In my previous entries, I mentioned that Father Lok had asked me to write an article for the local Catholic newspaper, which was inviting sharing from the to-be-baptised. I did and Father Lok edited it for me. It was then published - not once but twice! Yes, twice! I wort of knew about the first one - I wasn't sure if the Editor of the newspaper would publish mine, although Father Lok used to be the Chief Editor of that newspaper. I don't want it to be a matter of "giving face" to him. I take pride in my work. If the current Chief Editor didn't want to publish it, for whatever reasons, I was relaxed about it.

On Good Friday this year (14 April 2006), I went to mum's local church to attend mass. The then current issue of the Catholic newspaper was available and somehow, I was motivated to get one (I am not a regular to that newspaper). Soon after I started reading it, I found an article whose author shares the same name as mine. When I read the first few sentences, I thought that was familar and I realised it's my article - again! The title the Editor gave to the article is different to the other they published and they also edited the last sentence of it. But it's the second time they published it! I am thrilled and feel very privileged! It's probably part of God's plan - He knows I needed further encouragement and confidence for my baptism on the following day, 15 April 2006. Praise to God!

I told bb and on 15 April 2006 night, after my baptism at St. Teresa's Church, she bought several copies of it. She took one for herself and did a draft translation for it and asked me to finalise it. She suggested and I agreed that I should get it translated and post it here. But because of the various preparation, and that I needed to take care of my teacher, I haven't got round doing so. But very nice and considerate and thoughtful bb had already done it. God bless her!

Here it is - to share with you.

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I attended Catholic schools since I was young, which means I have heard of and am fairly familiar with the bible stories and God's teachings since I was young. I have yet to be baptised; partly because I didn't know I could make such request, partly because I consider it more important that one truly and sincerely believes in Christ, that one believes with all his heart and soul; baptism was a mere formality. I live my life with as much adherance to God's teachings as possible, whilst admittedly, my understanding of God's Words is limited. I wanted to show that I am a Christian, a Jesus' follower, by my faith, by my actions and how I live my life, and not by the Certificate of Baptism that the Church issues to those who are formally baptised. During this time, many asked if I believed in God, and I answered "I do" with no hesitation. The thing is, if I do, why am I not a Catholic/Christian? I don't know how to answer!

About two years ago at a turning point in my life, I took stock of my relationship with God. I was struck with the need to properly acknowledge God's love for and graces to me. I started taking catechumen lessons. I guess many people start to know Him from attending those lessons, whereas I had already decided to follow Jesus when I started those lessons.

In early February this year at a social gathering, I learnt that I might be baptised this year. In mid-February, I met Father Lok of St. Teresa's Church. Not only did he allow me to be baptised this year, he offered to be my tutor for my distance learning course! I am so lucky! It has always been my wish to be God's child. Although I had missed/ignored the many opportunities He had given me in the past, yet He still welcomes me to His family! He saw to my need and had already made all the arrangements for me even before I prayed and asked for them!

It is hard to describe how I felt at the time. To draw an analogy, it felt like getting engaged or married to the person you love, whom you have dated for a long time and knew that he was "The One." The ecstasy of the engagement was mixed with a little trepidation too. I went through a period of introspection. Would my enthusiasm for God fade away after the glitter fades? Will I become yet another lapsed Catholic thus somewhat bring embarrassment to Him and to the Church? Can I be a good Christian/follower? I don't want to embarrass the Church because of my immaturity; that I have rushed things without thinking it through.

Becoming a member of the Catholic family is both formal and solemn. It is a life-long promise to God; it is a vow to Him. Some of my friends thought it was no big deal; but I am privileged to have the support and encouragement from Father Lok, my teachers who taught me catechumen, my family, my godfather and friends.

The preparation for baptism was demanding. If one were to do a proper job, one would have to sacrifice a lot of his personal time and activities. Take for example, I was unable to attend a gathering today as the first pre-baptism ceremony was going to be held. Some friends asked, "why is it so difficult to become a Catholic? Don't you only need to "believe"?" How can I explain this to the non-Catholics? Simply put is that this pre-baptism ceremony could bring me closer to God. Notwithstanding the various pressures, I find joy in all these meetings and preparation.

