Captured memories: Deeper trust...

(This post was penned in February 2011.)
After returning from USA, I also had on my heart to start auditioning for mainstream acting courses, something I'd dreamt about doing since 2005 but wasn't ready to do. In November 2009 when I was in Switzerland on missions, a friend of my missions leader had a vision / prophecy for me, which greatly encouraged me to step up and step out to pursue performing arts. More specifically, I thought about studying with NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts). It was shortly after this that the Lord started showing me that I was to resign from my full-time job and go on another adventure with Him. The Lord gave me about a month's grieving time before He asked me to resign, and another five weeks before I moved on. I knew I was in a place of obedience and had peace.

I also turned 30 last year, and had a blast throwing a birthday party with the help of good friends (see chocolate truffle tower on RHS, that was created with the help of a dear friend Rebecca), and was able to return to USA to do theatre with godly, excellent artists in an atmosphere of worship. Looking back, it was a year of 'turning points'. The Lord was enabling me to emerge as my true self.

So I set out to audition for NIDA. I needed to get out of my comfort zone of 'the church culture' and into the lives of everyone outside that culture I've stayed within for the past four years. Hoping to return to MasterWorks in 2011, my options were few and far between. I could do some weekend workshops, week-long workshops, and I can audition for the highly competitive bachelor degree (3,500 applicants for 24 positions) to see what it's like. A bachelor degree seemed like too much commitment for the time being... and I was hoping to find work. The experience of auditioning was what I was after. Tracey called me in late September, asking if I'd like to audition for a part-time, year-long course with her. I thought I couldn't attend the course, and turned it down. The next day, I received news from MWF which to me meant that I wasn't returning to MWF in 2011. I thought perhaps I could audition for the year-long, part-time course after all.

My time at Gordon & Edna's was my happiest time in Newcastle. I was preparing songs and monologues for several auditions; working one day a week at the church, sometimes more; teaching Special Religious Education at the local primary school; doing the counselling course; receiving counselling; being part of cell and church and living with two people whom taught me much by living in faith. I loved the cell I was in. I'd witnessed it grow and go deeper over the three & half years I'd been a part of it, and have developed special bonds with the cell family.

In the midst of this happy season, the Lord was moving some special people in my life... Winnie had left. And one of my closest friends Kasey left YWAM, Newcastle last October and moved back to LA with her husband Rob. My adopted big sis Sophia was planning to leave Newcastle by early 2011. I felt like the Lord was moving me on because He was moving people out of my immediate reach. I still had beautiful friends in Newcastle, and I cherished them dearly. I remembered grieving at the thought of leaving Newcastle for three months when I was about to go to USA. I wasn't ready to leave all the relationships behind... Then I realised that relationships was another big part of my life that I had to entrust the Lord with. Relationships may or may not remain, but He is with me always. 

From Miracle Worker to Chinatown to meeting former Aussie Idol Host

This is an extremely long blog. But I've inserted piccies to help you read through the update!

I cannot justify sleeping when today's been such a cool day :) I mean, there's been many cool days in the past weeks. The MasterWorks Theatre production of The Miracle Worker (story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan) was, in short, miraculous. The entire production was filled with God's presence. God gave us a well with a water pump as a prop, we got given clay water jugs. We had an amazing set at a low budget because of our wonderful production team and crew.  Of our four shows seating at least 210 per show, we only had a total of 20 seats that weren't filled. We had to turn people away on opening night, and on our final show we had at least 30 people standing or sitting on the floor. Yes, we had a cast of talented actors, but we've all learnt that it's not about gifts / talents but about the fact that we're His, and the fact that His spirit living inside us brings Him glory when we walk with Him. So the good fruit of these past four weeks is abundant. Above all, TWO of our cast members were baptised on the closing day & night (of the show), on the second last day of the festival. Could MasterWorks be more wonderful?

