Saturday, February 28, 2009
For the entire week, in between classes, I've been keeping myself busy helping out with O-Week at the HILLSONG on CAMPUS booth cum Red Frogs! And boy, what an experience it has been, meeting a bunch of new and cool people as well as serving the Lord...
Besides that O-Week = Parties... and as for that I was welcomed and invited to heaps of parties, from the Bush Party, to the Vennie Formal Party to FOCUS welcome dinner party... Wooo, hence, for the entire week, I kinda live off free food as there were heaps of free lunches through out O-Week. Even free pancakes for breakfast. But lunch was also supplied by the Hillsong Booth as well.. :D
I've been working with a really great crew, going out there telling people what we do and have a great time, sharing good conversations!
With Yaz
With Justin
With Sonya
With Dani
With Makito
With Shawn
I even had the time to go to heaps of booths that were giving out freebies and some cool activities. There was the Circus booth. The name says it all. People on unicycles, slits, juggling, clowning... etc... it was there where I got my face painted (A leaping Red Frog)
Furthermore, there is the Chocoholics club where they had a stage with chocolate cakes, welcoming people to come up at eat them, which I thought was kinda awkward. And days later, you have the Food Chemistry Club which they were using some chemicals to make ice-cream, and the line was long, people queue-ing up for them, as they were FREE!
The word FREE really relates to Everyone esp students! Free Energy Drinks by Red Bull and V. Free Barbecue and hot dogs. Free Pens, Free Posters. Free Dance Lessons, Free Gym Passes, Free Discount Vouchers, Free Bags, Free Food(heaps of food, ice kacang, to icy polls, cakes, biscuits, candy.....)
EVEN FREE LAPTOP... all you got to do is be the winner of this game... and not to mention, FREE CASH!
With heaps of games and free stuff. O-Week really is a great way to start the school year like a parade...
It was a great fun being out there helping out and getting to know people....
silenced at 2/28/2009 02:15:00 PM
Monday, February 23, 2009
It was Sunday just yesterday, and must say that it was yet again another excellent Sunday just that this time it had a little extra flavour in it... Although it is a little tiring, as usual, I really had a marvelous time. Here is why it made it so special...Had to wake up early in the morning as usual to help out at Hillsong Kids, taking care of little kids, ages 4 to 5 at Little Arc while their parents have a great time in the morning service. But due to a programme later in the afternoon, I had to stay back and work on two shifts. But I have nothing to rant about. It always has been a awesome time taking care of the kids. They just give you energy.
But when the second shift ended, I met up with Sam Loxley Thwaites... hahaha, I know his name is kinda funny... Loxley... Anyway, I was heading with him to his Macquarie BBQ party... I know, I know... I'm not a Macquire student, but staying in West Pennant Hills has made me befriend much Macq students. And since it was at Sam's place, I was invited, at the same time help out at this Hillsong - Macq mixer party....
Arrived back at his place a little early and help set up the place. And as people slowly arrived, everyone brought something that eventually filled up the table with heaps of food. Now that is what I call team work.. Hahaha.. Fruits, junk food, meat for bbq, salads, pastas, drinks, etc.
Met heaps of new people there... I reckon there were more people from Hillsong College than from Macq... :D As most of the are RED FROGS(I'm also now a red frog at UNSW).. and since O-week starts today(23.2.09), the red frogs were gearing up for O-week in Macq U(for hills campus), whereas the city hills were doing UNSW, Syd U, UTS....
So after that party cum meeting and briefing, I had my stuff and with some of the people at the party, it is back to Hillsong Church. Yeaaaahhhh Bayyy-Behhhhhh....
And tonight isnt like every other night, tonight was one of the nights where it has changed my life. Because tonight it is the time to start life afresh, a golden opportunity to not mess up! Tonight, we worship the Lord louder than ever. Tonight heavy party in rejoice. For tonigh, I made a decision. A decision that will change my life and start to change the life of others as well. For tonight, I decided to get BAPTISED!
