Unimaginable Realisation of Humankind

Just finished the book, 'the road of lost innocence' by Somaly Mam. Was unable to put the book down and as each page was turned, I was dumbstruck by the brutality and barbaric nature of humankind. Is this possible for it is far beyond one's imagination as to how one's life can be so 'worthless' to these oppressors? Never thought it possible till I read this book. Disheartening and beyond forgiving.

You must be wondering what has raged me to this extent. The book opens up one's eye and mind to the truths of child prostitution in Cambodia, trafficking of girls under 18, and sheer torture towards these defenceless, innocent beings. How can one be so heartless as to chain, batter, burn, imprison them among snakes, maggots and sewing them up timelessly as virgins? Revolting. What's more disheartening is that the innocent child is many a times being sold by their very own flesh and blood. Mothers kicking away their child who clings on tightly to them, pleading for their lives and not to be left in this place of darkness. In their naivety, Mothers seem to be the person whom they can trust and lean on to. It stings my heart.

But there is Hope in this story. A mere woman who has been through such torment is stepping up and speaking up for these girls. Building up new lives and regaining dignity. Her quest is indeed admirable.

Will save the core of the book to your own reading. A book definitely worth reading as it will not fail to unfold your mind to the morality of our world and it will surely tug your heart when this realisation emerges.

The question which came to mind, 'Can God really forgive? Is His grace really sufficient for those who act inhumanely? If so, it is beyond comprehension. His love is then mightily deep.

A book a day keeps the blues away ...

Reflecting on the kind of books I read - I do realise a common genre. Simply love reading life stories. A 'page-turner' would be one which describes the nitty gritty of life - one's experience, memorable events, course of action and the consequences, a certain lifestyle, etc. One which is within imagination and easily related to. Stories involving humankind.

Soon enough, I realised how these books have influenced my style of writing - descriptive, biographical, event-ful and always adding a pinch (or rather ounces) of emotions.

Not sure if I can handle FACTs, composing an opinion or argumentatively and systematically noting down factual points. So how in the world am I to pursue a journalistic writing career?

Attempted to chase this directionless dream - Failed. Yep, one word describes it all. Not sure if it is the style I write, or the grammatical errors, or merely the way I carried myself in an interview. Probably I was not putting my whole self into it, still uncertain whether I should take such a pay-cut and be thrown into the 'unknown'. Hence not fully committed in pursuing it - having doubts and voicing it out (being the honest-me).

So that's why I am still stuck at my 8 to 5 deskjob... Counting the minutes and waiting eagerly for work to land on my desk so that the time won't be ticking by so dreadfully slow. The exciting-less routined hours.

Certaily chained this moment.

"Chuk Men Nam Moay"

This new year greeting in Vietnamese has been ringing in my head since last night. After mastering the intonation and sharing it with almost 50 of our vietnamese friends, I gained the confidence in broadening my vietnamese vocab. Learnt some words from those whom I have befriended. They did laugh at my attempts but in an encouraging way.

Warm and friendly sums up the description of those whom I've bonded. Exchanging names was quite a challenge hence I resulted to the name 'Yun'.. Now, I have so far remembered 5 names and matching them to a face - Hua (excitedly shook my hands as I recalled her name), Manh, Tuon, Nhan and Herng. Oh, actually 6 - Lics (souding like A-lex). :)

The TET new year celebration started with dinner - vietnamese cuisine. Loved the spring roll, despite my itching, sore-ish throat, I had no qualms to second helpings. Tried vietnamese bak chang - was alittle bland and tasted somewhat different but nevertheless it was quite a dish. We, then congregated at the sanctuary - singing songs of praise and worship in one voice and clapping rhythmically together. Truly encouraged by their burning desire and unreserving ways. Then came the message on 'Being born again'.. Many came to know the Lord and accepted Him - a little apprehensive but deep down in my heart, I do believe that a seed has been sown. Particularly, the man who sat at the row in front of me. He was wearing a shirt (branded Skulls and Bones) - the image of a skull and two hands signalling the bad finger is still vivid in my head. He raised his hands and stood up when invited to accept Jesus as his personal Savior. Amazing!

We finally bid farewell but with expecting hearts to meet again on Sunday. Indeed. Can't wait to use my elementary vietnamese and to learn more... :)