me. Marvin made 2 cds for the car and we listened to it the whole time. I ripped it before we left, so whenever I listen to it, it reminds me about the whole car trip. On the way there i realised how clean and green New Zealand really was. It was prettyy xD

Road Trip to Hamilton

So yeah we got there and everyone was smiling at each other, even if they were strangers, it was nice. We're we got off was at the boys cabins, so Monica went and head off for the Girl's cabins. There I saw familiar faces, many from Campus based and i was kinda relieved. Everyone settled in and laid out all their stuff, but I just chilled since my bags were still in the van, and I wouldnt be able to get em until later since the Bonnevie boys were obviously heaps busy. Then the sessions started, and it all began. I sat with people I had only just met or didn;t really know and started to get to know heaps of people. Then The sessions started and Kuya B was the first to get up. Ohh and the whole set up in the hall was incredible too. I mean in the hall there was like a massive stage like thing, as if it was a concert, with spotlights and everything! Anyway yeah after supper Kuya B got up and started his talk on The Fullness of Christ and he mentioned a lot of things that made me smile. Like it was a heaps inspiring talk. One of my fellow cb members told me later on that he has that thing that makes everyone in the room listen and believe in him. Like he get's up and he dosnt need to scream to get everyone's attention, which is soo true! And yeah in his talk he mentioned that over in Australia he has three beautiful cousins, and everytime he would be over, they'd be asking 'why is was here, as in what YFC is all about and stuff...'Go and he said pG that they eventually joined Campus Based at UTS and a Cluster even if he did kinda force us :) I wasn't sitting with anyone who knew that I was one of his cousins, but I could here whispers where most of the other Sydney people were sitting - ' Woohoo Simone!' And yeah I guess that was a great way to start my whole OLC experience, especially since my excitement levels were kinda dying down at that point.

Then Saturday was full packed with all the intense sessions, worships, praisefest and then all the comps and that. It was cool!!! Then towards the end of the night we had a discussion group with other girls in our household. That was kinda like woahh, heaps deep stuff.


And on Sunday we had the final worship and mass. I guess it all ended well. And I realised how lucky I am to be surrounded by amazing family and friends, and of course, I realised how strong my relationship with God can be, and I just wanted more. The priest who was there was awesome too. I didn't talk to him personally but I knew he was heaps cool. He asked if he could come to the next OLC lol! Ohh and yeahh after the final worship, they announced the winners of the comps and then the next city to host OLC, and when they announced it was Sydney... we were kinda like WOOOOHOOO but then a lot of Sydney people had mixed feelings about it. Because the last time it was in Sydney was 2 years ago, during WYD so it was as if we were hogging it, but then again I guess it will be cheaper for us :P But then again I wanted to travel somewhere!?!

[Umm I couldn’t write anymore when I was feeling heaps tired. I really wanted this post to be interesting when I look back at it. So it’s now Wednesday, 21^st July.]

Then we went to Wendy's on the way home :) And their burgers we heaps yummy! I didn’t know what to order so Joey ordered for me, this Bacon burger thingy and it was YUMMEH! And and their drinks there are huge! Like I ordered a small meal i think and the size of it was like a Large! Anyway after that we went home since it was pretty late, and I think we just lounged around and settled at home, since we didn’t have time to settle before leaving for camp on that Friday. Ohh and of course Tita Luth and Tito Mason were home! They got back that morning I think from the Philippines. It was heaps cool to finally see them again since like forever!

Looking heaps tired and hungry at Wendy's.

So yeah, that was the OLC bit. Then on Monday we went into town and there were a bunch of other OLCers there too, and we met up at the Sky Tower, and I’m pretty sure we were there for quite some time since it was dark when we finally left. We went to Denny’s for dinner, which was like mehh. I don’t know but I still wasn’t convinced that anything great was happening or had happened because of OLC. Like I remember just sitting there with a bunch of strangers who were also from OLC, but like I didn’t even make the effort to get to know people. I was like uninterested and out of it. I think it’s because I was expecting things to go certain ways, so yeah I didn’t bother to do certain things, because I just assumed it would just happen, just like that. Well after Denny’s we went to Mission Bay. I think it was a beach thingy, but it was pretty dark by the time we got there and so the main scenery was this fountain, which I must admit was beautiful. Then after the fountain thingy we went to the playground and played tag and whatnot. The ride home was pretty exhausting since we were all pretty tired. And Monica in particular, was quite because she was undecided about whether to extend or not since she was meant to leave the next morning. I remember getting back to the Bonnevies and she went on videocall and spoke to Rosemarie, then my mum called, and yeah she wasn’t 100% agreeing with Monica’s idea. Which I must say would be very hard. Since the Aerolineas office was already closed, and so if she wanted to stay back 2 more days, she would have no choice but to miss her flight and buy a new ticket, which she did for just over $200. And yeahh Tita Luth was concerned about the whole thing so she even called mum back explaining the whole thing.