I really think, after all my pass wrongs and mistake, and given this opportunity to start afresh at somewhere new, there is no better time to "wash yourself clean" and turn over a new leaf.
Right after Baptism, with friends and family, we dine at Pancakes on the Rocks which is said to serve the best Pancakes ever... or in Sydney at least... hahahaha... here are some of the people there, or all of the people there not in particular order.
Brian(who also got baptised, congrats), Owen, Wendy, Jess, Andrea, Kelly, Sebastian, Christine, Bronwynn, James, Jason, Jeremy, Jamie, Adrianna, and of course ME!
It was a party with church friends and family... At least everyone got together and got to know each other and had a swell time... So did I. And it was a party to celebrate that someone is making the best and right decision in their lives!
AMEN!
-When I sleep, I am dead; but when I wake up, I am reborn-
silenced at 2/23/2009 08:54:00 PM
Friday, February 20, 2009
It happen on Tuesday evening, but I only found out at Wednesday morning, but thought I might have misplaced it, but on Thursday I finally concluded that I HAVE LOST MY WALLET!As usual, I was on the bus back home, and when I arrive home I emptied my pockets as usual but did not notice that my wallet was missing as I was busy helping out with the cooking. On Wednesday morning, when I was getting ready for school, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere, as the tickets are in there. I searched high and low for it, in vain, it was no where to be found! Had to grab some cash and leave the house.
And then I realised that I cant buy concession tickets as I dont have my concession card, IT IS IN MY WALLET! That means, no student fare, but full price. Double the price! HORROR! I know, public transport here is a total rip off! And when I got to the bus, I could sit the usual bus that I normally do as it is pre-pay only and my pre-pay bus card is also IN MY WALLET! how troublesome!
So after having my weekly bus tickets disappear to Timbuktu, I ended up having to fish out even more cash for transport. What a waste. I know, I'm mad at myself as well, because I'm living in a tight budget that somehow I only have enough to eat! And now, gotta spend on a new wallet, I think I need a job, and work every Saturdays. What do you reckon?
Even after countless efforts like creating a havoc in the house searching for it, contacting the lost and found with the company, leaving details at the police station, and searching the same bus. I finally came to conclusion that it was lost.
LOST!
But its so hard to cheer up if your wallet has sentimental value or high value in this case... As I have only been using it for 3 months plus, after my mum gave it to me as a birthday present!
BYE BYE MY WALLET
maybe someday I might get you back, or maybe I might feel sorry that you're having a new stinky owner!
Anyway, back to something else.....
I consider myself to be lucky than most of the students in school as most of the people there dont have much opportunities to interact with Australians as most of the students there are from Asia. But as for me, I have cousins here and relatives living in Sydney which have prompted me to miggle around. And because I got to Hillsong church, I've been able to meet people from different countries.
But this one guy, how I met him was just special. If you want, read the other post.
VIKTOR WIZKE!
He has been a great pal for the pass week. Although I've only known him, but I know that he has a really good heart. And person I truly respect. Although only 20, he have travelling and working over here in Australia for the pass 3 months. And I find him really responsible, matured and good in heart.
I guess when you meet foreigners here, most of them would want new friends and I prompts you to make friends for life. And I'm glad that I was able to find it in this German lad. We shared laughs and joke, common interest! Even Wendy and Jessica(my cousins) find him a really great guy.
As he's on his way back to Germany, I wanna wish him all the best.
On Thursday night, we had a dinner ( me, Vik and Chris) as it was he last night here in Sydney, marking the end of a great Australian Adventure and a beginning of a wonderful friendship!
Thanks Viktor. Gonna miss you heaps man! Maybe someday when I tour Germany, I'll surely drop by to meet you up!
I guess, no matter where you're from. What nation you represent, we all come together as one in friendship!
