7 months since enlistment.

From Botak Recruit Edwin to Private Edwin, Ammo Tech! It feels so good to see progress (especially my hair)!

Vision Weekend.

Today was 'Vision Weekend' in church. Once again, I am so glad to be a part of this spiritual family. The lives of our church pastors, especially Pastor Kong and Sun are always so inspiring. But, being inspired is always not enough. I want to do something.

Throughout the whole service, I was so amazed by how Pastor Kong was still fervent for the lord after all these years! And even after so many crisis that attacked him personally.

I was reminded of the times when I felt a nudge in my heart wanting to do humanitarian work. I would be so moved whenever I saw videos of people from CHC going all out to help the less fortunate in countries that encountered natural disasters.

After reading through those letters from "The Box", I am really touched by how heartfelt those letters were (especially Billy Graham's!).

Well, so much for having visions and goals but without actions, nothing will happen. So first, I should start by following the church's vision for this year (or maybe all these while), building strong relationships — be it with God or with friends and family and being discipled and holding onto the vision!

Breathe.

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Sometimes we are too busy with being busy and forgot to just breathe with God. Even during quiet time in prayer, I tend to rush through prayers, quickly ticking through my check list. This whole week I really understand what does it mean to just breathe — with God.

Time to start breathing and cherish silent moments.

"I will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
A whole new world is waiting, it's mine for the taking
I know I can make it, today my life begins"

POP. So, now what?

Yes, I have officially graduated from Basic Military Training (BMT)! After 4 months (2 months of 'Physical Training Phase' - PTP and 2 months of BMT) where am I posted to?

AMMO TECH

Yes. My vocation is to become a Ammunition Technician. In short, I study everything and anything about ammunitions. And it's gonna be like this for the rest of my NS life. Honestly, I don't really feel happy about it neither am I hating it. I do miss the times when I do all the crazy activities with my BMT buddies. It's the quality time we spend together that has moulded all of us together. I would say, if I was being posted to a combat vocation with them, I might be happier than what I am doing now.

This vocation is a 8 to 5 job. I go to school of ammo for 3 months, 6 months attached to other depots, 2 weeks back to get my 3SG rank. And again, yes.. it's VERY different from many other vocation (especially combat ones).

PTP and BMT has really left me a deep memory that I'll never forget, especially those crazy guys!

Still, I thank God for this vocation. With a little more time outside, I could get back on my feet and start doing something else other than army related stuff (like..Skyrim!). And it's time for me to start praying and fasting like before!

For the year 2012, I hope I will improve myself in every possible way. Get closer to God, helping to improve my family's unity, more committed to church, read more, run more, exercise more and lastly, enjoy more.

ps: oh yeah, I passed my IPPT!

Psalm 103

Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

I was asked to do some reflection writing for my officer about our views of the army life so far and here's what I wrote:


I shall first start with being thankful before going into some of the other details.

I am thankful that I have a great set of commanders taking my platoon. Thankful not only that they are more compassionate and gracious, but they love to teach and amend our mistakes. Thankful that we have officers that are willing to share their stories and some helpful tips more than any other officers. Thankful that we have sergeants that encourages us to press on and sharing part of their life stories too. These are the people that are not forced to do what they do, but because of their heart for the recruits and their mind for our welfare. I am truly thankful to have this set of commanders leading platoon 3.

It has been more than 6 weeks as a recruit, as a soldier. Looking back, I do miss my freedom, my laptop, my school, my friends and family. And I kinda miss working as a graphic designer too, I miss brainstorming, sketching, discussing and designing.

So what have I learned so far? I've learned more about myself. I've learned that I could actually do more than what I expect of myself. I've also learned that I need to have more patience, faith, hope and love for my platoon. I think it's inevitable to not argue with one another sometimes but, "a house divided against itself will not stand". Platoon 3 have to work harder not only on ourselves but as a team.

BMT phase is nearing and there's a saying that goes, "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going". I do hope that I will be able to achieve beyond what I think or imagine. I hope that platoon 3 will work harder as a platoon and becoming a more encouraging team that pushes one another to strive harder. Looking forward to the day I thank my officers and sergeants during my POP, I don't think I'll ever forget my life as a chao recruit.

I guess..that should be all. Thanks for reading!