And yeah, on Tuesday we woke up in the arvo, so we didn’t get up to much before this party/ gathering at this guy Angelo’s place. Of course the first part of the party was pretty awkward, since we were kinda early, even though it was a full house (the number of guests grew rapidly into the night). But then I started to get to know new people, even ones from Sydney who I had never met, and got to catch up with a lot of Campus mates. I loved the atmosphere of it, because like a fellow cb mate said, it was like one of those massive house parties in the movies, except this one had no alcohol! And during that night some of us agreed to go Bungy Jumping! I was soo excited xD. After the party though we got pretty hungry so we went to Maccas. And thats where I got to try L & P this New Zealander lemonade drink, it was delicious! Apparently some stores here have em though, so when I see one I’m going to be sooo excited! Then yeah. I think we slept pretty late that night again. I remember sitting on Joey’s bed, and the four of us were there – Joey, Emman, Monica and I. You know, just discussing random things. It was fun actually. More like a Bonding/ Confessions night lol. Well it was more Joey who was doing all the talking, and we found out that his ex gf cheated on him. I remember seeing photos of her the last time they were here, and I thought was a shame, because she seems like a fun, pretty girl. But at least we know now that things weren’t going to work and people can move on. I think earlier that night Kuya B was talking to me about things to. But it wasn’t like a deep convo, because well, people we’re in the lounge too and the things he asked me felt really personal, so I wasn’t ready to be open about things just like that. He told me a lot of things, like I said how many people felt so inspired by him. And he would reply with something like, I’m really grateful when people say things like that to me, but I also have to keep humble about it. Because it’s really God working in him, and allowing him to be such a great leader. So its all thanks to God! And he also said, that being a leader, you should praise God because some people take their position as leaders in a wrong manner, and it has the potential to result in a great fall in your faith and in God. And after he said that I was just like woahh. So true. I mean he could have easily said that he was Sector head or whatevs of YFC in New Zealand and we would have been easily convinced about joining YFC. But instead he tried to talk to us, and be more open to him and he really emphasised how YFC and the great community can enrich our lives. And I think one of the very first things he asked me when he sat on the couch was How is your love life?. Of course I was caught by surprise, and got a bit quiet about it. I don’t know. It’s just weird to be talking about it to my guy cousin. I would have told him more, but yeah like I said there we’re other people with us in the room so I didn’t feel comfortable. And I remember telling him that there’s nothing much to say on that subject coz I’m pretty boring. Then he pulled out his Bible and made me read out this passage. I’m kicking myself now coz I don’t remember it, but yeah it made me smile. I think from that night I started to get even more interested in the Bible, and yeahhh, PG for such and incredible book :) .

I don’t know how we got onto the subject of premarital sex, I guess maybe because it was one of the sharings at OLC. I remember he said something about relationships, like If a guy loves a girl so much, then they wouldn’t take that girl away from the things she loves, which includes the number one person on her list – God. And I just thought again, so true. I mean, its not a hard concept to understand, but it’s just something I never really thought about before, as if its like just common sense. But yeah that really made me think about the future and things that I will be going through in the next couple of years. He also said that premarital sex shouldn’t happen, and it’s sad to think that girls allow it to happen to them. Like yes, people use protection and stuff, but WHY? What are they trying to protect themselves from? . . . Protecting themselves from bringing life on this earth? That brought me back to this other sharing from OLC. This guy who I’ve spoken to heaps went up on stage and started talking about abortion and his strong views about it. I remember seeing on facebook that he sent a facebook group invite to one of his feminist classmates and there was a lot of rage; considering the name of the group was “10 things they don’t want you to know about abortion” or something like that. Anyways yeah he went up there and eventually said that he has such strong views against the idea of abortion, because he was a child who was going to be aborted by his mother. I remember at that moment so many people from Campus Based had all these serious looks on their faces, reflecting and listening to the things he was saying. Because he had just shared something really  personal to a group of over 500 people. And I just thought wow, I’m not the only one with issues, and even mine aren’t that serious. He emphasised over and over again from the moment he got up there, to the moment he finished that Every life is significant, as every human being was created by God and he gave us life and a purpose in life, and therefore aborting is like killing a life God created, which is just soo wrong! Before this of course I would have agreed to such issues like against abortion, but after sharings and talks with people, I realised how bad it really is. It’s like something we should all be protesting against!

