Then, as I decide to go take a portrait of me in regalia holding my certificate (which I only collected like one month ago cause I did not attend the ceremony), I was struck by my own reaction to the photos. For those who has been reading my blog, you will know life has been quite hard for me, probably that's why I never really take time to understand the joy of graduating. I really thank my grandpa for keep on pestering my mum to pester me to take a photo because he wants to advertise it in newspaper (a custom for Chinese Malaysian), and I thank my housemates for lending me a car (to get the photo frame - I just don't feel it is justifiable to pay through the nose for a frame and ask them to frame it up), for lending me a good camera (Canon 7D!) and my friend for helping to hire the studio in Architecture school and shooting the portraits.
Looking back, it has been quite miraculous. The whole story of me being able to come to Perth, Australia is a miracle (before I came, I actually thought Perth doesn't sell rice cooker - a big mistake, it is literally in every supermarket). And, being able to finish my two degrees without paying a cent for tuition fee is a great miracle. I think that is why I appreciate good education, I did not get it by myself, but through blessings upon blessings.
I thank my family, my dad and mum for being supportive when I studied overseas. I did not have to work part time to pay my living expenses, but only casually to supplement some of my spendings. I thank my brother and sister for being good siblings that make me rather carefree. I thank my friends back home that whenever I go home you are always there to catch up. I thank my friends that I made here, those I met during my first years, those I met during my stay in Guild House, those I met during my course, for being part of my life.
I thank God for not letting me drift away from His grace. I thank my church now for accepting me for who I am. I thank my brothers and sisters in Christ that have blessed my life so much - from friendship and brotherhood, fellowship and fun, worship and praise, meals and games, to practical things like transportation, food and a roof over my head.
Looking at my certificate, now I understand why people are over-reacting. Father in heaven, thank you for the joy I now have in my heart, and to forever fill my heart with your love.
