Monday, September 04, 2006 . 10:57 PM

thought provoking

Jie is probably somewhere above the Pacific Ocean now... Bye bye Jie... You'll be sorely missed. Thank you so much for the card you left in my shower basket. Thanks for never ceasing to keep my faith in track, for your care and concern, prayers and for being the greatest big sister.

The day before Jie left, we went on a free tour of Madison organised by International Fellowship. They brought us around in a van, since our group was the biggest of the lot - 12 people. The highlight was a visit to an American home, in the suburbs. It was nice to be hosted by an American family. They were all so warm and friendly. What's more, they've prepared a delicious spread. (we were all very hungry then because we didn't have lunch)

Here, meet Madison, the 7 week old kitten who posed for us. Isn't she adorable?


After the tour, we went for the "Taste of Madison" food fair at the Capitol area. Here, the restaurants from all around Madison had their own stalls where they sell popular foods where we can sample (but at a price). The cheapest stuff around was at least 2 bucks. We tried orginal Mexican Nachos, Cheese Kurds, Baclavas, Cheese cake (the cheesecake was fabulous!) and lots more... we weren't really thinking about the money since Jie was going to leave, so we ate to our hearts content!

And I refer to Elvin's and Rey's last entries... It's doesn't really bother me that society is just another big stage, with social actors running the show - or at least, keeping this world spinning. I am still part of this big stage play, just like you all. Like it or not, we are. But I know there's a nicer stage elsewhere for me now... A stage where I'll assume my role not as an actor, pretending just like all the others in the present stage I'm "forced" to be in, but as a child of God. Which I already now am....

Eventually, the world will pass away along with its desires... and guess what, it's the Director that calls the shots! Not the backstage crew, not the makeup artiste, and definitely not the actors. Just say, what good is it to win the approval of the other actors and not that of the Director's? What good is it to be on this big stage we are in now and not a bigger, better stage elsewhere, where there's no deception, no disillusions, no lies and no malice? Can you see the parallel I'm drawing?

At times, I still feel so inadequate... so far from the Director's standard. But you know what, our Director is a nice director. And he loves his sons, not the actors. So are you a son, or just an actor? I'm still a work in progress, not knowing how things will exactly pan out in future, but with quiet confidence, I say the Director has the best plans for his son.

I'm not ashamed or afraid to say this, but Elvin and Qing, I've always been praying for you two, that one day, at His perfect timing, you'll all come to the saving knowledge of Christ. :) Love and miss ya loads!!!

And just to encourage the others, this was written in the card my sis wrote to me...
And remember no matter what happens, no one can separate us from the love of God, "since He is for us, who can be against us?" -Romans 8:31. Let the other social actors act all they want... but YOU, always be mindful of your identity in Christ. Delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desires.... Love you all. Take care and you guys are ALL in my prayers.



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