I didn't plan to visit my teacher tonight, but she called and asked for my help to delivery something urgent for her to Dominican of which she's a member. Besides, I obtained further information re the peaceful alarm and I wanted to get it settled and fixed before I go away next week. So I went to see her after work.

We talked about the alarm. She agreed, finally! I'll speak to that company and get it done asap.

Another lady member was there when I got there. We had a good conversation. That member was there when my teacher interviewed the part-time helper. We discussed it afterwards. That part-time helper sounded promising. I asked my teacher to ask her other student (who's going to pay for the service) to take a look and to deal with other matters for her, as a sign of respect at the very least. She agreed.

Just as I anticipated, my teacher is thinking of going back to CC full-time, 7 days a week. I tried to talk her out. She'll start part-time first. Let's see how she gets on.

Told my teacher that I'll be away next week. She asked where I'm going and with whom. I told her the destination and that I'll be going with "a friend". hee hee. Guess what she said? She said I don't look like someone who would get married! Oh no!

Just when I want to go yoga, it's often bad timing.

Sister Catherine came to attend the mass at our chapel this morning. It's very nice to see her again! Didn't speak much with her - she came around 9:15am, then she prayed. Soon after that, I had choir practice until beginning of the mass. Obviously, no talking then. After the mass, the conductor for our choir saw her and spoke to her. I only spoke to her after that. That was brief and I saw her to the taxi. Although I didn't give her a copy of the newspaper with my article published, I told her about it and she said she should have a copy of it at home.

Had a fairly long discussion with other members re my teacher's plan to go to work in April. She walks fairly well, but she doesn't manage steps and slopes well. She doesn't have much confidence in them. Ideally, the part-time helper could take her to the MTR station too after her work at my teacher's place. I had a discussion with my teacher after I brought her home. I suggested may be she could work part-time, at least to start with, thus get more exercise and get the strength back. She works long hours at the chapel and involves a lot of hard work. She agreed without much resistance! I'm grateful to God! I prayed and prayed in the last few days, and God has again answered my prayer! Thanks be to God!

Re the "bell for peace of mind", she's a little resistant to it, even when I've asked for it as my baptism gift! She's concerned about the cost. I made enquiry this evening (yes, they are open - 24/7). It's about GBP 8 per month if we were going to rent one, or GBP 5 per month if we were to purchase a new one for her at around GBP 180. I'm thinking of absorbing the cost myself, probably go for rental. Is a burden to me, particularly psychologically, but pecuniary-wise, it's not that much. What does bb think?

I was moody today. Could be because it's pre-deadline. I think because I feel unjust - that I'm doing a lot of my teacher and whilst a few others are also doing so, they don't take any initiative! It's such a big cultural difference! Not just in terms of different countries, but also I think different work environment. In the industry I'm working at, you are trained to be proactive. It may also be because my teacher criticised me unjustly yesterday or on the day before. Further, I'm frustrated at not having enough private time, that too much has been given to her. I know she needs me now, and that I should not feel that way. She kept saying she wants to be independent and she's working very hard on it. Sometimes, I think whether I'm doing all these as part of repentance for the blunders I've made against Him in the past and perhaps still doing. I asked for His forgiveness again and again, but I'm still making the same mistake. But I feel better now. Let's put it behind me.

We should "love each other as we love ourselves." I've been adequately provided for and was given the gift of bb. I should be more generous to the needy. :)

I have also prayed hard that I be rescued from where I work. I'll keep at it.

Been spending hours on the phone in the last two days, liaising with church members re home visits chez my teacher. They are not difficult people and I believe they are actually nice people. The problem is I feel the difference - big difference - I take initiative and would deal with things as quickly as I can unless there are things that are beyond my control. The others are generally otherwise.

What happened was I sent an email to the Sunday Group to fix next week's schedule early. I told them weekend and going to church is no problem - I'll deal with it. I also said I'll go on Wednesday, and asked others to fill other gaps.

Up till now, there's no reply other than 2. Then I have to deal with 2 long-winded mums but at least, now things are finalised. And that's not via email but telephone. I did ask what would be easiest to them - should I send email to them or call them on the phone. They asked messages to be sent via email. But what's the point when no one bothers to reply??!