But anyways yeahh, after that short talk on the couch Kuya B showed us a couple of videos, one was this skit thing and it emphasised how we must understand our sufferings, the things that are painful to us and the many challenged that are given to us, because then you understand the greater sufferings and torture Jesus was put through when he was put here on earth, and so we have a greater understanding of things and we realise we can do anything with God by our side. 




Another video he showed us was this guy who talked about Laminin. And how its like a protein thing in our bodies that allow the body to function properly. And the incredible thing about it is that it is in the shape of a cross! That’s just like woah.

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Colosians 1:17

But yeahh  I remember Kuya B said that he reckons everytime he talks to me, I always hesistate and don’t say what I really think straight out haha. And when I thought about it, I was like that is so true. I don’t know I guess it’s because I see Kuya as this like great leader, with such strong faith and it’s as if it will be difficult to match up to that. I don’t know if I’m always like that when it comes to talking to people about such things, but yeah I guess it was only because I only joined months ago, and so I feel as if I’m just new and don’t know alot. I now realised that I should be thankful that I’ve come to this point, and that’s heaps awesome :) Seriously, I don’t know how many times I’ve written this down already, but GOD REALLY DOES WORK IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS! And I love Him for that! If I were to go back 3 months, and imagine that I would be talking to incredible people in this community, or even talking to Kuya B about such things, like our faith and stuff, its just crazy! I mean it’s not like we grew up with the Bonnevie Boys, but after the week we spent with them, it felt as if we did, because we were open to each other about many things and we were comfortable being around each other. Later that night when the four of us were sitting in the bedroom, I remember looking at a printed poster on the wall, next to the dozens of car posters haha. It was titled something like 25 ways to live a Christian life. And the final sentence on it was If God is for us, then who can be against us!?. Again, so true! Amen!

So yeahh the next morning we got up at 11ish and we had to be in the city by 1ish for the Bungy Jump. I remember when we were getting dressed up with the ropes and stuff at the place, I kept thinking, Am I really doing this!?. It was exciting though xD Ohh and while we we’re filling out our forms on the table outside, there was a young Korean couple, and the guy I think started hitting the girl. And some of the New Zealand local folks went up to them to stop it. He was like “Hey, that’s not how you treat a girl...” Or something like that. And Monica was retelling the story to everyone and it was pretty funny, not what happened, but the way she was saying it, *Monica’s deep voice* “Hoi, that’s not how you treat a girl!” baha. Anyway, yeah so we walked the bridge for ten minutes, and I was sooo scared. Then we had to go up these narrow flight of stairs were the Bungy jump was being set up. And OMG I was freaked out. Up there though it was like they were having a disco, coz there was music and a disco ball! And then the jump was according to weight, so heaviest first, so of course I was the last one. Which was cool because I got to see everyone else jump first. And so by the time it was my turn, I was like LESDODIS! Get it over and done with! But mygosh, by the time it was my turn, I was scared for my life! And I swear I didn’t plan to jump like that, it just happened. Instead of diving head first like a pro, I decided to just step off it. WTH! But mygosh the feeling is just like woah!?!? Like I don’t think I even screamed because the force of the wind on your face, it just didn’t let me! Apparently because of my fail jump, I was spinning for quite some time, which makes sense coz my arm was super sore after that. It was insane. I can’t even watch the video! But I would so do it again! Properly this time =P . The next time I go to Nz Joey said he’d do the Queenstown jump with me, which is like134 meters, whereas this one was only 40m! Haha if Beiber can do it, so can I!

Bungyyy.

