I MISS HK!

Though in particular, this morning, I was craving a Cafe De Coral Baked Pork Chop on rice! So... using my rather random ingenuity, and the abundance of ingredients at my house... I present...

Josh's Baked Cheese on rice with some beef and other assorted things thrown in!



Don't be deceived by the nice orange coloring... the name is very indicative of the first major mistake that I made... tooooo much unmelted cheese...

But yes, it did remind me of CdC/MX... and of HK *sniff.

I'll work on the recipe more in the future.

Sydney

So, way back in September I conceived the idea that perhaps a trip to Sydney (another city in Australia) might be in order during my Nov/Dec stay in my home country... however it wasn't until November 23, 10 days before my intended departure date (and that changed too) when I actually bought my tickets.

So yes... it was definitely an interesting trip, from Wednesday the 3rd of Dec until today, Tuesday, the 9th, 7 days total. Anyway, since I haven't blogged in a while, I thought I'd give a good recounting of exactly what it was like!

I woke up at 7:50 AM on Wednesday morning... which, when you consider that I only managed to fall asleep at 4 AM, was quite early. Plus, I normally wake up at 12 noon when I'm on holidays (cause I like to write at night)... so yes I was quite grumpy that morning.

Anyway, so I got dropped off at the station, trained to the city, then took a Skybus to Tullamarine Airport, just over an hour on PT, much better than I expected, and caught my flight with plenty of time to spare (read: I should have slept more).

Subsequently, when I arrived at Sydney, I had a BLAZING headache. It was horrible... you know those ones where you feel like your eyeball is about to explode and you wanna vomit? Yeah... like that... LOW blood pressure... =D

Plus, I somehow managed to skip lunch cause Jetstar doesn't do meals and I thought I'd wait until I was at my friend's house.

So anyway, Sydney trains are relatively unique, at least compared to the other cities in which I've used PT... for one thing, the train cars are double decker, hopefully you can see it in the picture.



That's one flight to steps going to the upper deck, and one to the lower deck... weird huh?

So I got to the station, and met up with Seng Han Yeoh, one of my oldest and probably most forgiving friends! Heh. I've known Han since we were about 4 or 5. We met in Melbourne, and our parents are quite close, but due to our father's jobs, we've both been dragged all over the known world, and perhaps that's what keeps our friendship going... the shared chaos =D. Either way, he had graciously agreed to put me up for the week, and so we trekked over the 50 or so meters from the station to his house (me = envious).

The week went pretty quickly, after that day anyway (it was a LONG headache, though Han's Bible study group is very cool! Godly, biblical AND friendly!). I spent a lot of quality time with Han and Kim, his sister, who I've known for just as long. (and who managed to consistently beat me in Super Smash Bros. Brawl... when we were playing time, not stock.)

Thursday I hung out with Han during the day, went around the local area, then went to the City, checked out his church (pictured below). You can see the awesome stained glass in my facebook album. We also went to Hyde Park (which had some cool photos too)



Then that night I went to Vincent's 21st (which I had been invited too the night before...) got to catch up with the CNEC boys (minus Gabriel who's in Brunei) and Anny! That was cool! You'll have to get the pictures off Anny though... with her SLR out, I didn't bother taking any... DOH!

On Friday afternoon Han showed me around the Botanical Gardens, which was very cool, and I got some awesome pics of the harbor, and of Han scaring innocent birds... before having dinner with Han and Kim at a pub (I miss Aussie food!) Chicken Parma all the way!



Come Saturday I hung out with Bonnie during the day, exploring Darling Harbor and the Sydney Aquarium.



There are a lot of very weird and wonderful fish out there, including a crazy dragon like seahorse!



After that I had dinner with Lydia, Uncle Munkit and his family (unfortunately my camera ran out of battery, and so I need Lydia to send me her photos). My 2nd cousin, Ken, (I think it's 2nd Coz...) took us around to some of the noteworthy parts of Sydney at night, and we got an awesome shot of the Opera house and the bridge at night!

Sunday I spent churching, visited Elliot, Anny and Yun at their church during the morning, and Kim's church in the evening. Had a few of her friends over at our place for some games (console and board) and then on Monday we mainly chilled out (I was watching some eps of Battlestar Galactica, as recommended by Han). Oh, though we did go to Manly beach, and North head, where we got some AWESOME photos... (well I only got 1, cause my battery was still dead, Kim got the good ones) and a really short hike in the rain... that was fun! Dinner was funny too.



All in all the trip to Sydney, despite being really rushed, was awesome! It goes to show that with loving friends, and the grace of God, life can be fun, enjoyable and uplifting, no matter how much we might have stuffed it up. I'm beyond grateful to everyone who took out time to hang out with me, and especially the Yeoh siblings for putting up with me over the last week. I reckon Malaysia is going to be a blast! ;)

Until next time space fans! Tune in next month for Joshua, and the future of his world!

The Dragon's Island - Part 1

I never really thought of why I have that image within my mind of what Hong Kong is like. Perhaps it's Dragon's Back, my favorite hiking trail... or how ridges, of all sorts, wind their ways through the sprawling metropolis that is the gateway city... or maybe, just maybe, it's something deeper, spiritual, more sinister.

In my mind, I see a beautiful land, with colorful lights, glittering people (because of all the jewelery you see), luscious greenery, incredibly convenient public transport... yet also I see depression, materialism, greed, lust, shame, adultery, isolation, poverty, blindness, the very weapons of our enemy, trying to establish his control over this critical city of 7 million odd souls. When I look at that place with my spirit's eyes, I see pain, loneliness, fear, anger... the very person that I was, and in some ways still am, reflected in those shimmering neon signs and empty, broken eyes... I see myself... without Christ.

Yet I look, and behold, there are many lamp stands, scattered throughout the city, bowls of radiance that are even now being uncovered. There are hundreds of torches being lit, every day, kindled by the very Spirit of God. When I look at Hong Kong, I see hope, I see faith, I know there is family, there is life, indeed there is love, for our God, and for the people around us!

When I think of Hong Kong, I see a spiritual battle field, ground churned with the feet of a thousand warriors as they struggle across the broken landscape. Their aim, their goal, is to stand, to resist, to advance forcefully! Yet it feels like a losing battle, one that can never be won, that we know will last a very long time, that we despair of even surviving. Yes we know that the victory is won, yet how often do we slide back through the slick mud, earth wet with the blood of our brothers and sisters, failure and hopelessness in our hearts.

Truely Hong Kong is the Dragon's Island, and indeed all that we toil, that we know, that we do in this world is vapor, it will vanish, it will pass. All earth will fade away, and then, what will be our account? What will be our life's work? At that moment, when we stand before that Throne, what will we hear? What will I hear? Is that enough, truly, honestly enough, for me to run as I know I ought?

For me... I don't know... but I am hoping that you have an answer... for your own life...

Looking for: Editor

Just wondering does anyone know someone who's good with editing? Especially editing fantasy fiction? Or a publisher?? Please let me know!

Home... home on the range!!!

Where the wombats and kangeroos play! (Hey that works!) Where often is heard, a motherly word, and the skies are both sunny AND grey!

So yes I'm back home in Melbourne, and life should truly be quite CHILLED OUT! I mean seriously, 2 whole months stretch before me... far as the eye can see of sleeping late, waking up late, catching up with friends... such is the dream!

Actually in reality, I'm probably more tired than I was when I left HK... lol strange huh?

Lots of friends to catch up with, most of whom want to meet up over lunches, which means waking up before 11 or so... the only problem is that I've been sleeping at like 4am cause that's the best period of time for me to write... at night with absolutely no distractions... unlike day time, when there's birds, sunlight, people, phone calls, planning for the next few weeks... *sigh

Anyway my story, already at the 65k word mark, is on its home stretch, possibly going for 75-80k total. I tend to write long epilogues (or at least I might... never had to do one before, this will be the first EVER story that I've finished since my very first one! LOL)

I'm having a bit of a get together, to which all are invited, at my place on the 23rd of Nov, to talk about what I did in HK, what my plans are for the future etc... there is speculation that I'm going to announce my engagement... which is totally false... I don't know who has been spreading this rumor! (Although I do see the irony, that by posting it on my blog, the rumor itself is further propagated... sad isn't it?)

For the rest, I seriously miss my friends, youth and other people (does Dan count as a "friend"?) in HK, but I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, those called according to His plans and purposes... and while I might think that I'd be happiest there, true joy comes from following God, loving Jesus, obeying HIS purpose and direction for my life... and so I willingly, if not always happily, submit to that. (And yes, I constantly have to remind myself of that =D). That said... I would be more than overjoyed if I get called back to HK =D.

