Third year here I come!

Dear diary in cyberspace,

Thought I'd try out left aligned and see how it feels.

So I'm meant to be finishing off my apologetics module and I started off well, I promise. I wrote 600 words in 90 minutes before I get a text from mother dearest that second cousin Jacob is at our house. Peoplework before paperwork right? So I pack my mac, Bible, Deluded by Dawkins? and put God Delusion back in the library. Can't believe they don't have Deluded by Dawkin's in the library shelf. Surely if you have the atheistic view you should consider the Christian perspective also? Maybe it's not politically correct or the library simply doesn't know it exists. I asked the lady at the enquiry desk if they could order but she said I would need to pay for it. Strange. Needless to say, I said no judging by my current situation although might pop back in tomorrow and ask how much. If it's a few bob I wouldn't mind if it means the general public would have access to it.

Back home, 3 year old Jacob is cute as ever. We watched 2 episodes of Peppa Pig, Postman Pat and Teletubbies (extended version). Didn't even know Teletubbies had an extended song, I personally feel a bit robbed the last 10 years. Suddenly really want to eat tubby custard now. Strawberry custard nom nom. When I get a disposable income I will definitely treat myself to a bit of Ambrosia. Mmmmm...

Today is Thursday and it's scary seeing as Saturday 2pm will see the arrival of the prospective training centre (TC) students. I'll be embarking on my 3rd school (Saturation School of Missions) and will be the first student to be doing 3 consecutive schools. Most would do a year, save up and do a second. Of course, some have done several years but remain in the same school but going to become student leaders, staff, house parents etc. 

*sigh....

Never thought I'd be a student this year. Never liked education much but then I guess this is more a centre to equip people to live life skilfully. It is not the distant teaching from tutors that one may experience at a normal UK university. I'm the only student that I know so plenty of accountability choices to choose from! Also this year is non-residential so it's my first time being in the TC but living outside of it. Slightly sad because I won't be around students 24/7 but then also quite excited!!!

Finally I can use my crockery again and have my own room yay! I can look out the window during my quiet times and paint to my heart's content at night. I have images of doing morning runs, coming back for a banana milkshake, shower, quiet time then pack my bag and head off to lectures. It probably won't be like that. I'll run for 2 weeks before realising that actually doing a paper round is plenty of exercise for my little Asian body and painting would be a once in a blue moon activity judging by the degree workload. Still, if I conduct master management properly...

Ah rambling when I should really be writing on how to answer theological questions. Bought the long-awaited September issue of UK Vogue yesterday. Few things make me so happy. I haven't bought a magazine in a year so this is a real treat. But, at £4.10 my wallet felt very empty indeed. Interesting read though. There was an article about the Head of Fashion Louise something at Central St Martins. The fashion world seems to evolve constantly and I have long jumped off of the bandwagon. Oh the photography! The use of light, composition, colour, concept is so inspiring. Makes me to upgrade to an SLR. All in good time :)

Did some calligraphy today, the Tudor kind, mind. Sister Ching-Yee got a set for her birthday but being the Asian that she is, decides to save it for a special occasion. I broke into it for her :) let me let you the nip fitted into the pen perfectly. The ink was Windsor & Newton and was truly exquisite. Now all I want to write in is gold and jet black.

I digress.

So...last 3 weeks have seemed unproductive, probably due to the fact that i procrastinate, get distracted and end up doing things like cook lunch and write on this blog. I've spent many times meeting up with London friends to interview them, which is acceptable as it is for my module. But. I can't help but feel like time is just flying by. Wastebook has eaten away many hours. Selling clothes on ebay also takes a while. Then again, why do I need my summer holidays to be productive? Am I being a Martha for the sake of feeling organised? Joanna Weaver's book about Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World has really convicted me of my performance mentality. SATs is constantly on my mind because I need to do it but then I find it hard to switch off when I am having Mary time. Guess it is all a choice.

Today was a lot better. I went for a run around Highgate in the morning, prayed in the gardens, came back, read the Word, reflected in my journal, read Vogue(!), made lunch, did book-binding, calligraphy and that was that.

Life is still busy but I realise how much momentum is actually externally generated. Although I am pretty good at building momentum myself, it sometimes feels a trifle lonely in the big city. Guess it's time to go back. Bought my 90L rucksack, hiking boots, running trainers, gators. I'm ready for South Africa in January! UK for this term. Wonder what Jesus has in store for me? Probably continue to work on my pride, don't think this stronghold will be completely dealt with for a while. Independence, performance mentality, grace giving and receiving, quick speech, the list goes on really. It's been a humbling experience knowing that in my weakness He is strong and despite my shortcomings He still loves me before I even do anything. A friend said that YOT is very much about finding out the bigger picture, SSOM is how you fit into this picture. Well, 2nd year on CAA stretched me in my art and my dancing, at least now I know my capacity is greater than I actually think. And hey, at least I'll come back tanned and fit with a slight Afrikaans accent!

Ah wow my brain is everywhere. So much information. In nutshell life is great, God is even greater and 2012/13 will be a momentous year in finding out what the gospel of the Kingdom looks like!

[insert goodbye in Afrikaans!]