Project Serve

I was reading through my past entries and saw my 2nd week in America post. Feel so paiseh that I couldn’t keep up with the updates. Many have encouraged me in one way or another, and showed concern especially with regards to my spiritual life. Thank you, and I appreciate them very much. It keeps me reminded to read my Bible and pray everyday. Some also have asked if there’s translation for the last entry that was in the Chinese Language. It was mostly about how I realized that I have more things to talk to my Mum when overseas as compared to at home; and how my percussion studies are always getting harder. 

I had my Chamber Music concert this afternoon. The piece is called “Table Music”, where 3 percussionists play individual wooden boards. It’s really interesting and we were glad that the audience enjoyed it. And then I received again the not so exciting email of weekly percussion assignments from my teacher.

I dunno whether to feel happy or sad? I guess I should be happy, cause I have been switched to a more senior group, consisting of a graduate and 2 other 4th year drummers. I’ve never expected this because I find myself already struggling in the present group that I am. My first reaction when I saw the email was - ahh.. siao liao, like not shiong enough. 

But as I am typing this now, I am thankful to God for all the circumstances that He has placed me in. Really, no matter how hard we find ourselves in a particular situation, He gives us enough grace to go through. There were many days and nights in the practice rooms where I look at the score and go “this is crazy, impossible”, and after a few days, boom. I was surprised at how I was playing it smoothly, sometimes doing it with a smile (another kind of crazy maybe.. haha)

I should also mention that I am getting the hang of enjoying my Basic Recording Course. It was so tough the past few weeks that I even thought of dropping it. Many thanks to Roy, Moo Dean, Randy and Amos who patiently taught me the theory and practical stuff of Condensers, XLR, Dynamic, Ribbon, Super/Hyper Cardioid polar patterns, Shure SM 57, D112, AKG 414, Phantom Power etc when I was in Singapore. My other classmates (5 in all) are either Recording Arts Majors or people who have some kind of background (like parents who are pro studio recording engineers) , so it must have been much tougher without some kind of fundamental knowledge. We’ll be moving to some hands on recording after my mid term test next week and really looking forward to it. 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.