Smoke and Endurance

I wish I can write more about my baking tales today but my mind is boggled with matters concerning my neighbours.

My room is fabulous and so are my neighbours ... well, except for a few of them who coincidently stays next to me and opposite of me. I can't say much about them because they are from another Section (class) and from the hot side (training to be chefs, not pastry chefs).

We have rules where lights out is from 11pm - 6am on weekdays and 1am - 8am on weekends. Smoking is also prohibited in the dorms and the school compound. They work fine for me except that my neighbours are not abiding by it.

I'm already used to the loud talking, noises, music and drinking that they do almost nightly. YH can confirm on how loud they are --> he can hear them while we are chatting over the phone.

I don't want trouble so I'm just silently adapting to these night owls' sleeping patterns.

Last night was bad --> they were smoking (what I believe to be weed or marijuana) and the entire hallway on my side is smoky! T and I had to rush into my room and despite that, my room is filled with the smell of smoke.

My efforts of burning scented candles and airing my room failed to cover the smell. Besides, they were also drinking and smoking near my window and this left me trapped.

I was really mad and didn't want to get ill or have an asthmatic relapse, so I shot an email to the school regarding this matter.

Since then, I've been troubled by this issue. Essentially, I was afraid that my neighbours will know that I was the whistle blower (who else?) and cause trouble.

They are graduating in 2 weeks and will vacate their rooms then, and I'll be living in bliss. My mum's advice was to endure for 2 weeks but I seriously think that by mid-March, I'll be hospitalised because of the daily smoke intake.

As we share the same ventilation system and heater, the smoke gets distributed from one room to another. Besides, weed is definitely not a substance that I want in my bloodstream.

By God's grace, He has prepared me for this matter 2 days ago through the Scriptures:

2 Timothy 2:22 - 26

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in hope that God will instruct them repentance leading them to a knowledge of truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Still, in my anger, I sent an email to the school. I pray that my email will not result in arguments as the motive was to resolve the smoke issue and not pinpoint on anyone. And may the Lord strengthen me and grant me peace and joy in my heart as I face these neighbours daily in school.


For God did not give me a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Like how Jesus has rescued Paul from persecutions and sufferings, He will rescue me and lead me to a life of His purpose, faith, love, endurance, perseverance and righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:14

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which is able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Truly, through the Holy Spirit, I'll be made wise in handling any situations and bring glory to God.


2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Jesus' timely words through the Bible will enable me to stand firm and not falter. While the smoke issue may or may not be resolved, I pray that this matter will enable to continue growing in love and faith in Christ Jesus, and Christ-likeness will be exemplified in my life.

The Joy of the Lord is my strength and He will place the smile on my face again.