The one thing that kept me from going insane today was Shirley’s office and being able to talk to Jason. Happy Birthday, 26. Only four years till the big 30. When he was in Hong Kong, we spent quite a bit of time together just hanging out, playing basketball, watching movies or what not.

When I was in Toronto in May, going through a tough time. He brought me out and around, shopping, having a drink, just hanging out. It was nice. I’m looking forward to seeing him again. I’ve missed him.

Shirley and I called him in Toronto and sang Happy Birthday to him through the phone this morning and talked to him briefly. That took me off my crankiness. We also found out he was coming back to Hong Kong in a few weeks, I’m so excited!

So many things to look forward to! But this is going to be a long week. And now for something that’s absolutely beside the point: As of tomorrow, this blog is half a year old!

Talk soon my friends.

As much as I hate to admit it, and as much as I “sigh” when I hear the words lawn bowl. It was entertaining watching a part of this international tournament today. I can never stand for a whole day to play that game, but it was quite intense to watch in the end. I guess I can’t really explain it, but it was fun watching my mom in this intense game.

Everyone standing up not knowing who’s going to win until the last second. Then winning by just one point, one move, the last roll of the game. With massive amount of people around the lawn watching and cheering. It was impressive, I’ve got to say. The excitement that was shown around the field was fun, it reminded me of the holiday tournament.

It was pretty cool having to eat dinner at the ceremony of the tournament held at Football club. There were so many people, teams from all over the world, and the hall was quite big. Decorated, organized (well except for the ceremony part itself.. which was a bit annoying), and must I say, the food was amazing! I think I gained 10 pounds tonight from the lovely chocolate moose, chocolate cake and apple crumble with vanilla sauce. I couldn’t help but say ‘wow’ when I walked into the hall.

As much as I hate to say my rents play lawn bowl, I’m glad it’s their “sport” and they enjoy it so much. Things wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t play it. They love the sport, and they love playing it, even though its a tournament, it’s all just a game to them, which is a great attitude. The game lights them up, from the way the talk about it, the way they treasure it. It’s something we all need in our life.

It doesn’t have to be a game, but a hobby or just something that lights us up no matter what mood we’re in. Something to go to when we need a break. Something not just temporary. What’s the thing that lights you up?

No I am not going to start playing lawn bowl. Sorry mom and dad.

See you again folks.

Just yesterday, during lunch time a bunch of us were in the FISH room and Trevor led us into a discussion small group type thing. He gave us a small packet that talked about our sufferings, why doesn’t God wipe out suffering, etc. I’m not going to write a long sermon on it but one thing I read in the packet has stuck in my mind ever since.

“Problems can make us better if we refuse to let them make us bitter.”

That’s what I’ve always believed in. I didn’t put it that way, I’ve always had to explain it more but when I read this quote, my eyes drew to it. Because I knew thats the way I think and that’s how I get through most things along with friends and family- and God.

I’m struggling, some of my friends are struggling, sometimes I feel so helpless. I don’t know what to do, then I just get irritated because I wish things would get better. But I need to be their support, to who ever’s struggling. It’s these times that God challenges us to hand over our problems to Him, to believe, trust in Him, to grow in Him and to grow as a person.

“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3

Take a minute or two, pray for someone who is suffering and or going through a crisis. It may seem small to you, but in God’s kingdom, every light shines.

cheers

– j

Hi there. Sorry I’ve been gone for quite a while. I came back from El Nido and trying to get back into the hang of things at school. El Nido was amazing. I can’t put into words how great it was so this entry will not be very long. But I hope ya’ll had a great Chinese New Year, got lots of lai See and had a good time off school.

Does that look unreal or not? I can’t believe I was there and saw that in person. Props to Steve for this picture. Amazing. It was a great time off of busy Hong Kong, people and school. Just to remember God’s creation in nature. It is so beautiful. The sights, the sounds, the smell, the mountain, rocks, ocean. I met new friends, and got to know old friends even better. We had good talks about the creation of the world, dating, and everything else you can think of.
I still don’t see myself being back in Hong Kong. Thinking about times in El Nido, thinking about the staff at the resort. They had such great hospitality, the best I’ve seen in my life. Some might say that they can’t stay that long with nothing to do, they need to do some shopping or city life or whatever. I agree, but El Nido is different. It is such an amazing resort that those things don’t even go through your mind. You just admire the ocean, the sound of the waves, the sunset, the blue sky, the stars at night. Go wild with your imagination, it was all at El Nido.

Though I want to be back in El Nido like no other, it’s good to be back in Hong Kong. Im looking forward to catching up with people, having Scott cook for me sometime, going to Macau sometime, Cambodia in two weeks, oh so many things to do! Nonetheless, Things are good!

-j

Sorry kids,

I’m off to El Nido, Philippines for a week. “Vacation with a purpose.” I’ll update you when I get back. Don’t have too much fun, I know ya’ll will miss me.  Control yourselves and behave 🙂

Love, Jo Lam… or Jam as J-rod calls me.

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Is it normal to feel kind of lonely sometimes? I guess it is. Aches.