Testing Time

These are the last days..... everyday in the papers you can see the news, which Jesus has already foretold.

And what are we prepared for?  Looking towards the current economic situation, worrying about the political situation, and whatever not.........sigh... we are being hoodwinked by the devil.  His time is almost up, and he's going to drag as many people with him as possible.

So friends, loved ones, whoever you may be...... be aware of these times.  And only look to Jesus, for only He can save you.

Meantime, we have to persevere....... put on a joyful heart, and rejoice for you know that Jesus is looking after us.  Reach out to Him, and show His love to whomever you meet with, and then you know that it is worthwhile for this short time of perseverance.

Until then, take care and God Bless You.

St Gabriel's 1979

1979.... sure was a long time ago... 30 years to be exact.....

How the time has flown? What has happened to our friends, classmates, teachers, headmaster? So many questions, and yet not many answers.

Then, out of the blue, a friend called me and told me of this site... bebudakmelayu.ning.com..... sign up, he told me....our friends are there...

True enough, when I signed up..... who do i see? Zulkarnain, one of my best mates in class. Hasni, now a Lt Col (wow...) Raja Shahrum (our fav singer).. Kamarudin (who remembered me so well, even my uncle and the camera that he borrowed). Heck, how did these guys get to be where they are now.... Kamarudin, a Professor....wow.... double wow...

Then friends who are now in Australia. Derek, whom I bumped into 10 years ago..... thank goodness I am still in contact. Quickly I sent out the invitations, and so many others joined in. Yet there are still so many others who have yet to join.

Come on you guys..... why the indifference? Life is too short to complain about the web design, the people who are in there.... and what other excuses...

Does it matter if the design is lousy? It is the contents and the people who are in there that matters.

Does it matter if most of the members are Melayu? They were our classmates, schoolmates then. Now they are our friends, our comrade in time of need. Why are we still looking at them through eyes based on colour, creed, race, religion..... sigh...

I cannot give up... the next time round there is a gathering, I shall have to call them up personally, and push them to attend. It may not be my loss, but I do not want to regret by giving up. Further, I could not possibly enjoy myself much, knowing at the back of my mind that there are still others who are around who could also be part of this gathering.

Teh Tarik in Desa Pandan

Friday, 21.11.2008.... definitely not one of my usual days. Invitations were passing round on this site, that the guys will be meeting up, especially with Kamarudin coming over all the way from JB. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, I told the wife that I will be rushing through dinner, and from then onto Desa Pandan. She reminded me to get home early, as we have an early morning trip the next day. Promised her for sure (phew.... thank God I remembered as I was enjoying myself so much)....

Took the time to check on the internet, the surest and nearest route to Desa Pandan..... shit, those online maps do not help at all.... worse... Google Earth only showed rooftops (grrrrrr..... technology sucks when they don't deliver what you wanted).

Anyways, took the chance and probability it will be near Kg Pandan, and took down Zakkariya's phone no. as well, just in case. Along the way, gave Zak a call, and true enough his direction led me towards Kg Pandan dalam.... and definitely could not miss it.....the "M" in mcdonalds' was shining so bright, a blind man could even see.

When I arrived, the shortest guy that I can never erase from memory, Ishak Ahmad's face was smiling and looking at me..... ha ha ha.... really miss that face. And from there, everyone else was trying my memory... and I can tell you, I failed miserably. Ishak Ibrahim's face was totally changed, Raja Shahrum's not so handsome face (especially the missing Alleycat's hair) and everyone else (whose names now I could not recall,.... sorry guys)..... really stupefy me..... I was totally lost.

But everyone made me so welcome, that those 30 years of wandering in our respective paths, and career-choice did not matter. All that matters was to catch up with classmates and schoolmates, our career and our families. The laughter over those things that had happened to us during school, some of them even had been bullies during their time, but now, friends in the truest sense. Forgiveness was not necessary..... everybody knows our young days' fights, tempers and quarrels were just part and parcel of growing process.

And with that, time flew so fast, then I nearly forgot my next morning appointment. Until I noticed the time, and I had to go off. I really felt like Cinderella..... having to go off although my heart was telling me to stay.... but I know, this is just a beginning.

A new beginning of reliving the old friendships, catching up with friends whom I recalled as good mates, and making up for lost times with friends who I did not get to know during the schooldays. And I hope and pray, that this will not be the last.... and I am sure, if all of us maintain the kind of camaraderie and respect for each other, we will be able to grow stronger, and perhaps even closer to those friends that we knew 30 years ago, but now with maturity and experience, will learn to appreciate these friends better.

I would like to end by saying "Thank you, guys" for making Friday a memorable evening, and I hope more of us will join in and make the future gatherings a more meaningful affair. As for you guys who could not make it, I implore you to make the effort. It is definitely worth it.... much more than you could ever know.