So my previous MWF Theatre buddies Brandon and Christi drove to see the closing show. Brandon drove 15 hours. Christi and her hubby Barry drove up from Chicago and took me with them on their way back to Chicago and had me spend a couple of nights with them, catching up and living up the good times. I was thoroughly blessed by their beautiful relationship. Like they said, marriage is made by God to represent Christ's love for the church. I love witnessing happy marriages :) And I went from one happy married couple to another. I'm now in New York, a couple blocks west of Time Square, staying with Rich & Joyce. Rich was the director of the Theatre program at MasterWorks, and Joyce was the Counselling director there. I'm in GREAT company. Happy times.

So I found out Benny bro was coming to NY on the same night I was arriving, but planned to fly straight out to another state the next day. But somehow, the flight that Benny bro thought was confirmed WASN'T. And so Ben & Angie (his missionary friend from Hillsong, Sydney) joined me to see Miss Liberty :) I knew it! I knew it! God had Ben not fly out so we can do a mini mission trip in New York. If it wasn't so, we would've completely missed each other in NY. We can make all the plans we want, but God has the best plan for us, eh :) I also got to meet Ben's friend Kayon from C3, NY yesterday. Both Angie and Kayon are super cool. I cannot begin to tell... With Kayon, she met me ages ago in the spirit when she was praying for the mission team in France & Switzerland. What the Lord showed her was spot on, and what she shared with me gave me so much courage to step up and out into the plans the Lord has for me in this new season. So I got the three of them to meet Rich last night, and we  had a blast praying & walking around 42nd street and checking out the gym/club at Rich & Joyce's apartment complex. I LOVE connecting people!!! Have I ever told you that?

So I got to Chinatown after mid day today to meet with Ben & Angie for lunch. We were to meet on the corner of Canal St. and Layfayette Street. When I emerged out of the Subway, my first reaction was, 'Whoa, I don't like it here. I really prefer to go somewhere else'. I felt guilty then, seeing that I'm Asian, I felt that I should be more adaptable to my own 'culture' and its occasional Asian chaos. Anyhow, I  wait for Ben & Angie at the street corner, and spotted them walking toward me from the opposite side of the intersection. I was excited and relieved. Ben needed to do some money exchange, so while he pays a  visit to the bank, Angie & I went to Maccas for some water. Ben checked in with us while we were waiting in line, and went outside to wait. While we're waiting on the side of the counter for our order, a big tall, middle aged man waiting in line started telling me abusive things about Chinese people. I wasn't impressed, and tried to tell him otherwise. Not everyone is the same. And where is he from, anyway? Well,  he didn't give up, and started hurling abuses at the Americans too. By this time, Angie became concerned for me and blocked herself between me and the middle-aged man. A younger American man in front of him in the line began to tell him otherwise about the Americans too.

Ben felt the wait was longer than it should have, and came into the store. As soon as he saw the old man, he blocked himself between the old man, Angie and myself, and told him to not to talk to us. I changed my focus, asking the young man if there was a decent yum cha that he'd recommend. He told us he was from out of town, and was still looking for a place to stay. I thought of Patricia, my real estate agent teacher-mentor. After about a minute, our order had arrived and we proceeded to leave the restaurant, with the young man behind us. I had just given him Patricia's number when the old man came out after us. Ben told him to go away again, and we set off to go in the opposite direction, decidedly changing our lunch plans. It was during this time that Ben started revealing to us what had just happened from his seasoned missionary perspective. The middle-aged man was demon possessed. And Ben saw him on the streets walking on opposite ends of where we were before we went into Maccas. In the spiritual realm, wherever we walk, God's angels as well as Satan's demons see the spirit inside us. I had a spiritual breakthrough last night, where God was freeing me from fear. Today, the enemy was sent my way to intimidate me. Well, I wasn't 'afraid' of him, more so annoyed. But the catch is, I let that demon inside the man waste my time by talking back to him because I didn't ask the Lord to show me what the man was about. I had the authority in Christ to tell it where to go, but I didn't exercise it. The work God had ordained for me to do was probably to connect the young man back at Maccas with Patricia. And the objective was accomplished. But if we didn't have unpleasant company, we could've probably connected better. This lesson reminds me of what I learned last November in the streets of Paris, after the Sein River Cruise. Gabby, the 16-year-old girl on the team had just reached out to a gypsy beggar girl (about 10 years old) and within seconds a demon possessed lady came to harass Gabby. I went to distract the lady, only to realise that it was a demon. I'm so glad that He's teaching me discernment. Lord, thank you for giving me this mini-mission trip!

