Why I run

17:58:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

When I was young, I was never really "into" sports. The only sports I enjoyed was gymnastics, tennis and I was good at neither of these. I remember this embarrassing incident when I was competing in the 800m sprints. Fail. I died after the first lap of the oval. But I kept going because my friend was beside me encouraging me along the way.

I don't remember how/why I picked up running, but it's something I really really really enjoy. The Boston marathon blog had thing entry about why running. Different people run for different reasons. And sometimes I have one reason, sometimes another reason.

In my first 5km road race, I met the premier of my state and the health minister. I also met a couple of girls who wanted to come to church.

I remember running in the rain with my best friend at college. it's an exhilarating experience. You simply don't understand unless you are in the situation.

In my first 10km competition I spent the whole race praying. Once you get started, you realize just how many things you are thankful for, how many people you want to pray for and how many causes there are.

Whenever I travel, I wake up extra early to run. I love to explore the parts of the city other people normally don't see. It's somewhat scary but magical at the same time. Even if I'm drenched in sweat, I feel alive.

My PB is now half that of my original PB. In the upcoming Gold Coast marathon, I will once again be running for COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL. I ask that you support this cause.

I plan to run/walk a half marathon later this year, God willing. I'm not too concerned about my time, I'm more concerned about not being able to finish.

In the same way, I am prone to "3 minute hotness" I get over things really quickly, but I am a master of coming up with ideas. I fear not finishing things. All the ministry work I am involved with right now, what if I can't finish or let people down? What if I end up being someone's stumbling block rather than helping them get closer to God?

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.1 Corinthians 9:27

This road isn't going to be easy. Walking this path means making sacrifices. Faith. Prayer. Support. 



Source: boston.com via Karen on Pinterest













《為神上路》  "Going for God" 
☆歌手：高皓正
☆專輯：天使心II-為神上路
☆曲：歐陽業俊
☆詞：遊思行


懷著信望愛開始踏步　
[With faith and love to embark with each step]
明瞭是難路荊棘滿佈
[Understand the inherent difficulties of the road]
抬十架就如高聲宣告　毋負你的徽號
[Carrying the cross is like loudly announcing your emblem]


前面縱遇見風急大霧　 
[There are winds and fog ahead of us] 
也會想有你心聲細訴 
[And would want to hear your gentle whisper]
人遇挫敗時方可知道　孤單裡淚滿途 
[When we met with defeat we will realize how lonely it is to walk alone] 


懇請你大能再造　讓我抵受這煎熬
[I implore your might to remake me and allow me to withstand this suffering] 
流落困惑裡只有徒勞　太悲傷也會跌倒
[To be in despair we realize we will fall if we are too hurt] 
其實我也怕我　有天會蕩失半途
[In fact, I'm afraid I will get lost halfway]
要是抬頭望你　必會看守腳步
[I have to look up towards you so you would guard my footsteps]
我為神上路　重要的旅途
[To go for God is an important journey] 
若信心不退卻　終點終會達到 
[If my faith is sufficient then I will eventually reach the destination]



若我心堅決進步　始終會做到
[If I am determined to progress, then I will eventually be able to do it]

愛令我無懼- Roy's testimony

14:31:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments


周永恆's testimony



He was a entertainer in Hong Kong. He felt the persona he played wasn't himself. He also tried to commit suicide due to problems with work/family. He turned to drugs to help with the stress. In 2004, Roy was caught in the possession of drugs. And even though his family supported him, he couldn't get out of the dark hole.
Stuck in a gamers world. Roy talks through his transformation, through tears. He talks about how his mother cooks him instant noodles after being released from custody. And how he came to find God. God loves him despite his problems. 
He then talks about the changes he has made in his life after receiving Christ. Swearing- this distracts others from Christ. Those around him started to notice the differences and came to know God as well! Amen! 
He also talks about how he changed his view on sex, marriage and love. 
Roy then discovered that he had a brain tumor. He was afraid that he was going to die. Then he remembered that God had taken care of his every need all along. He isn't afraid of the future because God is with him. 



Are you willing to have a different future?

Are you also willing to take Jesus as your lord and saviour?