They are so passive; or I'm too proactive! I winged at my secretary today about this. I said now I understand why Fr. Lok has his eyes on me! I'm so proud of my intelligence - well, I've been well-trained by bb! :P

wore black today, but with the pashmina bb brought me from India recently. That makes it very outstanding and became the focus of my style and what I was wearing today.

The weather today was bad - grey and drizzled from time to time. When I was walking to the tube station this morning, I congratulated myself for being happy. The pashmina felt soft and very warm, and I believe I have a wonderful smile on my face.

I'm grateful for what God has given me. I kept thinking of Him and thanked Him profusely while walking to the tube station. I'll thank him properly tonight - for this and for sending me to Fr. Lok, and through him, for all the encouragement He has given me.

I feel showered with love. :)

My article has been published! I just checked my office email (some instinct drove me doing so - told by God??) and got an email from Fr. Lok. It took me a while to disencode it. It's an email from him informing me that my article is published in this week's Catholic newspaper, on page 8. How every nice and caring of him! Bless him!!

It's the article that Fr. Lok asked me to prepare. It's about how I feel now, whilst waiting to be baptised this year. I spent quite some time to prepare it. I really did put my heart and soul to it. The coincidence is that my thought somehow matches that of Bishop Zen's (as he then was) - In my article, I drew an analogy of a couple who has been dating for a long while and when they have agreed to tie the nod, other than feeling thrilled, I am also concerned - if I'll ever be a good Christian and follow Jesus for the rest of my life. At the 2nd pre-baptism ceremony, Bizhop Zen drew a similar analogy. He said we are going to be "married" to the Church this Easter! I've always said I took my baptism very serious and see it as something most important to my life, even to marriage. An article about that ceremony with Bishop Zen's quote is also published in this issue of the Catholic newspaper.

It's the first time that my work gets published in newspaper, other than written submissions that I prepared on the Lady's case and were adopted by the trial judge in whole as part of his judgment. The entire judgment was overturned last year, except the part that I prepared, which was not even subject to appeal! Yes, I bit of self-praising! ha ha ha!

I must get this week's issue - 2 or 3 copies? One for myself, one for sister Catherine as she has asked for it. Should I get one for Ms. Chu/Sunday Church?? May be I'll just show them mine.

For sure, I'll be showing it to bb. No escape lah - sorry! :P :D

I gave our financial adviser's name and contact details to my secretary. Hope it'll be helpful to both of them. :)

Had dinner with my parents - and I got a present from them! wow!! it's a pendulum! It made up of 3 pearls of different colours, and mum decided on the way they are arranged together. How very nice and thoughtful!

Dinner was generally great. Dad reminds me to remind my brothers to look for properties as he considered the market will go up soon.

I've asked Dad not to fly back here a few days just to attend my baptism ceremony. My guess is he'll come. That'll be great! I hope that Dad could feel the love of God and follow Him one day.

Sent an email to Sunday church members re next week's schedule, as my teacher will go there this Sunday and it would be inconvenient to discuss the matter then.

I've started on another module on my distance-learning course for my baptism. The first paper is about 10 commendments. The short question is what are my thoughts on the content of that paper. I had a bit of difficulty and took me a bit of time to come up with something to say. Yes, I can say so crap but I want to think about it and share my honest view with Fr. Lok. He's such a good teacher.

Then I read today's scripture. It's exactly on point (Matthew 5:17-19)! Another co-incident! This year's Year B and we are sharing the Gospel of Mark. I don't know why today's scripture is Matthew. I've noticed that there was a day or two when they read Luke. May be it's a question I can ask Father or my teacher.

That reading came with meditation and it inspired me re my answer to the short question.

Because I've been taking care of my teacher, I haven't done much homework lately. Now my brothers and sisters in Christ are helping out (see my other post of today's date). I better get on with it at full speed.

My brothers and sisters in Christ has been pretty good, so far. We drew up a schedule and each of us will take turn to visit my teacher during the week to keep her company. A sister in Christ and I went on Monday. I went earlier to have my lesson and when she came, we chatted. I also went to my teacher's place although it's not my turn as I have a delivery for her. I stayed briefly and left.

If you ask me if I worry about her, hmm, I guess the answer is yes, a bit. But I'm letting go of it. She's not mine and mine alone. She's all the brothers and sisters'. And I need time for bb, my family and for myself.

