In all frankness, looking and hearing of pictures and stories about poor, starving children has always made me say the classical 'Oh, poor things' and probably donate a tiny weeny bit if the situation necessitates it. But that's about it. That's as far as my sympathy extends. It's something I won't give more then a second thought to after awhile. I know this makes me sound like some cold, emotionless soul. 
 A recent trip to Cambodia was an eye opener of sorts. Cambodia is a country of contrasts, on almost all accounts. Firstly, the Phnom Penh International Airport was a surprise. The furnishings were much better than those in LCCT in Malaysia. I for one, expected a rundown, dirty old airport probably in the midst of a paddy fields as a friend had put it. The city itself was filled with huge, grandiose bangalows and high end cars. To be fair, the roads were mostly dominated by motorcycles, lamooks and tuk-tuks. On the other hand, the poor live in squatter like areas with many children living on the streets. They are just unimaginably poor. These children are denied so much, from the childhood they deserve, the food we take for granted to the love and affection we receive and yet they are so affectionate! They may be dirtier, foreign to parental care and are more self sufficient than most of their peers, but they are otherwise no different from children elsewhere. They are just as adorable and lovable, longing for some measure of love. The sounds of  genuine, heartwarming laughter from those dirt stained children in midst of such  appalling surroundings are truly music to one's ears. 
 Hats off to all missionaries serving there. Your love for the children, your tireless work and genuine desire for them to experience the love of God which fills all emptyness, commands my utmost respect and admiration.

Exams are finally over. IMU Cup is done with. Charity Run was a sucess. Orientation (except the post mortem part) ended a month ago.

I thought I will get a breather.

But something had to happen. Something I never thought would ever happen. Something I can't do much about, except to PRAY really hard.

It will be okay. It has to. 

 

 I think I am beginning to lack the semblance of normalcy in my life. There's simply so MUCH to do and too little time. Sighs.  Hmm, perhaps I am just beginning to discover what normalcy really means.

 This holiday was a long awaited break from the monotony of university life. I travelled to Hong Kong (a shopping haven, trust me =P) and Kota Kinabalu, spent time with friends going for 'yum chas' and 'hang kai' sessions, talking on the phone, reminiscing about the past, updating each other about our lives and just chatting away as we usually do. My friends are ever so dear. You people really make my day!
 After one year abroad, most of them changed a little bit here and there, appearance wise. Some lost weight, some claimed to had put on weight, some changed their dressing style, some curled their hair, some cropped their hair, some even grown their hair really long (*cough* you know who you are =P). I am glad to note however, that beneath it all, they are still the same wonderfully dear souls I have known for so long =) 
  Okay, why am I blogging now when I have to read up for CSU tomorrow and an Air Topic assignment waiting for me?! Sighs.