tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25458825281899175732024-02-18T20:40:36.310-08:00From UK to the WorldAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-6181766140879284662010-08-05T03:58:00.000-07:002010-08-05T08:06:33.453-07:00End of degree and summer 2010Long time no write. I know. And apologise.<br /><br />So, what's been happening?<br /><br />First of all - I finished my degree!!!!! It was crazy, exciting, tiring, overwhelming, stressful, challenging, brain-wrecking and all the crazyness related adjectives you can find in the Shakespeare's language. It was mad. Exams were almost lethal. Seriously, I don't think I had ever been that tired. Not even when I did my year 12 exams and everyone knows that wasn't particularly healthy. <br />But I did it. Actually... I didn't. God did. He used my hand to write on the exam paper, but it was Him. And He makes sure He has all the glory for it. Every time, God tries to teach me in the same way. He doesn't want me to rely on my studies for all my worth. My worth is solely in His Son, that loved me enough to come and die for me. If I rely on my grades to assess how much I'm worth, it's pretty much telling God that His Son wasn't good enough. And that's a sin. Not only a sin, it's stupid. How can the God that was there in the beginning, the Lion of Judah, the Rock of Ages, the Prince of Peace, how can The Christ not be good enough??<br />So God tries to get me to live this every year. It's mind-blowing how He doesn't just leave me to it. He could just tell me "Ana, this is what you need to do. I've given you a brain and free will. I've saved you from the chains that bound you to sin. Now just go on and do it." Most of the times this is what I do with people. I tell them what they need to do according to the Bible. I tell them they are saved so they are able to do it, though Christ. And I leave them to it. Then I come back and I'm shocked that they failed. How could they fail? Don't they have a brain? But I praise God this isn't how He deals with me. Because He knows I would fail. He is there. He lets me get exhausted trying to do things by myself and my way. He stays there while I try to convince myself that I've done it before so I can do it again. He's is there warning me that I'm trying to do His job. And then He watches me when I start realising that, actually, I can't. He is right there when I finally break down and realise that I definitely can't do it. And people that know me know that I hate not being in control. And then, amazingly, He steps right in. Once I realise that I can't do it, He says "It's ok. You're not supposed to." And He does it. <br />God carried me through doing and passing my exams. He got me the grade I needed to fulfil His plan. And I can say that it was all God.<br /><br />Long story short, I'll be starting my Integrated PhD in Immunity and Infection in the University of Southampton, School of Medicine, in October. Really really excited to see what God has planned for me in that city. But I'm also scared, so please pray for me.<br /><br />But for now, I'm home for summer. I've just been resting, hanging out with friends and family. It has been good to relax.<br /><br />David is coming on the 12th and on the 14th I start my first camp. So excited, too! Over the past few years, this camp has been a blessing for the children and the leaders to I'm looking forward be part of it again, this summer. Plus, I'm missing CEF camp life.<br />Then, on the 21st, the future Mr & Mrs Haskew are coming to stay for a week! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahh! So hyped up about it! I'm missing Jo so it'll be really good to have her around for a week. I'll try to show them a bit of the best of Portugal. Well, as much as you can see and experience in a week, really. But it'll be fantastic to just hang out, regardless. They are getting married next year and I've been working on the bridal party entrance with Laura's precious help. Well... she's been working on it more than me. I just told her what I wanted and she's making it happen because she is amazing like that.<br /><br />On the 27th, teenager camp which should be really cool. And then, back to the UK.<br /><br />And I think that's probably it! I'm hoping to write again after camps but won't promise anything.<br /><br />Thanks for reading! :)<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-69934089647371972632010-02-18T13:57:00.000-08:002010-02-18T14:03:13.297-08:00No more night - David Phelps<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6vX3HHtytDo&hl=pt_BR&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6vX3HHtytDo&hl=pt_BR&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-20681339302428319582009-12-28T04:22:00.000-08:002009-12-28T07:00:54.197-08:0020092010 is almost here so I thought I would actually write something before this year ends. And what a year!!<br />So many things happened that I barely had time to breathe... as you might have noticed by the lack of blog posts.<br /><br />There are so many things I'm grateful for and so many people I need to thank for the way they've let God use them to bless me with their example, words of encouragement, by telling me off, etc.<br /><br />So this last blog post of the year is a small attempt to say thank you. By no means I'm gonna pretend I'll be able to list here everything and everyone. I'm sorry for that but I'm gonna do my best.<br /><br />So, I thank God for:<br /><br />- For my amazing family and friends.<br /><br />- For giving me a great boyfriend.<br /><br />- getting me through second year without going totally mad (and note the 'totally'...)<br /><br />- passing all my coursework and exams (and what a miracle that was!!)<br /><br />- all the summer camps. This was a big thing in my year. It was so challenging but so good. I keep saying that, as a leader, you learn way more than the kids. Besides learning the stories and biblical principles taught (and believe me, you get a lot from them), you learn how to interact and get to kids with different personalities and different needs, how to work with a team of people that have very different ideas from you but still be united because of the Gospel, submit to the authority of the directors and at the same time be a leader for the kids, rely on God to overcome tiredness, the importance of praying for the kids that are not saved and realise that really it's God that does it all. And in every single camp I left feeling I was totally hopeless without God. Every wednesday or thursday of camp (they run saturday to saturday) we would feel that everything was falling apart and we could do nothing about it because we were so tired. And then God would show that He is God. He is Sovereign. He provides. Decisions for Christ would happen or that kid that was driving us crazy would 'suddently' behave in meetings. And we'd leave being 100% convinced that it was all God. Not the old "To God be the glory" coming out of our mouths but still thinking deep inside "Well done, Ana. You actually dealt with the situation pretty well." It was really all for Him and through Him.<br /><br />- For the godly leaders and directors I had the priviledge of serving with. They taught me so much.<br /><br />- For the nicest, sweetest campers that would put a smile on our faces and for the toughest campers that drove us crazy and tested our patience to the limit... only for me to end up realising that my limit wasn't actually high enough and to humble me looking at Christ's example of patience.<br /><br />- For giving me a project in uni that I'm loving.<br /><br />- For getting me through the first semestre of 3rd year.<br /><br /><br />and I thank people for being there for me (in no particular order):<br /><br />- Mum, dad, my brothers and the rest of my family.<br /><br />- David<br /><br />- Cath, Rach, Jo, Becca and Lisa - my wonderful housemates that I love dearly :)<br /><br />- Gabalfa crew that have been just amazing<br /><br />- Home church people that always welcome me back<br /><br />- Sofia<br /><br />- Laura<br /><br />- David & Susana<br /><br />- Pedro & Lena<br /><br />- All the amazing, fun, friendly, godly, hilarious, gifted,..., leaders from camp<br /><br />- All my friends in Cardiff<br /><br />- My teachers (esp. my tutor and supervisor. because they are legends)<br /><br />and all the others that I have had the privilege of having in my life in 2009. To all, thank you very much.