So on our way OUT OF Chinatown and back to where Kayon lives, we came across a Barber shop and stopped by to see Ben get his hair cut and big beard shaved. We connected with three Uzbekistan men and exchanged some Russian vocabularies. I loved it. They wanted us to send them the photos we took in the store. Such kind souls.

Kayon came back from work around 4pm and we all caught up on our day. We decided to help Ben buy a replacement suitcase, courtesy of American Airways for replacing his damaged suitcase with $150. We went to Macy's, as per recommendation of Rich. On our way back to Kayon's we stopped by a Japanese ramen shop for dinner. It was already 9.30pm but we were hungry. Angie & Kayon aren't accustomed to Japanese noodles but graciously endured the experience with Ben & myself. But it all made sense when just as we were about to finish up, James Mathison walked in to order a take-away. Ben called out to him, hey you're Australian right? James, right? I thought God brought someone that Ben had met earlier on his trip back in his path, and was rejoicing inside. But I also thought that the guy looked rather familiar. It was when he walked away briefly to order his take-away that I clarified with Ben who he was. Oooh! Former Australian Idol co-host!!! He's a really nice guy! We were stoked. He shared that he's in New York doing a screen-writing course. So this time, I got to give him Rich's name card (which he gave me yesterday), in case he'd like to connect with fellow writers / performing artists (who, we all said, was a really sweet Christian too). Kayon got to give him her church's contact, seeing that they just had a C3 conference last weekend, featuring a Creative stream. Ben got to share some of his wild stories as a missionary. James said that some of his closest friends from childhood are from C3, and that they're sweet, sweet people. All God's people say, Amen!!! :) Btw, James said I can put up a picture I took of us on facebook. So I will! Watch that space :) Lord, we're praying for James' salvation! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Goodnight, good morning, & good day... wherever you are!

What's been happenin' at MWF...

I haven't had time to update you on what God's been doing here at The MasterWorks Festival. It makes me happy to be in an environment filled with artists learning to worship Him with their craft. But we can get so busy that we don't get enough time to sleep~!


Things have been moving very fast. We're already into our third week. On the first Monday of the festival the Theatre Company auditioned for roles in the production The Miracle Worker which we'll perform at the end of the fourth week. When I was in LA I stayed with Sean and Catherine Gaffney, former faculty of MWF Theatre Company. Catherine gave me some great pointers for my auditions and I was keen to put them in practice. The audition time was challenging but fun and God impressed on me during my quiet time that it wasn't about the roles I get, but about growing closer to him through the role. I was ready and hoping for a challenge but also had peace with the roles I was given. 


The Holy Spirit led our faculty members Rich Swingle, Patricia Mauceri and John Kirby to choose the casting and by Wednesday I was entrusted with the roles of SMALLEST BLIND CHILD, THIRD CRONE and the understudy of ANNIE (Anne Sullivan). When the cast was announced I was in tears because I felt that He was answering my heart's desire. An understudy has the responsibility of learning all the lines of a leading role without having to perform it unless the lead couldn't perform for any reason. Being a perfectionist, I've had fears of memorising lots of lines and it's been a blockage for me in receiving more performing responsibility. So this is the perfect opportunity for me to overcome this fears. I'm grateful for His perfect plans. However, my schedule has been very full here and I haven't had a lot of time to learn ANNIE's lines nor rehearse on set. Am learning to juggle a lot of things and to prioritise. "Lord, enable me!" 


On the first Tuesday Rich asked me to direct a short skit 'Jesus is the Way' to about 90 basketball camp kids alongside our percussion faculty John Cassica. About 7 fellow colleagues jumped to their feet to help out in this 'mini mission trip'. I felt so in my element. I love doing evangelistic skits!!! God's hand was on us and He enabled us to come up with the skit within 45 minutes after Bible Study and perform it at about 10pm. The kids rose to their feet in applause for John and for the skit. That night 12 kids came to know the Lord. WOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!