It is now about a month till Easter. Most of the butterflies in my stomach had been settled and I have diligently made all preparations for my baptism. The remaining question is if I could sustain my passion and my love for God and for the Church. I don't have an answer to this question. I could, and would, only do my best to fulfil my Christian duties; pray more and harder, and ask for God's help that by the graces I would receive through my baptism, that my love and passion for Him and His Church would grow stronger, and stronger. And I would also ask God to give me confidence and courage that I would need to spread the Good News and joy to everyone around me.

I look forward to Easter to arrive, when through baptism, I shall appear with a whole new identity.

- 4 March 2006

Slept until around 9:30am / 10am. Slept quite well. Heart wasn't pounding too hard then. Around mid-morning, my teacher called to congratulate me. Dad was arriving this afternoon and mum and him were to have dim sum tea. I was invited too, but I declined and said I would rather stay at home to prepare myself for tonight.

This is the day I've been waited for so long! As I said in the article that was published in the local Catholic newspaper, I have always wished and longed to be God's child. And yes, it's gonna be tonight! It's taken me a long time and a long way to God but from this evening onwards, I shall be one of His children.

Like yesterday, I read the bible and more from Benny and Priscilla's book. Prayed. Surfed a while. Eat a bit too much, I guess it's comfort eating. Went to local shop to get the sponge for applying make up foundation. What else? May be watched a bit of TV. Then I started to get change and get ready.

Left home around 5 pm in the end. I was going to leave a bit earlier but somehow, time flew quickly. Got to St. Teresa's church at around 6pm. Sat at the garden where they honour St. Mary, prayed and had a granary roll and some water. The ceremony would last until 11pm and there would be no time for dinner. After I've been to the washroom and let people know that I had arrived, I entered the church, and prayed more. I could really feel the anxiety.

At around 7pm, met with my Godfather and I led him to our seat. He gave me a crucifix that has been blessed by Father, and a wallet-sized card. I said that's great as I can put his card in my wallet that would be with me wherever I go. :)

My family and friends gradually arrived. They were my family - my parents, my two brothers, Anita, bb; my ex-colleagues - Monita and Isana; CC members - Patrick, Winnie, Yolanda, Joseph, Zeno and Catherine; from King's - Peter, Stephen, Arthur and Peter's friend who came from Japan; and from Bedford Girls - Barbara, Emily and Paulina. Almost two dozen - wow!

Before the ceremony formally started, Father Lok reminded us what to do and of the run-down, and we rehearsed for baptism and the receiving of candles representing the light.

It formally started shortly after 8pm. It started with Lighting of Candles. All lights in the church was switched off. Father Lok blessed the flame and lit the Special Candle. Then the several Fathers, Deacon Tse and alter boys entered, followed by several readings from the Old Testament. This part of the ceremony wasn't in mum's baptism ceremony.

The second part the ceremony started very much like a mass. The additional bit was to baptise 140 of us, and for us to receive the Confirmation, followed by the Holy Eucharist/Communion. As there were so many of us to be baptised and even more to receive the Holy Communion, I reckon all relevant hymns in that hymn book were sung! I have, of course, taken the advantage of learning a few new ones!

As soon as the ceremony was over, we took a group photo. Actually, I'm not sure if it was taken as I thought I heard the cameramen saying that the group was too large. We were then broken up into several smaller groups according to the catechumen classes. Then I was called by my parents, or was it my friends I could not recall. I only remember that when I was getting change after I got home, I regretted not having had a photo with Father Lok alone. I was busy socialising with my various friends. I really wanted to thank him personally. Although I can still do it when I see him next time, like in the next two months, I would be attending his "consolidation class" every Saturday evening, 7:15pm. But it won't be on the same occasion. My elder brother told me that Father Lok had been surrounded by the crowd and left pretty soon afterwards, so there wasn't much chance for that anyway.

I have taken a shower and cleaned off all make ups. I've also opened the gifts I've received. I am still thrilled and too excited, and couldn't quite sleep or wouldn't want to sleep quite as yet. I know I must as I need to pick up Ms. Chu at around 8:15pm to go to CC. It's already passed 2am. I must do what I must do. I pray that I would not get up too late tomorrow. :P

Today is Good Friday, and it's the first day of the 4-day public holidays. bb is returning from her trip today.