It's so simple, all you have to do is (1) accept that you are a sinner (2) accept that Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross (3) that he rose from the dead. (4) and let him be your lord- live according to his will. 
愛令我無懼  Love I do not fear
專輯：真愛不老 (沿風草2)
作曲：唐摯善
作詞：梁沃厚

漆黑的汪洋 無聲翻波暗湧
[The dark ocean, silently turns the waves]
思海的驚濤 難比這夜更高
[Can the storms in your head be higher than the night?]
[誰能料是你呼喚 
Who can hear your cries?]
竟可把洶湧風波減退 
[To diminish the raging storm ]
主聲音彷彿風中詩句 
The Lord's voice is like a poem in the wind] 

恩手多溫柔 狂風中把我擁 
[Your gracious and gentle hand holds me in the winds]
幽谷中牽引 迷失一夜掃空 
Glen traction lost night sweep empty
隨時隨地伴我左右 
[Anytime, anywhere he accompanies me]
哀歌成快樂頌 
[Turning Lamentations into Ode to Joy]

 愛令我無懼 
[Love makes me fearless]
你為我差遣愛子 
[You sent your beloved son for me ]
髑髏山 盡嘗寶血流 
[On calvary, he shed his blood]
愛任我接收 
[Love allowed me to receive]
以十架大能徹底拯救 
[The salvation that came from the cross]
夜闌再深，黎明已漸近 
[The darkness deepens, but the dawn approaches] 

愛令我無懼 
[Love makes me fearless]
你為我差遣愛子 
[You sent your beloved son for me ]
髑髏山 盡嘗寶血流 
[On calvary, he shed his blood]
愛任我接收 
[Love allowed me to receive]
背十架盡情獻出所有 
[he carried everything on the cross]
但求這生 任憑你導引 
[In an effort to lead you in this life]

My one year anniversary

10:11:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

I've been officially married with my Phd for a year now. Got my first warning letter today. I't s my milestone is overdue. Thank you lord for showing me a warning- that the days of my life a few. And I need to make the best use of my time.

36 weeks till my scholarship ends
17 weeks till Seattle
13 weeks till first 10km run
9 weeks till sydney
1 week till mid candidature review
1 week till 2 manuscripts are due


Here are a few guidelines for my time
- Is it benefiting His kingdom?
- Is it benefiting my friends and family?
- Is this benefiting my future?
- If not, why are you doing it?
SO NOW- I SHALL PRAY THAT GOD HELPS ME TO PROPERLY MANAGE MY REMAINING TIME.
Psalm 39[a]
 1 I said, “I will watch my ways
   and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
   while in the presence of the wicked.”
2 So I remained utterly silent,
   not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;
 3 my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
   then I spoke with my tongue:
 4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end
   and the number of my days;
   let me know how fleeting my life is. 
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
   the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath, 
   even those who seem secure.[b]
 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
   in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
   without knowing whose it will finally be.
 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for?
   My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions;
   do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
   for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me;
   I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
   you consume their wealth like a moth—
   surely everyone is but a breath.
 12 “Hear my prayer, LORD,
   listen to my cry for help; 
   do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
   a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
   before I depart and am no more.”


Revelation Song lyrics
Songwriters: Riddle, Jennie Lee;


Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat


Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat


Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You


Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lighting rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be
To You the only one who's King


Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You


Filled with wonder awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water
Such a marvelous mystery


Oh, You're worthy, mystery
You are worthy


Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You, I will adore You

高皓正's testimony

15:41:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Finally got my hands on the music to 不要驚動愛情 - 高皓正. From my experience, this is the best piece of advice I can give to young people that are in love. Don't fall in love too quickly. Because you will fall out of love very quickly. Respect yourself and the other person. Good things are worth the wait.


Here is an interview with the singer himself. He talks about his upbringing. His mum passed away when he was 6 and although he had family, he felt really alone. 

He had a girlfriend for 7 years then she went overseas. He then talks about having casual physical relationships with females and still feeling an emptiness inside of him. As soon as someone gets close to him, he would get out of the relationship. 

He was seeking for someone to love him. Through some experiences, including with the police, he finally understood that God loves him. Through seeking forgiveness from God, from family, from the girls he hurt, he felt this amazing level of sweet love from God. 

He then decided that he couldn't have physical relationships any more before marriage. Because his relationship with God he didn't want to disappoint him anymore. 

He also talked about problems with his work. And hearing God's guidance- God was going to be his manager and look after his work for him. He was given many chance to meet people and to share his testimony. He asked God-to make sure this is your will, I am going to make some really extreme clauses and if they say yes, then it's going to be your will. Including not filming things with negative content (gambling, etc) and being able to go evangelising. 

