273rd Reflection 💬

“If the Lord is to pass a message, who will He call❓”

Don’t set any limit on the messenger.

……..

01/2023 Some day

I said, “もう一度日本語を勉強しようと思います。”

Another me said, “English Translation.”

I said, “I want to pick up Japanese again.”

Another me said, “You’ve got Japanese Language Proficiency Test N2 already. Why to learn it again?”

I said, “I got it in 2010. It’s been 13 years since I last used it. Very very little is left in my mind.”

Another me said, “Don’t waste time then. You haven’t used it for 13 years. It won’t be of any use anymore.”

I said, “It may be of use soon.”

Another me said, “For what?”

I said, “For my studies on Japanese music.”

Another me said, “You can do it in English, the international language.”

I said, “I know English works but never as effective as the source language. You study translation. You know well the limits in translation and how much loss it incurs.”

Another me said, “Learning a language isn’t only for fun. Besides money, it requires so much time and efforts. Have you still got the time?”

I said, “Yes. My summer holidays start in May. I’ll be teaching 3 days only. I’m having a break in the remaining 4 days.”

Another me said, “Where to learn?”

I said, “The school I attended before - The Japan Society of Hong Kong.”

Another me said, “It’s so troublesome there. There is an exam every quarter. You need to retake the course if you fail in it. You’re now learning music.”

I said, “I know. Just 3 hours a week. 15-30 minutes of practices a day. It’s ok by the time.”

Another me said, “By the time? What is the time?”

I said, “By the time when I’ve got the chance to study Japanese music if I’m admitted to the Bachelor of Composition in HKAPA.”

Another me said, “Ha…..can you stop daydreaming? Don’t assume anything until you have received the admission notification.”

I said, “If I’m not admitted, I can still study Japanese music.”

Another me said, “Don’t save face for yourself. Have you ever asked the Lord if He wants you to study Japanese? Have you ever asked the Lord if He wants you to study Japanese music?”

I said, “Yes, I have.”

Another me said, “He said He does?”

I said, “He said nothing.”

Another me said, “I know that well enough. You just do whatever you want.”

I said, “The Lord neither says He does, nor says He doesn’t.

Another me said, “Can you not talk back? Can you be less revolting?”

…….

16/03/2023 (Thu) 16:15 The Japan Society of Hong Kong

Staff said, “$80.”

I said, “By Octopus.”

Staff said, “Ok. Check email. I’ve sent you the receipt.”

I said, “Thank you.”

Staff said, “April 18, 7 p.m., see you.”

I said, “OK.”

…….

Another me said, “What are you doing?”

I said, “Enrol into the admission test and retake Japanese.”

Another me said, “You just don’t listen to me.”

I said, “Who are you? Why should I listen to you?”

Another me said, “Even to me you don’t listen. I’ll see how you fail by the time.”

…….

24/03/2023 (Fri) 14:10 Room A203, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts

The final audition ended. I was about to leave. Sitting at the right was a lecturer flipping the documents submitted, talking to me all of a sudden.

Lecturer said, “Stay.”

I said, “Yes.”

Lecturer said, “You know Japanese?”

I said, “Yes, I do.”

Lecturer said, “You acquired N2.”

I said, “Yes, it has been over 10 years since I last used it. I forgot most of it.”

Lecturer said, “Do you love Japanese music?”

I said, “Very much.”

Lecturer said, “Are you going to retake Japanese?”

I said, “I’ve enrolled the admission test last week. I’m going to retake it since early May.”

Lecturer said, “Very good. I want you to retake it too. It’s much more convenient to study Japanese music with the home language.”

I said, “Thank you for your encouragement.”

Lecturer said, “Yes, audition ended here. You’ll receive the audition result in around a month.”

I said, “Understand.”

……..

Another me said, “What is this place?”

I said, “Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.”

Another me said, “Joking? I think it’s the Japan Society of Hong Kong.”

I said, “Mad.”

Another me said, “I’m mad? The one that encourages you to retake Japanese should be the staff of the Japan Society of Hong Kong, right?”

I said, “No doubt you’re mad. You like limiting the Lord in your expectations.”

Another me said, “Hey, no……”

I said, “Yes, today the Lord’s encouraged me to retake Japanese at the end of the final audition in preparation for my studies on Japanese music through a lecturer in composition from HKAPA. So?”