I'm grateful for my brothers and sisters' cooperation. They were passive; no one took initiative like me to do what I've been doing except 2 both are housewives. Whilst they would ask after her, no one went to visit her! But when they were asked to do so, they agreed. How strange. May be because I know my teacher recently whereas many of the others know her since they were young and they see her someone in authority and are a bit scared of her.

I'm going to have dinner with my parents tonight. Then tomorrow I'll be treated with a French dinner with two of my good friends. We'll be dining at a private kitchen. If it's good, I'll take bb there.

It's strange. Someone crossed me today. Today's daily scripture is Matthew 18:21-35, in which it recorded that Jesus asked us to forgive others seventy times seven. When I read it, I thought - what co-incidence!

Attended Sunday church and had a discussion with those members. We agreed to have a schedule to visit my teacher.

Then went to St. Francis of Assisi for the second pre-baptism ceremony. It's about 2 to 3 times bigger than St. Teresa's and it's very nice. Because it's so big, when everyone sang the hymns, it sounded beautiful !

It's purely a ceremony as suppose to a mass as there was no breaking of bread (of course, most of us are not Catholics yet). In the middle of the ceremony, I cried. I don't know why, the tears just came. I was touched; moved. For what? I don't know. I was sitting between mum and my Godfather. Mum noticed it a bit later but didn't say anything. Don't know about my Godfather.

The Catholics-to-be from different church then had a photo taken with Bishop Zen. Godfather left before then as he has another engagement.

Mum and I then went to my family's favourite restaurant for dinner, celebrating for my birthday in advance. Yes, it's about 2/3 weeks in advance - we are all busy people. bb and sister catherine came too - What privilege!

Sister gave me a birthday card and present. It's a book relating to Mary Mother and the card has wonderful words on it. Sister is so nice. Bless her!

Stayed with bb last night. I planned to say a prayer then snuggle up, but I fell asleep in the middle of my prayer! Oops!

Went to work today. Not much to do lately. In fact, I have hardly any chargeable hours. Went home straight after that to put down the overnight stuff and had some lunch before going to pick up my teacher from her home. We took a taxi for a 3pm appointment with her doctor. Then we walked back to the chapel. We stopped in the interim for afternoon tea! Then I attended the anticipatory mass with her, followed by Way of the Cross. We went out for dinner together with other church friends. Dinner was nice. A lot of laughters. My teacher was very happy. It was getting late, around 10 pm and everyone wanted to go but my teacher is probably the only exception. I don't blame her. She's been house-bound for so long and it's the first meal she had outside for a few weeks, and there's so much laughter! When I go to her place, I tried to be as cheerful as I can and try to cheer her up as much as I can too. But there's a limit. It's been about 2 weeks of nearly everyday visit and taking care of my teacher. There had been quite a lot running around for her too. It's pretty tiring, I must say.

No, I'm not complaining. Just recording how I feel. At dinner, while my teacher was away to the washroom, I told the others that I have spoken to another church friend and she was going to say to all after tomorrow's service. I said we need some schedule among ourselves so that the work of taking care of my teacher could be shared among us, rather than just the few of us. I explained the situation and my teacher's condition. We need some short-term plan and a tentative medium term plan, as my teacher is considering getting back to work. She is not yet confident to walk to the tube station on her own, as there are steps and slopes. For the same reason, she needs someone to go home with her.

I told them for the last 2 weeks, things at work are ok and my boss had been away. Now he's back and things are picking up, I'm not sure if my working hours could be as regular as it has been.

The other thing is I'm sacrificing not only my time, but also those I spend with my family and bb. It's not them who needs me. It's the other way round. I need them.

It's also taxing on my work, in a way, as I'm so tired.

I suggested that we need someone on duty and perhaps someone as insurance in case the one on duty becomes unavailable at short notice for whatever reason.

Well, at least I have raised it. Let's see what they come up with.

I'm going to the usual 9:30am service. Attending mass on two consecutive days. wow!

Someone from St. Teresa's Church called in the afternoon. She said Father Lok liked the essay I wrote about how I come to follow Jesus and that they intended to post it on the church's website. She asked for a soft copy of the essay so that she doesn't have to re-type it again - it's three pages long! I sent it to her.

