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Anselm's US diary (excluding the gory details)...




08/27 : Boarding the SQ15 at SFO for the life changing trip...

08/23 : Attended the August joint fellowship at the church. My dish for the pot-luck is bowl of strawberries! This time, we have brother Jack Ruan and Dr. Abraham Low sharing their life journey with God.

08/17 : Many events happened at the church today. We started off with have Sister Huiping's baptism followed by Brother Jack Ruan membership tranfer ceremony. After the lunch fellowship, we have our wedding shower. Finally, the afternoon ended with the Kexin's Memorial Service, to commemorate the girl who has inspired many... and especially her mother to start and orphange in China.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1Peter 3:7)

08/09 : Attended Stanford CEF fellowship ..and heard an evangelical message from ISSI president, Jimmy Lee.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)

08/05 : Attended my first lunch time English bible study at ISSI with Esther Chung, Connie Lu and John Cantu.

08/04 : The squeling sound from the Volvo became worse on Sunday;it's going to be another automative 101 lesson. We decided to send it in for brake check at Midas. We followed the mechanics diagnosis to replace the rear brake rotors and brake pads.

08/02 : Sister Shu Ping cooked lunch for us in the afternoon. We have a good chat at her home. Attended a talk by Ling Xiu Rong on financial management at the church in the evening.

07/27 : Lunch with Nick Tse and Mark Ma. These are the two of the few brothers who chauffeur us around before we bought the Volvo.

07/20 : It's our privilege to celebrate the baptism of Professor John Xu at the home of Dr. & Mrs. Paul Hensleigh. Johannes Rusckow, Minister to International students at Stanford University, conducted the baptism. We also met new Japanese friends there. Professor John Xu will return to Tsinghua University in 8/1/03 to continue his work at the computer science department.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)

07/19 : Visited Dr. Wang Chiang and Dr. Liu Jing's new apartment at Mountain View. They prepared a very good meal for us togther with four other guests. Josephines has brought Dr. Liu Jing's younger sister to accept Christ back in December last year. Pray that the Lord will do more to this couple whom He loves.

07/15 : Our church is sadden by the sudden demise of Kexin Zhou today. Being the fervent supporter of Kexin's recovery from her heart problem, many members of the LGCC have a good reason to be upset by this news. We can only pray to the Lord to comfort Kexin's mother, Rui Cao and continue to strengthen the church as a whole.

07/06 : This is our first Sunday at church since Pastor Sun's departure. Most members of the Mandarin congragation are still dwelling on the indelible experience with Pastor Sun. We were urged to move forward and take up more responsibilities;just as Jesus' disciples did after spending three years with Jesus.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

07/03 : Our Independence Day long weekend started with a display of firework at Stanford Ford Center! This is the ideal time to restart the planning of our wedding which has shelved since the summer camp.

06/27-06/29 : Our Volvo protested under the simmering weather; it emits steam from the engine emits due to overheating while travelling on Highway 17. Thank God that Jeffrey and co. came just in time to chill the engine out, with the drinking water donated by his passengers. Eventually, we managed to be part of the 304 faithfuls who attended the summer camp at Mission Spring, Scotts Valley. We had a wonderful retreat and return home with a renewed heart.

On the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people to their homes, joyful and glad in heart for the good things the Lord had done for David and Solomon and for his people Israel. (2Chronicles 7:10)

06/26 : ...despite the sizzling hot weather(>100F), 263 handbooks and 300 labels did make it to Julia's mansion door about noon time. They'll be distributed to the summer campers at Mission Spring, Scotts Valley tomorrow.

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished." (1Chronicles 28:20)

06/23 : Meet up with John Goodrich and Shounak Lahiri at the Banana Leaf for roti prata (This is my first taste of prata in North America). John came from Dallas mainly to attend Shounak sister's wedding, so our meeting was short. Despite the brevity, we have a good chat. The manager's offer of free 'bubur chacha' make a perfect closing of our meeting.

06/21 : Today is officially first day of the summer! We joined Hubert and Chula(means the cute and lovely one in Mexican), from the Bechtel International Center for Wilder Ranch hiking trip. In our conversation with them, we get to know that both of them are Quakers! Well, we read somewhere before that an English Quaker(William Penn) founded the state of Pennsylvania - that's all we know about Quakers. Now, we facing two live, amiable, nature loving Quackers! Apart from the cultural exchange, we are fortunate to learn a little about hemlock and yarrow from them. They are both good host of the day. In the evening, we attended Pastor Sun's farewell dinner at the church.

06/15 : Attend Christina's commencement. It is a priviledge to listen to Alejandro Toledo, the President of Peru, delivering the keynote speech. Also get to meet many Christina's friends.

06/08 : Mandarin congregation members have sensed the urgency to find replacement for our outgoing pastor. Hence, our elders arranged for a meet the deacons session today after the Sunday service. Eventhough I was completely confused by who's who in the drawn-out meeting, I was sure then our deacons realised the imminent danger of losing some members come July when Pastor Sun leaves for Washington DC. But are we really facing the danger of disintegration? Have they ever heard of ELBF, which has trived for years without a pastor? Maybe they want exponential growth. Whatever the goal is, I am sure that the Mandarin congregation can find solace in God in the midst of this anxiety. God has many ways to bind His church together.

Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did no cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. (Nehemiah 9:19)

06/02 : Department 98 of Santa Clara Superior court in session. Court rise!
Judge Deborah A. Ryan enter the chamber. After reading my charge of no coming to a complete stop before the stop sign (that's my traffic violation at Stanford on the 16 March), she ask if I want to plea guity/not guilty/attend traffic school.
I chose the last option, which is to attend the 8 hours of traffic school within the next 6 months. The fine is $81.
Court dismiss.

For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

06/01 : We visited Steve and Erica's house@Sandhill Road for the end of spring quarter get together. This is our forth visit there. As usual, Steve amazes his guests with his understanding and application of the scriptures. Hannah entertains us with her spontaneous exploration of this world ~ this time, she is into manicure. Dr Weindall (who has been the TA for BCC for 19 years!) fills us up at length many discussions they had prior to our arrival. That's very thoughtful of him. Erica's cooking is great.

05/31 : Dine out @ Chef Chu's with fellow Malaysian, Albert and his girl friend, Priscilla, who is Christina's coursemate @ Stanford. Glad to learn that this JTC scholar from UIUC, who has a very illustrious background. He was once spoiled by his recognision and his ability to make things happen. However, our Lord God humbled him at UIUC. He is now a humble and God fearing person... with a God fearing girlfriend (who is a pastor's daughter!).

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

05/25 : This is the forth Sunday for us to serve the post-worship refreshments. For the first time, people finished up all the food. Have we learned what people's taste bud is like ...or perhaps it's because ZhiFu the big eater is back here with us ?

05/17 : An evening cruise aboard the Royal Star. We enjoy each other's company under the moonlight on the Bay.

05/12 : If you have an egg and you want to drop the egg three feet without breaking it. How do you do that?
....If the agg must fall three feet without a crack, simply extend the trip to four. In the context of life, only God has the power to perform this miracle of extension. He gives life, takes away life and perserves life. Thank God for another beautiful day.

...I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David. (2King 20:6)

05/11 : Good advice from Randy Komisar : Work hard, work passionately, but apply your most precious asset-time-to what is most meaningful to you. What are you willing to do for the rest of your life? does not mean, literally, what will you do for the rest of your life? That question would be absurd, given the inevitability of change. No, what the question really asks is, if your life were to end suddenly and unexpectedly tomorrow, would you be able to say you've been doing what you truly care about today? What would you be willing to do for the rest of your life? What would it take to do it right now?

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

05/10 : This is what you need to understand on risk management: If you're brilliant, 15 to 20 percent of the risk is removed. If you work twenty-four hours a day, another 15 to 20 percent of the risk is removed. The remaining 60 to 70 percent of risk will be completely out of your control ~ the only way to manage them is to turn upon God for encouragement in moment when they hit you. Our God is the only One who can make you sing in the dark...

Men cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful. But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, (Job 35:9-10)

05/09 : Facilitate bible study at Stanford's L&L;Mark 10:35-52.

05/02 : Facilitate bible study at Stanford's L&L;Mark 10:1-34. It only takes a spark to get the fire going in the class. I need to provide only the opener. The very participative members generate questions ...and contribute to answering others' questions.

04/26 : Monthly potluck dinner at LGCC ~ ours dish is the KFC chicken wings.

04/20 : Easter Sunrise Service at the Frost Amphitheater, Stanford. During the LGCC Easter service, we officially become a member of the church.

04/19 : A visit to the Alum Rock Park with the church gang.

04/18 : Passover dinner at Steve and Erica's place.

04/13 : Assume the role of the Program Handbook Chair for the LGCC Summer Camp 2003.

04/06 : Buy a new Shimano bike from the Wal-Mart-it's on big discount. This bike will serve as a very useful mode of transportation for us at Stanford.

03/30 : Dedicate the song "A Shelter in the Time of Storm" to the Lord during the Sunday church service. Follow by a visit to the Foothills Park with the church gang.

The Lord is our rock, in Him we hide, A shelter in the time of storm; Secure whatever ill betide, A shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night, A shelter in the time of storm; No fear alarm, no fear affright, A shelter in the time of storm.
The raging storms may around us beat, A shelter in the time of storm; We will never leave our safe retreat, A shelter in the time of storm.
O Rock divine, O refuge dear, A shelter in the time of storm; Be thou our helper ever near, A shelter in the time of storm.
Chorus: O Jesus is a rock in a weary land, A weary land, a weary land; O Jesus is a rock in a weary land, A shelter in the time of storm.

03/21-03/23 : Attend the Bay Area Chinese Spring Camp 2003.

02/22 : Move from the Macara Garden, Sunnyvale to the Mansion Grove, Santa Clara.

02/15 : Pass the California practical driving test at the Redwood City.

02/09 : Street EV at Cupertino.

01/29 : Buy a US1.5K 1985 Volvo ~ A great machine.

12/30 : A visit to Santa Cruz. I am a much more experienced driver now.

12/29 : A visit to the 17 Miles Drive in the rented Chevy Metro from the Entreprise. The change in US driver's seat is very confusing. Our Lord's protection has prevented several traffic mishaps.

12/24 : Christmas Eve service at LGCC.

12/19 : Pass the California theory driving test at the Redwood City.

12/17 : San Francisco revisit;set my foot here back in the year 2000 when I came here for conference.

12/15 : My first visit to the Lord's Grace Christian Church(LGCC).



©2003 The Solid Rock