Back again in Sydney. Back again for the Hillsongs Conference. Back again for an experience called a holiday!
Last year some of us we took the budget mode of transport - the train, but proved to be quite a struggle to sleep, even for a sleepaholic like me. So this year we tried the bus instead, Bryan, Rachel and I. It was a good $50 lesser than the plane. I had time to kill, so why not. It was a 11-12 hour ride from Southern Cross to Sydney Central, but it wasn't so bad cause we had a chance to know each other.. and the sleep for me was easy, though the same cannot be said about Bryan and Rachel who had to endure my snores.
So yes. Sydney. It's hard to describe the experience this year. A different feel, more relaxing, less anticipative about the conference itself and it was great hanging out with a different bunch, namely Elisa, Yasmeen, Rachel, Bryan, Charmain and Vern.
Well, we did nothing out of the ordinary. Eat, visit places.. erm. That's about it. I met up with my sister at her place in Epping. Finally got to see it. Her BF Shaun was around, as well as my one time former classmate in CPU and neighbour - Audrey.
I'll let pictures do the talking from here.
Perverted eyes? Too bad you can't see the mouth.
Our night out at Lindt Cafe
Fried Mars Bar! Taken in Bondi.
Bullying Yasmeen was probably one of the funnest things I did throughout our stay in Sydney
Hanging out at Circular Quay
Why so moody....
Yasmeen and I were at the Sydney Aquarium
I wasn't posing in this one ok
Gerizmos in Sydney!
Sydney at night.. spectacular!
The Conference
The conference brought back alot of memories. I felt very refreshed and renewed coming here. Though overall I felt it wasn't as fantastic as last year.. it was still awesome.
The lights, backgrounds were of typical Hillsong standard - really really wow-ish. But I gotta say that the presentations and entertainment wasn't as good, particularly the opening and closing ceremonies. Last years one was so grand. Oh well, maybe they were trying to send us a message..?
During one of the sessions I sat at the same section where I sat 5 years ago. Wow.. that first time in Sydney and Hillsong was something. 5 years ago.. hmm. I remember I was on top of my game in everything. What happened to that guy?
Ah, the food. Fish market was the best. So good we went the twice. Tried a bar for cocktails at the Opera House. Fantastic. Also this french cafe at the Rocks.
Hmm.. how many cents for this one? Heh. 
There was this dramatic moment at Darling Harbour where we saw a group of 8 ducklings under the protection of mother duck. Attracted quite a crowd. They came under attack by the seagulls, but I believe none were harmed..
Loafing at Town Hall Station
Till the next time in Sydney! Dunno when that'd be.
Monash Results Testimony
On the second last night of the conference we were due to receive our exam results via sms. My phone ran out of battery since the start of the day, so I wasn’t able to check till I got home late at night. Meanwhile, out having dinner with OCFers from around the country, the Monash students received their results one by one. A new friend of mine had 3HDs and 1D! STRESS.
I was worried about one subject, business law, which I retook. I felt I did much worst than the last time.. so that’s one big reason to be worried.
But I told myself no matter what, I’ll still give thanks, for whatever I’ll get and its God’s will. It has been such a though semester, going through so many struggles for OCF Berwick.. but I was sure I served Him faithfully. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me that everything will be fine as long as I’ve been faithful to Him.
But I can’t help doubting myself.
Me, a guy who has a rock bottom academic track record. Do I stand a chance against this subject I failed before and did worst in? It’s only by Gods grace if I can make it out of this one. I was more concerned about the money wasted if things didn’t go well.
I went back to X-Base and found Robin in the bunk. He was asking me about my results and saw how nervous I was at checking. But he encouraged me to put my trust in Him and just accept whatever results I’ll get. I already knew that, but it’s still hard! But I really thank Robs for encouraging me. Made it easier for me to hit the “open message” button.
A sigh of great relief. Not a just a pass, but a credit for business law! And the rest were pretty much what I expected. In all - 2C’s and 2D’s (yala yala, I know your one is better). Praise God!!!
It was only till a day later during the conference did I realize that it is the best results I have so far in Monash. I was so humbled by His faithfulness and grace…
It encouraged me to never doubt Him and made me wanna go so much further for Jesus!
