Juanita’s blog

Today I can proudly say to myself: “Juanita, you’ve made it”!!! Yes, I graduated. With a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree. My dad and mom have been waiting for this moment for the past 3 years, just to watch me wear the mortarboard and graduation gown. I tick off one of the list in my parent’s heart’s desire.

Today, I want to share my joy of success with my love ones. People who has helped me through my studies, those who have given me good advise and words of wisdom, those who shows endless support even when I feel discourage, those who help me to stand on my feet when I fall…..today I share my joy with…..

First in my acknowledgement list in none other than my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 3 years of studies. At times it’s stressful; at times I feel like giving up, but, my Lord from above is the one who gives perfect peace. I wouldn’t have reached this stage without His strength and His guidance. His words are my comfort and His words are my source of hope. I remember so clearly how I struggled with my decision to come to

Australia

to further my studies. Yet, looking back, my prayers were that may my steps be His steps and my decision His decision. Thank You Father for giving me another reason to say “Thank You”.

Dad and Mom brought me up in a loving environment. My gratitude goes to you both and Melissa. I’m truly blessed to be born into this family. I will hold on to the principles and Christian manner that you both have thought me and promise I will be a good testimony to those around me. I will always remember the encouragement and words of wisdom given by all of you. Although we’re far apart; but we’re one at heart. Melissa, it’s your turn next. Jia You!!

Barry, thank you for standing by me, wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for your “proof reading” skills. I’m touched by your thoughtfulness, to get me a graduation gift even though you can’t be present today. Your sms never fails to brighten my day, including the one this morning. I know, Isaiah 40:31. I thank God for you each day.

Auntie Myung, you wipe my tears and told me Jesus said “It is I, do not be afraid”. You wipe my tears and said “don’t give up”. You wipe my tears and said “stay faithful to the end”. When others discourage, you encourage. Auntie myung, I love you.

Gillian and Min Yen, you both are God send angels to earth. My dearest sisters that is so close to my heart. Iron sharpeneth iron, so does the countenance of its friends. You both have sharpened me in ways I can ever imagine. I’ve grown so much stronger through our friendship. I wouldn’t trade all the money and luxuries in this world for our friendship. It’s worth only what the heart can comprehend. Thank you for being such a great blessing in my life. Gillian, I’ll never forget what you said to me when I feel down: “God will never let a fail piece of work to represent Him”.

Nikki, I miss you. I really do. When Clara gave flowers to me today, I was really puzzled. You thought of me and asked her to buy flowers to congratulate me. Thank you for remembering my big day. I miss your hug today.

Jonathan. Honestly, I share part of my success with you. Back when I first attended Hope church and had no close friends, you were the first to be so close to me. Over the years, I enjoyed our conversation and so thankful for our friendship. When I have exam, your sms would always be on time to say “strive on”. You would offer your help whenever I need it. Not to mention, your advice to see the lecturer…but, I ended up being stubborn and never listen. Well, at least I made you proud with a degree, right jon?

My success wouldn’t be complete without thanking my two Auntie’s and Uncle’s. I can never repay their kindness and love. I pray that God will bless them abundantly. I’m really thankful.

My list can take up to 10 pages long. There are so many people I want to give my credits to.

Auntie Sally, Corinne, Shu Ai, Tabby, Clara, Uncle George, Ethel, Lincoln, Sa Ee, Twa Ee, Uncle Peter, Ah Kim, thank you for sharing this special occasion with me.

Pastor Ki, Jason, Marion, Eu Jzin, Amanda Fu, Uncle Michael, Auntie Alice, thank you for being such wonderful people.

Siew Theen, Pauline, Xuang, Doreen, Ah Yin and Siew Yee…wait till I’m back ok, then we go out and celebrate!!! Miss you all so much.

As you can see, for someone who doesn’t deserve it, and yet, I’m very blessed with great bunch of people who leaves such significant footprints in my life. You each make an amazing impact in my life.

Today, I learnt another good lesson. God never promises a bed of roses. But, that doesn’t mean I should be discourage when things aren’t going the way I want it to be.

Over the centuries, many heroes of faith have been persecuted and martryed. Jesus’s diciples were hanged, burned to death, stoned to death….they knew their reward is waiting for them in heaven.