Homecoming

I never understood what Homecoming actually was in the American High School calender. I mean it's a big thing right... but until recently, had no idea what took place. (For those of you like me, Homecoming is basically an event, usually in the Fall, where Alumni will return to their High school, watch a football game and attend a dance afterward.)

Anyway, I'm going home...innnnn...FOUR DAYS?! OMG I haven't packed yet!! Heh. Well yes, I'm actually not stressed about it, M took back some stuff for me, and I still have 2 suitcases that will probably only be half full. I have to leave behind my VCDs and DVDs incase the Australian customs thinks they are illegal...(they aren't) and so yeah. I think I'll also leave all my other potentially contraband items too.

I leave HK with a mix of sadness and expectation... which I suppose is normal. On one hand, I really want to stay, on the other, I know that God's plan for me is always beyond awesome... and so I choose to follow the plan, even if it's taking me away. Although I know there are a few people praying for me to come back! LOL.

I wonder what Melbourne will be like for me now... especially considering the wave of "coupleness" that I hear has spread throughout the churches... ahh summer... it's coming around again... but I seriously dislike the summer =D.

The next 3 days will be memorable... I can foresee this...

a long silence

So... I haven't really felt that I've had anything really of note to blog in the past few weeks... indeed it's been 21 days since my last post... a full 3 weeks... and even my mum started to worry. She was most relieved when I responded to her e-mail, even if it was 3 days later than my usual instant response.

Nothing earth-shattering, or even interesting to talk about really... I suppose as I move closer to that "leaving" date, things start to slow down and even my relationships with people start to change. Once again I'll be moving on from one place... and it makes me wonder if I'll really be doing this my whole life. In this latest move, my last earthly point of reference, family, was gone... and really, truly, the only constant in my life... is God...

(I mean seriously, the water tastes different, the food is WAY not the same... and the air is so much dirtier here...)

I suppose being human, I need more than that... and God has very graciously provided for me, especially over the last few years, despite all my mistakes... but one of my friends here said I think about marriage too much, even at my young age, and after thinking about it... for almost a week now... I'd have to disagree. Marriage is the single biggest decision of your life, after choosing to love Jesus, and that's more of a response than a choice... relationships and stuff takes more self-prep, self-understanding, wisdom, and of course a miracle from God (cause honestly why would any amazing girl would go for a guy like me? Yes that was a joke ;).

Marriage/relationships/girls don't consume my thoughts, or my life, or even my actions for that matter (though they do take up a large number of my conversations) ... and I think it's important to be searching... For "A wife of noble character who can FIND? She is worth far more than rubies" (Prov 31:10)

Cause I'm sure any girl would agree with me, it is not good for man to be alone... often guys left to their own devices do stupid and silly things...

iBasic

So we had a most stellar retreat this last weekend. All church in fact... almost 400 people (inc youth and kids) showed up, though, strangely, it was about 250 or so by the last day (which still included 2 of the 5 sessions...) I'd have to admit that Hong Kong is the only place that I've ever been where it's normal to leave retreats early so you can work on a public holiday... or even to answer your phone in the middle of a teaching session with 300 people.

But yes, the Adults were doing a series called "Basic Life Principles" founded by Bill Gothard. The core of the teaching revolves around 8 "Principles" of life ie. Authority, Design, etc. and how they relate to the Bible and us. It's actually pretty good stuff at that level, however BLP takes it a step further, often declaring certain things as sin which the Bible does not ie. that rock music is inherently evil, or that TV makes you an enemy of God. While a strong argument could be built to support such a thesis... to declare something as sin which is not shown thus in the Bible... well that smacks of religion to me... but yes

Also the delivery was eight 70 minute video sermons by one white guy who was dubbed over in Mandarin.

But just to reiterate... I don't hate or even dislike BLP, the people are REALLY nice and obviously take the super safe approach with life, which is by no means wrong for them personally. I just disagree with some of their doctrines... and that's why the Youth decided to run with

iBasic =P

Yes... I stole the i concept from a friend of mine in the States... but iBasic does have a nice ring to it, and we did want to cover the basics of being part of a church, if not life as a whole.

So the sessions were pointed and convicting, Dan lead them all, which was fine by me cause I had to worry about the games and the worship (and eventually lost my voice) and general all round direction of a group which included lots of middle school boys. (and rather argumentative 14 year old girls..). We played night games, started fires (for a BBQ), did trivia, organized 400 people to compete against each other in physical activities (which was also quite tough), chatted heaps, played euker, did archery (and I AM getting better! Sweet!) and all round had a great time!

I also forgot to take photos for the most part... which means that I'll have to rely on others to make a slideshow... hmm.

Anyway, I was super tired, but after two days of sleeping, reading, DVDing and eating, I'm feeling better. Looking forward to seeing AP on Saturday (for like 3 hours or something) and also to October... THAT's gonna be a crazy month... camps, extra sermons, M coming, packing... *sigh.

Craziness!!

Man, who would have thought my last 2 months would be so busy? Last night was at my flatmate's studio for ages, working on some upcoming video clips for a conference we're doing... it's a fun concept, which I can't write about until after I post the first one, (don't want to spoil the surprise for the youth that read this). Still only 45% done too... hmm.

So now I've only got two months to go, and to be honest, it's a bit sad... but at the same time, I'm really looking forward to going home. I'm suddenly very homesick... which may be why God has chosen to give me this break before speaking about the next part of my life. Some of my friends over here are starting to receive some awesome callings by God, and soon they will be scattered to the four corners of the globe, feet bringing the gospel of peace, winning our world for our God!

I see such an amazing picture, such a grand scale... yet I think this year has changed me. For the first time ever, I'd be equally content staying in a tiny village imparting into a small community of believers as I would be crossing the earth to speak to millions. (Ok well maybe not a TINY village... that'd be quite tough for me... unless there were lots of horses, mountains and forest...)

Anyway, the end of my time here approaches... and strangely I can't even visualize much of what Melbourne is like. I remember faces... but places are starting to fade... I barely remember life outside of HK, lol. This city is crazy.

Oh ps. If anyone wants me to get them something from HK, please let me know soon! I think I'll be sending back some of my stuff with M, so I'm trying to balance it all out cause I don't have many KG for my trip back.

The beginning of the end... of the beginning

You know, when I first came to HK, I didn't really know exactly what to expect, nor did I really expect exactly what would happen. However all that has happened here was truly far more than I had dared hope... and now I see, with just that little bit more clarity, how much I can trust in my God, who can and will provide for me, watch over me, and guide me in all that His perfect will has decided.

I'll save my massively long post for the last week or so, when I will summarize my trip and try to describe how I feel at that time etc. However for this moment, I'm giving you, the faithful readers of my blog (who mostly don't comment lol) the heads up first.

Over the past few weeks I've been asking God for direction about my life, and I believe that He's sending me back to Melbourne for the next two months before my month in Malaysia. I'll be heading back to Aus on the 3rd of Nov (arriving at 6am or 8 am on the 4th... sorry mum, I booked the ticket but forgot the exact time) and will stay in Aus (hopefully at some point going to Sydney) until the 8th of Jan, when I go to Malaysia for my cousin's wedding and Chinese New Year.

Of course the obvious question that everyone asks after that is "then what?" To which I invariably answer, "no idea." I believe that God will lead me from there, and I'm not in the least bit worried. While I wait on His will and plan, I'll probably look for a job. So yes, just letting you all know what's going down.

And no, I'm not in any way sick of HK, either the place or the people =D I'm just following the will of God.

Nine Oh...

Well, it's been 90 posts now... which is just 10 less that Portal to my World, the blog after my initial blog... I think Portal was definitely the blog filled with all the randomness, crpytoxicity and other fun goodness. Reading over one of my friend's posts definitely reminded me of all the good times... and some sad, that we had.

To be honest, looking back on my life, the friendships I've made, the people I've gotten to know... not even the massively life altering decisions... I can really say that I don't regret much. Even the glaringly obvious mistakes and sufferings have more than served to strengthen my perseverance, in turn building character and now giving me hope... Looking back at my life, though there were definitely parts that I hated living through (the first 4 months of HK spring to mind lol)... I realize that without each and every part... I wouldn't be the man, Christian or friend that I am today.

Anyway, as I continue to wait on God's plan and purpose for my life, please pray for me today (Wednesday) as I take some time out to seek His face.

A poem of expression (hopefully)

O, who can express the thoughts within
Catastrophic, like a raging wind
Emotions, feelings, desires unchecked
Thoughts, beliefs, white and black
Constant music, altering one's state
In all we do, this sound creates
Where to, what for, who with
Through these questions, my mind sifts
What person can truly understand
The soul and mind of fallen Man
Even their own hearts are sealed
Their thoughts barely to us revealed
For these and more, in God I must
Put without fail, all my trust
To lead and guide, to light the way
Until, He comes, in glorious display.