<br /><br />And for everyone that is reading - have a wonderful 2010!<br /><br />God bless you all<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-71962834692135777332009-11-09T02:59:00.000-08:002009-11-09T03:39:11.627-08:00A temperatura nao esta aconselhavel nem a pinguins...hey!<br /><br />como vai isso?<br /><br />Por aqui vai tudo ok. Demasiado trabalho para um reduzido espaco de tempo. E de loucos... Tenho passado todas as minhas tardes a excepcao da de domingo no primeiro andar da biblioteca. Acho que o proximo passo e levar para la uma tenda e um fogareiro (nem acredito que acabei de usar esta palavra) e passear por la de pijama.<br /><br />No fim de semana passado estive em Portugal. Foi muito bom ver toda a gente e o David tambem teve a oportunidade de conhecer algumas das pessoas que fazem parte da minha vida ha mais tempo. Foi um fim de semana muito cheio. Chegamos na quinta-feira a noite super cansados. Isto porque tinha sido um dia de loucos. O nosso comboio para Londres era suposto sair de Cardiff as 10h25m. O problema foi que nos saimos de casa ja bastante atrasados. Tivemos de correr com as malas ate a estacao e chegamos la totalmente esbaforidos para descobrir que o nosso comboio estava atrasado 10min. *phew...* estavamos a tempo. So que estes 10min transformaram-se em 20min... e um comboio a abarrotar. Depressa nos apercebemos que se o comboio se atrasasse mais ou demorasse nas proximas estacoes, iriamos perder o comboio de ligacao para o aeroporto e, provavelmente, o voo. Ok, quando dizem que os homens sao mais relaxados que as muheres - no meu caso e verdade. Eu stresso. O David estava na maior a ouvir musica e eu acho que bati o record de conseguir olhar para o relogio tres vezes em 5 segundos...<br />O comboio la chegou...Corremos pelas estacoes e pelo aeroporto com as malas (o David levava a minha e eu a dele mas eu acho que e totalmente justo visto que ele pos uma data de coisas que precisava na minha mala o que a fez pesar mais do que eu podia carregar) e as 21 e picos la chegamos a casa.<br /><br />Sexta foi pra visitar familia e ir a S. Pedro. Sabado foi cheio de ensaios.... que nao deviam ter demorado tanto tempo mas pronto... A malta e nova e e tudo no relax.<br /><br />No Domingo tivemos culto de manha para o qual tinhamos ensaiado no dia anterior, dirigido pelos adolescentes. Correu bastante bem e toda a gente se empenhou no dia.<br />A tarde tivemos a familia la em casa para lanche e Singstar... Temos promessas no jogo. Nao me admiraria nada se Paulo Francisco lancasse a nova "cover" do "Reet Petite".<br /><br />Foi um optimo fim de semana mas agora e altura de voltar para o trabalho.<br /><br />Amanha tenho um teste de "Biology in Society". Basicamente tenho de saber as teorias todas do metodo cientifico e os argumentos de todas as cabecinhas pensadoras de ha umas decadas/seculos atras.<br />O nosso prof. e bastante prestigiado. Contudo, apesar de citar todos os filosofos gregos com uma precisao fantastica e a adequada arrogancia na voz de quem toma cafe com o Dawkins e reuniu com o K. Popper, quando teve de citar a Biblia, ai e que a coisa se tornou complicada. Ele queria passar a ideia de que Cristo tinha suportado a teoria de que ciencia e religiao estudam coisas diferentes e nao se devem interligar. Para tal, decidiu usar a passagem em Mateus 22:21. E comecou: " "Give to God what is God's" and... erm... give... sorry, I blanked here...give man... no! that's it:"Give to society what is society's" ". Meteu agua... Se quer argumentar que a Biblia e Deus nao tem nada a ver com ciencia, ao menos leia a Biblia. Acho que apeteceu aos 4 crentes na sala levantar-se e dizer "Sorry, sir, I belive it's "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's". "<br /><br />Mas pronto... bem, vou voltar ao meu estudo<br /><br />Aqui esta um frio que nao se pode e ja estou constipada... wehey!<br /><br />Abracos<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-42163164845128627182009-10-10T07:37:00.000-07:002009-10-10T08:05:33.714-07:00CardiffHeya!!<br /><br />Desculpem a demora... As ultimas semanas tem sido bastante atarefadas.<br /><br />Como a maior parte de voces sabe, voltei a Cardiff para o meu ultimo ano de curso. Em termos de disciplinas, nao podia ter escolhido melhor. Todas elas sao bastante interessantes. De momento tenho:<br /><br />- Mechanisms of Human Disease<br />- Biology in Society (Etica)<br />- Human Infectious Diseases<br />- Degeneration and Repair of the Human central nervous system<br /><br />No proximo semestre substituo Biology in Society e Human Infectious por Genetic Models of Disease.<br /><br />Quanto ao GBU... Primeira reuniao - 300 novos membros. Wow.<br />Nessa mesma noite recebemos a noticia que a sala porque tinhamos orado e por que os nossos "antecessores" tinham orado durante anos e anos, estaria disponivel para nos a custo zero. Esta sala esta situada no meio da associacao de estudantes, normalmente custa £1000 para alugar uma noite e tem espaco para aprox. 700 pessoas. Foi uma verdadeira resposta a oracoes o facto da associacao de estudantes nos ter facultado o espaco de graca e todas as semanas...<br /><br />Na igreja esta tudo bem. Muitos bebes novos.<br />Ha duas semanas tivemos a apresentacao do novo pastor. Deve ter por volta dos seus 30-35 anos. Ele e a esposa tem tres meninas pequeninas (o que pelas nossas contas sera perfeito para equilibrar o ratio rapazes/raparigas).<br /><br />Anyway, gotta go. Escrevo mais em breve.<br /><br />See you all soon!<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-35095767564762590322009-09-07T14:28:00.001-07:002009-09-07T14:38:28.769-07:00É findo o Verão...As férias estão a chegar ao fim...<br /><br />Na quinta feira parto para Cardiff de novo, depois de um verão bastante cheio.<br /><br />Voluntariado no Centro Social Baptista de Leiria, Juniores 1, Juniores 2, Viagem a Cardiff para fazer a mudança, Acampamento Musical e finalmente H2O Madeiros - Adolescentes.<br /><br />Em termos de acampamentos, sinceramente, não consigo escolher um preferido... foram todos muito diferentes mas muito marcantes.<br /><br />- Juniores 1 pela relação com os campistas,<br /><br />- Juniores 2 pelo enorme desafio que foi para estabelecer uma relação de proximidade com as crianças. No final, conseguimos! :)<br /><br />- Musical... bem... pelo elevado nível de qualidade que conseguimos alcançar, pelo que aprendemos, pelo empenho dos campistas que conseguiam estar em ensaios non-stop e que até preferiam não ir à piscina ou serem acordados às 7.30 da manhã para trabalharem...<br /><br />- H2O Adolescentes pela boa relação entre a equipa e laços fortalecidos.<br /><br /><br />Foi um excelente verão. Mas estou ansiosa por descobrir as coisas que Deus tem planeadas para este ano lectivo.<br /><br />E prometo que serão actualizados regularmente acerca dessas mesmas coisas :)<br /><br />Um grande beijinho e obrigada por lerem<br />ASG<br /><br />p.s. Parabéns Sofia!!!!!Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-90061453988931290472009-06-09T15:00:00.000-07:002009-06-09T15:25:26.854-07:00de volta a minha casa portuguesa<em>(traduzido de "back to my portuguese home")</em><br /><br />Hey<br /><br />Cheguei à minha casa portuguesa na sexta feira. O voo não foi assim tão mau, desta vez... Aliás, todos os comboios e o voo que tive de apanhar chegaram a tempo e pude ler durante todo o dia, o que é sempre bom.<br /><br />Os meus exames acabaram na segunda feira, dia 1. Não consigo descrever quão bom foi sair daquela sala e pensar "pronto, já está". Sei as notas a meio de julho. Espero que sejam alguma coisa de jeito, para completar a minha alegria. Sei que fiz o meu melhor portanto...agora seja o que Deus quiser.