Told bb about it. She wasn't so comfortable as the essay is quite personal. Slow as I always am, I didn't think about it when I was asked. I guess I just thought if it helps to spread the good news even in the most remote way, that'll be ok. I have since read the essays by the others that have already been posted on that website. No name was mentioned. I said to bb in that case, only those know me would know the essay is from me (and I think that person would be bb, Father Lok plus the lady who called).

Sorry bb, for being slow. I'm however grateful and enjoying the protection and care from bb.

I'm so spoilt :)

I have been doing homeworks in preparation of my baptism this Easter. For each piece of homework, I have to read some text and answer a few "fill in the blanks" questions and a short question. One of those homeworks talks about the Sacrament of Marriage. The "fill in the blanks" questions are no problem - you will find the answers in the text so the objective is to make sure you have read and understood them.

The short question is this: "True love is the foundation of marriage. What is true love?" I quoted the answers from the text. I also quoted two passages from the bible - and I got those quotes from a recently-held wedding ceremony that I attended. I also quoted from the encyclical from Pope Benedict XVI entitled "God is Love", summarised and paraphrased in the recent issue of the Catholic weekly newspaper. I agree with everything that is said about true love in those documents. I handed in my homework and Father Lok said it looks ok.

That's all academic.

Recently, I have this experience: I have been busy with the church's activities and with all preparations and ceremonies before my baptism. That means I have very little time for bb. She didn't complain at all but rather, she is extremely understanding and supportive. Once, she even took the trouble to take me to St. Teresa's Church by bus to make sure I know the way, and she left whilst I attended the first pre-baptism ceremony. I didn't see her again that evening as I had dinner with my parents and Godfather who also attended the ceremony. She also said she would attend the baptism ceremony in April 2006.

My head has been spinning since I know I would be baptised this April. It has gone a little worse this week while I am searching for God's plan for me. When I was young, I wanted to join a convent. The idea came back recently, although (as I said in my earliest post), I am afraid that I would be the Maria in The Sound of Music and cause trouble to whichever convent that accepts me. From then onwards, as my younger brother would say, there would be "a serious of unfortunate events!"

I know how much bb wants us to be together. Yet bb has suggested we should stay as very close friends to avoid getting in the way to God's plan for me. There was no queue. The suggestion originated from her. As the suggestion sinks in, I got more shocked and have mixed feelings about it. It is something that I have not thought of. What shocks me most is bb's love - so thoughful, considerate, unselfish, sacrificial, caring and putting her priority to the last. As I said, I don't know what I have done to deserve that. In fact, I don't think I deserve that.

One thing is clear: bb has put "true love" into practice. Something I have a long way to learn.

Got up early. Put on the new clothes bb bought me from India - a t-shirt and a pashimina - not too thick, just right for today:) - then went to collect my teacher from home with that other yound lady. When I got there, my teacher was having breakfast - she has diabetics and forgot to have her pills today, and when she remembered, she had to have breakfast.

We took a taxi together and got to CC at around 9:15am.

After mass and rosary prayer, I meant to take my teacher home then return to CC for bible sharing. But my teacher had to give orders to others - who does what - and remind this and other persons, we didn't leave CC until 12:30pm. When we got to her place, I had to check her fridge to see what groceries she needs. I even cooked soup for her - potatos, tomatoes and pork. Of course, then she has to make sure the soup doesn't get burnt. Then I took an express bus and got back to CC by around 2pm. The others have lunch, like any other days before bible sharing. They had dim sum. I was hoping someone would ask if I need anything then they would get a doggy bag for me. None, sadly. When I called one of the members just after I left my teacher's flat, that member asked if she could get me something to eat. I thought, "Ah, so someone does care." So I asked where they are. She said they already finished. Then I thought no point. And I said I'll get a cake at a bakery close by. I also bought a bottle of drinks. That's my lunch.

Bible sharing was followed by choir practice. That ended around 4pm. Then I attended "an interview" for CC's monthly newsletter. I did it ever so reluctantly. I don't want any publicity. In the end, what happened was we (the interviewers and I) chatted. Some questions I decline to answer. A lot of them was about my family. I just told them how many siblings I have. I was afraid they would dig deeper. I know it's a fact and I don't want to lie, but I really do not know if I could bring myself to talk about my family's loss. Neither do I want to tell them I had a sad and somewhat withdrawn childhood. bb knows all these.