Artic Ice

So I suppose that, as a Chinese, this would be a good day to make a post. 8/8/08... no matter if you're American or Australian, it's still a very 8ty day... lol.

I was actually at CWB yesterday, waiting for my friend to finish work, and I was looking for deo... and I found a canister of my OLD deo from way back in grade 8. Which seem a bit random, even for me, but you know, using it, the smell brings back memories =P. It's apperently scientifically proven that scent is the strongest sense linked to memory... and while I think that hearing is pretty strong too... the odor (funny how DEodorant has it's own odor) reminds me of Dalat... of being young... of how much I hated life back then... and how far I've come... yet also how little I've changed.

I guess these periods of introspection are common when we're faced with big decisions or the end of something... and I really wonder what the next step is... although people have been randomly encouraging me about that impact that I'm making in lives... cool people, but people I haven't talked to in a while. So I know that God hasn't left me hanging on this one... it's just gonna take some patience...

I swear I haven't prayed for patience yet... humility yes... patience heck no!! Why is this happening to me!! *sigh ;)

... now it hits me

For the 1st week, almost half way through the 2nd, I was fairly good. I wasn't missing China, I wasn't lonely, I didn't have a massive craving to go back to Du An and ride a Tuk Tuk... I thought to myself 'hey! I've gotten better at this whole re-entry thing'.

*sigh

It's all Dan's fault! (I'm actually not joking, but I don't blame him lol). He made me compile a massive album, between his camera and mine. Looking over the photos, remembering the emotions and PEOPLE who are represented by these 2 dimensional squares of color... it's... heart wrenching to be separated I think.

Especially the AAREY/CNEC photos...those two really got me.

I miss the times we had, the fun games we played
I miss the songs we sang, the places that we stayed
I miss the hearts of people, actually changing the world
I miss the smiles of our students, every boy and every girl

I miss the colors, those yellow and blue shirts
I miss the tuk tuks, bikes covered in dirt
I miss the freedom, being always with friends
I miss the sharing, and the games at the end

I miss you all, those near, those far
I miss you all, wherever you are
I miss our time, the photos, the laughs
I miss it all, even the silly chants

Now I sit here, alone at my desk
Remembering it all, or trying my best
Wondering if, a taste we've had
Of heaven indeed, where hearts are glad

A poem of China 08 by Josh

(Best read aloud, slowly with cadence, pausing after each verse =)

Three times gone, three times returned

The wind blows where it will, through the mountains and over the seas, howling with such force through the trees and across the sand, murmuring like a tiny child through the cities and towns... the wind is free... or is it?

Three times I've set out, three times return... the first trip, and the results of my homecoming, yielded so many changes in my life... the making of life long friends, the destruction of innocent pre-conception, the beginnings of humility. Two years later and I returned, doing what I could, and the result was a momentous shift, the best decision of my life.

Now the third year, once more I made the same pilgrimage, though the group is larger, and even my departure point is a different place. As before it was incredible, awe inspiring, humbling to see the hand of God move, to see the joy on our children's faces.

In many ways it was very much the same as the year preceding. We spent a lot of time drinking mango juice and playing cards, although this year, being part of the HK team, I actually roomed on the same floor as all the card playing, which somehow made it seem all the more accessible, and prevalent. (And, as was noted, I did disappear from the cards for some of the 2nd week) As before, I made some awesome friends from across the world (back home in Sydney actually) and now have so many more people with whom I will one day try to visit, no matter where they are in the world.

Yet there are some stark differences. Most notably, the harshness of it all. Never before had I felt so drained, so glad to be home, and indeed, every moment, while exhilarating and precious, was also incredibly tough. I was also a leader within a team, which was far more involved than I had anticipated... especially with all those team meetings... though I do believe that it helped me stay connected.

This year was also the best year of the three, I believe in most part due to my awesome teaching team, Ariel and Anny... both of whom was beyond 1337... and individually ragged on me about as much as M, Al and S do put together = P... (Which, for those of you who don't know, means they teased me a LOT). Hopefully it was all in the name of good clean fun, and it certainly made our kids laugh heaps!

However now, even as the memories begin to fade, and all we have to remember the past is Facebook (that evil, yet incredibly useful technological advancement)... I look once more to the future. Before it had always been apparent the direct effect that the trip had. Now, I'm just waiting, once again that breath of air... that wandering gust of wind, willing to go where the force that guide our lives will take us, waiting for the calling... listening for the voice of God...

There are a lot of pics on my Facebook, if you don't have an account, I suggest you get one, and add me.

Writer's block

I don't know what the reason is... but I haven't written anything in any of my stories in months! The last piece was a modification on Inner Peace on the 21st of May.. and that wasn't even very substantial. Since then, I've dropped a few posts on my blog... but I've lost interest in writing... I wonder why that is... maybe I'm just too busy.

My parents are here, was really awesome hanging out with them, even if it's a bit weird to go back to being part of a family after living by myself for 8 months... especially as a 22 year old young man. Was very cool though, got to show them all sorts of HK things/places and they even got to hear me preach, which was most cool!

Of course seeing my brother was awesome too, though we didn't really talk much, since he's so quiet around his family... lol. I don't think he has said more than 1000 words since he got to HK... and most of them were asking how much clothes costs. I wonder if that's what he's like normally. Maybe I AM an abnormality within the Male gender... hmm.. I talk a lot... and even a fool sounds wise if he keeps his trap shut...

Well I've got overseas trip coming up, would really appreciate if everyone would pray A: that I don't get over run by bugs, B: don't faint from the heat and C: really can have a good impact while still being united with the other teams from around the world.

Anyway, I hope to have a good vid clip of the trip up when I get back. Will def try to upload it here.

Cya all in 2 weeks!

Trusting in God

I've been really convicted lately... of whether I truly trust in our Creator. I suppose it's easy to say you do, and even possible to believe/want to... but to act like you do... I don't know.

For me, uncertainty has always been a large part of my life... where I would be schooling, whether I'd ever be able to keep the friends that I made (no = P hehe)... I would often have very little knowledge of what the future held... and thus never had much stability. I suppose at one level, I've thus always longed for that foreknowledge, and yes despite how much I complain that my parents were Asian and all, I always did have that security and comfort in having them follow me (or me follow them) around the world.

Obviously this relates to coming to HK... without my family, but also I think my journey to this place shows how I'm growing as well... to no longer need to be in control of my life, constantly nagging God for answers, for His plan. I suppose this goes on from my last post... it comes down to trusting in God. Do I truly believe that he can supply all my needs according to his glorious riches in heaven? Do I truly believe that he will work all things for the good of those who love Him, those called according to his plans and purposes? Or that God is able to make all grace abound to me, so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work?

There are a lot of things that I need to trust God for... and I won't get into all of them here =D, I wonder if my faith will be enough... but I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

All better now

Thanks to everyone who left comments and prayed, or who even bothered to check up on me when they heard the news, I'm doing heaps better, and I'm very thankful that God is continuing to do more and more things in my life. I suppose I'm a living testimony that it can be incredibly painful, but most rewarding, when one prayerfully asks God to break him down so that He can conform one to HIS Son.

Anyway, just a quick update on additional things. Life, apart from the bug bite, has been most amazing. For some reason I'm not running out of money (yet all my calculations show that I should be). My youth have really shown me that their walk with God is becoming more and more personal, which is definitely something that brings massive joy to my heart. After that's my greatest desire for them during my time here, whether or not I have anything to do with it. Ultimately I've learned that I have really very little to offer, except my life to a Heavenly Father, and through His will and power, by His grace, my small contribution can change lives.

My relationships over here have... well I can't really describe it. They haven't changed, so much as grown along with my personal growth... which is really where I'd have to admit that I've seen the greatest shift in my life. I mean if I was just to list a few of the changes off the top of my head... greater understanding of my need for God's grace, subsequent humility, confidence that He can do all that he's promised, a renewed desire to study and feed on God's Word, an all round better understanding of the Bible, a greater awareness of how I can come across is a negative way, a MUCH greater trust in God's perfect will and plan... and the list just keeps growing. (Much like me lol)

I honestly have no idea of what to expect from the next 6 months, nor from the next year... which is a far cry from the young man who left Melbourne with a very clear plan of what he wanted to accomplish and why he was taking this step. When I left, I was a boy who loved to strategize, to remain in control while brazenly asking God for directions and nothing more. Now I'm on my way to becoming a man who simply let's God drive, while I sit in the back, ready to pump gas, clean the windows or merely wait for Him to speak, whatever He wants me to do. I can honestly say that I've never felt so much peace about the things that are happening in my life... whether in my current locale or in my position at the moment.