Guten Tag!
silenced at 2/20/2009 06:33:00 PM
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It has been exactly a month since I've been away from home and out in a foreign country. And to be honest, I do miss home at times but I dont think its right to let it take over all your emotions and ruin your day. Prior to that, I've manage to have a great time and start living life the way it should be.Here is a short recap of some of the things in my life now. Besides having school on the weekdays, I have Hillsong Power House on Wednesday nights and connect group meeting on Monday nights. At times I have a nice dinner party with friends. Whereas on Saturday, I'll be enjoying my day with the cousins and going to Hillsong on Sunday as well as helping out with the kids.
It has been a remarkable beginning in life and without a doubt, I'm slowly learning to learn heaps of stuff that will make a big impact in my life...
All for now peps... Miss all of you back home.
With love,
Seumas
silenced at 2/17/2009 10:41:00 PM
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hey guys, just got myself a new lappy... weee, and a good bargain it was! I guess when you commit yourself to the Lord, everything really falls into place nicely. And recently I've got so lucky, very lucky in fact. Things have been flowing really well, I guess that is because I now have a different prospective in life, looking from a different angle.Anyway, in the previous post, I did say that I'm happily single, but I didnt mention that I would be a loner staying at home. Hahaha, I'm no couch potato! I like getting out of the warm seat. So instead, I went to a cupid dinner party, minus the cupid arrows as most of the pople there already knew each other. It was organised by my "sister" in Christ, Mindi!
She thought of gathering all of us at a Korean BBQ somewhere in Eastwood and somehow not all the people there was single, there was one couple - Pam and Craig! Anyhow, we did cook our delicious raw meat and consume them like wraps, using cabbage! My my my, it sure is nice...
Jokes were passed down the table and people talking. Met a bunch of new people! And to my surprise, this world is so small. I saw David Williams there, one of the guys I met back in church. I mean although the church is massive, I didnt think that he would be at the dinner party I was at and neither did he expect me! hahaha
I'm happily single... hahaha
And today, I was at church as usual, but the only thing that was different was that I brought someone new, in fact two of them! Viktor Wizke from Germany and Chris from China! I didnt expect them to get into the whole Holy drive, but I'm glad they had fun at the 6pm service.
I guess when you least notice, you are actually doing some evangelism. How I met Viktor was just part of Gods plan! It was some time Monday evening. I was at the city waiting for my bus back home! Then Viktor walked up to the bus stop and asked someone how does he get to West Pennant Hills. And it turned out to be on the same bus that I'm waiting for. Since the person could only provide limited resource, but I knew I could show him where to get on and off, some how I was prompted to go up and tell him that I'll help him, and that is what I did!
I walked up and say, "Hey, I'm going the same way too, the bus we're waiting for is the same, you can follow me. We'll wait for about 20 minutes."
Then we started talking, seems like that Viktor has been in Sydney and the entire East and South Coast of Australia. From Queensland to Victoria to South Australia. He has been travelling and working around Australia right after high school and he will be back in Germany the coming Friday. Kinda sad though, as I just met him, really awesome person!
Apparently, it is first time to take a bus from the city to West Pennant Hills. And I thought why would a tourist wanna go way up there. And I got the answer, he is doing what he calls "woofing" (thats what it sounds like) but I reckon its "roofing". Anyway, "woofing" is like you work for accommodation. There are some people who post their places for people to lodge, but not with money, instead they do odd jobs like painting the house(thats what Viktor did). He will be staying in WPH for a week(last night is today).
We talked heaps of stuff, from language to our home country to Australia and the weather... well yo get the idea. Anyway, while talking suddenly I said, "You'll be here on Sunday right?? If you have no plans, you must come to Hillsong! Its like this massive church with great music which is not to be missed! And its really well known as well, I mean across the globe! You have to go!"
So I started telling him about the church... and today when I said I will pick him up along with Wendy and Jess, He said he wanted to bring his house mate... And it was Chris!
I was more than happy to introduce them to my friends.... And I'm glad they had a great time...
