Speaking of 'perspective'....

General manager of our church retreat is a good leader with good insight. He said that fundraising isn't others supporting us to go on the mission trip. Instead, fundraising is giving ppl a chance to participate by offering to God which then gives us an OPPORTUNITY to serve. (In my case, serve overseas).

So that got me thinking for awhile.

Visa!!

My passport returned to me today. I came home to find it appeared on my desk. Not. My kind mother drove downtown to pick it up this morning!!! So that's another completed piece of formal information :D YAY!

On another note, I officially have no U-Pass this summer because of not taking summer school. Paying bus fare every time I go somewhere is a bit stressful (compared to just waving your u-pass around each time) because I feel the worth of $2.50 more now. A study has shown that people are more reluctant to be pay out of their pockets when being late for appointments when compared to just having an amount deducted from their overall salary. Perspective?

Research

Currently looking at ways to combat humidity + high temperatures + sun exposure for hair! Finding ways to take care of my hair will prepare me to be a good roommate to share a bathroom with and get me ready to accept the fact that there may not always be reliable electricity...? Yeah I don't really know what to expect but I will expect it anyways. People may think it's vain to worry about appearances while on stm (because it's not about how you LOOK, it's about SERVING... and they're right) but still, gotta take care of yourself~~  Plus knowing some good tips will save me valuable sleeping time or fellowship time or any type of time!! :D

http://www.refinery29.com/the-6-easiest-summer-hair-care-tips

On another note, I lined up to apply for my entry visa today at 630am with a large coffee from McD's + 'Heart of Darkness' and finished by 915am so that was my super productive morning :D

Sacrifice.

It's been confirmed that I'm actually not allowed to say where exactly in China that I'm going so that everyone stays safe... DUN DUN DUN!!

Anyways, just got offered the job from Census Canada! Went through online application, written test, and phone interview for a total of maybe 3 months of waiting and finally got the call! It's like $15/hour, work on your own time, in a neighbourhood near you. And it's from June to end of July. I've actually calculated it before: even just working 20hrs/week for 8 weeks = $2400.

But, actually, I couldn't take this awesome job because I'll be in China for all of July which means I won't have income which means no own spending money which most likely means less/more careful shopping while in HK for 8 days. Before you start thinking 'Well you should have seen this coming', let me say that I knew going on this trip would take some kind of commitment, which to me, means: seeing something through even if it means giving up other things. So I was ready to give up Time, and the Opportunity Cost that comes with giving up time (like certain cool summer jobs like working in summer camps/census), but I just feel the sacrifice more and more with every turned-down opportunity and if I don't look at the overall purpose of giving up these things that I want, I might not want to do it at all.

We're called to offer cheerfully and give sacrificially. How is something a sacrifice if the cost doesn't have an impact on us? How much would you like a gift from someone you love if you knew it was thoughtless and cheap? Not much right... so how could God accept the same from us when he loves us so much? I think I'm blessed to have things to give up for God & I'm so thankful to have encouraging friends but I have to ask myself, 'How strong is your faith?' to really trust that God will provide my family and I with what I need, to not stress out because of really trusting, and to stay positive because of not stressing out....?

Preparation:

I've decided there are many ways to prepare for this trip. The first of many steps would be to apply for the Chinese Visa.

I really overestimate my own patience here. Let's say the combination of needing to discover much unknown detail (like the City/Province I'm visiting?) with the unknown process of applying for said visa does not make for a pretty Me and my lucky Parents get collateral damage... please remember me and don't underestimate prayer. I need all the patience I can get.

On a lighter note, my mother has entrusted me with the responsibility of going to the Chinese consulate to complete the app. I even get the family car! Lucky me. Getting downtown by 7am will be a feat. Breakfast, anyone?

(At this point, I don't know why I even say 'anyone'. Have not openly declared the existence of this blog yet)

Schedule released!!!!!!

Schedules are always exciting because when you see the events you feel one step closer to the happening! Excited that we get rest time after dinner, which is at 1830, because I like relaxing in the evening (who doesn't) and also from 1300-1500; pretty sure afternoon break from teaching will be useful. Teaching 2 hours a week right now is already something so... teaching all day will be quite interesting. Finding it a hassle to minus 12 all the time? Practice your military time =P

At the same time, it's also quite intimidating thinking about speaking in Mandarin (a language I don't really know) to try and teach a language they don't know really know (English).

I really need to practice journaling more often during the trip. It will be a progression I definitely would like to document. Plus we won't get email or anything so.... great excuse to get the Moleskine I've always wanted. I want to journal fast because I also want to get to know everyone on my team. And the students. And learn Mandarin... That'll take some energy.

Confirmed dates.

Will be going to the camp that's on July 5-18.

Edit:

Confirmed total trip date:
June 27 - July 20.

First post.

10 days ago (April 26th), I sent in the application and asked for references. Waited. Now 3 days ago (May 3rd), the application has been accepted! The camp dates are 2 weeks in solely in July, 1 week in July + August, or 2 weeks in July; I will most likely decide on the last two durations.

Now to fill out another application.

Also need to double the check the costs of this trip. I know the general amount already but now that I'm accepted into it, it's a bit different you know. Need to be realistic and practical now. To be honest I'm quite intimidiated by the amount, even if 1/3 is supported by SVPG and 1/3 by team fundraising, 1/3 will still need to come elsewhere... I have a few fundraising ideas from a few others who have gone on STM's, but it's always different when you're in the situation.

Anyways, nothing has begun so far, yet I've already feel like so much has been done. Just the application process itself: getting the green light + blessing from my parents, asking people for advice and having friends pray for me, talking to other leaders and friends who have gone on STM before... so much is already out of my control. Applying to this thing requires giving up time, money, and more importantly (for me, at least), what limited certainty I had of Summer 2011. Everything is seriously in His hands now-- as it has always and should have been.

So this me documenting what I can. Welcome & hello =)