In all things I know that God can work all things for the good of those who love Him, those called according to His good, pleasing and perfect will. That though I was dust, an enemy of our all powerful God, He still chose to redeem me... and now I praise Him, for the grace that he has given, and because He is worthy to be praised!

Improving

Hey guys,

Thanks for your prayers and many messages/comments of concern... it's really appreciated!

Well, thankfully I don't think I'm gonna die =) and I'm on the slow road (I think) to recovery. The bumps aren't as itchy (more dry and scabby now) and are slightly less red, although some bumps have "pop" and are like mini mosquito bites when you scratch too much.. cept I didn't scratch... Regardless, I'm getting better, and I once again say thanks for all your prayers. I'm fairly certain that the average student at HK Uni (where I was bitten) doesn't get bitten by poisonous caterpillars... and so I'd have to question the randomness of this episode and perhaps put it down to some spiritual warfare. Germs and illnesses are one thing... but I really think that the enemy wants to intimidate me out of HK. So please continue to pray for me, for protection and for strength in all things! =)

Anyway, on a slightly different note... one of my friends, one of my very good friends in fact (who's like a doctor lol) randomly decided to drop by and is staying with me for a week... so there's a lot less stress.. cause if I WAS about to die, she'd be able to tell me. Heh.

I'll keep you posted... but I think the rashes will stay around for a while... maybe a whole nother week. I just hope it doesn't scar, that would be annoying.

Bug bites?

So I went for lunch with a friend at HKU yesterday, and while lining up, I felt something crawl along my neck... I felt, and grabbed something squishy... and immediately brushed it off (and freaked out a bit). It was a really thick worm like thing (my friend reckoned it was a caterpillar) and it writhed around a bit... but I didn't really care...

So after lunch, started getting itchy and red around my neck... but I thought it was sunburn, since I'd gone to the beach yesterday...

Anyway, by 10-11 PM it had gotten worse... my whole neck area was swollen and looked like it had a rash... and so I tried to find some anti-histamines from a shop... but they were all closed... got some tablets for cold and flu...

Went to bed, woke up at 5 AM with my neck on fire... went to the mirror and saw this.





So I went to the hospital at 6 am... and they gave me some tablets that don't feel like they are doing anything. The itching is getting worse and the hives are spreading down my stomach (they are already on my arms). My neck feels really weird when I wash it... and yeah...

As such, would appreciate much prayer...

I hate bugs!

Focus

It's amazing how issues seem to evaporate when you give them to God. I suppose that I shouldn't sound so surprised... but as a human it's still comforting to see the faithfulness of God at work! If you ask him for focus, for strength... if you give him areas in your life that you can't control... if you cry out for deliverance... he is there... and he will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in heaven.

James 1: 1-2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

So smile, this is good news ;)

Thought Blog...

So... I've got a lot of thoughts running through my mind... and I thought I'd spill a few of them onto paper (so to speak), hopefully allowing me to process what's up..

Well it's not really a lot... maybe I just feel like there's a lot going out... but I'm also standing still. Honestly sometimes I wonder if the whole world revolves around me... but then I realize that to every person, the world does indeed centre on them, because it's not possible to see things from another's eyes. You know, that might be one of the reasons that God is God... his omniscience gives him rather unique insight into other people's hearts, wouldn't you say?

I've also been thinking about my writing... and why I like to write... whether I'm good at it, if there is any purpose to this pursuit... They say that most bloggers are aspiring authors, and I suppose to a large degree that's probably right. I guess I am. I'd love to write for a living... and I honestly believe that given the right amount of expertise in a subject, a bit of coaching and a massive move of God... I'd be decent at it. Like say... if you wanted me to write an article on Starcraft... I'd be pretty decent at that... but ask me to write about the latest fashion... LOL.

What else...

Purpose, destiny... the rather crazy pace of my life... been thinking about those a lot too. My future here in HK... what I'm missing back home...the vastness of the world... the smallness of a single person... the infinity of God.

Lately there's been the changes in my social life... in the boundaries surrounding how I relate to people (namely girls :P) and the various cool people (mostly guys) who I've been privileged to meet over the last couple of weeks.

I've even been thinking about how I seem to write with more sophistication and eloquence than I talk... possibly because I have more time to think... or maybe I'm just used to it. Perhaps that's the same with everyone... because we're conditioned to speak in slang and write in full sentences (or at least I am).

Pondering loneliness too... and the hunger of the human soul for company...

*Sigh... I reckon I won't sleep tonight... I'm thinking too much. Even so... I know that I shall dream as the night continues one, fading in between a fitful consciouses and a troubled slumber; then wake up tomorrow morning and it will be as if nothing happened... like I hadn't been thinking about these things. Only this blog will give any evidence of this inner turmoil...

Am I poetic or what? :P

Update May 19th, 2008 - Status - Yellow - Mood - Good

Well, it's been a while since I've updated. Mostly because I've just been way too busy... or way too bored to write anything. Or too tired... I actually had to nap yesterday...

So today, taking a bit of a break, updating my blog, doing my clothes washing and whatever I feel like doing...

As you can see, my status is yellow, cause I'm a tad sick... though it's nothing serious... almost better. I think I got a flu, but cause I have a shot, I only got mild symptoms. Either way though, it's cool. It's getting hotter (which is a tad annoying) and the buildings are FREEZING (which means I actually NEED a jacket!?). I always wondered about that and the energy consumption... plus the cost of electricity is really high!

My mood is still good though... and things have been turn out really well here. Lots of things have been changing and it's been going really well.

Re-adjusting

Well, the past few days have been, well rather awesome! Lol

Busy as anything, well not really, just spurts of busyness... and spurts of waiting around for those bursts of frantic activity... which all seem to happen on Friday nights and Saturdays... when I should be enjoying myself... *sigh.

So what's been happening since I got back...

Well, apart from a rather annoying outbreak of acne due to the changes in humidity (and the crazy heat here) not all that much... well I take that back. A lot of stuff, but nothing of note to talk about here. Lots of staying at home, working, chatting, working on my guitar playing.

I've actually be doing lots of work since I got back, I think my pastor realized that all the things that I do really fast... aren't really things that EVERYONE can do really fast:P Which was awesomely encouraging! (Cause I didn't even realize that myself). Having said that... I had rostered myself on for Worship next week.. to give me a week to recover and practice and stuff... but suddenly I'm leading worship tomorrow... and ALL BY MYSELF!! My whole team either can't make it (away in a different country), is sick (with a sore throat), couldn't make it to practice (and don't know some of the songs) or are just too busy...

*sigh

But on the up side... and hopefully my friends back home don't take this in the wrong way at all... but going home has really allowed me to focus on doing my job here. I think I'm satisfied that no matter how long or how far I stay away... I'll always be able to go home and chill out, catch up with people... and in a couple days, return to that state... of just being awesome friends. So now I can fully concentrate on being in HK, doing all that God has called me to do... it's pretty sweet!

Let's see... I've also been doing a mother's day clip, learning some new software, gaming with some youth (and teaching them about the gift of prophecy... go figure) and getting to know some awesome people even better than I had before. So yea... it's been a good week since I got back... now I really do have 2 places that I call home...

Except for the heat... I really hate humid summers...

Inspiration

You know, I'm beginning to understand why people have blogs... it's because the inspiration just hits you, at completely random times, and you want to just share what divine, or otherwise, revelation that you have received from on high... or from the depths of your twisted imagination, either one...

For me? Well, it's pretty lame... and rather obvious... but the bug has bitten and now I must write.

After being in Australia for a couple days (well almost a week actually) I've reached a point where I'm able to compare, what I like about HK vs what I appreciate about Melbourne.

Of course this is liable to be quite long, and so, because I have to sleep fairly soon... well we'll see.

Hong Kong. To sum up in a single paragraph, HK is a place, where people from all around the world leave their safe and secure western homes and come to experience a life that is full of adventure, pace as well as trial. It's a bustling metropolis that is the gateway to Asia, a focal point of trade and commerce, and a melting pot of Christians from around the world. With each new person in this remarkably transient city comes a new thought, new idea, and as such Hong Kong is constantly changing, always evolving and never dull. I think that's what draws me there. It's a city of adventure, at least for the time being, one which I have yet to master, conquer or even begun to see. A place of opportunity, a chance to make an impact, essentially a clean slate for someone as ambitious as I.

On the flip side you have Melbourne. A safe haven, a shelter for the weary, a port of peace; well for me anyway. My friends are here, my family, my house, my car, my relationships and ultimately my happiness. Melbourne is a city with nice weather, nice shops, nice people who speak my language, nice food and amazing air, not to mention drinkable water. It's a place where you live contented lives in a blissful security, removed from the cares and troubles of the world.