He then shared several situations where God's grace was sufficient in his life. 






I can relate to his testimony in several ways. 

I also want to be a strong person. I don't want people to think of me as weak. So although I desire close relationships, I am afraid people won't love me anymore and would leave me, especially when they realise who I am. I am learning to rely more on God's love for me. 

I used to think I knew the kind of partner I would like. Someone short and chubby. Someone who gives me a feeling of warmth, the magical feeling. Someone who loves God, loves music and someone I can share with. I had a vision of the type of person I would like to be with. 

But he is right. It's not about the feeling. I am just after a person who loves God, loves me, and loves others (has a burden to spread the gospel and show God to believers and nonbelievers). Someone I feel safe with. Everything else seems secondary. And I hope there is someone out there looking for someone like me. Someone who isn't pretty or skinny or brilliant at everything I do. I am just a girl who loves God and loves others. And together, we would be able to serve God and serve people. 

I am also going through difficulties with my work. Wondering if God wants me to be here and what I am doing with my life. And I too am given so many opportunities to meet people and share with them my testimony and God's love. 

We are not tools. We are people who were loved by God and now we are going out to love others. 


MOVIE REVIEW: 翻生奇兵 A dream team

21:27:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Have you seen Night at the museum before? Well, A dream team is a HK based Christian movie based loosely around the same theme. SPOILER ALERT

Story outline

The main character Keng believed that he had a curse- he would not survive past 30. And it talks about how he has had a fairly unlucky life and he believed that his father had kicked him out of the house because he was a bad luck charm to him. 
One day, Keng sees an ad for a job at Noah's ark (a theme park in HK). On the day that he starts working, the accountant announces that the theme park will have to close down because of it's lack of profitability. Keng was then put in charge of the park for the next couple of days. 
That night, Keng meets "God". Keng and "God" then look through images of his life, but the Keng discovers that his life images do not go past his 30th birthday, which is in a couple of days. "God" gives a mystical spray of "living water". This "living water" only works with faith. Keng proceeds to play with this spray. A little later he discovers that his spray brings things back to life and all the exhibits at the Noah's Ark theme park comes back to life between 10am-10pm. 
Keng stops the exhibits from fighting (just like night at the museum) and all the exhibits start to work together as a "dream team" to bring the park back to life and this attracts many visitors to the park. But then the "devil" tries to destroy this by making the exhibits feel like they are losers. 
Eventually, Keng convinces the exhibits that they are not losers, each of the exhibits are part of God's dream team who have bought people to know Christ. This is too late though, Keng's girlfriend gets kidnapped and there is a bomb in the building. And Keng eventually saves the day by sacrificing his life (even though he was originally afraid to die).... 

My thoughts
It was an entertaining movie. I laughed. I cried. I was surprised. I was on edge. If you are after a masterpiece, this is not it. If you are looking for a movie that leaves you thinking, this is probably not it. If you are looking for a movie that will move people to believe in God, this is probably not it. The actors will probably never win any awards for their performances in this movie. 
If you don't expect much- then it's ok. The purpose is to simply show that we are not cursed. Each of us can make choices that can lead to life (eternally with God) or death (by following the ways of the world and the devil). When we have faith, we can become alive/a dream team, even though we are emotionally dead or feel like we are failures. 

Since this was the last show in Australia, I don't think Jill had much time to share her testimony. But she did share with us three songs :). 

When Life gives you SHit

23:17:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

When one is in a state of joy, one can be thankful for just about anything. Today I was thankful for rain. Today I was thankful for napisan. 

Woke up this morning for a run, the sky looked decent so I walked outside, only to feel a few drops of rain. So I went back into the house to grab my rain jacket. As soon as I had finished my warm up walk, I felt a solid thud on my arm. Looked down and ewwww white bird droppings. I was so thankful for the rain. If not for the rain, the droppings would have landed directly on my arm. And because of the protection of my coat, I was able to continue running. Why stop and turn around?

When I have everything that I need. Everything else that comes my way just seems like a sweet bonus. I have already received eternal life. I know that I am loved by my heavenly father. Everything else- these surprises during the day, gifts in the mail, messages from my friends, encouraging emails and lovely facebook messages, are all just icing on the cake. 

A friend asked me what I wanted for my birthday. And I realised that I am in want of nothing for myself. But I will in fact post a list of things I want people to get me this year... (to be updated)

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.
 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.
 5 You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.