<br /><br />Nessa segunda à tarde/noite, estive com os meus amigos. Primeiro o Dave e depois a Jo e a Rachael. Estava mesmo muito calor (tipo, 26ºC... miséria... desde quando é que 26ºC passou a ser "mesmo muito calor" em vez de "tá ok..um bocado pró frescote") e eu estava de calças de ganga o que não constituiu uma grande escolha de guarda-roupa (o triste é que essa não foi uma má escolha isolada...durante essa semana houve muitas mais...e piores). Fomos ao pub para jantar onde bebi o meu primeiro Pimms de sempre. Depois, o meu quarto (que estava BASTANTE desarrumado, por sinal)<br /><br />Pas´sámos a Terça-feira em Cardiff Bay. A Jo tinha uma marcação no cabeleireiro de manhã (que acabou por levar 3 horas e meia) e a Rachael e eu passámos esse tempo a ler, sentadas numa esplanada, com vista para a baía e a beber chá. Apesar de ter sido fantástico, apanhei o maior escaldão de sempre devido à minha teimosia de "Eu vivo em Portugal! Não preciso de protector em Cardiff!". Depois fomos ao navio da OM, Logos Hope, que estava atracado em Cardiff. Eles tinham tantos livros!!! Consegui gastar só 19 libras e comprar montes deles :D<br /><br />Lavei roupa e fiz a mala na manhã seguinte. À tarde, fomos ao Roath Park dar uma volta e acabámos num barquinho a remos no meio do lago. O ponto alto (ou não) foi provavelmente a minha hilariante incapacidade de coordenar o movimento dos remos e quando eu, sem querer, acertei numa mãe cisne com um dos remos. Cheguei a acreditar que o assustador animal (não estou a ser sarcástica...)ia saltar para o barco e atacar-nos. Nós não conseguiamos remar depressa o suficiente e ela já tinha as penas todas levantadas e estava a fazer barulhos esquisitos, de bico aberto... Depois disseram-me que eles são inúteis para sair da água mas mesmo assim... com tanta gaivota irritante à volta que eu podia ter morto (o que decerto constituiria um serviço para a humanidade), tinha logo de acertar no cisne gigante e ameaçador... tempos de azar.<br />À noite tive reunião da christian union. É tão esquisito ver algumas pessoas pela última vez...<br /><br />Na terça,a Rachael veio deixar algumas coisas no meu quarto para ficarem durante o verão... junto vinha uma lista, coordenada com várias cores, de tudo o que estava em cada saco... isto há gente :P<br />À noite fomos ver o "Anjos e Demónios" do Dan Brown. O livro é melhor mas o filme é ok... Jantámos num restaurante indiano muito fixe. Fiquei tão, mas tão cheia...<br /><br />Na sexta, a Jo e a Rachael foram-me buscar e levaram-me à estação de comboios. O Dave estava lá à espera e ajudou-me com a minha mala super pesada a subir as escadas e a pô-la no comboio.<br />O resto do dia foi passado a viajar...nada de extraordinário...<br /><br />E aqui estou. De volta a este escritório (que está a precisar de uma arrumação urgente) como se nunca daqui tivesse saído. Voltei para constatar que o meu champô e a minha pasta de dentes tinham sido usados por completo, outra vez... há coisas que nunca mudam :)<br /><br />Parabéns se conseguiram chegar ao fim do meu relatório detalhado sobre a minha última semana em Cardiff! Escreverei em breve.<br /><br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-36505810904356651012009-06-09T14:17:00.000-07:002009-06-09T15:31:11.738-07:00back to my portuguese homeHey<br /><br />So, i got back to my "Portugal home" from my "Cardiff home" on friday. The flight wasn't as bad, this time... In fact, all the trains and the flight I had to get were on time and I was able to read for the whole day which is always a good thing.<br /><br />My exams finished on Monday, the 1st. I can't describe how good it was to step out of that room and realise they were over and done with... I'll get my marks mid-july. let's hope they are ok, to complete my happyness. I know I've done my best, so... now it's in God's hands.<br /><br />Monday afternoon/evening was spent hanging out, firstly with Dave, and then Jo and Rachael. It was great just to chill out. It was really really hot (in like, 26ºC... oh my goodness! since when did 26ºC become "really hot" instead of "ok...a bit chilly"?!?!) and I was wearing jeans which wasn't a great wardrobe choice for that day (the sad thing is that that wasn't the only bad wardrobe choice that I did that week... in fact there were many more). We went to the pub for dinner where I had my first Pimms ever!<br /><br />We spent Tuesday down at the bay. Jo had a hair appointement in the morning (that turned out to last for 3.5 hours...) and Rachael and I spent that time reading, seating outside in a coffee shop, looking at the bay and drinking tea. Although it was lovely, I got the biggest sunburn EVER due to my stubborness and to thinking "I'm portuguese! I won't need sun screen in Wales!!". Then we went on the OM ship (Logos Hope) that had arrived in Cardiff a few days before. There were so many books there!! I am rather proud of myself as I only spent 19 pounds and got loads of books!<br /><br />I did my laundry and packed pretty much all my stuff the following morning. Then, in the afternoon, we went to Roath Park for a walk and ended up going on a rowboat. The highlight of this adventure was prob my lack of gifting for rowing (and we are being nice, here) and when I accidently hit a mum-swan with one of the oars. I thought the evil animal was actually gonna "jump" to the boat and attack us as we couldn't row fast enough to move away from her. I was told afterwards that they are pretty useless coming out of water but still... with so many annoying seaguls around that I could kill (I'm sure this would be appreciated by most of the human kind), I had to hit the massive and evil swan... there are unlucky times.<br />Then it was CU. it was sooo weird to see some of the people I've got to know for the last time, in uni... well, I'm sure I'll see them around someday and if not, I get to spend eternity with them so... lots of time.<br /><br />On Thursday, Rach came and left some of her stuff in my room for summer, along with a colour coded list of everything staying there... -.- In the evening we went to see "Angels and Demons", the film adapted from Dan Brown's book with the same title. The book is better but the movie is pretty good! We had dinner at an amazing indian retaurant beforehand. I was so so so full...<br /><br />On Friday, Jo and Rach picked me up and drove me to the train station. Dave was waiting there and, kindly, helped me carry my mega heavy suitcase up the stairs and into the train.<br />The rest of the day was spent travelling. nothing that exciting...<br /><br />And here I am. back in this office (that really needs some urgent tidying...) as like I never left. i came back again to find my shampoo had been used as well as my toothpaste. some things never change... :D<br /><br />If you got to the end of my detailed account of my last week in Cardiff - well done! Will write again soon.<br /><br />ASG<br /><br /><br />p.s. This post will be translated into portuguese so that everyone can read it :)Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-21726176680591099342009-05-12T04:34:00.000-07:002009-05-12T04:47:13.452-07:00Vida<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XrLzYw6ULYw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XrLzYw6ULYw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Exames aproximam-se e o tempo e escasso... eek!<br /><br />Cytogenetics and Human Genetics- 18/05<br />Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Blood - 19/05<br />Medical Microbiology - 26/05<br />Central Nervous System Pharmacology - 28/05<br />Chemotherapy and Cardiovascular Drugs - 01/05<br /><br />Voo marcado para 5 de Junho. Devo chegar a Lisboa por volta das 7 e picos. Depois vamos ver... Tou ainda a espera de saber se posso ir a alguns acampamentos pra que fui convidada. Quero mesmo ir. Dei uma olhada pelos programas e temas e parece mesmo interessante. Vamos ver se os exames mo permitem.<br /><br />O resto ta tudo normal. Nao tenho saido tanto de casa porque tou a estudar e entao nao tenho visto muita gente. A igreja esta no mesmo sitio e o GBU tambem. O pessoal anda muito ocupado com exames portanto o numero de pessoas nas reunioes diminuiu.<br /><br />E pronto... e a minha interessante vida... Peco desculpa por nao ter escrito durante tanto tempo mas o trabalho e muito.<br /><br />Agora de volta aos cromossomas quadrivalentes e os seus pontos de quiasma. bleurgh.<br /><br />take care<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-59281227847215582522009-04-11T07:31:00.000-07:002009-04-11T07:33:26.980-07:00Fight for what mattersOne day I was having coffee with two great friends. It was the end of term and we were about to go home each to our countries. One of them said something like: “Ana, I’m not talking to you over holidays. I need a break from you.” I just shrugged and said: “ok, that’s fine”.