Now the comparison between the two comes down to a choice. Would I choose a life of adventure, change, impact, fulfillment, joy, trials, pain, sickness and loneliness over one of contentment, happiness, health, wealth and safety? Should I?

What would you do? Heck, what would Jesus do? ;)

In all honesty, I know what direction I want to go... but I just don't know if I could last.

Oh and this isn't at all a bad reflection on the people I've met in HK... who are very cool, fun, godly and kind. Obviously it's hard to replace 7 years of my life in Melbourne in 6 months, so this is just my current situation.

Arrival

Soo...

I'm coming back to Australia tomorrow... hopefully most of you guys have figured that out by now. If you haven't arranged a catch up with me, well I never really had much time, and so hopefully we'll be able to catch up at Encounter or at church. I WILL be free through the days (some of them) so let me know if you wanna chill out (or play SSBB) hehe.

I'll have a new number when I get back, and so I'll hopefully e-mail it people and it'll pass around, I'll need people to SMS me with their name, so I can add it to my sim. My home number for Australia is on my Facebook if you want to look it up.

Anyway, I'll cya all soon... I'm actually really excited =) Though it doesn't always come across in my writing.

Limits

You know, everyone has their limits. A point at which something becomes more then you can bear... or less then some imaginary marker. Some can be stated, like the grade on a child's report card. Some be determined, like the point before which it rains, or before a typhoon becomes T8. Some... are felt in the heart... and it can cause the destruction of very worlds.

You know, I always enjoyed Final Fantasy 7, but I found it rather funny that after they got hit a certain numbers of times, they would "Limit Break" which was usually a massively powerful attack that normally multiplied their standard attack by a certain amount the higher the level they got. Cloud's limit break was Omnislash...



Looks better here though.



It's different in the real world though, cause with people hit that limit... they don't use their powers for good, in the aid of a global fight save humanity. Usually they crumple in despair, retreat into their shell, or get angry and hurt people.

I wonder what will happen when I reach my limit. It's been a long time since I have... but I think there is still so much further for me to grow and thus a lot of molding yet to come. =) Maybe I'm looking forward to it =D If anything it means that I'll be even COOLER than I am now! Woot!

By fire and water, through blood and new life, for the glory of the Father... Amen.

Visions of the future

In today's world, a global community, our Earth is one completely interwoven network of humanity, where any country or even continent is as easily accessible (give or take a few thousand dollars) as any city that would previously have been the extent of a person's private travels. Our generation, one that constantly lives in a world filled with communication, linked across the planet by so many means: phones, faxes, e-mails, Facebook, blogs, forums, the internet itself. News that is discovered in Sydney (Australia) can be read in New York at the same time as in Melbourne, or anywhere else for that matter.

In this culture, this never before seen lifestyle, the way that we interact has changed, the way that information passes is totally different and humanity has irrevocably become a species that moves at an increasingly rapid pace. Youth and young adults, instead of spending time outside, at the local playground or cafe, now sit for hours before their computers, indeed chatting with the same number of people yet in a series of private one on one conversations with people from all over the globe. In this time, one's friends are no longer limited to the same suburb, school or even city... but one's private circle can extend to the far reaches of humanity, allowing links between all people, regardless of social, ethnic or even language barriers.

One has to wonder if this is indeed healthy.

Will there come a time where people will be able to work from home, have weekly supplies delivered to their front door, and indeed forgo the need for human interaction? In a coming age, where books will be replaced by micro diskettes; where movie goers will be able to sit amongst the action instead of merely watching it; where war will be waged by giant robots controlled by men in suits, miles away, will human interaction reach a point where we will not need to simply hang out? Will the laughter of children playing together at a playground fade? Will the sight of awkward couples seeing each other home on a tram disappear? Will the roving groups of young adults, fresh from their churches, become a sight forgotten?

I certainly hope not... and yet... I wonder. It's a lot harder to meet people these days... and even as the sheer number people entering this world increase, humans are becoming more and more lonely... stolid faces amidst a gray crowd of strangers.

A weapon? Or a result?

13, an auspicious number

Yes I am counting down the days until I get back... oh and yes I am still alive.

I caught up with a friend of mine from Australia last night, N's sister :P Was very cool to see yet another Aussie face... someone else with whom I can just be myself I guess. I think that's why I'm looking forward to going home so much... the chance to just be myself. Of course I wonder if who I am has changed in any substantial way... perhaps someone will tell me... it's a mystery.

It's getting sticky here though... it's totally gross.

I'm out of things to say

Wow... haven't updated for a while... not sure why that is either. Haven't written anything, blogged anything, thought up anything, written any songs... *sigh... I don't know what's going on. Maybe I'm playing too much Attack... or my imagination has taken a short vacation.

Anyway, for those of you who don't know, I'm definitely come back on the 24th of April... I think I've posted that up before, but I'm not sure. I'll be getting an Australian Pre-Paid Sim (Optus of course =P ) and will let you all know my number asap. Then I'll store everyone's number on that card and will have two separate lists of numbers for the two locations.

Apart from that, I'm doing well, loving life... and yeah.. I'll cya all soon.

Who chases the Dragon?

Ok that might be a tad disrespectful... but hey... I mean none.

For those of you on Facebook, check out my cool photo story (Climbing the Dragon) that I've posted up. For those of you who don't HAVE FB, you should get it! I've got all my photos up there.

If you don't know what Facebook is and stuff like that, just ask and I can tell ya about it, everyone has FB these days!

Ohh, and Climbing the Dragon is about me going on a simple hike, but ending up going down an entire mountain, through rough brush, down cliffs and falling off large stones (2 meters :D). Yes I AM ok... even if I did scratch up my hands and wrists... a lot... but hey. It was good God time :) Oh and it's 100% true.

Please don't freak out ok?

Hehe, I'm typing like I'm playing piano, can't touch the deck with my wrists very much...

Until next time.

21st March - Raided on Good Friday

Hehe, check out my first ever clubbing experience, with a bit of embellishment, at Imagine Reality

Wishing everyone a Blessed Easter! Good Friday service was awesome!

Imagine Reality

Hey there, check out my new form of blogging! See if you can tell where my reality ends and begins. Honestly it's not too hard hehe. As a side story project I've decided to write these short page or 2 stories about my life in HK and the turns that my imagination takes when I'm out.

http://randomimagination.blogspot.com

I'll be using my old random imagination blog.

In other news I went to Macau today to see my grandma, who I thought I hadn't seen in 7 years, but who apparently stayed at our place back home in Australia for a few nights while I was there... how weird.

I won't go into details about the trip... but let me just point out some low lights:
- Waiting 1 hour in immigration.
- Getting sea sick over the 2 hour boat journey.
- Due to bad organization and communication (on my part) only getting to see them for 3 hours. So should have gone yesterday!

and some highlights:
- Seeing some of my extended family again.
- Planning our future trip to KL in Jan.
- Earning major brownie points for making the trip :P hehe.

Was totally worth it though, I'm beginning to appreciate family so much more!

Anyway, enjoy the story, let me know what you think!

Depth

So here I am at home, thinking a lot about stuff, my friends, both here and back home... and yeah just reflecting about this word... depth.

Ok, so to start, let me just state that for a long time I considered my self a fairly deep person. Conversationally, mentally, even spiritually; I would search for the reason behind statements, seek to understand the truths behind any facade. A lot of people commented that I was rather serious and (occasionally they said) mature for my age, and I believe that it is still a fairly common consensuses that I think too much... especially by the people who really know me.

So fast forward a few years and you've got this massive paradox (that is Josh Loke). On one hand, I'm a rather outgoing guy who loves to be the center of attention (I'm working on being less so), loves to talk, and enjoys rendering epic tales of his life (often embellished) to large groups of disbelieving and easily impressionable people. On the other, I'm still largely the same guy, who wants to engage in deep and meaningful conversations with people, who wants to know people better then I already do... who wants to develop deep friendships... cause I like having close friends... who doesn't. Plus I trust easily, and apparently (though I can't really tell) I'm easy to trust and talk to in return.

However the problem that I'm beginning to notice is this: it's hard to do both. A simple problem to say, yet a very complex issue. On one hand there is benefit to being outgoing, to be visible. It aids in your leadership, allows you to meet people without making them feel that uncomfortable, and it makes for an attention grabbing personality, allowing you to witness for the Kingdom, share your opinions etc. etc..

Yet the flip side to that is seeming fake, overly loud, attention seeking, flirtatious, obnoxious... not to mention the fact that it's very hard to switch gears into a deep conversation with people that actually means anything... and plus, D&M's are much easier 1 to 1.