Got up around 9/10 am; not too early, not too late. Read the bible and the book from Benny and Priscilla that they gave me as my baptism gift. It's really good! It's Father Choi's preaching of the Sunday Gospel for Year B. It's a great book. All articles used simple words without losing their depths. Father Choi is the Supervisor of the Religious and Theological Section with Holy Spirit Seminary College. The book is a collection of all articles Father Choi wrote for Year B in 2001 that were published in the local Catholic newspaper.

Then went to the special mass for Good Friday. Met mum there and then went home with her, chatted and had dinner with her before going home.

Read a bit more bible and the book. Did a facial and an eye mask - yes, in preparation for tomorrow - hee hee. Slept ok. Yes, I am excited about tomorrow, but it's still under control and it hasn't affect my sleep. I prayed that I could have a good night sleep as tomorrow will be a long day. My prayer has been answered. Praise to Him!

Today is the last day at work before the 4-day public holiday, celebrating Easter. My colleagues collectively gave me a baptism gift and a card, giving me all the good and warm wishes. How very nice of them! Some of them are even not Christian!

I went into the office late today, quite usual lately as there was nothing to do. When I got into my office, I was hit by a huge bouquet of flowers! It's really huge! They smelt gorgeous! It's from William, congratulating me in advance for my baptism. It's so nice of him! He's going to Taiwan over the weekend on business and could not come to the ceremony.

It's Holy Thursday. There was a special mass at Catholic Centre at 5:30pm then there'll be bible sharing at 8pm; same place. I could have made to the mass on time but I wanted to drag 2 of my colleagues, who are lapsed Catholic to it too. One had a medical appointment and couldn't go anyway. The other was going to go but when the clock struck, she needed to speak to the stupid partner ... Well, same old story, nothing new. So, I went on my own and joined from Father Russell's preaching.

Had lunch with a few CC friends. Sharing started shortly after 8pm and continued until after 10pm. It was good; Benny led us and he was, as always, very well prepared. It was a little longer than usual as one of the attendees talked about her children, how to teach them ... things that are irrelevant to what was discussed and to be discussed. If Benny had not intervened a few times, sharing might take a bit longer. Not that I mind the length of bible sharing. Bible sharing is good. I like them. But not sharing re how to teach children and re comparison between Catholics and the Church of England, for example.

After that, I rushed back to the office to get the bouquet and back to CC to take my teacher home. I didn't want to bring it to CC earlier to avoid attention and questions! A few of them saw it and was envy how wonderful the bouquet was. But they didn't ask any questions, or there wasn't much time for them to do so because soon, my teacher and I got into a taxi and left. Surprising, my teacher didn't ask any question either. My teacher is a nice person, but pretty nosy sometimes. If I answer the phone in front of her, she would ask who it was and so on. Somehow I didn't want to say anything, not that there was anything to hide, but just don't feel like "reporting." So, I would just smile. :)

On the way to my office, Benny and Priscilla gave me a book as my baptism gift. It's from Father Choi. It's his preaching on the Sunday Gospel for Year B, which is the current liturgical year. Many thanks to them. I asked them for their autograph on the book too! hee hee.

My secretary gave me a present today! It's a 2 in 1 : belated birthday present and for my baptism. It's an instrumental CD. She bought it from Catholic Centre gift shop and all music are hymns. Although not vocal, but you can still feel the joy and power from the music. It's very nice. I've downloaded it onto my mini ipod and have been listening to it on route. And there's a birthday card too! :)

The African violet my friend gave me when she returned to Canada is really blossoming! Wow! Take a look (insert picture)!

Again, nothing much to do at work; only checked if the bill narratives were consistent. Certainly unimportant.

Father Lok responded to my email - he congratulated me for having completed the homework. He said that should be sufficient. He suggested may be I could read some religious books and if time permits, join a religious group e.g. Legion of Mary. Yes, that again. He's the Head of Legion of Mary, so can't blame him, right? I may do so later, but let's see. Don't want to rush into anything.

Went home early. Got myself a fish and some veg and made myself a "hot pot" - yum! It's one of those kind of fish I like but bb would not touch because it has too many bones! Then I had many chocolates. Also, made the other herbal tea and drank it.

When I came out from the wet market, the sky still has a bit of blue and not totally dark. I like it. It means it's still early.