<br /><br />Later on, I said something silly to my other friend (I can’t remember what it was) and she flicked my shoulder: “hey! This is for what you said. And this” she said while giving me a painful dead arm “is for not fighting for my friendship and quitting on me so easily”. I laughed. I knew she was joking in the first place because I know her and that’s the kind of relationship we have. If I thought that could be true, I wouldn’t just say: “that’s fine”. I would react, ask why, ask what I had done, if it was really necessary, etc. And I would pray lots and lots that she would change her mind. Why? Because her friendship mattered.<br /><br />I remembered this situation the other day and asked myself: “What matters to me?” Friends matter, family matters, church/CU matters, my degree matters. How much more should the Gospel matter?<br /><br />I find myself quitting on my non-Christian friends too easily when it comes to sharing the gospel. If they don’t embrace it or look interested the first few times I speak to them about Christ, I tend not to talk about it anymore. I don’t think this is the right attitude. If there something that makes me tremble is to think that on my way to heaven I’ll see one of my friends going on the opposite direction and asking “Why didn’t you fight for me? Why did you quit so easily?”<br />You may be thinking: “yeah, but sometimes constantly talking and “preaching” at your friends doesn’t work. It just gets annoying and will build up even more barriers than the ones that already exist”. Ok, I agree with you to some extent.<br /><br />However, as Christians we have the most amazing tool/weapon in these cases. We can pray. You are saying: “yeah, right...that’s such a cheesy Christian thing to say”. But think about it in this way: when praying, you are basically asking the God that can do everything and anything. This God created the Universe, all the nature that you see around you and YOURSELF (and believe me: as I study more about the human body, sometimes I wish God didn’t show off this much when creating man. It’s so unbelievably and amazingly complex! And hard to revise…). And the best of all: He promises that He will hear what you have to ask and say. Also, He cannot lie.<br /><br />I’m extremely good at remembering things that matter to me. I can recall conversations and situations, from more than 10 years ago, vividly (including people’s expressions and what they were wearing sometimes). I once memorized all my family members’ phone numbers including my 2 uncles and aunt, grandparents and also my best friend’s. It mattered because I was taught that it was important in case something happened. I know most of my friends and family birthdays without needing a diary. When I was in high-school, I could recall my entire exam and deadlines calendar and I can do that still but to a shorter extent.<br /><br />If I remember all these things, why do I so often forget to pray for my friends and family that are not saved? Does it matter as much as it should to me? I have to face the reality...sometimes it doesn’t. It should, but it doesn’t.<br /><br />And now that we are celebrating Easter, I look at the cross and see a Saviour humble enough to come from His throne in Heaven and die on a cross for His worst enemy, as we heard yesterday at the service. But he was also victorious over death and conquered it on the third day. WOW!<br />He didn’t die only for me, although He would have done exactly the same if there was only one person that He wanted to save. He wants others to share of the amazing life He can give. And if He wants it, I want it.<br /><br />So, fight for what matters to Christ. Your friend’s life matters, if you are a Christian. If you are not – know that your life matters for Christ and that He loves you immensely to the point of coming to die for you. However, because He never sinned, He rose again and is alive today so that you can speak to Him and ask Him to forgive you for what you’ve done wrong and be your Saviour.<br /><br />Happy Easter.<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-10861810885590982402009-03-29T15:19:00.000-07:002009-03-29T15:46:33.194-07:00UpdateHey!<br /><br />Finalmente cheguei a casa para as ferias da Pascoa! whoop whoop! Estava a ver que nao.<br /><br />Depois de sair de casa em Cardiff as 7.45, apanhar um taxi, esperar, apanhar um comboio, esperar, apanhar outro comboio, check-in (que foi aberto para mim), esperar mais umas boas3-4 horas, embarcar no avião, passar 2 horas sentada a frente da miuda mais irritante de portugal, muito provavelmente do planeta, usar pela primeira vez o meu passaporte electronico e fazer a viagem de carro de Lisboa ate a Marinha - CHEGUEI!<br /><br />O Marcos esta em Londres por isso dormi na cama dele ontem (e muito mais fofinha que a minha... nao sei porque é que ele tem direito ao melhor colchão da casa...).<br /><br />Fui à igreja hoje de manhã e dormi a tarde toda outra vez... e esse é o plano para amanhã, também... dormir.<br /><br />É muito fixe estar em casa mas estranho também. Parece que nunca saí (principalmente porque metade da (des)Ordem continua em obras, mesmo depois de meses a fio). Que de alguma maneira o tempo parou quando saí depois do Natal e continua agora. E o mesmo acontece com Cardiff. Quando lá chego parece que nunca saí. Não sei se faz algum sentido mas não arranjo melhor maneira de explicar.<br /><br />Ah, de referir que tivemos de ir ao Modelo de urgencia porque tanto o champo que eu uso, como o gel de banho e a pasta de dentes que uso se revelaram inexistentes nesta casa (ok... se calhar compramos pasteis de nata, tambem...). Nao so isto foi um choque mas como tambem o desaparecimento da minha propria escova de dentes se apresenta como um misterio insondavel. Sera que se fartou de esperar por mim e resolveu ir a sua vida de escova de dentes? sera que alguem pensou "hmmm...so dois rapazes é que usam esta casa de banho, o que é que faz aqui uma escova de dentes cor-de-rosa a destoar? é melhor deitar fora...". nunca niguem saberá...<br /><br />E depois da minha dissertação sobre a minha preciosa escova de dentes que espero que vos tenha deixado a todos tão intrigados como eu, despeço-me por hoje, meus caros leitores. O sono é muito...<br /><br />Até ao prox post (prometo que seguirá em breve...)<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-13069910056733528842009-03-02T09:09:00.000-08:002009-03-02T09:37:58.966-08:00traducao<em>Portanto, pediram-me pra traduzir o ultimo post. Aqui vai:</em><br /><br />sim, ainda estou viva meus caros leitores (sim, es tu, mae...). Pensei que estava na hora de actualizar isto...<br /><br />A vida tem sido bem preenchida. Tenho aulas quase todas as manhas e tardes e so uma noite livre por semana (sexta). E ja estamos na quinta semana do semestre!!! o tempo voa! estou a tentar encontrar o botao de pausa mas nem encontro o comando neste cenario de guerra que o meu quarto se tornou, quanto mais! ja nem consigo ver o chao...<br /><br />A ultima quarta-feira foi um dia e tanto. Assinei o contrato para a casa do proximo ano! vou viver com mais 5 raparigas. YAY! Nos decidimos (bem, a Becca e eu) que vai ser a casa mais multi-cultural dos arredores se considerar-mos Pais de Gales e Irlanda culturas diferentes. De qualquer forma, a Jo em si propria ja e multi-cultural. Definitivamente uma mistura de sotaques interessantes com duas inglesas, duas galesas (uma que soa muito galesa e outra com uma mistura de escoces, gales, irlandes e americano), uma irlandesa (que definitivamente soa muito irlandesa) e depois eu... bem, vamos poupar-me de vergonha e nao falar do meu sotaque.<br /><br />Depois tivemos a nossa assembleia geral do GBU. E assustador pensar que ja passou um ano... Se pesquisarem no blog podem encontrar o post acerca da ultima reuniao.<br />Votamos para a nova lideranca que foi aprovada por unanimidade! Estou em pulgas para ver como Deus vai trabalhar este ano atraves e neste pessoal.. Orem para que, como GBU aqui em Cardiff, possamos estar aptos e motivados para suportar os nossos lideres em oracao e qualquer outra forma que seja necessaria. O trabalho deles nao vai ser nada facil mas e tao encorajante ver a maneira como eles se levantam, dispostos a darem o seu tempo e esforcos para servir o nosso Deus, Todo Poderoso.<br />Agradecemos a Deus pela maneira como ele trabalhou o ano passado pela lideranca anterior. A maneira como vimos a Sua mao e provisao nao se pode descrever em palavras. E, de novo, este pessoal foi fantastico. A maneira como eles nos lideraram e permaneceram firmes na Palavra mesmo em tempos dificeis foi extraordinario de ver!