So far I've tried to walk the balance. I'm not saying that I've come anywhere near the mark, nor do I think that I'm a pro at being both. I know I've got LOTS of flaws (and I truthfully do know that I have lots of strengths too). It's just that lately I've felt like I'm drifting away from the deeper side of me, in essence becoming more shallow. This is definitely something that I don't want to happen.

Part of the issue stems also from leaving Melbourne. I didn't realize it when I prepared to come to HK, but a large part of my security and support was tied up in my friends and family back home. Sure my brother loves to bag my singing and guitar playing, but I also knew that he would always have my back if I need to talk to him about anything that he did that I didn't have a clue about. :P I could rest assured that my parents would love me, even if I did get 10 demerit points in my license, and they'd make sure that I'd have food to eat. I knew that I could call up any of my close friends when I was feeling down, that I could go tree climbing in random parks with M, chill out with Al at his place and battle over singstar with S... that sense of security, love, family... these are all things that we as humans NEED (God made us that way)... and there are people who we have found who provide for those needs.

However when you leave that support network, your security drops, often unconsciously. You have to go to new places by yourself, make new friends without the safety net of your old friends. No longer can you invite people into your "groups" but you gotta be part of other cliches and face the inevitable rejection and assimilation. Not to scare you... just keeping it real you know.

I think different people will have fairly unique reactions to this stress... not just of making new friends, but just a whole new environment without the support. For me... I reverted to my Kheldar days, being even louder, MORE obnoxious, talkative and more arrogant (can you imagine!). I recall all the times that I talked myself up since getting here, exaggerating a lot of my valid skills to a level they weren't... I even started to flirt more than I probably should have (considering that I'm not looking for a girl while here...)

I'm actually very grateful that God caught my attention and made me see what was happening, through various things that people said and through the Word. I was pretty ashamed and very convicted... but I realized why at the same time... and it's good... I didn't feel condemned. I know that I'm still a Child of God, loved by the King, and that he just wants the best for me. Also acting out in that way is definitely NOT the best way to make new friends ;).

So I guess I'm trying to re-uncover the depth in my own spirit and soul that I've buried over the past few months. Looking forward to going back, if only so I can just be myself among people I know well. Recharge and then return, remembering that my ultimate security comes from God. He designed us for community, but even in the midst of being utterly alone, we can still survive through him.

Ohh yes and I'm am slowly beginning to make some really close friends here... but it takes time yeah?

Thoughts at 12 am

So yeah, I was heading off to bed early yesterday, but because I'm about to start on my next epic novel (I don't feel like finishing the Trinited Throne) I was re-reading Salvation, and need to find my OLD notes about the 2nd story that I was considering in the series. As I started to dig through my old notebooks of doom (ie I'd be doomed if anything happened to them while I was writing in them, they had my uni notes, church notes, Magic decks, story ideas... EVERYTHING) I A: realized that I couldn't find my notes...(which was very annoying) B: that I've changed a WHOLE lot in the past 2 years... over 2006 and 2007.

Then I spotted my 21st books, the booklets that were available at my party for various people to write in and say really cool stuff about me; the one time in your life where your friends try to puff up your ego. All for a good cause I suppose. So yeah I started to read through them, and began to reflect...

I was struck by how many awesome things people had to say about me. People who I knew well, who I didn't, who I thought liked me, who I thought didn't... granted it WAS my 21st, and very few people would say anything negative... however if even 50% of the people meant 50% of what they said, that's a whole lot of appreciation, respect and admiration.

And I'm not using this as a chance to say, "woo, look at how popular I am," but rather I'm trying to highlight an interesting point. Apart from a couple of very special friends, no one had mentioned anything of what they thought about me prior to my 21st. Granted, it would get old if any one person came up to me everyday and said "hey Josh, I think you're an awesome person with a great personality, and it shows!" or something such... however just recently I wrote a bit of a letter to a friend who I really appreciated, and the exact response was "You just made my day =) Thanks Josh!"

I was thinking about that, how often do we really share our appreciation with our friends for how amazing they truly are? Even the ones who I hang out with every week, or see more than most. Are we, as Christians, not called to be set apart by the love that we show to one another? Can we not also take that same spirit and share it with our friends who don't necessarily believe what we do? Isn't it a good thing to make someone's day?

Do you think it's just coincidence that we like hanging out with people who say nice things about us? Who give truthful and thoughtful compliments based on experience and observation? I don't think so.

While I by no means claim to have even STARTED this practice (let alone mastered it) in my own life, I believe it's something that we can all start to do more. Generosity with our words is powerful, and we can all exercise it more. Do your friends really know how much you appreciate them? Do your parents? Your siblings? Why don't you tell them, just in a few words, or small card, a quick hug, just how much they mean to you ;). I can promise that it won't hurt.

***

The next thought that I began to reflect on (yes this will be a LONG blog... I think a lot) is my own insecurity.

To many people, I can come across as pretty confident, even arrogant, in my own self assurance and ability to get things done, make friends etc etc. While it's true, I do have a lot of confidence in my ability to do certain things (through God and the gifts that he's given me), like every human I struggle with feelings of low self-worth, but also for me, even more so I struggle with what people think of me.

What I fear/hate the most about humanity is the practice of thinking one thing of a person in reality, but in interaction with them acting like you think something different. Being fake, I hate that... all the more because I know that's one of the things that I need to work on more myself. It's ironic that all the things that most get to me about other people are the same things that get to me about myself. Maybe I'm consistent like that.

See in reading my 21st books again, I began to realize that my conceptions of many people and what they thought of me were for the most part false. It can creep into a person's mind that all people sees are our mistakes, our failings, our weaknesses... but really they also see our good points, our victories, our strengths too..

So I started to feel better... then it hit me.

I really do care too much about what other people think.

I mean sure, it's great to have a good reputation, it helps us evangelize and be taken seriously. It's a key to witnessing and if we live godly, Spirit filled lives, we will naturally bear fruit that others will like... however our security and our worth comes from only one source, from Jesus... as cliche as that is as a Christian. So often we forget that! We can recite the 10 commandments, study about Spiritual gifts, seek God daily in prayer... yet still be so tied up in how other people view us that our walk with God is crippled by perceptions... both ours... of how much people must dislike us... but also of their's, and ultimately how little they matter.

I do believe that a godly reputation is a good thing, something that we should pursue... but don't let the quest for the good opinion of others be your driving force. Aim for the opinion of God over all.

***
Hmm I've decided to write about depth another time ;) This is already quite long.

What's I've been up to lately

Hey guys! How's everyone doing? To all my friends/family back home, hope that things are going well and you're all safe/healthy. Just a word of warning, make sure you all get your flu jabs ok? There have been some pretty nasty flus over here, and apparently two people have died. So yeah, get a flu shot.

Just thought I've give an update on what I've been up too lately, and show you guys a product of my work.. We have an upcoming Spring Retreat, and so I was asked to do a video for it. While I've never done any sort of video editing before, I nevertheless have a professional post production/graphic designer/media guru as a house mate, so I've picked up a TINY tiny bit of his knowledge over the last month. However it's still very basic. Have a look! I did that logo at the end too, (it's meant to look etched) which took almost as long as the video :P hehe

http://web.mac.com/hkmbc.youth/HKMBC_Youth_Ministry/Update_Video%28*NEW%29.html

Now in comparison, and also because I told him that I'd put it on my blog, here's my house mate's "showreel" ie like his resume. Just bear in mind A: He's a professional (just look at a companies that he's worked for) and B: That he's old (er than me anyway), and so I've got a few years to reach that level. Oh and he's got better software :P hehe

http://www.pentopixel.net/

Oh and if you're interested in getting him to work for you (like you guys in marketing or in church media and stuff), just let me/him know. He does stuff for people all over and world and would like to do stuff for Australia.

Week of March 3rd - Status: Green

Wow it's been a busy week. I still have stacks of stuff to do, but I realized that my blog has been a bit neglected over the past few days, and hey I've been working plenty of overtime, so it's all cool. Actually I stayed back till 7:30 on Tuesday... I was very surprised... I wasn't tired, bored or wanting to go... I just had stuff to do. I think I know how people get to the stage where they CAN work overtime often and alot... it's not THAT big a deal... I guess before I've always had jobs where there wasn't really all that much to do.

Anyway... I've been healthy for another week, (Thank you God) and finally getting back into the physical working out and will start dancing in a couple weeks. Hopefully going to start climbing too, not sure how that will work, need a partner, so many people have "friends" who climb :P haha

But yes, looking forward to seeing everyone back home in April, I do miss Melbourne today, especially talking to Al and hearing all that I'm missing. *sigh... plus SSBB comes out in 3 days or something *sigh x2.

How's everyone doing? Let me know yeah?

