Wednesday 16 December 2015

Hello From Guangzhou

大家你好,我是陈建成,终于update我自己的blog
I guess I haven't even learnt Internet slangs here, lol

So what's up everyone!
It feels like ages since I wrote my last post, due to a not-so-smooth-internet-connection-here-in-china reason I was unable (more likely lazy) to write a new post.
BUT since it's almost end of 2015, I tried to write some updates about my current life in Guangzhou, China. My exam is coming near (next week, peeps), and that's exactly when the most random ideas of my life usually come to me.

Coming 2-3 weeks late to GZ due to some personal issues, my mom and I arrived safe and sound on 10th of September 2015. While I once strongly believed that I would not have any problem about Chinese foods, they proved me wrong right on the first 3 days here.

Well, on the fourth day, we finally found out the way how to survive here :')
The next weeks, my dad took turn to visit me and brought me to visit our family at 陆丰 (LuFeng), where his parents originally came from and also to visit some family from my mom's side here at Guangzhou.

My 舅公s, from my dad's mom's side
My 舅舅's family, from mom's mom's side
Happy kid is happy to find good meal in China
Short update concerning my learning process here (as many of you doubt it), I was chosen as a 班长 (class rep) in my class and so far I think I managed quite okay for now. Do you know the feeling like you are finally one of the students who can catch up with the lessons after being so left out during your university life? It's okay, I'm talking to myself.

I did well for my class tests and received a second place in 汉字 writing competition even after all those grammatical errors, I believe it's called God's mercy hahahaha.
So for those who've asked about my development in Chinese language proficiency, I can assure you that I manage to speak considerably wonderful with Chinese children (or better, toddlers) without any problem #terussombong.

Our homeroom teacher loves to give presents if you do well in class tests
K上-1班
Pizza Party, y'all
I know some of y'all have been wondering about the church I attend to in China and how on earth did I manage to join them, doing this and doing that in such a short time.
So, before I actually came to China, I did this little research of "what church I should attend to in China", first of all by asking my seniors, which all of them refer to IFGF Guangzhou. I even asked Ko Eddy about IFGF beforehand and last semester I had a chance to talk with Vania Cristine, a youth leader from IFGF Karawaci.

I believe it's the same as how I build my relationship (be it about my future spouse or particularly my inner-circle friends), I met with the senior pastor of IFGF Guangzhou, Pastor Halim and his wife, ci Mimi to have some conversations and tried to understand what the vision and mission of IFGF GZ itself. Short story, through my long prayer since I was in Malaysia, I believed that God had called me to serve and be planted here.

Pastor Halim's Family
The time was really short until I had my first job to coordinate praise and worship for our retreat with Pastor Daniel Alexander, his wife, Tante Louise Alexander and Pastor Rudy. 

With the guest speakers, pardon my tired face
Pastor Halim and Ci Mimi (+ Ko Feiman) joined us
I love letters
The next week, Susuk Hokky and Ie2 Becca paid me a visit all the way from Batam. They went through such a long journey only to see my condition here (just kidding, they had their own business actually). Thank you for coming :)

Ditraktir makan enak, muahaha
According to my photos' date, two weeks later I met my former Monash engineering friend, Leo Sa (and his girlfriend + their friend) from Beijing.
and also my FIRST MENTEE EVER, Ricky Hadap, also from Beijing, who is now preparing himself to fully assist his dad's company. He came to visit the famous Canton Fair, if any of you is thinking about checking the chances and things like that circling around Chinese industrial world, just register yourself to this event.

Ricky si calon Bos Besar Surabaya, amin!
Leo Sa, calon Bos Underground Besar
The next thing I know, my dad and mom came again to GZ and thus we had some family quality time together to Shenzhen. "Splendid China" in Shenzhen is truly splendid, I'mma bring my future spouse here #justsaying. 
I'm too lazy to post all these many pictures, 算了吧。

Akhirnya bokap gua senyum di foto
Dancersnya cantik2, saudara2...

Speaking of which, my passion for futsal is somewhat there and not there, ha! Through some coincidental matches, our Indonesian friends from Jinan Benbu (Main Campus) gave me a chance to play for them in Jinan Uni's mini soccer tournament. 
Come on, the only time I played soccer after I graduated from senior high school was with ISCF, Nabil's team and Diego Michiels last semester. I don't have any preparation other than that, so this was truly reckless, I thought.

Well, turned out that my friends were so good that we ended up winning the tournament



I then came back to Malaysia for my convocation, meeting my old friends and close friends over there. Even received so many thoughtful gifts and words to accompany my journey in China, I feel so loved. 

Anyone close to me can confirm that I really love sincere and meaningful words, that's why I always keep letters/words sent to me. 
Thank you guys for coming to which they say as "one of one's biggest days" of mine.

#akhirnyalulusjuga
Happy Three Friends
Team Air Jordan, featuring Ko Crist
Ko Eddy Chang is preaching at Fresh Youth
非常感谢你们
Pipinya Charis jadi alasan utama mau diculik ke GZ sama Uncle Indra
I was also privileged to endorse Ozz Vampo's new customized jersey (Black and Green Camo Jersey) here in China, check out my aunt's shots, LOL! #terimakasihieie

Taken at 宝墨园, 广州
My first attempt to be a koko galak yang difoto model

Oh yeah, anyway, IFGF Guangzhou has just celebrated Christmas through a celebration called The Manger. Again, I was privileged to lead the team as the project manager and worship leader (whereas people mistook me for the preacher several times).
I love the team, I love their creativities, I'm inspired by how they give their all, in spite of the lack of sleeps that we had, but more importantly how we cover for each others.
Even Pastor Raymond confirmed our spirit of unity, which I always thank God for.

Kevin Stefano is the man behind this good-looking poster
Our DIY Christmas Tree that fascinated Pastor Raymond
Pastor Raymond from IFGF Surabaya
The Team
IFGF Guangzhou's Christmas Celebration: The Manger
My life here is so exciting, even though it does feel lonely without my close friends, while I believe that there is no better chance to build and enjoy my personal fellowship with Jesus even more, I remembered the past more than I usually did in Malaysia. All of those joyful, sour, bitter, happy, fun, exciting and even heartbreaking experiences.

Sometimes I still wonder why God led me to do some things that I hadn't even found a good reason behind them until now.
I wonder what if that time I made up my mind to believe the facts more than what God had convinced to me, I know it is not something I would be proud of myself doing, but I still think it would've spared me from heartaches and the drama. I would prefer to skip all those mundane and pointless waiting seasons.

And the moment I was about to publish this writing was when Pastor Steven posted something on his Facebook. God really uses this Moncks Corner preacher to bless my life tremendously.


I thought, I wondered, I struggled and many time I'm lost into my deep thoughts, yet thank to God, I don't live my life based on my wondering process, I live based on God's Word. So rest assured, I do not change even with so many question marks I carry until this day. 

Basically, I'm still doing what I have been doing since a long time ago, holding onto the truth, principles and values I've showed to some of you in many different occasions. I keep on keeping on even more devotedly.
Even if I'm going to be hated even more
Even if I'm accused for sharing corrupted values
Even if I'm standing alone

Greatness is always preceded by separation - Steven Furtick


Certainly, I will keep improving, stay humble to admit my mistakes and let people rebuke me, but I'm more determined than ever to finish whatever God has called me to do.

Thanks for staying updated with my news through my IG, Path, Facebook or messaging apps. Appreciate all your care and love.
Until then, guys :)