During the first week, we also had two Masterclass instructors come - Bev Holloway, a casting director from LA and John Forbes, a former West End and Broadway producer. Bev gave me revelatory pointers on my Biography and head shots, and then gave each one of us an opportunity to do screen auditions of real film projects with feedback. Patricia has had years of television experience as a soap star and coached us before we went on screen for Bev. It is the first time that I've been afraid of the camera. We also got to see the audition videos of those that got the roles in one of the films we auditioned for. Acting is not easy!!! But it's so rewarding for those that are created by Him to do it! We stayed up till at least 11pm, 12pm in class each night. Our days are so full!!! As Bev was finishing up, John Forbes came and shared one of the most powerful testimonies I've ever heard. I was sobbing for most of it - one and half hours. Then the Theatre Company got to audition for the MWF Honours Recital, after spending 15 minutes of coaching time with John. He is such a humble, talented man. I'm amazed by how and what he was able to draw out in my characters in such a short time. I was on the verge of tears during the music theatre audition (Colours of the Wind), and I literally wept for a good minute in my monologue audition (Saint Joan). I never felt so truthfully connected with my characters and was able to present them in their vulnerability. It was a new discovery for me. 

As part of my 'Work Service' Scholarship, Rich asked me to train the theatre class on Improv and lead our Improv night performance. The performance took place last Wednesday. It was AMAZING! God's hand was on us and the team came up with the most random and hilarious CROWS (Characters, Relationships, Objectives & Where's) for the scenes! The audience erupted into laughter and I have received many reports of belly aches on the night. After Improv time we spent some time in free 'worship' (where whoever had a song on their heart would sing or play on their instruments and everyone else would join), then we spent the rest of the night in enacted prayer (some of you may remember the 'acted out' prayer requests that Rich Swingle introduced). It was a powerful night of 'worship' & prayer. One of my theatre colleagues was so deeply impacted that she received Christ that night. Another colleague shared his testimony during morning devotions the next day. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. Most of us were sobbing. Apparently John Forbe's transparency and vulnerability in his testimony has been instrumental in changing my colleague's life for an eternity. Praise Jesus for their divine appointment at MWF!!! I got asked today to direct him in the scripture performance of Psalm 139 this Sunday. I'll also be performing Psalm 139 as my persoanl testimony at a church in NY at the end of July. Lord, enable me!!

Rich had me lead warm up, devotions and worship yesterday. During that hour, I shared the spiritual insight on Yoga with the Theatre Company. It was a powerful time. Seeds were sown, and I pray deeply. It was a breakthrough for me as well because I've been getting agitated doing research for it. I knew that He appointed me for the job as I used to do yoga in group fitness classes. I'm thankful for the truths He's revealed to the class through me about His Word, about how the demonic infiltrates cultures / fads. I pray that His truth will continue to draw individuals into closer walk with Him, to choose Him over what's convenient and to walk in His Light.

Leading my bible study group tomorrow night. :) 

Many more testimonies to come.


Please pray that I won't get sick again. I got sick on my way to USA and was sick during week one. I've had very limited sleep over the past weeks and am feeling under the weather. I promise to be good and go to bed earlier... like NOW!

There's everything... except perhaps dingos, kangaroos & wombats... you get the drift...

Alright, alright. So I said I'd show you food piccies. The row down the right hand side are most of what was served for my 'wind receiving' lunch. Yeah, it was yummy. And what's with the heading? Thought I'd tell you I haven't seen any animals since I landed, but have been bitten by a loathsome mossie in the apartment several times. It's too clever for me to catch it with the electric mossie swatter. (Argh!!) Somehow insects in high density population are really good at hiding & dodging. (Just you wait...) So never mind about the dingos, kangaroos etc. You won't find them here. There're plenty of souls aggregated on the island country though–all of 22.9 million people of which 2.6 million live in Taipei the capital city. Taiwan is an island about one fifth the size of Victoria State (or a quarter of Tassie). Imagine the entire population of Australia (a continent) getting cozy on an island country this size! 