<br /><br />Entao agora e hora de olhar para tras e lembrar o que Deus fez este ano e agradecer-lhe por isso. Nos oramos pela a lideranca e pelo grupo e Deus respondeu as nossas oracoes de uma maneira fantastica e impressionante! E tambem tempo de olhar para a frente e pedir-Lhe a Sua visao e caminho. Que novamente nos possamos ter os nossos olhos em Cristo.<br /><br />Os ultimos dias tem sido preenchidos por estudo para um teste que tenho esta semana (<em>neste momento ja esta feito e correu bem</em>).<br /><br />Hoje tivemos housegroup. O tema foi a crucificacao de Jesus e foi tao bom trocar ideias sobre o significado da cruz para nos como crentes e tambem para nao crentes. E tao fixe aprender com os outros sobre a verdade que Deus nos revela atraves da Sua palavra!<br />E foi tao desafiante ouvir um nao crente dizer que, se tudo aquilo de que nos estavamos a falar era verdade (sobre Cristo e o que Ele veio fazer), entao as pessoas deveriam olhar para a cruz que veem em todo o lado (colares, igrejas, quadros, etc) e ver quem morreu la e que morreu pelos meus pecados. Ele disse que as pessoas deviam deixar de associar a cruz com religiao como uma instituicao porque, e passo a citar: "aquele homem morreu pelo que eu fiz. nesse caso, eu teria o martelo na minha mao, meu!"<br /><br />Muitas vezes, como crentes, olhamos para a cruz e achamos banal. E so um simbolo que representa a instituicao religiosa como este tipo disse. Mas nao... a cruz foi onde o nosso Salvador morreu por cada mentira que eu digo, por cada pensamento que nao deveria ter, por cada pedacinho de orgulho ou inveja. tudo para que eu pudesse usufruir de uma relacao com o Deus Santo e viver com Ele para sempre. pois... parece que este nao crente foi mais sabio e certo nestas palavras do que eu sou nos meus grandes discursos, muitas vezes. Humbling.<br /><br />Esta semana vai ser tao cheia ou ainda pior... Ainda bem que tenho conseguido dormir a noite...<br /><br />Ok, tenho de ir. Josue para acabar antes de amanha e ainda so vou a meio...<br /><br />ASG<br /><br /><em>traduzido de Life (CU, AGM and Housegroup)</em>Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-77935043461630300722009-02-23T14:47:00.000-08:002009-02-23T15:39:15.600-08:00Life (CU AGM and housegroup)yes, I'm still alive my dear readers (yeah, that would be you, mum...) so I thought it was about time to update this, really...<br /><br />Life has been really busy. i have lectures pretty much every morning and afternoon and one evening free a week (friday). And it's week 5 of spring already!! where did time go?? i'm desperately trying to find the pause button but I can't even find the remote control in the war scenario my room has become. I can't actually see my floor...<br /><br />Last wednesday was an eventful day. We signed for our new house! I'll be living with 5 other girls. I'm so excited about moving in with these lovely girls! We've decided (well, Becca and I)that it'll be a multi-cultural house if you consider Wales and Ireland as a different culture.Anyway, Jo in herself is already multi-cultural as Becca said very well. It'll definitely be an interesting mixture of accents with two english, two welsh (one that sounds very welsh and another with an interesting mix of scottish, welsh, irish and american), one irish (that def sounds very irish) and then myself that sound very... well let's save me from embarrassement and not talk about my accent.<br /><br />Then we had our Annual General Meeting for CU. It's scary that the last AGM was more than an year ago! If you look through my old blog posts you'll find the one I wrote about it.<br />We voted for the new committee that was aproved unanimously! I'm really excited to see how God is gonna move this next year and work in and through these guys. Pray that we, as a CU, may be able and willing to support our leaders in prayer and in anyway we can. these guys' job is not going to be easy but it's so encouraging to see the way they stand up, willing to give their time and effort to serve our Almighty God.<br />We praise God for the way He worked last year through the committee at the time. The way that He provided was immense... beyond belief. And again, these guys were amazing. The way they lead us and stood firm in the Word even through tough times was such a blessing!<br /><br />So now is a time to look back and remember what God did last year and thank Him for that. We prayed for the guys of last year's committee and for the CU and God answered our prayers in an amazing, astounding way! But it's also a time to look forward and ask Him for His guidance this next year. That again we may know nothing but Christ crucified. <br /><br />The past few days have been filled with work for a test I have this week... scary. I really don't like statistics...<br /><br />Today we had housegroup. The subject was the crucifixion of Jesus and it was great just to discuss with those guys the meaning of the cross for us as christians and for non-christians. it's so cool to learn with each other the truth God reveals through His Word.<br />And it was so challenging to see a non-christian saying that if all we were saying was true (about who Jesus was and what He came to do), then people would have to start looking at the cross, even when represented in necklaces, churches, paintings, etc, and seeing the man that died there and that He died for our sins. He said that people should stop thinking about religion when they see a cross because, and I quote, "that guy died for my stuff. I would have the hammer in my hand, man!"<br /><br />Sometimes as Christians we see the cross and it doesn't mean much to us. It's just a symbol to represent religion as an institution as this guy said. but no... the cross was where our Saviour died for every lie that I tell, every bad thought I think, every bit of pride or envy. so that I could have a relationship wit the Holy God and live with Him forever.so yeah... this non-christian guy was wiser and more focused in these words than I am many times. Humbling.<br /><br /><br />This next week will prob be as busy if not worse... I'm thankful I have been able to sleep well at night so I can have the rest I need.<br /><br />Right, gotta go, now. Joshua to finish till tomorrow and I'm half way through... eek.<br /><br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-65453669553232625152009-02-02T12:55:00.000-08:002009-05-31T14:09:13.511-07:00Mind blowing...<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rjL4SZyc5Ko&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rjL4SZyc5Ko&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/btyacVmGszA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/btyacVmGszA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p></p><p>So, after talking a friend he asked me to check Louie Giglio's talks on youtube. </p><p>I had never heard of this guy but I came across this serie called "How great is our God". And it completely blew my mind...</p><p>Above are part 4 and 5 that refer to the wonders of our body "fearfully and wonderfully made" by the Almighty, creator of the universe, all powerful God.</p><p>Have a look on youtube for the first part (about the universe) or other series.</p><p></p><p>Also, FREE week started today and I'm so excited! Loads of leaflets and questionaires going around, street drama and music, lunch time talks and events in the evening. Check the website <a href="http://www.cfcu.co.uk/">http://www.cfcu.co.uk/</a> for more information.</p><p>Prayer meeting this morning had loads of people even if it was at 8am. praise God! let us be faithful in prayer for our non-christian friends.</p><p>seriously guys... pray. When you pray you are asking and talking to the God that created the universe and everything that is in it. The God that was willing to come down to the tiny and miserable world and die for us. Even better... you have the promise that He'll answer to His people that turn to him.WOW!</p><p>ASG</p><p></p>Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-2414122554674016122009-01-16T13:34:00.000-08:002009-01-16T13:41:12.617-08:00Get praying!<embed src="http://www.uccf.org.uk/player/930" width="420" height="368" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed>"><br /><br />Guys... get excited about this. Such an amazing opportunity to share the Gospel so please, please pray for everyone that is involved and for each Christian student as we go out and give a copy of Mark's Gospel to our friends, making the commitment of reading it with them.