So yeah after that we started heading off to Joey’s memeber’s place for her birthday celebration. On the way there I was kinda dozing off, until someone brought up the idea of Euthanasia. And Eman and his older bro Joe was in the car, so someone asked him about it, and that person didn’t know about the situation about his mother being in a coma for quite some time. He said that he disagrees with the idea of putting one’s life at an end. Jed who is majoring in psychology said that he disagrees too, because whether or not that person is in pain, we have no right to end one’s life. Because it’s like saying you have no faith and trust in God. But then yeah Joe said that its an extremely difficult subject, because no one wants to see their loved ones in pain. Then Joe brought up his analogy on life. That God has our future set out already. But it’s up to us to make the right decisions that will eventually lead to Him. Well the analogy was like our life is like a GPS. so yeah the path is already set out and ready for us. But if we don’t follow the main path, and we lose our way, God, like the GPS will reguide us to the right direction and wait for us, like a GPS which would recalculate how long it will take to reach our final destination.

Later that night we stopped by another party, at a friend of their who was leaving for Qatar or something because she was going to be a flight attendant and that was where she was going to be based. And it was kinda weird because it was different from the other parties we had been to while we were there, because this one was full of people who had drunk a bit too many. Monica and I didn’t mind if we stayed in the car because it just felt a bit weird and awkward. Then after that we went bowling till like 1 in the morning. That was fun because it was a smaller group of us and yeah it was fun :D

Bowling :)

When we got home that night I remember Tita Luth and Tita Esty had set out all these little gifts on the table for us to pack. They are soo nice and it was cute :) Joey said that he was going to sleep for a bit and to wake him up at about 3am but they looked so tired so I just left it. I didn’t plan to sleep but around 4ish I fell asleep for a bit after I packed, and then Tita Luth woke Joey up at 5am and Joey woke me up. Monica’s flight was later that afternoon so she stayed in bed. So yeah I remember standing in the kitchen that morning with all my bags. Tita Luth there, and so was Joey and Jed. Tita kinda woke Kuya B up who was sleeping on the couch. And  I remember he was kinda tired, obviously, and he handed me this book and two other little things. And I was about to cry. Because I didn’t want to leave so soon. I felt as if I wasn’t ready and I had so many things to tell them. So I dunno, I said thanks for everything to Tita and Kuya, and kinda just walked out of the house with a blank face. I wish I could go back and change things. Because I was just speechless. I told him later on facebook that I rushed out the house because I didn’t want to cry and get all teary in front of them. Which is true. Because on the way to the airport I sat in the car, it was like 6 am and it was dark (thank goodness) because I let out a few tears in the back seat. When we got to the airport the last of the YFCers checking in were already near the front of the line, so I lined up. And when one of the guys saw me, they came over and took my bags so that I could join them. Gotta love the brothers :) . So yeah it was pretty funny, because the 6 of us (5 brothers and me) decided to check in as a family. LOL. And I was either the Ate or Tita. But then there was like an issue with one of the guys little brother. The guy who one the free ticket to OLC, his brother had the wrong date on his ticket. His Dad made the mistake of booking a return ticket on the 15^th of August instead of July. So yeah, the poor thing had to stay back and I think Joey drove him to the host family of the Australian sector head. So it was all good I guess. Before heading off into the terminals, I got to hang with Joey for a bit. And there were other brothers with him, and they were mocking the Aussie accent haha. When we lined up for Maccas one of the sisters were in the line in front of us, and she asked if Joey was my favourite cousin haha. I laughed and thought that was pretty funny, because her bf asked me the exact same question when I was checking in. And when it was time to head off it was weird. Because it was more like, See you later, than goodbye. I think because I they said they will always be there for us, so no matter what, I can always turn to them for support.