Your love- Brandon Heath

I felt it first when I was younger
A strange connection to the light
I tried to satisfy the hunger
I never got it right
I never got it right

So I climbed a mountain and l built an altar
Looked out as far as I could see
And everyday I’m getting older
I’m running outta dreams
I’m running outta dreams

But Your love
Your love
The only the thing that matters is Your love
Your love is all I have to give
Your love is enough to light up the darkness
It’s Your love
Your love
all I ever needed is Your love

You know the effort I have given
And you know exactly what it cost
And though my innocence was taken
Not everything is lost
Not everything is lost nooooo

You’re the hope in the morning
You’re the light when the night is falling
You’re the song when my heart is singing
it’s Your love
You’re the eyes to the blind man
You’re the feet to the lame man walking
You’re the sound of the people singing
It’s Your love

hosanna- such a great weekend

22:55:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Quick post- had to share. Busy but very blessed weekend. Those who trust in the lord lack nothing. our needs are met in him.

Was disappointed that I was so busy I won't be able to celebrate a friend's birthday with him. Then turned out we had some spare time to play tennis after work on Friday :).

Was disappointed in my lack of progress with my lit review, but then driving with motivate to read so much this weekend.

Was disappointed that I didn't have enough time this week to complete all my training but ended up making 8km in 30 mins on my saturday morning run. Blessed to run into the cutest little dog and his owner.

Was disappointed that I wouldn't have enough time for family but squeezed in a buffet lunch with extended family :D.

Was disappointed that I wouldn't have enough time to help a friend with their assignment but ended up having enough time before church today to have a look at it.

We disappointed that I didn't treasure God's word enough but today's sermon refreshed my desire to listen and gain from his word.

Was disappointed that I wouldn't have enough time to catch up with friends due to my busy schedule but arranged to have coffee and sushi with friends after church.

Was disappointed that my students would not be able to come on our wet n wild outing because of the expenses and a sister in christ provided me with 50% off coupons for entry. How blessed! Incredibly moved by this particular sister who quietly attends to the needs of others.

Was disappointed that I didn't have enough time to serve God as much as I could but he provided me with heaps of opportunities to reach out to people today. We are called to fellowship and be with others.

And I haven't felt this good about a monday for a while, but I did so much work on the weekend, I feel proud to present my stuff at work tomorrow. It's going to be a fantastic but busy week full of many presentations, conferences and meetings. But I can rely on the promise that God loves me and will take care of my needs. DO NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. JUST TRUST!

Hosanna
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes

Yeeeah

I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing

[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest x2

I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith

I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees

[Chorus]

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from earth to
Eternity


[I will upload my review of the gospel meeting today when I have time]

welcome back- i've missed you

20:57:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

Hi! I haven't seen you in a while. Welcome back. 




The person staring back at me in the mirror may look the same, but inside, I feel totally different. 
Who am I? I am confident. I am driven. I love the feel of sweat and pain. I can run till I want to vomit. I am joyful. I easily make friends. I am actually good at what I do- I write faster, type faster, and go further than others. I work hard. I play harder. When I lay of my bed at night, I nod off right away because I'm so tired. When I wake up in the morning, I bounce out of bed singing praises. When I eat, I savor the tastes. I take time to ask those I love how their days are- and I listen. I take every opportunity to further his kingdom, build relationships and make networks. 
More and more lately I've felt alive. I've felt like the Karen that I lost is back. I haven't seen glimpses of this Karen for a while.  Please stay for a while longer. 
More and more I am experiencing God - I feel like I keep falling in love with Jesus. It's not just in terms of knowledge for the things that he has done. But the things that he is doing presently and will do for me in the future. He has healed this broken heart. I am living freely because He has set me Free. 
I may not be perfect or a great ambassador for his kingdom, but I am closer than I was yesterday.



Give me rule
I will break them
Show me lines
I will cross them

I need more than
A truth to believe
I need a truth that lives
Moves and breathes

To sweep me off my feet, it's gotta be

More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love

Give me words
I'll misuse them
Obligations
I'll misplace them

'Cause all religion
Ever made of me
Was just a sinner
With a stone tied to my feet

It never set me free, it's gotta be

More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in

Love, love, love
Deeper and deeper, it was
Love that made me a believer

In more than a name
A faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought
The change in me

上帝早已預備 God has already prepared

19:11:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments



A few months ago, I faced a pretty bleak future. I was contemplating dropping out of my PhD program, not having a support network at church, not being able to play tennis or run again, never finding love. My lord was with me and I got through it, one day at a time.  