Surfed a bit on the net - nothing particularly excited. Watched tv. Downloaded the photos we took on our recent Korean trip and deleted the duplicates - yes! They are beautiful! Must show bb when she's back. :)

Went to HMV during lunch, looked for CDs on hymns. Didn't see anything appealing but I bought a Lang Lang CD. I listened to it before buying it and wow, it's beautiful! So I bought it. I listened to one by Yo Yo Ma and was going to get that, but after I listened to Lang Lang, I found the latter much more appealing to me. I could have bought both of them. I debated hard but didn't because when I listened to Yo Yo Ma again, it's not as appealing as it was before. I'll look for others. Downloaded it to my mini ipod so I can listen to it to and from work. :)

First day back to work after bbmm's birthday trip. Called sf and spoke to him. He claimed to have sent me a sms on my birthday. I said I didn't get it. It transpired that he remembered it wrongly - he thought it's the 5th! What an idiot!

My boss asked about my trip. I said it was good, but I have allergy probably because of the difference in weather. He looked at me as though the allergy is contagious! Does he have any common sense??!

My teacher asked if I could take her home tonight. I debated about that throughout the day. At the end, time permits so I did. I tried to avoid that because I didn't want her to rely heavily on me again, like what she did before the Korean trip. I felt pressure and wasn't too happy about it. In the end, I left it with Him. I didn't think I could make it anyway because I was waiting for my boss' comments on a draft email, but at around 6:30pm, he said he didn't need me to finalise the email and that I could go. I thought if God has made it possible, I should do as He wanted me to and go with the flow. In the end, it wasn't a bad ride, although I was still a little tired.

When we got to her flat, she gave me a pen (which by Tuesday pm, I still haven't opened it) and a holy cross key ring. I told her I have plenty of pen and key rings, and she should give them to the needy ones. She insisted. So I accepted them and said I shall treat them as a gift from her for my baptism, and I shall accept no more gifts.

The fact is throughout the years, I have been various pens of various brands, but I still prefer the biro from Stablio - they are cheap but very good!

Finished the rest of the homeworks Father Lok asked me to do and sent them to him before I left office. I congratulated myself for having made them before my baptism this Saturday! hee hee.

Didn't sleep much last night. After I unpacked some of the stuff from the suitcase and showered, it's already past midnight. Watched a bit of TV. I think I went to sleep at around 2am, but then I was waken up by my skin allergy - my limbs felt so itchy! I already put medicated ointment on them straight after I showered, so it subsided at the time, but it came back! So I got up and put a fresh layer on them and slept for a few more hours before getting up for Sunday Church. That was difficult and I felt sooooooo tired! If it was any regular service, I might have skipped that service and attend another, but we have bible sharing and choir practice for broadcast on 23 April 2006, so.

After the service, we (other church members and I) went for dim sum lunch, as usual. After bible sharing and choir practice, it's already 5pm. Two other members and I saw my teacher and another member (who's taking her home) to a taxi and we took the tube. Then I met up with bb at the foot massage place. We didn't speak much. We were both tired. But it's nice to have her around.

Then I went to have dinner at my elder brother's place with his family and mum. Then went home. Went to sleep soon after midnight and having surfed a little. Slept better that night.

We went to Seoul for 4 days, between 4 and 9 April 2006. That covers both our birthdays and yes, that's our birthday trip!

We left here by a midnight flight on 5 April 2006, and got there by around 5am. Took the airport bus and got to Seoul by around 7am. It stopped right in front of the hotel (Sejong Hotel). Great! We were lucky and was able to check in and go to our room straight away without needing to pay extra!

We both thought the location of our hotel was great. It's at the back of Myung Dong and we could take a stroll after dinner. And we did.

1st day

We slept a bit on the plane and a bit more after we got to our room, since we thought the shops wouldn't be opened so early anyway. We started at around 10/11am, had lunch (bb took me to a nice place where they serve only 3 things - ginseng chicken, roast chicken and roast chicken set, I think) and looked around the area and also covered Namdaemum market. We had the famous barbecue for dinner. It was a eat-all-you-can dinner and we had the famous beef rib, beef and pork belly. Yum!

2nd day

Went to the famous Catholic church. When we got there, a wedding ceremony was taking place. All lights were lit. It's beautiful!

