Send me...I will go (Take 2!)

I'm leaving today.

As I was packing my bags this morning and double checking for the last time, I spontaneously typed a text message and sent it to everyone (basically saying that I'm gonna leave this afternoon but I'll drop by at NIA so if anyone can come to say goodbye that would be great). Idk, I guess I just wanted to have a proper farewell before I leave for good.

This wouldn't have been an issue if it were not for the strong typhoon that's currently bearing down on our city. Because then, the Sunday worship service wouldn't have been cancelled and I can see everyone anyway. But as it was, the morning service was cancelled and I was left with no choice but to try if some people can still come despite the strong rains/winds.

I don't know what people expected (food? haha sorry guys) but what I was thinking was just to see them and then say goodbye and then go and wait for the bus. xD But it soon became apparent (to Edjan, at least) that there's a need for a more organized 'farewell' so he kinda just announced on the spot some sort of programme. xD And he's now the self-proclaimed emcee. Okay then.

1...2....3...pose!

So as the strong winds and rain raged outside, everyone who came settled down in the kitchen. The whole time everyone was talking about their first impressions of and memorable experiences with me, I was actually trying hard not to internalize everything lest I end up crying. But I really appreciate you guys: Debby (thanks for the gifts), Lady (thanks for the shirt), Joel (you need a new dogtag now hehe), Ron (for that closing message), Sam (I still have your 'visa'), Dave (you'll get over that 'trauma' eventually), Dan (who was sick but still came), Josh (did u really cry?hehe), Edj (for the many reminders re learning bicycle and drums), Haj (for being ever supportive), Junex (for that sweet message, thanks bro) and Jaden (for the nice surprise of just being there).

What can I say, God is indeed FAITHFUL, especially in fulfilling His promises.

The ride was not easy. But it's all for His glory (my faith's maturity is only a bonus).

You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
    for an everlasting sign,
    that will endure forever.”
- Isaiah 55:12-13

Now, off to my new mission...

Of Miracles and Blessings

The deadline that almost cancelled my 'study in Japan' dream altogether

Okay, it was my fault, too. I totally did not mind the deadline for the tuition exemption application because all the while I was thinking that I won't have to deal with it until I personally arrive there in Handai. So imagine my surprise when I just randomly checked the webpage of the tuition exemption this afternoon and discovered that the online registration for it was about to end in 2 hours! 0_o

To say I was dumbstruck was an understatement. I sat there facing the laptop with realizations coming over me wave after wave... Why did I not take note of the deadline for this? If I had not seen this today, I might as well not push through with my studies. (Because it's an application to exempt me from paying the very expensive tuition, I probably won't get my family's permission to go if I wasn't able to apply.) I would still like to marvel at how miraculous the whole thing was but I need to get down to business asap... 

Needless to say, I breezed through the instructions and entered the online reg system at once. Then I hit another roadblock: 80% of the instructions and text on the forms are in Japanese! -_- It seems like they're really discouraging foreign students from applying to their tuition exemption program huh? Left with precious few minutes and very little choice, I decided to open a Google Translate tab and manually copy-paste every text beside text boxes that I need to fill up just to make sure I don't put my Name where it's asking for Address.

It was exciting, yes. But it was also totally scary. And embarassing (how such an important date slipped my mind) *facepalm*

Thank God I was able to finish the online reg barely 5 minutes before the deadline. Then I just sat there quietly for a few more minutes thinking how it could have gone a number of possible messed up ways but didn't. 

I could have dismissed the idea of visiting the webpage this afternoon. But I didn't. 

Or the electricity/Internet could have been cut. But it didn't. 

Which was why I was so blown away by God when that two gruelling hours was finished. He's so amazing. Now, I only need to send the hard copy of the documents by Friday, which would call for another miracle.

"... no weapon forged against you will prevail,

    and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.

This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,

    and this is their vindication from me,”

declares the Lord.

Isaiah 54:17

--

Cellgroup

Yesterday was supposed to be our CG but all of them wasn't able to make it to Admin until 7pm XD so I just rescheduled it for today. Who knows if I would still be here on Thursday, right? Anyway, thank God that even though it was raining real hard, Meg, Joyce and Kheyna were able to come. And amidst a bowl full of Clover and Peewee, we discussed the stages of spiritual maturity (among others). I gotta say, it was very comfortable having a CG there in the Sunday school area of the kitchen.

*P.S. Haj, I better not see that pic posted anywhere.

--

Then we went 'shopping'

Ate Jade has been telling me about all those clothes and shoes her relatives have sent her from abroad ages ago and how I should check them out to see if there are some that I would like to have. We've scheduled (and rescheduled) appointments of when I should drop by their house but something always comes up. So when we met again tonight after IPM she reminded me of it and I promptly promised I would come over there after a few minutes, just as soon as the raining lets up.

But it was already 8.40pm and it was still raining hard. And the surrounding areas has filled up with water that walking around wearing shoes was not something you'd do anymore. 

I was just about to debate with myself the pros and cons of such a trip to marketing when Dan (ever the proactive pusher) immediately suggested we should go for it. 

Um, yeah, what about the shoes that we're wearing? 

Borrow slippers from Ron and Den! 

Ookay. I relented. That could work. So we left our stuff (and shoes) at NIA and braved the flood/rain. I was thinking that we can sort of grab-and-go the clothes that Ate Jade will give.  But I would soon learn that it would take us a long time sorting through all the clothes. And sure enough, after a few minutes, Ron was already looking for us because a.) They're about to close the hall and b.) Den had to go home already. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience Den =/

After it became apparent that we would have to spent longer time than expected there, we just worked something out to get the slippers to Den and get our stuff from the hall. After all, it would be rude to leave when Ate Jade already had noodles prepared for us ;) With the looming concern now gone, we were able to comfortably sort through more shirts, jackets, pants and bags. We even had to go home via trike because we got so much stuff that it's hard to carry XD

I really thank God for all these blessings He gave us through Ate Jade. I could really use those jackets and shoes abroad. And I'm pretty sure the guys also appreciate the sack full of bags, shoes and jackets XD

“Come, all you who are thirsty,

    come to the waters;

and you who have no money,

    come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

    without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread,

    and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,

    and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Isaiah 55:1-2