On the plane I sat next to the CB leader, which was great because I don’t think I’ve ever had a long discussion with him, so it was great. He asked me about the Boys, like what their personalities are like. And yeah how inspiring Kuya B was. And I said to him, so was he and his older Brother. Like them two, even when they are put in a stressful situation they are always smiling :) . And when he dozed off for a bit, thats when it really hit me. OLC. Because to be honest, I didn’t really feel anything at the actual OLC. I think its coz I expected so many things, and when I didn’t feel it, or see it, I was kinda disappointed. But yeahh on the plane, after the conversations I had, and after reflecting on the past week, I realised how great our God really is. I saw it through the people I had encountered, the situations I was put in. I mean if it weren’t for people like Kuya B, I seriously would not be where I am now. He taught me a lot of things, like how material possessions aren’t important, as long as you have God and people you love around you. He didn’t say that straight out like that, he just mentioned how he wants to find a new job that he loves, like something to do with working with the youth and stuff. But at the moment he needs to work hard and save up so that in the future, he will have something saved up even if the job he loves does not pay that much. And that’s when I thought again, wow, that’s cool. Made me think about how badly I had wanted those pair of Jimmy Choos and my massive mansion! But yeah at the moment I’m happy and more positive, and I have a stronger relationship with God. So yeah on the plane I started getting really teary, especially when I pulled out the little purple Bible that Kuya gave. It just feels so special. Because everyone who has every met him, talked to him, been in a situation with him will without a doubt have felt inspired. And to think that I’m related to him ‘by blood’ (as someone put it lol) is pretty awesome :D And so that Bible has been with me ever since, and it always will. 

So yeah that was my OLC experience. When people ask me how it was, so far I’ve said it was incredible, awesome and fun! But what I forget to mention is how grateful it has made me feel about the many blessing the Lord has given me. The people I have encountered and the sharings have really made me see how great God really is!

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland.

Inside the Cathedral

Auckland City. . .

Nice and Clean and Empty :P

 [Photo credits: JoeyBonnevie; EmmanuelManalad]
 

The night I came back from New Zealand I was going to do Night Patrol. Which I thought was a great way to start off coming back from such an incredible experience. It has really made me see how lucky I am, and I have also seen God working in the people I met. I mean, they are living on the streets and have little things to live on, but the people were so polite, and positive, and it was just like wow! And they also had great manners, it was just yeah, a really good experience that I want to do more often. And then on the Saturday morning, Audrey came with me to do FPD. And I dunno, its just great. I loved how she was willing to come in the first place. I never forced her or anything, she was the one who asked me about it :) . And she wants to keep doing it! Seeing her there talking to the people was just great :) .

Then on Monday I caught up with my Future Bestie haha and a fellow CB brother from UTS. We watched Day & Knight at Parramatta (ohh and mygosh is that place massive!!! I’m pretty sure I passed like 5 divas!). I didn’t really know what to expect that day, because it’s not something I’d normally do, but I dunno, they are great brothers and I just really wanted to catch up with them and just chill :) . After the movie we ate, then walked around for a bit, then went to find a couch. We found one outside Myer, and we just sat there, talking about YFC and life. And then they were talking about how many of the Household Heads were ready to move on to SFC since most of em are already graduating this year. And so there will be a change of new leaders. That was kinda sad, especially considering I had only met many of these brothers and sisters. Anyway so they brought up how my Future Bestie will be the next Leader at UWS next year, and of course the UTS Leaders were brought up in the convo. And the UTS brother who was there said how he knows who his MP was going to be once Justin and Crystal left. And what went though my head then was who that would be, so I looked abck and thought of all the girls from UTS who I’ve met at events and meetings. And I could not think of one who seemed really committed. So I started saying their names and he was like nope, nope, nope. And he said he had knows for a few months now since they have discussed it. And he was like YOU! I just thought no way, and it was kinda a scary moment. I mean to think that I just joined, and next year I’d be taking on the role of CB leader, is just like woahh. But I know God will be with me all the time, so no matter what, if that were the case and I was going to be the next one, I’ll be more confident about it :) , because I know there will be many people with me who I can count on for support. It’s probably something that will be discussed quietly sometime soon or next week at the UTS Hangout which I’m so excited for!

And yesterday I had a fun day out with Shannon, Megan & Awad :)

Road Trip. Park.

In other news, I’m going to start this reception job for two weeks at my mum’s works. Kinda good timing, and not at the same time. Because on the way back from Nz I thought I seriously need a job, my post – HSC relaxation is beyond over and if I want to keep the pact I made with Joey about visiting them every year, I need to save up! But at the same time I’m going to have to miss out on a few of my classes and lectures which will mean extreme organisation!

Also I got a haircut. It’s kinda short. But I need a change. Long hair was annoying me anyway. I guess Sabrina got what she wanted haha.

