Something that has taken over all my time in the past few years is now done. And no, I am not done with the sport because I will keep playing like no other but I believe that it is the time to move on. To chase my dreams and the desire that God has put into my heart all these years.
It has been a hard decision. Easy on one level, and hard on another level. It’s something that’s been on my mind for a long time and finally I have decided to stop lying to myself, my coach and my team. As you can tell from the last post, it was a tough time for me and things will change alot. For good or for worse. This is to all of you: Thanks for standing me through this whole time, I know it’s not easy for you guys either. I’m sorry that I had to make this decision but I just want you to know that we will still play for fun and be ready to get your butt kicked by me 🙂 I love you guys for being behind me through this, and being so cool with everything.
FISH today was great. Some people from the St. Stephen’s Society came as a speaker. The St. Stephen’s society takes in young adults, teenagers who are ex- traid members, school drop outs, or drug, heroin addicts. They asked us the question of “What are we doing with our lives?” Do we want to do more than just graduate from high school, graduate from college, get a good job, and good money? Has God put a desire in your heart?
When we were told to open our hands so they could pray for us, someone came up to me, put her hand on my shoulder and started praying for me. It is amazing what God does and the timing that he has. She prayed about letting God use me and transform my heart. About how when it’s time God will use me, spark the desire in my heart to serve him. It felt like it was God telling me that it was time to move on, and that is such a big reason I made the choice that I did.
Hearing the testimonies of how they came to know Christ was amazing, unbelievable. But God is in work, everywhere, to those in need and to those who have already come to know him. I was shocked, I was happy, I just wanted to get to know them. They are all amazing people, who have changed their life for the better because they have recieved God’s grace.
I had the chance to talk to one of the staff that works for the society, and asked whether or not there were activities or things I could do during the weekends – whether it was spending time with time and helping them in little or big things. This is such a good chance to get started, to put action into the desire of my heart that God has put into me since a few years ago. It’s all about the timing, God knows when and where, I believe He has a plan for us, every single one of us.
The past few days, I’ve been talking to Corrie alot and webcamming with her alot. I love having a friend like her, a good friend. I can talk to her about anything, make fun of her (ahem), make jokes and just laugh when things are going well or bad. Also been talking friends from Philippines. I am so excited for Philippines… you have no idea.
A new and different start. It will be different but these are the experiences we learn from life. Take some risks. I pray that I have made the right choice and opportunities will come up that will allow me to serve God in the way that I desire. I pray that He continues to build my desire for serving and helping others, put a fire in my heart for You.
Cheers, Jo!
Joanne Lam 
jo lam!
first off, i am proud of you for listening to your desires and being completely honest with yourself and those around you – that itself takes courage and is not something easy to accomplish! seriously you’re amazing. i see you growing every day, learning and challenging yourself to follow God and His will for you.
i love talking to you!! webcamming has been so much fun! although it’s a huge distraction, sometimes you just have to live in the moment =) and you’ve allowed me to do that. thanks for spending so much time talking about nonsense, goofing around, sharing our joys and hardship, you know the good stuff. you definitely are one awesome friend, i am quite fortunate to have such an amazing friend!!! and i am soooo excited for the philippines as well, hehehe.
you know i’m here one hundred and ten percent. what’s more valueable to know is that God is always there within you. you’re about to embark on a great transformation and change in your life, i hope you allow God mold and transform you.
i love you jo!
– cor
one. i love that song…see above post. two. i’m glad you feel like you’v emade the right decision. remember, even if you regret it, there’s a reason that God let you make the decision to have you stop. He’s done with you there and needs you somewhere else. ok i have to go to school, so i will see you there 🙂
Jo,
This is big. What you have done, is taken control of your life and your destiny. You have matured in in the last couple of weeks into someone that knows what she wants and can make it happen.
Most people can let the status, or the CV thing take control of them. It takes a lot of courage to take something that you feel so passionately about and to give it up.
I am proud of you for making this decision. It’s like dating, if it doesn’t work then it doesn’t work. There is no use wasting your emotions and your love on something that just isn’t giving back to you.
But remember in these instances, when there are rough times, you can look to God and those who love you. So remember to go to the Light always. And He will guide you. As he always has.
I’ll also be here if you need me. The big brother that’s not really a brother. Whatever that means.
Cheers,
humm….i thought i had commented already, what a bad online journal stalker!
Jo, you kick some serious butt. I know so many adults who would not have done what you did because it means being honest to yourself and dissappointing others, and that’s a hard thing to do. Honestly, I find it very hard to say no to people myself. I’m sure that there will be times that you’ll miss being on the team, but there will be so many times that you’ll be thankful not to have that burden. Anyway, whatever happens, we are always here for you. And I know that you’ll be fine because in all of this you just keep seeking God and He guides you. It’s so much more important to be true to yourself and true to God, more important than whatever people and teammates and coaches say.
luv ya! =) emily