I never expected to be happy again. I never expected to make breakthroughs on my PhD, never expected to get approval from my supervisor to go overseas, never expected to obtain a fellowship, never expected to get great prices for airfares, never expected to be offered a job, never expected to be able to even think about doing a full marathon, never expected to find a great support network at church, never expected to be able to trust people and love people again. I never expected any of it, but God gave me these gifts. God has already prepared for us a future. 


I am so thankful that God's gift are beyond what we pray for. I am so thankful that after I learned to let go, God has showed me his plan, bit by bit. Even if I can't see the entire road, I can see the next few steps. They are going to be hard steps to walk, but it's going to be worth it. Way worth it. 

But it's not just about the things of this earth. God had prepared for us eternal life. Even before we were born! We were destined to be his children, but we were given a choice. 
This is a gift, and it is as simple as it sounds. We just have to be willing to receive this gift. 



Chinese- English TRANSLATION by kikoprincess

上帝早已預備 God has already prepared  http://worship.17walks.com/cpoems/36-c6/214--f 
感謝祢 


F            Am            Dm
就算我可得到世間的財寶
Even if I can gain the world's treasures
            Am            Bb
但你卻說要我知道是永生的道路
Yet you say that what I must know is the road to eternal life 
Gm            C
是我在罪人時你賜我中保

F            Am            Dm
就算我可得到今生的自豪
Even if I can get the pride of this life
            Am            Bb
但你卻說要我知道　別為因此而煩惱
But you are saying that you want me to know Not to worry because of these things 
Fm            Gm            C
在絕望裡投訴　只要仰望主哪怕會迷路
Complaints during despair  Just look to the Lord - who will fear when they are lost

F            Dm
上帝早已預備 我不相信運氣
God has already prepared, I don't believe in luck
Gm            C
即使風光明媚但卻不是你預期
Even the beautiful scenery is within your expectations
F            Dm
上帝早已預備只少我不被遺棄
God has already prepared, at least I have not been abandoned
Gm        C        F
難得你為我死
You died for me

Dm            Bb
感謝你你會為我打氣
Thank you for cheering for me
Dm            Am
感謝你從谷底將我救起
Thank you for picking me up from the bottom 
Dm            Bb
感謝你縱使失去我的真理
Thank you, Even if I have lost my truth
Gm            F
但我沒有忘記
But I have not forgotten 















letting go

21:51:00 Kikoprincess 0 Comments

I can't help but smile. I've been getting the same message over and over yet. And I finally got it. Well, I've got it for now. I may need some reminder along the way, that's why God puts people in our lives, to remind us of the messages he wants us to know.

Don't forget to breathe - says my swimming partner
Don't forget to breathe- says my trainer
Don't forget to breathe- says my physio

Don't forget to breathe. Sometimes, we are going through all the motions, our body on the outside looks like it's doing all the tasks, but inside we may be a mess. Our minds maybe on overdrive.

When we stop and breathe, we clear our thoughts. When I breathe deeply, I get closer to my God. I remember to trust in him. Even if the path ahead seems difficult for one person I know as long as I place my trust in him, he will lead me through.





Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)
 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.










放手交給祂 Let Go and Let God

耶穌的意念總是美善，耶穌的道路何等奇妙，
[Jesus is described as good, Jesus's way is so wonderful]
有時我不能完全明瞭，求主幫助我全心全意信靠。
[Sometimes I can not fully understand, Lord help me to trust wholeheartedly.]
每當我灰心似乎絕望，每當我徬徨迷失方向，
[Whenever I become discouraged or desperate,, whenever I am anxiously lost] 
仰望主耶穌就得力量，剛強壯膽因耶穌為我擔當。
[Looking to the Lord Jesus  will give me strength, Jesus will give me courage] 


I'll let go, I'll let go, and let God. 
我將一切重擔交託給祂。
[I'll entrust all my burdens unto him]


I'll let go, I'll let go, and let God. 
我將一生歲月交託給祂。
[I'll entrust all the days of my life to him]


I'll let go and let God. 
我放手來交給祂，我將一切重擔交託給祂。
[I'll let go to and I will entrust all my burdens unto him]. 


I'll let go and let God. 
我放手來交給祂，我將一生歲月交託給祂。
[I let go to Him, I entrusted his life years.]
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