Taipei–the city of cheap gourmet eats, armies of scooters, yellow cabs, high altitude mountain tea, the 101 skyscraper, and much much more. Can anyone run out of things to DO here? The street level of my apartment block is filled with boutique stores (shopping, anyone?), cafes & eateries as well as roadside vendours. During day time, men and women roam the streets on business and home errands. At night and on weekends, the young and beautiful parade the streets, some taking pictures of their trip out to the 'xoxo' shop or restaurant made famous by 'xoxo' tv program / magazine. 
Yes–my neighbourhood is a tourist destination.

Gourmet meals in Taipei are about half of the Australian price tag. Anything 'shopping' or 'work' related is within walking distance (or a few MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transport) / bus stops). The sea is a mere 25 minutes' commute, as are the mountains of evergreens. Taiwan is an island country surrounded by coral reefs and layered with granite and fertile volcanic soil. The agricultural produce is a delight; flavour-some, sweet, and generously priced. If you've seen the recent Iron Chef episode that featured Valentines Day theme desserts (where the French challenger won), you'd have seen a variety of bananas, of which a batch were Taiwanese bananas. (Yay, we're famous!!!)

Once upon a time, a trip to Taiwan in my childhood was synonamous to eat-till-you-pop and shop-till-you-drop. With age, shopping's become more of a necessity than an event for me. But I still enjoy the food and appreciate having a plethora of 'stuff' within easy reach (should I ever have the need for them). Most importantly, I love being able to see the faces of my family every day. I'm not so sure about the smog though. There're quite a few environmentally friendly projects around the city, but I really miss being able to roam around the beach and the grass fields (which by the way, are sectioned off for 'viewing' purposes only' in the cities). *Sigh*... Can you imagine 2.6 million people stomping on a few patches of grass scattered throughout the paved city?

For a Taipei-Melburnian-Novacastrian woman, I'm okay with taking a walk through the underground shopping strips (yes, you can eat, play, drink, and shop... and live a life underground if you choose to), but only for so long. I might just loose all inhibitions and roam around barefooted very soon (as long as it's somewhere clean–doh!). I was brought up to wear slippers indoors, but my heart longs to run through a field of daisies... (Yes, I knew it! I've always been barefooted at heart!) Whoa, what a bold thing for someone born in Taipei to say!!! ;p

Oh by the way, I got a birthday haircut from lovely Aunty Lisa (Dad's sister) on Tuesday. God bless Aunty Lisa!! I feel spoilt and have no complaints. She always gives me a new haircut when I'm in Taiwan. My hairdresser's a celebrity beauty stylist who also me my last hair cut, which I kept for 2 years & almost 4 months because I've never had a more manageable hair cut before. I spent 4.5 hours at the hair dressers... And the good news is, I still look like a girl! I mean, I haven't cut it all off. I've kept it at shoulder blade length to fit in with the style in Helen Keller's era (1880-1968). I get all excited just thinking that I'll be in the production A Miracle Worker in Indiana, USA very, very soon! *Irenehappidance*

From one motherland to another...

I have a sneaking suspicion that some people are expecting an update. Well if it pleases you, then blog I shall ;)

One of my main objective before the three-month sojourn was to get my MasterWorks Festival 2010 audition videos done. I auditioned for the role of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker which will be performed during the last weekend of the festival. Megan helped me with a run through mid week last week, but I was wasn't sure who'd be able to find helpers to play the other three roles. That mission was fulfilled on the eleventh hour, thanks to Asher, Skye & Megan. I had no idea how He was going to provide, so it means a lot that it got done. Here are the fruits of our labour: Irene as Annie Sullivan & Irene as Helen Keller. Enjoy the drama! :D

