Lazing in the Cemetery

I realised more now how important it is to just stop and enjoy life. I guess when I was in Singapore and Penang the past two years, I hadn't had a chance to say stop and relax.

There are so many more things to do in life than to just catch up with a friend in a mall. The enclosed environment in Singapore that I am used to is stifling.

Ang mohs who go to Singapore will just sit and rest in any grass area and sun tan. Now that I am here, I understand why they do that. Hot sunny weather is limited here.

I am now sitting in a cemetery enjoying the sun. And irony. Or maybe not.

Liberation from Self- consciousness

Went to Pentecostal Tabernacle church today. I got off the wrong T station, so it took me 20mins to walk there from the station.

I immediately felt at home when I enter the church. I didn't feel conscious abt my skin colour - the stereotypical view that Asians r conservative or the need to adapt the way relate to ppl to the community here. In other words, I saw myself as a human rather than as a Chinese.

Its liberating to feel you can be yourself without thinking about yourself. Losing self consciousness. Focusing on God's Word instead of self. Ah. How liberating.

(sorry that this post doesn't hv coherent flow, blogged abt this two days after going to church!)

Pretence?

I am tired. A few factors contribute to that. But the biggest factor is putting up a front.

I was deliberating to use "pretence". But it will not be an accurate description.

I need to put in effort to be American. Or rather, speak American. I am used to the normal Singapore way of talking. And I feel that they will understand me better if I speak more like them. I do hope I won't pick up their bad habits of talking too much or caring too much about themselves.

In my heart, its still singing of joy of the opportunities (or should I say "opportooonities") that I see and experience so far.

Here is a pic to end the day. Waiting at the bus stop going back to Watertown. Trying to look remotely positive! ;)

Familiarity in a Far Away Place

6th day in Boston. I finally felt I miss something - the sense of familiarity.

I remember being in Wuhan and was very happy when I saw McDonald's. Its everywhere in Boston. Doesn't make a difference.

Later in the day, I decided to go swimming. According to Google maps and Watertown Department of Recreation and Conservation, there is a public swimming pool 15min walk away. I packed everything, and went to search for this mysterious place.

After 23 minutes, I reached. And of all the things I forgot to bring, it was my swimming suit. Darn. Ultimate blurness.

I decided then to walk back home without exercising. There was a river nearby, ducks and other animals enjoying themselves. And it dawned upon me. God was giving me a sense of familiarity. His creation is his wonderful work. And I am familiar with his creation. Not to mention His love.

What a wonderful gift on Sabbath. :)