We finished at aroun 6pm. I went to my parents' place. Unfortunately, I mixed up their flight time with their arrival time, so I was too early. Since I have such a headache, I bought a few Korean DVDs for CC in London and went home.

I think I'm simply tired. I feel very tired. The young lady who went to CC with my teacher and I this morning had her eyes closed from time to time during our practice choir. And I had to attend a further "interview."

I've been thinking what bb says in her other post. What are we in the eyes of God? Today it seems that I'm doing all these good deeds trying to compensate for something that may displease our God, but which I'm helpless to change and may even want it to last as long as it can.

Last night, bb said she would support mm to be a sister. mm is touched. At this stage, mm is still searching for God's plan for her.

Left work around 6-ish. Called my teacher to see if she needed any grocery. Got them and got to her flat at around 7pm. Another Father and her other friends from Dominican visited her. Father blessed her flat and her. They chatted whilst I stayed quiet. They got on very well. They jokes and laughed too. The atmostphere was good.

Then I cooked dinner for both of us and prepared food for her for tomorrow. In terms of ingredients, she only has salt. She has sugar too but as she's a little diabetic, I didn't dare to put too much in. Cooked mince pork and pumpkin with rice. We both thought it was a bit too salty. She uses a different type of salt. I'll try again next time.

Then she called one of the members of Sunday church to come to her flat. That lady is studying a technical college. My teacher told me before that she's not happy because her father and brother would beat her if they are unhappy. Her mum doesn't trust her either, even where there's a witness supporting her story. It's sad to hear that. I'm a lucky girl. Although I was unhappy and pretty withdrawn when I was young, I have been well looked after and well rewarded by our Father in heaven. Those experience sometimes still haunts me and they made me sad and feeling unwanted. When they do, I would try to focus on what I have now and those experience were there to make me feel for others. They got me prepared for what I could do now - that I could understand a bit more about people's unfortunate experience and comfort them the best I could. They have also made me more considerate.

Recently, people say I'm optimistic. Like one of the secretaries in office, she said once a very sad person see me, they will be happy; they would see me as the source of happiness. My teacher recently called me "Laughing lady !" When I see her sick, I try to make her laugh to ease hoping to ease some of her loneiness and sadness (for being sick). I think people see me always wearing a smiling face. Many a time I feel very sad, and yet I don't know why, when I meet them, I would smile. May be I was trying to enjoy the time, or may be I want to forget the unhappy event for a moment, or simply just want to hide my true feelings inside as I don't want people to worry about me. Only bb sees my unhappiness. She always hears me whining. :P

My teacher wanted to attend Sunday morning's mass. She said she wanted to do so and also she misses us. We agreed that the young lady mentioned above and I will go to pick her up at around 8am on Sunday morning and we'll go by taxi. We should be there by 9am and mass starts at 9:30am. My teacher is of old age and sometimes, I fear of the days available so I try to make time for her request. But that means sacrificing bbmm time and my own time. For example, we (my teacher, that young lady and I) chatted until late last night. By the time I got home, it's nearly 12 midnight.

This could otherwise be a bbmm evening (bb just got back from India).

Visited my teacher at Queen Mary hospital yesterday and today. Went with a Church friend yesterday and by myself today. Then I bumped into two other Church friends. My teacher has been telling us who and who has been. She said it so proudly and with a very nice smile on her face. I told you, she's well loved.

She'll be discharged from hospital tomorrow. Didn't manage to visit her on Tuesday as I had to wait for the stupid partner to come back and settle the draft letters which really only took him 5 minutes. And for that 5 minutes, I had to wait from around 6pm to after 9:30pm. Oh dear!

My teacher is well, generally cheerful, probably because she feels the love around her. I'm happy to see her all times. Like today, I worked hard to finish everything early and got lucky because I managed to catch that stupid partner before he went to attend a meeting at 5:45pm. I left by around 6:30pm, got to my teacher by around 7pm and stayed until around 8:45pm 9pm-ish. I could have stayed a little longer but well, guess the others and she too has to rest. Can't be so selfish lah. Putting self happiness onto others pain :P

My teacher said Father Russell went home today. Hope he'll be well soon. He's probably not going to attend the mass on Sunday. So, I may meet another Father.