I arrived Melbourne on Sunday, and re-shot my Saint Joan Monologue (another audition monologue for the festival) for my bewildered house mates. I managed to get Rich Swingle (co-director) had a look at the audition videos, and found that my facial expression were hidden in the dark in the Newcastle shoots. Fret not, I sent out an SOS! email to former theatre ministry friends in Melbourne. And the very next day two of them came & blessed me with an hour of their time. Isn't God good?! Thank you, Chris and Jess!!! Here are the re-shoots: Irene as Annie Sullivan - New & Irene as Helen Keller - New. Sadly, the one for Annie turned out blurry because the camera went out of focus. But He's provided for my every need! I'm praying that the videos give both of my directors John Kirby and Rich Swingle sufficient information to cast me in the role He's prepared for me this Summer!  

The day before I left for Taiwan was a mini madness. I stayed up till 2am getting most of my luggage sorted on Friday morning. Managed to get up for brekky with an old friend, had lunch with Jayden (my almost 10 month old nephew) & his Mum (my sister Jen), visited a friend who's expecting in September, and celebrate my brother Ben's birthday (a couple of days in advance) over dinner. This is your typical 'Irene tried to pack too many things in & shouldn't ever do that again' kinda day. But hey, it worked out okay. I even managed to pick up Ben's cake and prepare a salad for dinner. He's quarter of a century old now :) Congrats, Ben! 

I flew into Tao-Yuan airport on Sunday at 5.35am (local time is a couple of hours behind Sydney) with the heaven a-drizzling, my body aching, and the city awakening. I haven't seen Taipei this quiet before. Dad's in Shanghai on business, so I caught a 6.10am bus into Taipei, and hopped onto a taxi to get to the doorsteps of the family studio apartment in a back street lane way in a busy business/shopping district. On the way I saw several large sized temples, including a very famous temple called 'Xin2 Tian Gong'. My translation is 'Path to the Heavenly Pavilion"... Oh, and something else also caught my eye... A red business banner that offered face reading (clairvoyance) for pets!!!! It was a jaw drop moment in the spirit for me. I took pictures. I had to remind myself: "Okay Irene. Nothing's weird. You've seen it all before, haven't you? You lived here for 10 years!") Only I realised I'm not seeing things the same way I used to... 

My gran greeted me around 7.20am. Normally, she'd be doing some dancy exercise at the Sun-Yat-sen Memorial Hall down the road. It is sweet to meet her on the other side of the hemisphere. After some R&R time Aunty Carol (my step mum) shouted my gran, my Aunty May (who lives in Seattle) and I to a Japanese feast at Mitsui Cuisine. She said that the meal was to help me 'Jie Fung'. The literal translation to help receive / catch the person's wind. Haha, wait! Let me explain! When a person is going on a long journey, people would politely say 'Ju4 Ni3 Yi Lu4 Shuen4 Fung', which means 'Have a smooth sailing (winded) journey'. Make sense to you now? I imagine the root of this saying must've come when ships provided the main mode of long distance travel. 

I'd show you pictures of the foooooooooooooood but how about tomorrow?

My cousin Karen whom I grew up with in Melbourne and her hubby Marco came and picked me up for a Cantonese style dinner (menu's like Yum Cha). I've missed them. We used to hang out every other weekend in our Melbourne days. I wasn't hungry. But I still ate. This is probably going to be the norm until I head for the USA mid June as there are many, many, MANY lovely relis to catch up with. Good times!!!

The Paris Mosque - Wednesday 18 Nov 2009

So the Lord led us to minister around The Paris Mosque area on Wednesday 18 Nov.

And it started rather dramatically ...

The team of six + guest visitor from Honduras (that our leader met in Honduras) got stuck in a lift at the metro station for about 10 minutes. The lift was for eight people, weight limit of 640kg. There were seven of us, and there's no way that we'd have had an average weight of 80kg ... or did we ... The French station masters excused their lift, saying, 'You Australians are strong'. =D

We walked past a train station for a bathroom break. AND ... the bathroom was blocked off due to a bomb threat. Someone had dropped off a suspicious bag in front of the bathroom door ...

