Reached Manchester today. The flight from Singapore to Manchester was very, very long and miserable. I managed to watch the movie 'What Women Want' almost 5 times on the plane journey. We(me and 2 other Malaysian AFSers, Syeekin and Shiang) waited another 2 hours in the airport for another group of AFSers from Panama to arrive. It was freezing when we got out of the airport - about 0 deg C(not that cold for some of you guys but it was for me!). I was quite tired and jet lagged from the long flight as i didn't manage to get any sleep, so i slept the whole afternoon and woke up just in time for dinner. After dinner, we went into the city to an internet cafe. When we got back, we went straight to bed.
Woke up at 6a.m. this morning just to get ready for my coach to Penzance. I'm still on the bus. Stopped at Birmingham and Bristol about a minute ago. Said goodbye to my friends in Manchester. Alice(an AFS volunteer) conducted our orientation yesterday and took us shopping in the afternoon. Wondering what Penzance's got in store for me?
I reached Penzance last Sunday evening. It was cold and raining. I was waiting at the bus stop for nearly an hour before my host family came. I think i've settled in. Still not used to the cold. I have many layers on but am still freezing.
Went to Porthmeor Beach in St Ives last Monday afternoon. Eventhough the sun was out, the wind could blow you off your feet. As usual, i was freezing so i didn't really enjoy it. They dug me a hole, but it didn't help much at all. I had a tour of Penzance yesterday, which didn't take long at all.
This morning, i went to Penwith College to choose my courses. It's a small college with about 800 students. I felt so many people staring at me as if i was an alien. I understand though. I'm taking the same subjects i took in school last year. Boring, but whatever. Going to college is quite tiring as it means climbing up that hill. Thankfully, coming down takes up less energy.
I'm feeling quite lonely. The excitement has somehow worn off a bit.My host family, well, i'm trying very, very hard to fit in with them. They're a bit too crazy for me. Am I the problem here? I don't feel happy.I'm a bit scared, depressed and awfully lonely. Haven't spoken to any of my friends since i came. I haven't really got many friends here anyway. Will my situation get any better?
It's been quite a miserable week - weather wise and all. Wonder when will it get better? Didn't do much at all today. I spent the whole day cleaning the house just to keep myself occupied. They must think that i'm so hardworking. College is going fine. Don't really know much people. I've been spending a lot of my time in the library. No one seems to want to talk to me, even when i try to be friendly. It can get pretty sad. I also try to get home as late as possible, so i spend less time at home. My excuse - lots of work in college. Can't wait to go to Spring Harvest in Skegness. Something great to look forward to - NON STOP JESUS.
Drove up to Woking today to spend 3 nights here before going up to Skegness. Staying with one of Carol's friend. Carol told me off for being myself. Such a bitch. Urgh...I'm pissed off definately. She can't expect me to change my culture and traditional way of how i do things in Malaysia so quickly. I try to be polite, unlike her 2 spolied children who's bloody rude most of the time(mind my language!). It feels really awkward now, especially when i'm stuck with them for the next few days. When we were going ice skating in Woking, she told me, "You must pay for yourself cos i can't afford to pay for you". Quite rudely if you must ask! If you have no money, why did you ever think of hosting me! Now i feel out of place! Living with a family, who has no money. I feel like such a burden to them!
What does it mean and feel to be persecuted for Christ? Spring Harvest in Skegness has taught me a lot about persecution and the persecuted church.
It has got me thinking a lot about my own Christian life and journey. Would i abandon my faith during those difficult times? I am willing to stand for Christ until the end for i long to see His Kingdom. However, it always haunt me, will i really be able to stand persecution? Makes me realise that i still don't see other people through Jesus' eyes. That's what i need to build on.
I had a dream last Friday night that i saw my name written in the book of life. I guess that's where i'll put my faith. Praying for everyone, especially my family and friends.