CNY-Checked & Absent!

Today, 8.30pm on 6February,2011 is the only day I could have a sitdown dinner of homecook meal with my family members to celebrate Chinese New Year. Yeah, they have had one earlier but mom & sister was gracious enough to cook something for me as I missed the Chinese New Year Eve family dinner and another dinner on the 2nd day of CNY lately. So, they really made sure that I would be available for this dinner. It is simply just awesome. The food spread was modest and I like it that way - pig stomach soup with fishballs, Guiness cooked black pork, chicken fingers, prawn sambal and some vegetables. I was just so happy to be able to have dinner with family and sit down to chat with mom and the family members. To me, this is indeed already a great privilege given the paramount of works that awaits my colleagues and I as we continue to brave the "battlefield" in Melaka, Muar, Labis, Chaah, Gemas and Segamat. Yup, all of us had been deployed to carry out our works at these flooded areas and it is really hard work. We had to brave teh tarik murky, muddy and foul stench water including unknown flooding and floating materials. You would be really surprised to see what you can see after a flood disaster! My colleagues ( brave souls!! ) and I had been on the field since 31/1/2011. I felt really disappointed and angry at first from missing out on those dinner and get togethers on CNY celebrations. Then there is this deprivation of decent sleep and it was mentally taxing and physically exhausting for me , personally. However, as time and days go by, I am resigned to the fact that it is part of my job and I have to do it. I am often reminded by my good friend,Vive that everyone of us has work to do and for us to be a shinning beacon for Him, we would have to be our best in the work we do. So, holding on to those dear words, I gritted my teeth and worked on. I have to admit that I lost my temper a couple of times but mostly it was in check. I guess, it is much harder said than done at times.

One thing that puzzles me a lot is really the people in crisis and in adversity. Boy! All religious backgrounds, piousness and religious stands are flushed down the toilet when it comes to money and crisis management. This is especially true as I moved around the house to carry out my work. It is "me, myself and I" concept that are perpetually boosted to the fore. "Sickening" is not the word I would use as it is child's play word to describe these people's character. Mom used to tell me that the ugly truth of a person can be seen very clearly during adversity is really accurate and precise. I have met many who are just plain greedy, selfish and purely rude. They would lie, cheat and even do anything to get what they want. I really wish I could actually sock a punch or two to these people but like I said, a beacon for Him, a beacon for Him that caused me to stand down. If only I could tape some of the filth that comes out from the very mouth of the people who used it to praise God, it would make you backslide even further. It is understandable ( but not acceptable) for worldly people but when Christians act like hooligans and as carnal as their worldly brother, there is a cause for concern. I was very sad when I met people like this and honestly, I would have given them some of days' spit and even that would be an insult to my intelligence. So, I saved my saliva for something more worthwhile. I say this with the greatest transparent way as I can. It wasn't easy for me as I,too, struggled when I am put in such a position. However, I thank God that He has made me overcome this behavioral pattern. Without of a doubt, I too have met many sympathetic and good -hearted people despite facing a disaster themselves. I admire such people who picked up the pieces of their lives and start all over again. They give me hope in this frail humanity living of ours. I know, I can't get to meet everyone of them but at least, God had made me meet some really nice people. I am thankful for that.

Someone asked me, "So, where would you be this week?" I answered, " Sunbathing with my sun tanned lotioned body on a long beach bench at Acapulco beach in Brazil!" You can't blame me for being imaginative, right? Afterall, I am supposed to be positive and make the best out of my situation,right? Honestly, I am just really tired and I pray for God's greater grace upon my life as I face the week of unknown. Hopefully, sunnier days are ahead! BTW, "Gong Xi Fa Cai", everyone! Do spend time with your families and make the best out of every day. Cheers!~