Not bad at all

5 June 2008
I got my IELTS results. Two perfect nines for reading and listening, no mistake whatsoever in the reading and listening sections. Well, that’s not the first time. My writing and speaking? Could be better. But still OK. The overall score is still 8, not bad at all. I did my presentations at Atma Jaya. This time, I got plenty of questions. That’s not good actually, because I presented my paper purely for getting the credit points, not for sharing any research finding. I am a low class academic, not those professional ones who love research above anything else and dream to present paper on academic forums. Nevertheless, I got more attention for my presentation than my first one last year, not bad at all.I have one paper under review, well actually, I have done my revision, for Penabur Education Journal. If it is accepted, this will be my first ever article in a scholarly journal, although not a very prestigious one. But that will do for a first time, not bad.One thing that worries me is now probably the strangely quiet response from UWA and UoW. They haven’t notified me about the result of my PhD applications. Well, but I know for sure that my applications have been accepted and the universities are now in the process of judging the quality of my application. I’ll just leave that with the One who takes care of everything. He knows the best.On the seminary? Rather so-so. Sometimes, I feel I could do more academic challenges than what I have now. But, I suppose, I just need the diploma. On quitting from the chair of the youth ministry? Absolutely a pleasure. I have a great time. I can pursue other things rather than just attending meetings and listening to complaints. On teaching? I might do with longer breaks. It’s quite fun not teaching for some time. On Bali? It’s nice to be back in Bali, although I should say that five star hotel where I was staying was not excellent. People, don’t stay there! But I love the beaches of Seminyak and Jimbaran. I also appreciate the opportunity to catch up with Men, an old time college friend who is now a permanent resident of Kuta. Our ways have gone to separate directions. However, people in all walks of life dream of the same thing–to get something better and that might mean moving on with life in a different place and a different country.On faith? "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." That’s still my favorite quote from the Bible. That still is the cornerstone of my faith. With that faith, I can go forth.