Also I watched the Ellen Show today, gotta love her. And basically she pretended that the guy she was talking to live was having technical problems, so they couldn’t hear each other. And so she calls one of the assistants from backstage to check out the mics and whatnot. And while that was all happening she was saying to the girl, ohh don’t you wish soandso (the guy) was here right now, and not all cold and whatnot wherever he appeared to me. And then the guy pops out from backstage (so obviously the video was not live) and he proposes to his gf, the assistant! I was like damn that’s cute! Haha I’m weird like that!

But yeah. Oh Gosh this post will probably be my longest post ever! But in the end there is one thing I will remember from all this. . . that God is Good! All the time :) 

 And with that, may God be praised!

Chillin with the sheep.

Jokes.


We're currently just chilling at the Bonnevies in the lounge. Everyone is on a laptop on the couch except Monica because she is asleep.

We're listening to this Bible thing that Joey downloaded and like you listen to the Bible coz it is read out loud.

Something cool. . .

Bible: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

OLC 2010

Umm

Amazing! Like I can't even begin to describe it :) Its just like woahh

Im still recovering so i shall recall more details later!

Show me some sheep yall

So the Fullers are coming sometime tomorrow, and seeing as Monica and I are leaving on Thursday (3 days before they leave), I decided to start packing my clothes now and write out lists. Because time will definitely be tight.

I had a 3 way chat tonight with Isabel and Mullens, and they have so many things planned these holidays, especially in the next week, especially Isabel! And jeeze that woman can talk fast!

But yeah while I was talking to them it hit me that OLC is in less than a week. I mean, for a person who only joined just over a month ago, one can expect me to be excited but nervous at the same time :\

Like I seriously don't know what to expect. Someone said at the delegation party that for first timers like me, you can expect crying! I was like D:

So yeah obviously the camp will involve a lot of worship and activities that will make us all unite as one community, for the one person we live for... seriously when I thought about my new years resolutions earlier in the year, and one of em was to be more grateful, I thought I would accomplish it by doing more volunteer work or something like through vinnies, or by changing my attitude about things. Like I never thought I'd join YFC and accomplish it through all this. And I'm only starting to get to know people, but the people I've met so far have just inspired me already in so many ways. I guess He works in mysterious ways, and this is just one of em. It's like I was pulled to join and be part of it. And its not just that either, like I am not forced to stay in all this. I can easily pull away and say its not for me. But I seriously feel that it is for me. I mean God gave us life, and so we should live in ways that show how thankful we are ... I don't know how to explain it. But yeah basically we should live life according to Him. 

I seriously want to continue in all this and Serve Him in many ways. Hopefully when I come back from OLC I will have a stronger relationship with Him. Understand Him better and just have more trust in Him and His powerful ways. I just want to understand my faith more. And not just go to church, be giving out the Eucharist and not understand what its all about. I mean that just dosent seem fair to Him.

So yeah. I'm ready for this. I know its not a holiday, its kinda like one of those mission thingys. Well its a leaders conference. So yeah I'm ready to take on anything.... and see some sheep along the way ;)

Because you gave me life . . .

WOOOOOOT

I'm like sooo happy.

I haven't written anything here for a while now, because of that very reason :D

I guess I should write more about happy things and not just ranting :P

Well yeah Dad got on the last flight on the Thursday PG and we also had the OLC delegation party last night which was heaps fun! Hahah heaps heaps grrr i need to stop that but its like heaps contagious >.<

So yeah one week left! I  mean at this time in one week I wouldve been in Auckland for 6 hrs already, and tomorrow I will be getting ready for OLC!

WOOOOOOOOOOT

I so don't know what to expect, but I know that's good because I will go in there with an open mind, ready to take on anything, and ready to build a stronger relationship with God.

But yeah no seriously it feels as if I've been part of YFC for like years now, and it's only been exactly one month! It's crazy, and I love it :)

And I've been listening to the Theme song for OLC - "You gave me life"

And it's just like woahhh :)) God is Good!

Oh how my soul it sings

To a Savior that brings

Fullness to my life

For as loud as words can say

Even in silence you will stay

Pouring love into my heart

Cause you gave me life

You gave me love...

 A freedom worth fighting for

You gave me hope

 You made me secure

And in you I choose to grow

 And I’ll go in peace

To Love and serve you

Oh Lord

You Died for all its worth

To bring salvation to this earth

 With an everlasting love

And when doubt surrounds me

Your reassurance comforts me

Lord let me live for you