As always, immigration department stresses me out. Maybe it’s just me, can’t work under pressure or maybe it’s just me, being too emotional. Every problem has a solution. I was doing my online application for my Permanent Residency, and my computer got hanged. When I restarted it and got back to my application, it didn’t recognised my passport and said that I have paid for it. You can imagine all the question marks flew on my head. Honestly, it stressed me out at that instant. I need to do my PR before Sept because the regulations are going to change, and yet, I’m going through such a hard time getting it done. So, I called immi and they said that server was having some problems and asked me to try signing in again tomorrow morning. If I still can’t sign in, then I have to do a courier/mail application, and that would take months, whereas online application only takes 24 hours for me to get a bridging visa. Sigh….. =(  I wasn’t really happy after that conversation.

But, we need to fall first before we know how to stand back on our two feet. I’m always thankful that God puts all the thorns in my life so that He can mould me and shape me into a better child that pleases Him. So, I said a silent prayer in my heart and told God that I will commit everything to Him, whatever the outcome will be, let it be His will, and not mine.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths

Well, I have to say, I have a God that’s bigger than any problems, that includes PR application.

Time to post a new blog entry.

This Saturday, 18th of August is our very first Street E, which actually stands for Street Evangelism. This is our first time to go out on the streets and spread the gospel message in Adelaide. So, all of you who read my blog and realised the significant meaning of this event, I really urge for prayers. At first, we thought we have to cancel it due to "Public Liability". The Adelaide Council was worried we might damage some properties, so we need to have insurance cover for that. But, thank God our church has it. Really thank God for the willing hearts to participate in this event. I know that many of us are not use to doing this, but who are we in the first place? We are just frail and sinful being, forgiven through the blood of Jesus. We only have one life to serve God, use it to the fullest.

Street E will be held around Adelaide City, with 10 of us in pairs, going from Adelaide Uni, to China Town, Victoria Square, North Terrace and River Torrens. Our meeting point will be in front of Adelaide Uni, at 10.30am. We hope to end at 12.30pm, then head back to church for lunch and feedbacks. I really pray that through this event, we may encourage more YAFers to have the burden for evangelism. Quoting from Spurgeon "Lord, please put souls on my eyesballs constantly."

Are you saved? Do you know the Saviour who took your sins upon the cross 2000 years ago? He cried in agony and pain for you and my sake.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

There’s no other way.

Less than few days from today, I will be saying farewell to my dearest friend and sister in Christ, Nikki. Today’s blog will be dedicated specially to her, a friend that is close to my heart and forever will be. I still remember the second year when I came back to Hope church from my holiday back in

Malaysia

; I got to know more about Nikki. We both became more actively involve in church that year. She was easy going and friendly, we both clicked soon enough. Our friendship developed when I asked her to come over my auntie’s place for a sleepover when my auntie was away overseas. I needed company at that time and Nikki said yes. We both had such a great time together, spending hours talking and getting to know each other, and also cooked together. I still remember she didn’t wanted to sleep in another bed room, but instead she wanted to share bed with me.

After the sleepover, we became close friends, sharing almost everything we can. I got to know her more and more as a sister in Christ. Then, I felt sick. I’ll never forget her shoulders. When I was staying at church, she comforted me, asking me to stay strong and also telling me that everything’s going to be alright. The whole time when I was fighting my battle with my sickness, you were there to encourage and pray for me. Nikki, to me, life at Hope church wouldn’t have been complete without your presence. You are a part of us and we all love you. Today, you’re still in

Adelaide

with us, but soon, you’ll be leaving us. I’m looking forward to the day we shall meet again, if it’s not on earth, then, I pray that it’ll be in heaven.

This song is especially dedicated to you, may you remember it:

这些年，一个人，风也过，雨也走，有过泪，有过愁，还记得坚持什么，

真爱过，才会懂，会寂寞，挥挥手，总有梦，总有你，在心中。

朋友一生一起走，那些日子不再有，一句话，一辈子，一生情，一杯酒，

朋友不曾孤单过，一生朋友你会懂，还有伤，还有痛，还有你，还有我。

Life is a gift from God, and that includes friendship. What makes it more valuable and precious is that we are child of God, and that we share the same bond. Even though we’re born in different country and come from different family, yet, we’re together as sisters in God’s family. I’m wishing you all the best. May we always dream for God, 为主来梦想, giving Him our best to live for Him each day.

My prayers and love is with you. Stay strong when you go back to

Hong Kong

ok. I know it’s going to be hard; but Gillian and I will support you. God bless you.