Graduation

So that's it. I've officially graduated from the School of Theology, class of 2010.

So much of me has changed in 6 months, and I've really had my eyes opened to a much bigger picture and a much bigger world.

Reflection On My SOT Journey

(It's the same one on Facebook, so skip it if you've already seen it :D)

As SOT draws to an end, I feel inclined to reflect upon my personal journey throughout the past six months - the ppl I've met who have become a strong motivating factor in my life, the life lessons I have learnt in school and the experience I have with God in classes, have all defined who I am. The Nalina you see today isn't the same as the one who've met six months ago.

The past six months haven't been easy for me, and I knew the 'trouble' I was gonna get into from the very start. But going through it and experiencing the magnitude of SOT, the pain, the daily crucifixion, the emotional rollercoasters, the misunderstandings - was a totally different story.

Right from the beginning, there wasn't any sponsorship or funding for me. Working late nights in between classes was physically exhausting. Financially, I was tight to the neck and worried about how I was gonna live with about $180 a month for everything. Relationally, I had problems with my family and with my bf. I broke down countless times, and I felt that I couldn't make it to graduation. Truth be told, from June to early Aug, I experienced the worst bio-psycho-socio-spiritual meltdown in my life. Everything just walled up, and I didn't want to talk to anyone about it, not even God. I kept making wrong decisions, and I was just a door away from leaving SOT.

But in times of crisis, those who came through for me, came through for me. Their prayers and intercession moved God's heart to move in my life, and I started making better decisions again. God sent ppl to encourage me, to pray with and for me, or even just to lend a shoulder to cry on.

Now, as graduation draws near, I want to thank those who've gone through such a tumultuous six months of endless counselling, saliva wasting, and also joy spreading for me.

First up, Team 18.

Thank you for being so awesome. To see you guys every day in school is a blessing. And although I take it for granted sometimes, you guys were always there to update me, to contaminate me with lessons and experiences I missed. Without you, SOT would just be dull. Thank you for cheering me on when I was BVing for the first time, thank you for celebrating my 19th birthday, thank you for improving my Chinese by leaps and bounds. I love you guys (:

Next, SOT BV.

You guys may not know this, but the biggest character change God has blessed me with came through you all. I never dared to hold a mic to sing (except in karaoke), and I kept my 'talents' hidden underground, because I was afraid of what others would say. My confidence and boldness grew from my experiences with you. Whenever I see all of you, who even with little experience, sing and give your all during p&w, it motivates me to do the same. I used to sing softly during cg, now I'm always like screaming the song haha! God gave me this newfound confidence through you guys, and I'm so thankful for that. Thank you for all the joy fun and laughter, the horrible squashed car sessions, the initially awkward and nerve-wrecking lessons with Sherlyn, and all the little secrets of holding a mic to sing. (Look at lyrics, sing parts, jump jump, smile even when you're panicking, listen to your voice from monitor, look at lyrics which suddenly change to Chinese, BREATHE, swallow saliva cause throat very dry.. and repeat) It's amazing how one p&w session can be extreme exercise :D

Lastly, the friends whom I've made in SOT. Thank you for your smiles, no matter how small or large, silent or expressive they are, they matter alot to me. They are what keep me going, keep me loving, keep me laughing.

It has been life-changing.

Good morning SOT! (:

And goodbye, SOT.

It's so surreal. I'm a Bible School graduate. 0.0