My teacher wants to attend the Church on Sunday. She needs someone to go with her. I asked what time she leaves home. She said around 8am/8:15am. I said if her condition is ok, I'll try to take her. I said I'll give her a call on Saturday. Hope bb doesn't mind.

My stupid boss would be away next week. May be I could see if I can stay with bb during the week as consolation?

Now that all letter and article have been done. Should get back to my homework now. I have an idea what to write for the next one. The one after that would be marriage and the question for thought is "Marriage is based on true love. What is "true love"?" Oh lah lah!

Travelled on MTR with our conductor. Had a good chat with him. Quite enjoyed that. I was saying to the Church friend yesterday - It's kind of funny. I know the Church friends, but only say "hello," "bye" and "peace be with you." Ah yes, had dinner with this Church friend last night. bb, she's the one with the name beginning with the alphabet "y".

My parents are now in Bangkok. They bought a package. It's the first time they went on their own not joining a tour, except when they go to the "old village." I'm pretty worried. Guess what? mum sent me a sms after they arrived! Impressive, isn't it?!!

I'm tired and have a headache, but I'm happy and my heart is full of love. :)

What's bb doing now??

Met with a Bedford High girl for lunch today. Told her that I wanted to become a sister when I was young. I've been considering that for the last day or two since I read bb's post re God's plan for me. Two issues: I think my family needs me, and if I do, I wouldn't be surprised if I were a bit like Maria in The Sound of Music - troublemaker but then the sisters adore her because she's adorable - ha ha ha!!!

This Bedford High girl is going to Kenya this August. We have been already, haven't we, bb?

Finished the article that Father Lok asked me to prepare and sent it to him. It's about what it feels to be a Catholic-to-be. It's a little too long. I read somewhere that it should be around 400 words, but I think I must have written over 1200! I tried cutting it down, I really did and my secretary (who did the typing for me) wanted to kill me, I'm sure! In the end, I asked Father Lok's help in my covering email - talking about passing the buck! :P

I'm a bit of a fan of Father Lok now. He's really very nice and gentle and smooth. I've completed about half of the homework that he asked me to do now, prepared "a letter" of why I want to be baptised, plus this article that may be published in the local Catholic newspaper. He's been saying my works are good - yeah! No adverse comments from him so far - touch wood. And he's always so encouraging. It's great to read his posts, although they are short, but you still feel his love and warmth, and that he cares.

My teacher and Father Russell are both unwell. Father Russell speaks at Sunday services that I attend. My teacher has a badly swollen knee. She was in a lot of pain the evening before and couldn't sleep. I went to see her after work last night and her right knee was twice the size of her left knee. Oh dear! One of the members at Sunday church took her to see doctor today. The latest I heard is that she has been admitted to St. Mary's Hospital for closer observation. Seems that her bones are getting old and some tissues were infected.

My teacher told me about Father Russell when I visited her last night. He collapsed during a mass last Sunday (5th) and was rushed to the hospital. I was shocked. Lucky the church was next to the hospital (St. Paul's) so they didn't need to wait for the ambulance. I was told that he has a heart problem and had an operation a few years ago. He too is close to 80 years old - wow! I paid a visit to him at the hospital during lunch today. It was great to chat to him in an informal environment. I hardly had a chance to speak to him. I only see him during Sunday services and he usually has to rush to St. Paul's for the mass at 11:15am. I succeeded in putting a smile on his face and on a few occasions, made him laugh! hee hee.

I only hope that they both get well soon.

I posted a note about my teacher and Father Russell at CC Forum. I guess since then, the member who took my teacher to see the doctor today must have been bombarded with calls from people like myself. Oops. I should be more considerate and exercise a bit more discretion next time. But then I thought if I were the others, I'd like to know too as my teacher is well loved. My post only asked them to remember her and Father Russell in their prayers and perhaps to give them a call when they have a moment. I just thought human are at their weakest when they are unwell, and particularly for those who have given up their lives and families to God.

I love Father Russell too. I didn't quite realise it until I was shocked to hear the news about him yesterday. Guess it's an example of how careless, slow and stupid I am, not realising or recognising those I love. I guess I'm just blind.

