2) It's the last week of 2010 and there is a 'transitionary' feeling about this week, being sandwitched between the celebratory season of Christmas and the start of a New Year. As with how it is every year, there is a mingling of moods in this Christmas/NY season - between the air of festivity and the happy sounds of the year-end celebrations and the nostalgia of another year passing by.
3) 2010 has been a year of 'firsts' and learning. There were many memorable experiences as well as the occasional moment of regret. Among others, I
...saw the humble ways of the Myanmarese people in their native land, and learnt to have a heart (and a pair of eyes) for the likes of these people
...baked cookies (for 15 hours!), got teased endlessly for it, and learnt that it wasn't such a difficult task (especially with a good recipe ;)
...climbed Tabur, trekked at Chilling, rested at Fraser's, and learnt how to appreciate nature and its beauty
...worked at an unlikely place (I had to explain my decision to do so several times), and learnt that people, no matter where they come from or where they stand in society, are generally the same and have the same needs (companionship, respect, correction, a listening ear)
...baked cookies (for 15 hours!), got teased endlessly for it, and learnt that it wasn't such a difficult task (especially with a good recipe ;)...climbed Tabur, trekked at Chilling, rested at Fraser's, and learnt how to appreciate nature and its beauty
...worked at an unlikely place (I had to explain my decision to do so several times), and learnt that people, no matter where they come from or where they stand in society, are generally the same and have the same needs (companionship, respect, correction, a listening ear)
...took over a new cell group of guys, and learnt that people, no matter how different, are extremely valuable and full of potential
...worked with small committees to organize small efforts and projects, and learnt that people are happy to work for clear, achievable, honorable goals
...worked with small committees to organize small efforts and projects, and learnt that people are happy to work for clear, achievable, honorable goals
...oversaw 365 events in my capacity as Chairman (but did not lead them directly), and experienced the joy of seeing other/younger leaders lead well and succeed
...shared a full sermon at a church service, and was reminded that the spoken word is only as effective as a life that models the message
...played Paintball for the first time, and enjoyed it immensely - the adrenaline rush, the bullets whizzing past your ear, the feeling you get after shooting another person! Going again next year, definitely :>
...organized a "Leaders Retreat" and a "thanksgiving dinner" for the youth leaders of 365, and learnt to always appreciate them for their service, time, effort and talents (also tried the Durian Cendol in Malacca heheh)
...studied for subjects and university papers which I wasn't totally confident about and received assignment grades I probably didn't deserve, and learnt that God honours human effort by providing divine grace
...helped to organize a project for an Orang Asli village, learnt how to relate to them, and realised that people can be very generous to good causes
...started intentionally mentoring a small group of potential leaders, and learnt to 'replicate' what I've learnt to them
...organized the events for the 30 Hour Famine Camp (Monash), and learnt that almost everyone has an innate desire to "make a difference"
...attended a relative's funeral, a few months after having dinner with her (during which I realised that it was probably going to be our last dinner together), and learnt to constantly remember the certainty of death and the urgency to live
...spent good quality time with Jas for New Year '10 and "summer", and enjoyed her company thoroughly!
...played the "Father" of the prodigal son in an Easter play in Monash CF, and learnt how to cry while acting :P
...bade farewell to friends who left Malaysia, and learnt to be as much of a 'friend' as I can be to the people I meet everyday now
...shared a full sermon at a church service, and was reminded that the spoken word is only as effective as a life that models the message...played Paintball for the first time, and enjoyed it immensely - the adrenaline rush, the bullets whizzing past your ear, the feeling you get after shooting another person! Going again next year, definitely :>
...organized a "Leaders Retreat" and a "thanksgiving dinner" for the youth leaders of 365, and learnt to always appreciate them for their service, time, effort and talents (also tried the Durian Cendol in Malacca heheh)
...studied for subjects and university papers which I wasn't totally confident about and received assignment grades I probably didn't deserve, and learnt that God honours human effort by providing divine grace...helped to organize a project for an Orang Asli village, learnt how to relate to them, and realised that people can be very generous to good causes
...started intentionally mentoring a small group of potential leaders, and learnt to 'replicate' what I've learnt to them...organized the events for the 30 Hour Famine Camp (Monash), and learnt that almost everyone has an innate desire to "make a difference"
...attended a relative's funeral, a few months after having dinner with her (during which I realised that it was probably going to be our last dinner together), and learnt to constantly remember the certainty of death and the urgency to live...spent good quality time with Jas for New Year '10 and "summer", and enjoyed her company thoroughly!
...played the "Father" of the prodigal son in an Easter play in Monash CF, and learnt how to cry while acting :P
...bade farewell to friends who left Malaysia, and learnt to be as much of a 'friend' as I can be to the people I meet everyday now4) What a year it's been! It's time to leave all these things behind and look forward. The prospect of an entirely different list in 2011 is exciting! Here's to a great list of 'firsts' in 2011 for all of you :>