Although there were some awkward moments, like during confession time where people who wanted to reconnect or connect or submit themselves to the Lord, they would walk to the front of the stage. And that was what they did although they didnt know what was happening. It was mostly because of Sam, he asked Chris if he wanted to go down, and Chris assume that it was to go down and jump to the music. So they went down, Sam, Chris, Viktor and me.... Hahaha... But when we explained what was happening, they were like, nope... we're not ready... LOL
Anyway, I'm glad I found a friend in them!
And I am glad everyone thought they were a bunch of great and friendly and fun people!
GOD BLESS! (all of them... all my friends, no matter where they are)
silenced at 2/16/2009 12:06:00 AM
Friday, February 13, 2009
Even before the sun rise, even before the mist of the wee hours start to become droplets on the petals of flowers in the front yard, I get out of bed, feeling a little tired as the energy of the day hasnt quite yet kicked it. But as I pull up the blinds, it marks the beginning of the daily routine. Catch the bus to the city, change bus to Uni and attend classes. After that, catch the bus from Uni to city and then another bus back home.And as the light of the day retreats in yonder mountains, I slowly wash up and pull down the blinds. Off the light and thats it for the day.
I am already use to the lifestyle that I have, as a student, a full time student with a responsibility. But at times, you just wonder that it might be a little dull and that there should be more colour in life, for example a companion.
Tomorrow is not only the weekend which I and nearly everyone enjoys, but that is not the only thing that is installed on this fine Saturday. It is Valentine's Day as well. It is where guys and girls show their appreciation to their partners, no matter if you're young or old.
But I do believe that this day shouldnt be done only one day a year, but appreciation should be shown in every day life. Eventhough my relationship status is single this year. But deep down inside, I know that I'm happily "engaged" to my companion(S) that has brought priceless joy to me. Without a doubt, that I cherish their companionship more than of a old lover that once loved and soon died out. Way beyond that.
My family, my friends - they are my love, my true love. Yes, indeed I'm not embarrass to talk about them and claim them as who I really have feelings for. As rogue(red) is the colour that set the hearts on blaze this Valentine. Please my family and friends, accept these red roses as a token of my gratitude!
silenced at 2/13/2009 09:28:00 PM
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Here I blog from BEHIND ENEMY LINES. It is a war out there! Get your weapons out(pencils, paper, calculator and most of all YOUR BRAIN POWER... etc), because in this buildings it is a battle with the enemy or say your fellow classmates to out smart each other when talking and when doing work... hahaha, Neh, just joking. But indeed we are here to learn as one, to help each other, but in the end we are each others rivals... not that I see it in that way.In the recent weeks, or say in a mere two weeks, our class "grew" literally - from a class with only 10 to a class of 14! We now have Cecilia, Nancy, David and another Mohammad(Mo) in addition to the whole motly crew. One heck of a bunch of diverse culture we have in that small classroom!
Not only do we gain knowledge from the classroom, being here, expose to all these diverse culture, it has prompted me to learn more about it. What better way then through the equisitive mind. Endless questions is what makes us able to learn as we seek the answers. No doubt, it has broaden my mind into aspects I've never thought I might have entered. But it is a gain and has no harm.
Furthermore, as the time passes by, I think that people get to know each other better, as we might have different views which might result in conflict, but I guess these issues should be left aside and not to be touched again. After all, we are all we have in the classroom that is!
And to be honest, I've been gaining a lot in these few weeks attending Hillsong, it has made me see things in a different way. Understand matters in a more in depth way that I think should be share with anyone and everyone. The heart is filled with knowledge that will only be useful when put into action. With that piece of knowledge at heart, it is no doubt that I wanna share it in order to help people.
As far as Power House and Connect group comes into context, I must say I've made friends that I look forward to meeting every weekend, like my connect leader Sam Thwaites! And not to mention, I love to be there, because I know it makes me feel great and I gain heaps of stuff from it.
Omg!
Time to go, the enemy is coming close! Classes start in about 40 minutes... Time to get loaded up with food! And its WAR!
This is Seumas, over and out!
silenced at 2/12/2009 03:58:00 PM