Then we took the City Tour bus. We did some investigation on the 1st day. It offers 3 routes - the Palace route (obviously it goes round all palaces), Downtown route (this covers the major tourists shopping areas and palaces) and a Night tour. We were going to go for Downtown route followed by the Night City route, but in the end, we only did the Downtown route. Sight-seeing a bit on the tour bus and went to Insa-dong where we had a wonderful brunch at a family-style restaurant. It's in a traditional Korean house so we got to experience eating in an Ondol - great and so was the food! We went to Changdeokgung Palace and joined the 3pm tour (you have to join a tour as that's the only way you can go in). That was nice too and we took some photos.

Then we took the City Tour bus and went to Itaewon. We didn't like it that much; there wasn't much to see and we stayed for about 30 minutes and took the next City Tour bus and went back to Myong Dong. We ate at a local fast food shop and I had my favourite bean curd soup set, while bb had beef in clear soup - Yum!

Poor bb's feet were hurting and mm gave her a short back massage when we returned to the hotel at the end of the day.

3rd day

We started with Namsan Traditional Korean Villege. There's a park adjacent to it and we walked around there too. We both thought it was good and enjoyed it immensely. It's fascinating to see the traditional Korean house.

Then we went to Insa-dong again - we both like it there! Got a few more things. Also covered Dongdaemum market - That's ok too. We dropped the shoppings at our hotel first before heading for another nice dinner - raw beef and "magic hot pot." After dinner, we walked around and tried the famous Korean Sauna. We both thought it was rather nice. :)

4th day

As we were leaving at around 4/5pm, we stayed around the area - Myung Dong/Namdaemum market. We had afternoon tea at a lovely teahouse we came across on the first day but we were too full then. It's famous for its green tea and we had a different one to try. It's very nice!

By around mid-day, we were both a bit bored as we have seen everything we wanted to see by then. In fact, we must have walked around the area 3/4 times! We decided to go to the airport earlier as we were pushed for something to do to kill the time.

We had early dinner at the airport. I had ginseng chicken again while bb had beef soup. Yum! The quality was even better than those we had in the last few days, and the price we thought were very reasonable!

We took the afternoon flight back and by the time we got home, it's already close to midnight.

A.O.B.

We had lots of snacks offered on the street. Yum! I reckoned I have put on a few pounds after this trip!

We also travelled by the local tube. It's quite convenient and easy to use. I found the local people very friendly. We agreed that they are probably somewhere between the Japanese and the Chinese i.e. not too pretentious and rather polite. We both like it there and thought it's a good short break. We'll probably go back again in future.

While we were there, we considered going to Lotte World and as it would take up a whole day, we thought we'll do that next time.

You can ski in Korea in the winter too ...

Yes, it's my birthday today and I think it's worth recording what I did today, so many years after, I can read back to myself. :)

My first date - Made an effort to attend the morning service at 7:15am at the local church. well, I was a bit late and by the time I got there, Father was preaching on that day's Gospel. The service finished at around 7:45am. I felt good after that.

Then went to Park n' Shop to get a few groceries. Got home and had some of the remaining dishes in my fridge. You see I'm flying tonight (midnight, 5 April 2006) and have to kill all parishable food in my fridge before then. Surfed a while, listened to Father Lok's preaching from the net, watched a bit of TV, then left to attend my second date - meeting Sister Catherine at St. Clare's.

Got there at around 11:30am. Mum was there already. She showed us around the newly decorated school. Wow, it's fantastic! We went to have dim sum lunch at Mum's favourite restaurant then we parted. I went to Catholic Centre to get a birthday card for Father Lok - It's his birthday on 6 April, 2 days after mine! :)

Then went home and wrote the card. It took me a bit of time to think about what to say in it plus a bit of time to draft it. After that was done, I started packing. didn't take me long. Soon after that, bb called and went through her checklist with me - smack!

Finished the rest of the food in the fridge, took a shower, changed and I was on my way to the airport!

During the day, I got several calls and various sms from my friends. One of those sms was from a friend at Sunday church. Nothing from sf, notwithstanding we met briefly this afternoon so that I could return a DVD to him. I don't think he has forgotten about it, but he has remembered it wrongly!