<br /><br />Let's pray that God will move amazingly in Cardiff University and all around the UK through this project<br /><br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-84599620162216151432008-12-26T02:38:00.000-08:002008-12-26T13:20:22.031-08:00The true meaning of Christmas<div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called </em></div><div align="center"><em>Wonderful Counselor, </em><em>Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. </em></div><div align="center"><br /><em>Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. </em></div><div align="center"><em>The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>(Isaiah 9:6-7)</em></div><div align="center"><em>.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Christmas is more than Santa, is more than christmas trees, more than a family tradition or a time of the year when we feel we should help those in need. It's even more than a story about a baby being born.</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Christmas is about Mary and Joseph obeying to the word of God despite the shame, persecution and even death that they could face from society (and this includes kings!). it's about Mary's answer to the angel and the submission that it shows “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Christmas is about God, the "Holy Holy Holy" (Revelation 4:8), the Mighty God, sending His son to this messed up world. It's about the father willing to give the life of His son to allow us, that sin against Him everyday, to come and enjoy eternal life with Him.</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">It's about Jesus Christ, the One that created the entire universe, the One that was with God and was God (John 1:1) being born to this world, becoming one of us but living a perfect life. It's about the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)walking in will and obedience to a hill out of His own city, carrying His own cross until exhaustion. The Root of David (Revelation 5:5) being mocked, bruised and killed for our transgressions as Isaiah 53:5 says</div><div align="justify">.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>"But he was pierced for our transgressions, </em></div><div align="center"><em>he was crushed for our iniquities; </em></div><div align="center"><em>the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, </em></div><div align="center"><em>and by his wounds we are healed."</em></div><div align="center"><em>(Isaiah 53:5) NIV</em></div><div align="center"><em>.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="left">so that if we believe in Him we may have eternal life and not face the eternal death that we deserve for our sins:</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><em>"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,</em></div><div align="center"><em>that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."</em></div><div align="center"><em>(John 3:16) NIV</em></div><div align="center"><em>.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">About the Wonderful One rising again, victorious over death, seating now at the "right hand of Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 1:3)</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">And the most amazing promise that He will come back in his Father's glory:</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><em>"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, </em></div><div align="center"><em>and then he will reward each person according to what he has done."</em></div><div align="center"><em>(Matthew 16:27) NIV</em></div><div align="center"><em>.</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="left">So, if you are a christian, this should blow you mind! These are amazing news! We can have in Christ that was born in this earth, that we celebrate at Christmas, the assurance of a life spent with God. God sees in Him His perfect life and our sins are forgotten.</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">If you are not a Christian, you are not in that position, yet. You are dead because of your the things you do wrong (sins). Even if you think you are a good person, you are not perfect and the Holy, Just God has to punish you as He can't live with sin. You'll spend eternity without God.</div><div align="left">But He loves you so much. He created you. he designed and planned you carefully. And He says that if you believe in His son, Jesus Christ and that He came to die for you and to be punished in your place. (John 3:16)And you repent for all the things you have done against God and ask Him to forgive you for that, He will welcome you back and he guaranties eternal life with Him. You'll live with Him forever. I'm not saying you'll be perfect (yet) and your life will be easy. But He will be always there to help you. That's what His word, the Bible, says. If you have any questions and you know any christians, ask them. I'm sure they will be more than happy to try and help you. If you don't, leave me a comment and I'll try to help in what I can.</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">This is the true meaning of Christmas.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">ASG</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">p.s.: good video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FtpDQ8Qgm0&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FtpDQ8Qgm0&feature=related</a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div>Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-66899377333782302752008-10-18T11:59:00.000-07:002008-10-18T12:28:13.888-07:00What's up?So, long time no see for you all!!<br /><br />I know, i know...it's all my fault, I haven't writen for ages... shame on me.<br /><br />so, what happened since i last wrote? LOADS! I've been incredibly busy for the last 3 weeks.<br />I have heaps of deadlines for uni, plus lectures but that's not new.<br />Today I spent the day working lying in my bed which resulted in a terrible back pain. And I still have loads to do!! Arrrggg...<br />I have books that i want to read sitting in my shelf for ages. Just finished "What to do with these musicians?" by Marcus Witt and I'm hoping to read "Too busy not to pray" by Bill Hybels that Rach lent me next.<br /><br />Then CU. This is probably the area I'm the most excited about. We had 229 people in the first meeting. I think in the last few weeks we had less people there but still a really good number. Pray that people would come along. We are looking at "Distinctive living" at the main meetings. Last one was about sex, drugs and alcohol and how the christian should face these issues. Quite good.<br />I'm also one of the leaders of housegroup this year. We are going through Mark's gospel and it has been amazing!! There is so much to learn about Jesus' life and having time to get stuck into the Bible and study the One that came to save us is such a privilege!! This is part of the UCCF evangelistic project "FREE". It's all about Mark's gospel and Jesus. In february, we'll have access to the "FREE" Gospels to hand out to our friends and make the commitment to reading it with them! I've seen the gospels and they are really good! I'm so excited about this!!!<br />We had prayer meetings everyday last week to pray for FREE and on wednesday night we had a night of prayer after CU which was amazing and really challenging! Each passing day I'm more aware of how important prayer is. And what a priviledge we have to talk with the True, Living God, the King of Kings!!<br />One of the main focus of CU this year is to encourage accountability and me and Jo are going through Daniel together. I had read Daniel before but it's amazing how everytime you read it you find interesting facts!<br /><br />Tomorrow is church - it's crazy the ammount of engagements that happened during summer (in church and CU apparently)!! And we have 3 new babies in church! So cool!<br /><br />Right, better be back to heart connexins. I have a group project/essay to do and I'm PROPERLY late.