Completed my first ceremony to become a Catholic this evening. There are 3 formal ceremonies together, including baptism itself, and my Godfather has to attend each of them for me. I'm really happy and feel privileged that my beloved Uncle Clement is my Godfather. He was baptised just over half a centary ago and he was saying that his baptism certificate itself is an antique! :D

The ceremony was subsumed into a mass. It took a bit longer than a mass, around one and a half hour. There are over 140 to be baptised this year. This evening, each of us has to hand in a letter to Father describing how we get to know God and why we wish to be baptised. The purpose of today's ceremony is that we would be formally admitted to be persons to be baptised this year.

My parents attended the ceremony too. Dad came back especially for that. How nice of him. Mum gave up her mahjong this evening, so it's very nice of her too.

Godfather has to re-schedule some of his appointments to make way for the 3 ceremonies. Bless him!

I said to bb today: when I knew there were 3 ceremonies plus homework, plus retreat and so on, I did think why so troublesome. Then I thought, it's a test of our sincerity to follow God. Also, at each stage, there's always the chance of reflecting and asking ourselves as to whether it's something we want to do. I also think it paves the way for me to be a Godmother for someone else in future. I'm benefiting from others' generosity now. I'll extend the same generosity towards others if I'm asked and when I'm fit to be a Godmother. :)

Father Lok is happy with the homeworks I did so far. He has asked me to write an article about how I feel to be baptised. As I said to bb, I deliberately left something out of my letter to Father that I handed in this evening, saving them for the article. It's not so much of writing or need to find time to write it, it's the content that I'm scratching my head. I saved something to write about, but I need to think about how to write it. Just checked my work email. Father Lok has already written back and re the 5 homeworks I sent him at lunch today. So efficient - wow! Then he chased me for the draft article. God help me!

Just like other mass, Catholics could receive Holy Communion. My Godfather didn't. He said he hasn't done confession. I said, "wow, such good guy!" That's one reason why I like him so much. He's so proper. :)

We then took a taxi and went to a restaurant close to where my parents live and have dinner together. It went well. Only that sometimes Dad asked a few too obvious/commercial questions - eg where did Uncle find his clients and so on. Slightly embarrassing, but I know he meant well. I suppose it's even more embarassing for him, but he did it for me.

Went shopping/walked around with bb in the afternoon. She bought some snacks for her colleagues in India where she's going tomorrow for a week. Showed bb my letter to Father before the ceremony. She said it's good; it flowed well. I'm happy :)

bb asked me to write it here. I'll start tomorrow. A bit tired now. Still recovering from my cold and early rise tomorrow for Church. So I'll go to bed early, after the laundry is done.

Watch this space.

It's been almost another week since I wrote here. Let's start on Sunday, being the first day of the week. Went to usual Sunday service then back in office to do some work. I did for about 2 and a half hours' work then went clothes shopping at my usual boutique. Bought a few items but paid quite a bit. Oops. Then rushed home to tidy up for my old friends' arrival. The are both married, one with a boy and currently pregnant. As such, her husband didn't feel comfortable to let her come on her own, so he and their son came too. But we wanted a ladies-only little reunion. The other friend and I were saying, "why would he wanna join???" But I'm glad my friend has married well, and her husband treasures her. I'm happy for her.

Monday to today. Work. quite busy. I got some feedback from Father Lok on the first module of my homework. He said I did them pretty well especially the part re what I think about each "lesson." Then he asked me to write an article for the Weekly Catholic Newspaper. He used to be its editor. I was thrilled. You see, it's got to be in Chinese and it's quite a pain to do the homeworks in Chinese, which is of low standard. Someone appreciates them - what a surprise! May be no one contributes to the paper??! :P

Not feeling well today. In fact, not well since last weekend. I think I caught a flu. Had sore throat since last weekend. It's gone very bad and today, I've been stuffing myself with sweets for sore throat. Then I sneezed quite a bit in Court (yeah, went before the Court of Appeal today) and blew my nose. Just feeling a little drained and tired. May be it's because of deadline.

bb has called me a few time this week. :)

Weekend is gonna be busy. Tomorrow bb and I are attending a buffet dinner with my family. Sat am is work then I have my first baptism ceremony in early evening. Yeah, pretty excited. I need to write about how I come to follow Him by then. I did a first draft last Saturday, but am still working on it. Sunday will start with usual service. Hopefully it'll be a rest day for the rest of the day.