Oh and as a side note

Would anyone be interested in drawing a webcomic for me? I've got a story I'm writing, just about to finish the first chapter, and I think it would make for a good comic script. Let me know if you're interested.

A grain of sand falls...

It's amazing how fast time can fly... yet how slow it can seem... at the same time. I believe that when you leave a place, your memory of that which you left is frozen in your mind, and though you can conceptually understand that events continue to move on, in the "knowing" or experiencing part of your mind... life hasn't changed... you really do expect to go back to the home that you left behind, a photo taken of an entire reality. Or maybe that's just me.

Right now I've been here for over a quarter of a year. Obviously that is a substantial amount time, and I really do feel that I've been here for so long. I can barely visualize my life back in Melbourne... although my friends and family still loom large in my mind's eye. Nevertheless in relation to Melbourne, I feel that I haven't been gone more then a day, or a week at most. Surely things haven't changed as much as it seems in e-mails. It really does show that perception has a massive effect on many events and input.

In the end though, the hour glass continues to trickle, the sand continues to fall. Even moment bringing me closer to leaving HK, which saddens my heart, but also closer to going home, and that brings joy. I just wish that I knew what was meant to happen or failing that, what I should be wanting to do. There are many decisions to be made in the near future, almost all that will change my life.

What am I?

You know many people will often say stuff along the lines of "it's not only who you are that counts, but what you do that defines you." (That's a BB quote... sorta) Of course there are often other people (normally Christians) that can believe "as long as I have it all working alright on the inside, what I do doesn't really count." Saved by grace and all that.

While we are saved by grace, I would be more inclined to think along the lines of the first statement. While I know WHO I am... JL (or Integr7 for you online people) and all that comes with that name (a touch of over confidence, lots of talk, a heart for the generations etc etc..) I recently began to wonder WHAT I do. Strangely enough I've never considered this as a deep question before. However a few catch ups with some people over here got me thinking.

One of them said that when I introduce myself, or talk about myself over conversation... the list of what I do seems quite extensive. Youth Pastor, writer, dancer, gamer, cook... to name but a few. While I personally think it might have to do with being slightly insecure and over compensating by telling everyone else how cool I am... he might have a good point. What I do can reflect where I believe I'm headed in life... what my purpose and drive is.

Course my housemate further compounded on this by talking about being a jack of all trades and master of none. That's probably one of the bigger differences between us. He's chosen to master some of his hobbies, his work and his music. Where else I will take any new skill up the point where I feel that I've attained a certain level... then I just lose interest. I mean how many of you were completely shocked when I quit Magic the Gathering? (that Card game I played a few years back). I tell you the truth... I just got bored. = P The important part is that I can play with anyone else who wants to play, talk about it with them, and teach others to play too.

I think that's the crux of why I do what I do. Teaching. The main criteria for having
"Reached" that point in my life is being able to teach it to others... and being able to teach a lot more then what is commonly available. As such I think that's what I want to do with my life. No matter what my job title, position, location or status, I believe that God has given my the gift to teach others. As such, in all things, I want to be a Child of God first (Who I am) and teacher second (What I do).

So you can all call my Rabbi Josh :P Hehehe. Kidding.

I'll be bach

Heh, that was actually quite cheesy :P

Anyway, I've purchased my ticket, and since there shouldn't be any visa problems getting back into my own country, I'll be heading back home on 23rd of April, arriving at Melbourne on the 24th at approx. 1:30pm. Unfortunately I'll be stopping over in Adelaide... but yeah, it can't be that bad right? Hopefully I won't need to drink too much water while I'm there...

= D

I'll try to pick up a pre-paid sim card while I'm over there and start getting people's numbers on it... I figure I'll just keep the card active... though the credit will drain after a few months, and leave it in Melb for use whenever I come back... assuming I stay here long term... which I seriously don't know yet. Oh and if anyone had a decent 2nd hand phone they want to give me... I'd appreciate it :).

Anyway. I'll be down for 1.5 weeks, flying back on Midnight of the 4th of May, and I'll try to catch up with as many people as possible during that time. Feel free to drop me a line here, or on facebook, or via e-mail with the times that you're available and I'll let you know!

That's pretty much the update atm. The next time I'll be back will be in Oct or Nov. Looking forward to seeing everyone... breathing clean air... having good cheese again... ahh *sigh... cheeeesssseee =P

Random interlude

It's actually quite random and humorous, considering my enjoyment of singing, dancing, Disney and High School Musical, but my housemate is doing a TV ad for Disney atm, advertising the upcoming High School Musical live at HK Disneyland... so I hear the songs everyday... but it's pretty cool stuff... he's really very good.

However yes... hearing the same songs like 20 times in a row is slightly annoying.

Life update Feb 08

Well, what's been happening in the life of yours truly over the past few weeks? Well to be honest, not much, since I've been so sick... but there have been a few things/events of note... and I'll highlight them now.

Hmmm... I've forgot them... didn't blog... so no list... *checks daily planner*

Oh yes. Well I missed Chinese New Year... that was bad... but was well enough to preach on that Sunday... then subsequently lost my voice. However during that time I met a missions team from the States... and they were really cool... doing all sorts of awesome ministry around the globe... nothing that I can actually talk about without compromising some of their effectiveness... but it was great to just catch dinner with them over a couple days... and see the Peak at night... that was beyond cool.. cept I left my camera at home that day (felt really bad) so I have to wait for one of them to send me some pics...

On Wednesday.. went over to Su's house with some of the other YA's from the youth group (and other friends)... we're slowly growing... we're up to three.. yes! We had a games night and she cooked for us... that was very cool.

Tonight, went to a combined outreach hosted by one of the international schools. Was quite long and varied... the worship was really happening... the team was from the Vine... and one of the worship leaders is a teacher at the school... she looked so cool! Pity she doesn't read this though... oh well, I already told her :P. Yeah the skits were... random... and stuff... but yeah, overall very cool.

Apart from that, been busy recovering, cooking, sleeping, working, reading and doing stuff like that. Trying to work on my guitar playing too. However yes... nothing major happening really... oh apart from the two times I was stood up... but that wasn't really major... just disappointing... *sigh. The one time I wasn't... all the movies were already booked... thus I have decided that watching a movie in HK on SA Day at the last minute is really stupid.

Anyway, until I have more stuff to write about!

You know...

I've been through... about 34 packets of personal tissue... 5 toilet rolls for blowing my nose alone, and 2.5 tissue boxes... since coming to HK.

I've used like maybe 1 box a year in Australia... if that...

You know it recently came to my attention (and I definitely agree) that as you push harder in your ministry... the enemy attacks to try and keep you quiet... I would appreciate your prayers pls.

ps I've just lost my voice too... *sigh, I wonder if I'll become a bass after this :P

The answers to so many questions lie in your own heart...

That said, I did agree to answer any questions dished out... and while it's kinda awkward to answer the most embarrassing one (which happens to be asked by my MOTHER) I don't really mind... because everyone who bothers to read this obviously loves me enough to do so... right? At least I can but hope... it's all together possible that they take sadistic delight in my misery (there is an awful lot of that recorded in these journals sadly) or simply want to stalk my known online haunts for information regarding myself or my friends... regardless however, I really have nothing to hide. Also, please note my attempt at a humorous intro, thus lending to a rather comical overtone throughout this entry.

Now firstly, what have I been eating. Well since I've moved in I've definitely eaten more home cooked meals. More then 400% more, although that's partially because I've been sick (and thus confined to the house) and partially because my housemate (who yes, does share the same first name as me, I believe I've said that twice now) and his mum (who was staying with us for the first week I was here) cooked. Of course I've been cooking too, trying out my usual recipes of pasta and salads (Caesar... wait that doesn't look spelt right...)to get my self used to the kitchen. I'll be trying Shepherd's pie sometime this week... and will start flipping through some cookbooks when I'm feeling better. J2 (my HM) has made... a very nice beef dish (a herb encrusted steak) and his mum made a bunch of stuff, vegies, pasta, eggplant etc. J2 is going to show me how to make easy Chinese vegies... which I must confess has never really been a dream of mine... but hey... it'll work.

Ok, now moving on, next question... the one I thought W (as he has reminded me to call him) would ask... but instead was put forth by my own mother... who then obviously reads these posts with some curiosity I assume. *sigh. Well doesn't matter... remember, NOTHING to hide ;)

Umm I don't actually keep count of how many girls I've met in hk... but if I WAS to make a guess, I'd say around 92, with approx 84 of them being single, although about 26 of them are underage, and about 47 are too old :P Of course I make up all these statistics completely off the top of my head for a bit of fun. Really, in the end, A: I don't keep track of the girls that I meet B: I don't evaluate their "potential" when I do I meet them and C: I don't aim to find a girlfriend in HK till the end of my Internship. I think I've made that most clear in my posts and missives to the various factions within my friends who believe otherwise ;)

Heck I won't deny that there are a rather large number of good looking, successful and smart girls over here, most of whom are single and that I met in church... but yes, people gotta remember that there are priorities in life! Purpose and destiny come first! Only then can you consider who you want to follow that path with. Still finding mine for the time being... well finding out the next part of it anyway. Oh but yes, obviously I'm friends with all of them, just like all the guys I've met too. Anyway... if you boys from Melbourne are interested, feel free to look me up when you drop by HK ;) Haha.

