Retreat

I've been waiting for this. The time to gratefully step into the presence of nature. Aaaahh.. I am looking forward to the church family camp this weekend. I've been there last year and it was great. It was more of camping Hilton-style with cabins, desserts and a snooker table (cleverly hidden) in the lounge area. There's also a pool, a few trails, ball courts and a nice lake, also known as Somerset dam. A retreat, if you will, courtesy of our church.

I was asked to present the Children's story there and I said no, partly because I really didn't want to think about any more work, and also because I have got no stories in mind for the kids and adults alike.

Right now I am packing. I think I'm bringing too many clothes..this is just for the weekend lah for goodness sakes. But hey, if there's space..why not right? So these are what I've decided to take: 2 shirts, 2 tank tops (to layer), 2 shorts, shoes, a pillow, bedsheet, a bulky (but a real lifesaver) jacket, and a towel. I shouldn't take jeans...right? But what if it's cold?? Maybe I'll just wrap the sheet around myself and find a bonfire to sit next to..

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I shall bombard you now with some unexciting newsbites over the last few weeks. Stories that are worth telling and some you can roll your eyes at..

• I can now emphatize with people whose laptops crashed at a very critical moment in their lives. I am not exaggerating because it was during my busiest time of the semester when it happened. The crucial lesson: back up your work every 2 seconds, no matter what!!

• As a result, I've come to depend on the facilities of the UQ Biological Sciences Library for almost a week. Honestly, for the amount of fees that they charge us, it's only justifiable that everything should be taken advantage of..at our own risk. Everything like the workers (hehe), laptop loans, late hours, and power plugs. I can't say I'll be doing that more frequent now that I have my laptop back but I'll try. Also because work gets done quicker.

• It has been 3 weeks since I had coffee. This would have been impossible last year. Just decided the change to tea was good.

• Also tried rock climbing outdoors for the 1st time! It wasn't a very successful climb but I am happy that the random decision to follow friends turned out to be quite an experience. While we were walking there, we were stopped by 2 elders from the Mormon church who wanted to share with us. I didn't find it surprising that the Sabbath became a point of contention once my friend had mentioned we were Adventists. There wasn't much that I could contribute to the conversation let alone highlight the scriptures behind it. Yet it was enlightening to listen to the views other denominations have towards the day of rest God made for everyone.
  

• Finally, just to share something from TED.com. If you have 22 mins to spare, watch this on endangered cultures and languages, by Wade Davis. And because I am fascinated with the exploration of marine life, this by David Gallo is a must-watch.
  

The rain is back after having stopped long enough for clothes to dry. The news stated that the drought is now over, which means that dam levels are up from 16% this time last year, to more than 70% now thanks to the continuous rainfall. In other words, the state received more than half its annual rainfall in a single day.

Okay I will need your prayers for good weather! Enjoy your weekend.