The "Holiday" before School Starts

My first week has been an adventure in itself. And it's great to know this is only the tip of the iceberg! As I transit from my temporary housing to my permanent hostel, many things also changed. I no longer get to hang out as often with the friends I made at my temp housing and things are gonna get busier now that school is starting.

The first week seemed like a vacation (except for the horrible admin i had to look into while i'm here... but i guess that's part of the adventure). I found exciting things to do over the weekend. watching the vball match was totally unplanned but an amazing experience! It was exciting to be in the stadium cheering for the UH Warriors as they took down the defending champions from USC. The stadium was about 3/4 full but it was very professionally done. We don't get that kind of scale in Singapore.

I only found out about the vball match the night before when I noticed a lot of cars parked at the school's stadium. So i asked the police officer who was directing the traffic and found out abt it. And i didn't know it was the Finals until the match was over and they took out the trophy! It was a nice way to start the semester by having the school spirit =)

Another highlight was hiking at Diamond Head Crater... to study about them in geography textbooks is one thing, to see it for oneself is another! it was simply awesome to be up there!

One thing keeps popping out as I reflect. Being here in Hawaii isn't about me and what I want to do. Some things about outdoor activities never change - they are amazing platforms to build friendship because there is so much time to talk and we get to help each other when we get tired. I think my greatest reward from the hike is not the view or the experience, but the opportunity to know Gregoire, a French exchange student, better. the cultural clashes, the stereotype about Christians, the language barrier... I'm not sure how much can be done but I'm willing to be used and see where God is taking this to... =) Part of witnessing for God is to be real, honest and willing...