<br /><br />Take care<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-16945131067982233262008-09-25T05:45:00.000-07:002008-09-25T05:50:21.145-07:00Unbelievable<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkS6fN3wm8jyS_HufixBjzCQfJguHMATDvhCsI070q9kWiphWm4PtUAdU2jl4IizlECiF1xzE3RhqaXNdJ1Vs0NOpNprMUgjS9h8MnKAq9q6I0XdVw8X9_Hd9N6MJqT-6AZlqV8UYeGg/s1600-h/Image252.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249939446213072258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkS6fN3wm8jyS_HufixBjzCQfJguHMATDvhCsI070q9kWiphWm4PtUAdU2jl4IizlECiF1xzE3RhqaXNdJ1Vs0NOpNprMUgjS9h8MnKAq9q6I0XdVw8X9_Hd9N6MJqT-6AZlqV8UYeGg/s320/Image252.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfXMx0dU_holg9eaCPUArNiOrhIHQWaFNUfzy1D2jp271MImT8dE8dofcVwihSwcYifPWLd9YviJn_bomINeaeSuzlY3uUVPlt47El7tpANhiYASPApNGAT0e8ac8W5BBWyagcQr0g4s/s1600-h/Image253.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249939444780556274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfXMx0dU_holg9eaCPUArNiOrhIHQWaFNUfzy1D2jp271MImT8dE8dofcVwihSwcYifPWLd9YviJn_bomINeaeSuzlY3uUVPlt47El7tpANhiYASPApNGAT0e8ac8W5BBWyagcQr0g4s/s320/Image253.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday we had our first CU main meeting. People had to stand outside the Biosci cafe (in the photos). John Pride Lecture Theatre was full for the first time since i have lectures there.</div><div>250 people were there and more than 150 were freshers! So exciting!</div><div> </div><div>Praise God!!!!!! </div>Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-12018077212606660802008-09-15T13:19:00.000-07:002008-09-15T17:10:56.662-07:00Back in CardiffSo.... outra vez em Cardiff. esta na altura de actualizar isto.<br /><br />Cheguei na sexta feira ao aeroporto de Bristol com uma mala a pesar 19.5 kg e uma mochila a pesar prai outros 15.<br />Depois de passar pela chuva de Bristol e apesar de um atraso de 30min no comboio para Cardiff, cheguei a esta cidade para trazer o verao ha tanto esperado!e verdade...esta razoavelmente quente e ate solarengo aqui desde que cheguei.<br /><br />Durante 2 dias sem internet, aproveitei para passar tempo com pessoas e nao com icones de msn. No sabado a tarde tivemos reuniao de oracao na igreja durante 4 horas sobre o ano que vem. Depois do jantar, aventuramo-nos pelas ruas de cardiff com o Al a conduzir (shock...) a procura do sitio que acolheria a festa dos 22 anos de Dave Scott, a casa de Dave e Naomi Webster. Depois de quase termos ido a Port Talbot e voltado, la encontramos o sitio e seguiram-se 2 horas de Buzz versao Hollywood merecidamente dominadas pelo agora aclamado guru do cinema - Dave Webster. Ganhou sem dar hipotese...<br /><br />Domingo foi dia de igreja de manha. Almoco em casa dos Metheringham.<br /><br />Por volta das 5.30, eu and my NIish favourite person, transportamos todas as coisas que ela tinha deixado no meu quarto durante o verao (entre os seus pertences encontrava-se uma casa de bonecas ja referida num post anterior) ate a sua novissima casa...ou pelo menos tentamos porque aquilo era pesado...depois de muito esforco, trocas, paragens, etc...la chegamos sas e salvas e com os potes do ikea ainda inteiros (assim com os talheres a condizer - afinal de contas OCD e mesmo assim). Ainda nessa noite tive oportunidade de ver Over the Edge!fun fun<br /><br />Hoje (ou melhor, ontem), depois de uma manha numa quest por resolver o meu problema com a internet para vos poder escrever este post, tive de ir a universidade resolver algo relacionado com uma das cadeiras. Seguiu-se uma tarde bem passada e regada a cha britanico com a Jo que tinha acabado de chegar.<br /><br />E sempre dificil sair de casa mas e bom estar de volta e voltar a encontrar todas estas pessoas que tem um papel enorme na minha vida, tambem.<br /><br />Beijos e Abracos<br />ASG (from a surprisingly dry and warm Cardiff)Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-15838701507371793452008-06-02T07:08:00.001-07:002008-06-02T08:01:31.855-07:00HolidaysHey lovely people,<br /><br />writing again in english as almost all my portuguese readers now have me in person to ask whatever they like and won't need to read this blog to be updated about my life (as anyone would want to be updated about my boring life...maybe my mum, haha).<br /><br />so I left cardiff on thursday. it was sad to leave all my friends for the long period of 3months...I'm still trying not to think about how long it is very often...but it was amazing to see all my portuguese friends and family.<br /><br />I wanted to have a proper goodbye with people that are important to me and that I consider became some of my best friends during this year. Was sad I didn't have time to do it with everyone I wanted to but, anyway...So I tried to organize and meet some friends on wednesday. It turned out to be a great but mad day...<br /><br />Woke up at 8.00 that morning and made a deal with myself - I would not cry that day.<br /><br />After doing laundry, packing and tidying my room, went to meet Al and we walked down to uni as I had some questions to ask in the undergraduate office. After asking the refered questions (and finding out our walking was useless as they were, apparently, dum questions), we went for lunch and had a great time having deep and random conversations as usual.<br />Then, we headed up home again. Al left me at my hall and I had a quick shower before meeting Rach.<br /><br />Met Rachael at 3pm and, after dropping some of her stuff in senghenydd (have no idea if the spelling is right...it's very likely that it isn't), we entered a new coffee shop that had free cake when you buy any hot drink!!! Paradise...<br />After what we called our "mother and daughter" date, went to talybont to pick stuff she was going to leave at mine's during summer and we met Jo to have dinner.<br /><br />Then,we met Al and Annie and walked down to CU. It was supposed to be CU in the park week but due to the rain that didn't stop ALL day (we were in Wales in the end...)it was at "The Gate" as usual.<br />Great fun was had and Jo passed me the "gummy bear rule" that I started following for no apparent reason - you have to eat two gummy bears at a time. you *can not* eat just one.<br />When we were about to leave (me and Jo), Rach gave me an envelope and made me promise I wouldn't open it until she said goodbye. As a good Christian daughter, I obeyed. I said goodbye to everyone and me and Jo walked home. Was almost crying when me and Jo hugged and said goodbye but I managed not to. was very impressed with myself.<br />I got into my flat and finally opened the envelope rach had given me. I read the card and the deal I had made with myself that morning was quickly broken...<br />Finished packing and went to bed (not before playing with sylvanian family for 5 min)<br /><br />The next morning, left my flat at 6.45 and called the taxi. Al turned up running, late as usual, and, very kindly, took me to the train station where I got my train to Bristol.<br /><br />After a nice and smooth flight, got home at 16.00 that afternoon and spent most of thrusday and friday sleeping. Saturday was chuch day away and it was awesome to see everyone again.<br /><br />Starting volunteering tomorrow at a church day-care centre.<br /><br />I'm having some very needed rest and enjoying the confort of my home. However, I'm missing people in Cardiff quite terribly...ah well. I'm looking forward to everything that's gonna happen this summer and can't wait to see what God has for me during this time.<br /><br />Much love<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-85200221218704632372008-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:002008-05-20T08:28:38.778-07:00Biochem and Microbiology are done. Three down, three to go.<br /><br />And soooooo tired....Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-2169013939374153172008-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:002008-05-15T12:39:44.336-07:00One downOne down, five to go.<br /><br />Genetics was good. Lets hope Microbiology goes wellAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-61443806094424750722008-04-29T09:26:00.000-07:002008-06-02T08:38:54.414-07:00Fotos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi3RkWCnKKbImOC009ImYNt06giDztyFzYqL7g8wlu6jzE42AtoCo5pWOijzLpbjVFrVzLsWn8BaOGdTd4niHBFXQB4ToquTUaj78VRgFHFdfElWrOwrRnbe3UlKRv5IGvOggOM_63RI/s1600-h/Image158.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Hey!!</span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br />Voltamos a lingua de Camoes!! YAY! Sim, eu AINDA sei falar portugues razoavelmente e nao, eu nao tenho sotaque ingles quando falo outra lingua.