As for the other questions that I've been asked a lot. Yes I have been sick, no I'm not dying, yes I am coming back in April, no I haven't bought my ticket yet. Yes I have been eating my fruits and vegies, yes I have been looking after myself, my new place is awesome, my housemate is very cool. Hmm I think that's mostly it. Feel free to ask any more that you want, however I'll work them into normal posts as scheduled broadcasting will resume soon (although I'm having a hard time shaking the last bit of sore throat.)

Anyway, I'll cya all soon!

No more words...

You surprisingly... I feel that I no longer have anything to blog about. I mean you've seen my friends, my old place, bits of my church... heard my thoughts... my trials, triumphs and tantrums.. so really I don't know what else to say or write.

Wait, I have a great idea! Why don't you comment and ask some questions! (if you're interested) and I'll try to post up things related to those questions. So obviously T would ask something like "so how many girls have you met so far?" Or my mum would ask "what have you been eating since moving into a new place?" etc etc.

So yeah, go for it, drop me some questions so I can think of what else to say.

My new place... is flipping amazing!

Wow... I haven't felt so good about living in HK since... before I left :P Lol, how funny is that huh?! I mean, while God is doing awesome things over here, there have been a lot of challenges (which I'm sure you know, cause I tend to highlight those more in a bid for sympathy hehe) that have occasionally made this adventure fairly tough. However NOW! Well... I'm finally getting into the flow of things... and no it's not JUST because my room is bigger then my room in Australia... but that does help.

Ok so my new place is really awesome. I mean sure, the water heater takes 20 minutes to get going, but hey, that's a small price to pay (and was the same in my old place too hehe). My room is huge, there is a super comfy couch and projector/sound system set up. HM let's me use all his guitars and media equipment and the kitchen is fully stocked. Have yet to cook, simply cause I'm just always on the go... but hope to have dinner on Thursday at home... maybe. ANYWAY, so yeah, the place is large and comfy (altho need more shelves in my room) and lots of fun.

But that's not all, one of my friends is starting a dance class, and she wants me to help teach, which will not only result in money, but EXERCISE and fun! whoot! Plus my ministry is picking up, worship meeting scheduled for this week, and I'm getting better at guitar... my books are getting exciting... caught up with a really cool friend from Australia few days ago... I'm telling you... life is good! (Watch, this feeling will last like 3 days or something... and then I'll be all down again :P haha )

But all in all I'm just glad that God has blessed me with an awesomely funny house mate and a great new place. Pray that I stay un sick to enjoy this while I can, and that my youth will catch the passion of the Holy Spirit.

Peace out,

Me :)

Whoa... it's all go go go!

Well hey there! Man I'm writing from a rather... well stressful situation which isn't really bad, but rather just stressful. Lol. What do I mean? Well, here's the situation.

I'm moving out tomorrow, cause it's the last Monday before the end of the month, when I was officially going to turn my contract over to the new tenants. As such my new flatmate's mum is staying with him atm, and will do so until the 4th, which we thought would be fine, he can sleep on the couch for 4 days and his mum can use the bed, and I'll get my room. However the stressing component comes from the new tenants, they want to move in tomorrow NIGHT because they are flying off on Tuesday and want to drop their stuff off... fair enough. However, that, as you can obviously see, puts me in a situation where I have to move ALL my stuff (as opposed to all the non-essential stuff) over tomorrow and potentially be an inconvenience to my new HM (short for house mate). Of course he said that if it came to that, it's all cool... so I'm really stressing over nothing, but I'd rather find a place that I can crash until the 4th and we'd be all cool. *sigh... don't have enough friends here who live by themselves and have space. I mean back home, it'd be easy, crash Al's place :P hahah

Apart from that, my (already rather bad) phone is randomly dying, and I couldn't have my worship ministry meeting today because the youth had to serve lunch to the adults. I also had to cancel a dinner that I was looking forward too and I have to work on my day off tomorrow. *sigh We didn't get to go hiking cause it was canceled, when it didn't have to be, and yeah... all in all, there have been some rather minor disappointments lately.

Of course on the good side,there's been lots of stuff happening. New friends, great dinner and mini beach visit yesterday, moving house, good reading, awesome pictures, the move of God, the small smiles that I get from our youth, which evidences that I'm slowly connecting with them. Here are some of the cool pics I took from one of my friend's places. The view is aweSOME! It looks like some sort of cyber city.





So yeah a lot of stuff is happening, on top of the stuff we're doing in the ministry with the new name change. Oh yeah, so I haven't told that story yet huh? Well DT, my youth pastor, had been looking to change the name of our Sunday School time to something that more completely represents the vision and purpose that we hope to have within our youth group. So we've been thinking up names, but one night I was trying to sleep, and God gave me the verse, "the Joy of the Lord is my strength" and I was moved to start writing. So I started writing on the pad near my bed, and out came this... vision statement... that was fairly long. To cut the long part short, the theme of the statement was that through the filling of the Holy Spirit, and out of that abundance, joy, hope and power would overflow out of us, reaching out to impact those in our sphere's of influence for the Kingdom of God.

So Overflow became our new name. Dan prayed about it, and God led him to a scripture, Romans 15:13 and that's the tag verse for our new name. Pretty cool huh? I even wrote a song about it... which was totally not me... cause the lyrics both reflect the verse AND the vision that God gave me... I'm creative, but not THAT creative... cause if I tried doing that, it wouldn't sound good, yet it matches up lyrically and musically. It's really awesome! Now I'm just praying that the power of the Spirit WOULD really begin to overflow in the hearts and lives of my youth. Pray that they will experience God in a new and really awe inspiring way, and that the Spirit would convict them of a need to surrendered completely to his will.

Anyway it's getting late and I have to start packing. Enjoy the pics and oh, just so you guys know... I might be heading back to Melbourne for a week in April/May. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday... to me?

Firstly I'd like to say a big THANK YOU! to all those people who sent me birthday wishes... even if I know that Facebook cheats and tells you which of your friends have their birthdays over the week... but yes I'll forgive that :P

Before you ask... "how was it?!" let me just point out that while I did enjoy my 21st and had a blast getting all my Australian friends in one spot... I normally don't view Birthdays are all THAT important... I mean the year is where you do the growing... not just the one day :P However yes, it's all about celebration and stuff... and I did have a good day, eating LOADS of food and sharing lunch and dinner with some cool people. Even got a few presents too! whooo.

But yes, there are exciting times ahead... things more important then my birthday :)

5 days?!

Wow, has it really been that long since my last post? I must be getting slack... or you could infer that I'm caring less about the people that don't see me on a week to week basis... but you'd be very wrong on that ;)

Hehe, actually the truth is that I've started READING on top of my writing. For those of you who remember how I used to read when I was younger... well things haven't changed, especially when you have a constant supply of Left Behind books sitting in your workplace, just crying out to be read... so here's me reading on the MTR, on the Bus, at home, walking around HK, while I eat... and I'm not even kidding... I literally read while I'm walking from the MTR (Subway) to my church... that's a 2 minute walk :P Ohh, and I read while my computer is lagging at work too... lol which happens a lot when you do lots of video stuff.

Plus on top of that I've been WRITING as well, trying to finish my current piece of work by June, then I'll try to finish the sequel to Salvation by the end of the year. That's the master plan! If Trinited gets publish (which is a big ask atm) that would be AWESOME! But, even if it doesn't, it'll be good to complete another piece.

Life's been chugging along really well over here. There are LOTS of exciting things about my ministry that I can only post up next Monday, since some of my youth read this, and I don't want to spoil too much of the surprise... but suffice to say, some really awesome changes are going to happen, and I know that God is really using me! Cept I might have to cut down on either the reading or the writing... which will be sad, but hey I know my purpose for the moment!

Shout out to N, which I normally don't do on this blog, but hope you're getting better (news is a bit sketchy) and that your operation went well. Been praying and will continue to, even when I find out that you're fine... cause I know that prolonged bed rest would drive you nuts :P hehe Unless you had youtube and facebook access :P hehe

Anyway, decisions to be made about the future in the coming months... but yeah, let's tackle the hill one inch at a time huh?