We paired up, went for a walk about (as the Spirit leads) and agreed to meet back together after an hour and half to dine at The Paris Mosque Restaurant for lunch. Never done the 'walk wherever the holy spirit tells you to walk and talk to whoever he tells you to talk to' in a public / foreign place before. Daryll and I = team. We explored the block next to The Mosque and saw lots of students that attended the National University. The Spirit didn't prompt us to start a conversation with them, so we prayed for them quietly from afar.

As we walked around, we saw a couple of acupuncture / reflexology massage parlours. Do you know what that means? It means Irene gets discipleship time from good old Daryll! So I learnt that these therapies tap into a 'chi' (a concept of 'Zen') which is a spirit, for healing. It is important to ask WHAT spirit it is tapping into. Anything that isn't led by the Holy Spirit reaps bad fruits in a believer's life. 'Chi' / 'Zen' is a spirit of anti-Christ, and hinders believers' growth into maturity, such as taking authority in Christ.

It's not the first time I've heard this, as I've had to get rid of a lot of ungodly practices from my culture over the past year (there are ungodly practices in EVERY culture). I felt a little indignant because acupuncture and reflexology is so much a part of the Taiwanese / Chinese culture that I grew up in. But c'est la vie! All it takes is to identify & acknowledge the sin, ask the Lord for forgiveness for committing the sin and walking in its fruits, forgive ourselves for it (and on behalf of our forefathers), turn away from those behaviours, and be SET FREE by the blood of Jesus!!! (If you have any questions about what this deal is all about, talk to me or email me.)

Apart from the discipleship session I had with Daryll, we also spent some time resting on some seats on a pedestrian walk way. Funnily, a nervous looking lady hurriedly walked to us and sat down next to us from across the road. She went through her back pack as if looking for a needle in a hay stack. We asked her whether she understood English, she replied 'a little', and paused as if expecting to be asked a question. We didn't have a question, but gave her our 'Love from Australia' book mark. She looked amused, said a brief thank you, then scurried away back in the direction she came from - across the road. She could've sat on other seats in this area (and there would've been a lot more space), but the Lord brought her TO us. It was a crack up.

We also ventured in a French patisseurie, which attracted three other team members. I bought a crepe, a meat pastry; cheese pastry and a berry tart, and had a chat to the ladies serving us and gave them a book mark each. They were so warmed to us that after I left, they gave the other team members some marzipan sweets.

We then met up to have lunch at the Mosque. It was jam packed, but the staff fussed over us and made sure we had lots of room for our seats. The meal was gorgeous and we were able to reconnect with some of the folks we met a couple of days before. It was a humbling & delightful experience. The Lord sure knows how to plan our trip.

Combinations: The suitcase story

I remember flying back to Melbourne for a week after I finished working at Compassion ... It's been a while since I've been able to stay for a whole week (outside Christmas time). Coming back to Newcastle in mid March I came to the sinking realisation that I didn't know the combination of my suit case. I had a swine flu (H1N1) vaccine before flying to Melbourne and have been feeling a bit short circuited in the brain. As I tried to open the suitcase, I hit the brick wall. Clues? Nup. Zilch. Nadda. None whatsoever. The idea of going through all of the combinations was like an impossible mountain. 'I don't have the patience for this!' I thought. My house mate suggested some mnemonics she uses. I gave those a go ... nope.

I humbled myself and started going through all 1000 combinations that afternoon. In the evening I had cell so I asked my cell to ask the Lord for my combination (with me). Everyone wrote down on a piece of paper what they heard the Holy Spirit say about the combination. I went home, semi-excited. But when it didn't work, I started going into a place of unbelief, thinking that my suitcase locks' been broken. In that suitcase was my 30th birthday dress, and some oranges my grandma picked from the garden. Not a great combination to be be a suitcase for an extended periods of time. It felt like I'd been given gifts that I couldn't unwrap.

The situation humbled me. I know that God is a giver of good gifts. Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13. But what's the use of having gifts if I couldn't even use them?

Has He given me gifts that I have kept somewhere 'safe'? I sure hope not.