Something fishy...?!

Yes, didn't you smell fish? You know, it's the fishy smell on your hands after you deal with fish. Didn't you smell.... ME?

I have that smell all over me - my shirt, my pants (not undergarment, mind you!), my hair and especially my hands... gosh when will the smell go away?! In real fact I don't SMELL that much, it's just too much contact with fish so everything smells like fish to me. I wonder if I've used to the smell, the shape of the fish and the word 'fish' itself lately. I tend to look for a fish for lunch and dinner for these few days! (Nooo... I'm addicted to fissshhhh~~~!)

I've just finished the job today. Yep, all the 15 samples with over a thousand fishes for just 3 days (Yay! I'm on my way to be a fish expert! =P ). My hands are 'preserved' by formalin, and the skin has started peeling. Everytime I wash my hands... nay you don't want to know, am afraid that you might not be able to eat later. ( =P haha it's not so serious! But the formalin really has an effect on my skin and somehow it is painful when I get in contact with water.)

Ok, no more fish. It's time to go home and take a good bath. (I'm now in the computer lab. Geeee... those sitting beside me are all leaving, guess I should be smelling really bad...)

God bless everyone. ^_^

48th Anniversary of Independence

I'm not a patriotic person, nor am I not non-patriotic. But still, I'm thankful. I'm thankful for today, for the leaders Malaysia has, for the peaceful state Malaysia is in, for no natural
calamities (except for the recent Tsunami, but it didn't affect my area) and for the many benefits freedom we as Malaysians enjoy. And I'm especially thankful to the Lord for putting me here in Malaysia. Although I'm not born into a rich and well-known family, at least I have a God-fearing family.

I offer up my prayers for my beloved country:

Lord God, You guide the universe with wisdom and love.Hear the prayer I offer for my country. Through the honesty of our citizens and the wisdom of those who govern, may all citizens enjoy the fruits of justice and peace, development and progress. Bless those with authority with a sense of justice and wisdom, that they may truly be concerned and work for the interest of all citizens, irrespective of race and belief. Protect our country from all enemies; from disasters and calamities;from epidemics and sicknesses. Grant faith to our citizens that they may acknowledge you as Lord and God, respect your commandments, and give glory to Your holy name. Amen.

Click the link above for more news on the events.

Forgetful?!

The older we get, the more forgetful we are? Is this a proven fact? Or is this just a general statement? Or...

My Life Story

Just some memory of my journey with God. Perhaps some of you might have some similarity with mine.

I was born of Catholic parents, but never received Baptism when I was still a baby. I started going for Sunday Class at the age of 11. My Sunday Class teacher, who's also a relative of mine, made me attend the classes until I was about 14 years old. Right after my baptism was my First Holy Communion. I'm still wondering why she didn't let me receive Baptism after a year or two of Sunday Class, but I do know that by the time I was baptised, I knew a lot about the Catholic faith. I asked my parents why they didn't baptised me when I was a baby, they said they were giving me the choice whether or not I want to become a Catholic. I was really angry with them for doing that, and blamed them for being irresponsible and not keeping their marriage vow (upbringing of children in the Catholic way).

My parents only started attending Mass after my First Holy Communion. That time I was attracted by the priests and nuns, and always looked for the opportunity to talk to them. From there came the dream: I want to become a religious sister. My family and I were just Sunday Catholics then. My love for the Lord started growing during the Confirmation classess while my knowledge of Him deepens.

Finally, the time came for me to be confirmed. I was 16. Nothing but joy enveloped my whole being. I was accepted into the big Catholic family, where I was then 'qualified' to take part fully in serving Him. Still, I dreamt of becoming a religious sister, and I found out that I have one aunt whom I never met who's a sister. That desire burnt in me.

I served in many ministries until I found out where I belong - the Music Ministry. I've been singing in the choir for a few years now. The Lord has given me the opportunity to express myself through hymns and songs, and to lead the congregation in praise and worship sessions. Those were really great experiences and fulfilling moments. Recently, the Lord met me with the other God-fearing Youths, and we become the core members in Parish Youth Ministry, which gave me the opportunity to get to know more youths.

Being a Catholic is not easy. It doesn't mean that once you become a Catholic, you can run away from all the sufferings and trials. Nope, being a Catholic means you allow God to make use of you and your life for His purpose. God never promised a smooth journey, but He promised a safe landing. It is the experiences I've been through - hurts, injuries, joy, loneliness, disappointments - that shape who I am today and the decisions I make. Once desicions have been made, there's no turning back.

The wedding gown that I long to put on one day is that special 'gown' the nuns wear. The vow I want to make is the perpetual vow made to the Lord. I have my own reason for the decision of a single life (and God has permitted that!). The only man whom I will love with my whole heart, soul and life is the one called Jesus.Yes, I'm still dreaming of giving my whole self to the Lord. Right now, I long to see His face.

I don't know what His plan for me tomorrow. Will I keep growing in faith? Will I love Him even more than today? All these while, it was His being there that made me stronger. What would happen tomorrow isn't the matter, what matters is that He would still be there.

I Miss Him

Everytime I visit Ukok's blog, the memory of Pope John Paul II came back to me. I know it's been a long time (a few months) since he returned to the Father, but I miss him still, even until today. I just don't seem to be able to get him out of my mind.

I don't know why I miss him that much. I've not met him personally, nor have I seen him in person. But why? Why do I miss him?

It feels like there's a special bond between him and me. The bond that connects all Christians to the Father. And the same bond that binds each of our Christian heart together.

When he was still alive (yes, I know that he's still alive now in spirit, but I mean when he's alive on earth), I always imagined myself as a little girl who is held in his arms. I've been looking forward to the day I'm able to hug him and be blessed by him. But now, those are scattered dreams. I know I'll not be seeing him until I'm dead too.

I've never been to World Youth Day, but have been praying that the next one would be somewhere near Malaysia. And guess what, the Lord answered my prayer. =) I was dancing with joy when I knew about it (and my friends thought I was insane)! When I think of World Youth Day, I think of Pope John Paul II. *sigh* God willing, I hope to meet Pope Benedict.
Sydney, here I come! Hehe... =P Pope Benedict... here I come too!!!

.:.Sending my love and regards to Pope John Paul II through my humble prayers.:.