<br /><br />Ok, o que e que se tem passado?? hmmm...nada. Tenho estudado,estudado, feito relatorios, praticas, GBU, Hall Group, testes, mini-testes, testes para os quais estudei desalmadamente e no fim descobri que nao contavam para nota,Igreja, estudado, etc etc. Vida interessante, nao?!<br /><br />A parte mais interessante desde que cheguei deve ter sido o takeaway chines+musica da disney+musica de criancas em geral e o passeio de 5 horas de ontem que me deixou completamente de rastos fisicamente...Mas foi util para afastar a culpa de nao fazer exercicio durante, pelo menos, as proximas 3 semanas. O tempo esteve fantastico e os parques e lagos que vimos valeram a pena (ver fotos)!<br /><br />Igualmente importante o jogo de futebol Cardiff Uni Christin Union vs Swansea Uni CU...Uma palavra: abada...Demos 5 a 0 aos meninos de sotaque esquisito e eles nao jogaram nada. Tudo com amor entre irmaos (excepto algumas entradas "ligeiramente" violentas pela parte do nosso capitao Pete Evans que pareceram tudo excepto abracos e comunhao entre irmaos...)<br /><br />Esta e a ultima semana de aulas oficialmente e depois tenho exames. Voo no dia 29 de maio de volta para Big Navy e nao serei mais caloira...sad sad<br /><br />Pronto...acho que e basicamente isso que tinha em mente para esta narrativa... O importante sao as fotos, really...<br /><br />Beijos e Abracos<br />ASG<br /></span><br /></span><div align="center">Cisnes em Roath Park lake</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194710223098131234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoi3RkWCnKKbImOC009ImYNt06giDztyFzYqL7g8wlu6jzE42AtoCo5pWOijzLpbjVFrVzLsWn8BaOGdTd4niHBFXQB4ToquTUaj78VRgFHFdfElWrOwrRnbe3UlKRv5IGvOggOM_63RI/s320/Image158.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Sarah fighting a swan<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6jGQ5761vJELOOkuwxPNTqipvayQv1gH87eeHd1VgWwELVlLwvLWiTXqrZyaOtUrzTkz7I2tUPO7ko72Iot9q7tIXI-e0PqXa4Gx483Yfi_rkOHGBCJY6UocoHngcEN95YXkrGljvDo/s1600-h/Image160.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194710231688065842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6jGQ5761vJELOOkuwxPNTqipvayQv1gH87eeHd1VgWwELVlLwvLWiTXqrZyaOtUrzTkz7I2tUPO7ko72Iot9q7tIXI-e0PqXa4Gx483Yfi_rkOHGBCJY6UocoHngcEN95YXkrGljvDo/s320/Image160.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a></p>Roath Park tiny river<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgac2G0wJMe3xCRzx6YrcVUaJsHYaP2V6ASKJgR19pC3SbVFT6Lb1YU0RFnsHWW_fqr5bRdMlt2w5u3E6ri1PMAhXyv__hdlv2jm87BxNka3XqfqZwR2LxsPY9g8GKBJhwWCz3HHKfas/s1600-h/Image155.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194710240278000450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgac2G0wJMe3xCRzx6YrcVUaJsHYaP2V6ASKJgR19pC3SbVFT6Lb1YU0RFnsHWW_fqr5bRdMlt2w5u3E6ri1PMAhXyv__hdlv2jm87BxNka3XqfqZwR2LxsPY9g8GKBJhwWCz3HHKfas/s320/Image155.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a></p>CU Varsity: Cardiff CU x Swansea CU<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdDXS_dQuBQ8n1wJkrD1ZEwQvjzrK9urx1IHZFRIgGEjr6JWVhl6VQE22ViBPL04JAoYLBXk29nNs79tAK0ALEhzMLGT8D04Aw90dUhSuWk3KNruEazhltKOw9JhbjBbVjSYYb9qL-pg/s1600-h/Image141.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194710244572967762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdDXS_dQuBQ8n1wJkrD1ZEwQvjzrK9urx1IHZFRIgGEjr6JWVhl6VQE22ViBPL04JAoYLBXk29nNs79tAK0ALEhzMLGT8D04Aw90dUhSuWk3KNruEazhltKOw9JhbjBbVjSYYb9qL-pg/s320/Image141.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a></p>Cardiff CU support team<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194710248867935074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlppr5qnuJYpr-CLiNRir4gfvAqgvN3sN76ZyW0L4ZP8aEj0M5vhZkKijcPco-s2b-zrHPMgZh4i3Z09kmEg9mHR-_MBCSoCTSZtuGyAkbOaRjPyzfZSjglKxsXJc_1vF5PJDua9S96eo/s320/Image143.jpg" border="0" /> Riacho: Heath Park<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDT2nu6XhIFTn91pMyZnbV0l1nvJusnjlbb2cZENd-evKIavEzrLObh_mI5uPHBurRGKVsxVsnPC41cgAwRtKY6G3gaXEoaD7SH3cA6oUe-17AhQ0bgE_ECFka97IAjVmRo6Oqk7bIcg/s1600-h/Image147.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194708414916899554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDT2nu6XhIFTn91pMyZnbV0l1nvJusnjlbb2cZENd-evKIavEzrLObh_mI5uPHBurRGKVsxVsnPC41cgAwRtKY6G3gaXEoaD7SH3cA6oUe-17AhQ0bgE_ECFka97IAjVmRo6Oqk7bIcg/s320/Image147.jpg" border="0" /></a> Heath Park<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxKhVvgbTaEilO-npbbdVqcm9sYntpSfbrhtTy_EaGT815TYmX5POR5fI604zqvncFvjiqBJm4sJhcbRxnwFKAqJa9fWGeiu0wUqpUiGHrWIW_9cRiqZC63F1MNcW0UViyAzNPM1lfEs/s1600-h/Image148.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194708419211866866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxKhVvgbTaEilO-npbbdVqcm9sYntpSfbrhtTy_EaGT815TYmX5POR5fI604zqvncFvjiqBJm4sJhcbRxnwFKAqJa9fWGeiu0wUqpUiGHrWIW_9cRiqZC63F1MNcW0UViyAzNPM1lfEs/s320/Image148.jpg" border="0" /></a> Roath Lake<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pLpnZ3QpTSbWzaAZy_qddTMvPHOzmd6KB7LVcQd7YBYMhuzSNul53mJYAsPRdD8UIaNWRftLC_OOJ_Ks8r_Qq9nYeh1LOPCaPGUIo_E13hY-QFiFJVC0IZvatgTSRmNXfZfBMX2hQZk/s1600-h/Image156.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194708436391736082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pLpnZ3QpTSbWzaAZy_qddTMvPHOzmd6KB7LVcQd7YBYMhuzSNul53mJYAsPRdD8UIaNWRftLC_OOJ_Ks8r_Qq9nYeh1LOPCaPGUIo_E13hY-QFiFJVC0IZvatgTSRmNXfZfBMX2hQZk/s320/Image156.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-36486850454707306322008-04-16T15:43:00.000-07:002008-04-16T16:02:12.458-07:00First entry after holsRight then, so a new post after holidays (YAY!). I'm writing it in English cause it's how my head is working now and I can't be bother to translate things now as I am almost falling asleep in front of my laptop.<br /><br />So back in Cardiff after 3 wonderful weeks in the "discoveries land". Really nice to see some of you guys although I havent seen some people I was looking forward to which made me sad.<br />Anyway, thank you for all the care and love when I was there.<br /><br />Cardiff is in the same place and looking the same except for the sun that decided to appear but that's going away this friday.<br /><br />Just came back from CU meeting which was quite good. Peter Baker (yeah, the guy that saved my mum's housemate from dying in the sea - what a tiny small world), senior pastor at Highfields spoke about about suffering and Job. Very good indeed! This was followed by tea and cookies which are much apreciated by me (specially when I'm so hungry as I was).<br /><br />One thing we found out this monday was that Dave (friend of mine)was leaving this uni and his Biology course to go and learn Teaching to special needs kids. A sad notice 'cause he is a great guy, but will come to visit :) With this, some housing stuff may change but you'll be informed when it is definitive. <br /><br />Right, and I think it is it! Loads of work to get on to as usual and exams coming soon.<br /><br />Hope its everything great in the sunny (oh wait...)/ cloudy land<br /><br />lv<br />ASG<br /><br />P.S.: Just a quick reference to you, guys. It worths to call the radio station when there is some contest goin on. One of the things I found out this week. Mr. Sabbo called and won a ticket to Estoril Open and got to see Federer...such luck annoys me!!Ana Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545882528189917573.post-58871016099474445372008-03-19T04:30:00.000-07:002008-03-19T04:51:30.762-07:00Free from assignments! Rejoice with meFinalmente...Hoje, as 2.00 da manha, dia 19 de Marco, acabei finalmente o meu tao popular essay sobre asthma. Era a ultima coisa que tinha de fazer antes da pascoa o que significa...FERIAS!! Finalmente vou poder comecar a fazer a mala.<br /><br />Quinta feira: Concerto do Coro com o tao aguardado Brahms e hino da universidade.<br /><br />Sexta: Comboio para londres a 13.25, chegar a Paddington as 15.30, Heathrow Connect ate ao Aeroporto, Voo para lisboa as 18.20, aterrar as 20.50. Vai ser um looooongo dia.<br /><br />Ok, este provavelmente vai ser o ultimo post durante algum tempo, ja que quando estiver ai nao tem muito sentido postar (pelo menos em Portugues) e tambem nao me parece que va ter muito tempo...<br /><br />Portanto, Beijos e Abracos e...HAPPY EASTER!<br /><br />Love<br />ASGAna Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12125195615012757015noreply@blogger.com1