Tuesday 9 November 2010

Lord You are good and Your mercy endures forever

I know in my last post I said that the next time I update would be from the land of India, quite sadly that wasn’t the case and here I am, typing this, in the beloved land of Malaysia, having already spent 3 months in India, which honestly felt much longer than that.

1

Vidhana Soudha- parliament bulding in Bangalore

Quite frankly I don’t know how to start but that it has been one enormous experience in every single way possible. My first month there was tough and often I wished that I could just pack my bags and go home because every part of me felt alien and foreign where I was, annoyance at the way the academic system in India was run and discontentment at the simple way of life. Not to be too over-exaggerating or what but it was a pretty low point of my life. Lol.

02102010357

our hostel

At that point of time I really thank God for all the love, prayers and encouragements first and foremost to my amazing family ( I happen to have the most incredible family btw), a supportive home church, and many encouraging friends no matter where they were. Each day was a new challenge and I had to literally drag myself out of bed amidst morning blues to go to class- yet finding His steadfast love to be ‘new every morning’ and His grace sufficient, one day at a time.

17102010391

outside my uni

d

my uni’s admin building. pretty impressive, eh?

Studies. It has been pretty intense to put it mildly. Classes are from 9 to 4 daily, (2 hours of lectures, 2 hours practicals, 2 hours dissections), Monday to Sat (save one Sat a month). Most Mondays we have a Part Completion Test (PCT) which means we have to study almost… all the time. Lol. I have never studied more in my life before and yet theres always something you haven’t studied. Maybe its because its medicine, and maybe its India. Everyday lecturers and PGs randomly pounce on you- be it during lectures or practicals or dissections with all kinds of questions, so you do have to study, or you’ll end up feeling really stupid. Each day you are taught a gazillion new things and are expected to master them by the next day. And all those assignments! Haha. But I love what I’m studying, finding it really interesting, and I have no regrets choosing this. (Though it is rather A LOT.)

z

our driver loading our medical books to the top of the jeep

As a whole, India is a really interesting country. The roads are crazily bumpy and once I took this what I call a legendary trip 9 hours roadtrip to Mangalore which was…let’s just say legendary. People horn all the time I don’t think they know that signal lights exist, if you want to turn left or turn right, just sound your horn. In fact, just horn the whole time. Lol, even all the big trucks have a sign behind asking you to ‘sound your horn’. In fact since they horn all the time, some of their horns even have melodies to it to make it sound more…melodious? Lol. Even when cars reverse, some have melodies to it. Traffic is c-r-a-z-y. Auto drivers whiz in and out, left and right, leaving you with near-death experiences. Lol. But its unique, the whole experience and I can’t wait to travel to other places in India.

x

soundhorn! and do notice what else is written on the truck, haha

5

an old auto used for carrying goods

Studying in India is an experience that I guess is really different from elsewhere. Where else would you be able to find 6 girls crammed into a tiny auto on a rainy night speeding away in Kolar, or being in an auto at 10 plus in the night whizzing through the streets of Bangalore to bring you to your hotel room which so happens to be on top of a pub which *phew* plays modern Western songs instead of Bollywood songs. Lol. Or the extremely strong green-sareed indian aunties (ayamas) who grabbed my 30 kg luggage bag and put in on THEIR HEAD without blinking when I first arrived. Or the fact that I had real bones in room for osteology haha.

2

my name tag, and yes that’s a real human clavicle!

Animals. The fact that I have a paragraph about this is because often I feel like I’m living in a zoo, not a university campus. There are panicky cats that run about, dogs that are scared of you, monkeys-old and young alike that swing from tree to trees nimbly Tarzan-style as you walk underneath in holy fear (because you’re carrying food from the mess), flocks of sheep(!!!), frogs, etc etc.

8

sheep!

7

baby monkey outside our window

Food. I guess that its not Mangalore or anywhere else where you do get good food easily, even hotel food at amazing prices. Love the food when I was there! Here you’ll be ok if you’re a vegetarian as the mess serves vege 6 days a week. Doesn’t help that its the same menu every week and I haven’t got accustomed to those weird diluted curries haha. Being the hopeless carnivore that I am, I’m constantly craving meat. Fortunately we do have a kind auto driver who does food deliveries- my source of meat. In Kolar there are not that many places to eat, but there are a few- ‘Woody’s’ (which is purely vegetarian), and a few Muslim restaurants which is quite delicious actually.

DSC02992_1

this is what we eat for Saturday lunch. my only pic of the mess food. no mood to take more haha

15092010285

fried rice at Limra’s- one of the muslim restaurants. tastes like chinese fried rice!Smile

Way of life. When I first came here, it was a little hard to adjust because we take many little things for granted back in Malaysia. It kept blacking out! A few times a day and more than just a few minutes- but its better now and though it still blacks out everyday we have gotten used to it, automatically clicking on our study lamps. Water isn’t too big a problem except that it has a habit of promptly disappearing when I’m halfway through washing my clothes. -.- In Kolar people live very simply, you can see doctors with stethoscopes around their necks riding into the hospital on their scooters, however there are very rich people esp in Bangalore. The chasm between the poor and the rich is too wide- beautiful new developments and buildings amidst small barefooted beggar children running around barefooted in a construction site. Its an uneven mix- the old and the new.

3

a village called Sugutur in Kolar

Fellow Malaysians. When I first came here, I wasn’t really close to those in my batch when we were in KTT. In fact we were a very unlikely mix- I mean none of us were really from the same ‘clique’ as some may call it. But being  in a foreign country its good to have each other and I found that we are identified first and foremost as Malaysians- not Malay, Chinese, Indian, just Malaysians. In fact, I’ve never heard the word ‘Malaysian’ being spoken of so many times as in those 3 months. Our seniors have been amazing to us, and its heart-warming to experience the spirit of ‘1-Malaysia’ as I now-so-very-cheesily-put-it out of our own country.

DSC03302

our batch of Malaysians, save 2

Church. Its nothing less than a miracle that I found an english-speaking church to go to at a Bible college just 5 minutes away from my uni. Its all God’s providence and I really thank Him for it. I love the way that in the service we go from blasting Hillsongs ‘Óne Way’ with electric guitars, bass and drums to opening our hymnals and singing really really old songs with the organ. And the fact that most of the congregation are ‘sepet’ as well (just like me!), being from north-eastern India.

b

choir in church

Weather. I love the weather here! Its almost never hot- I don’t know the exact temperature but its very cooling-something like Genting or Camerons. Love the irony that I can wear sweaters and jackets in India! Haha.

9

the walkway I take to class

As a whole, I guess its about keeping my attitude right and my focus on why I’m there. Its not easy- in fact its very terribly tough often. As time goes by I find myself settling in better, getting more accustomed to where I am and what I am doing, finding my niche where I am. Often me and my friends would fall into the trap of comparing- with other unis in India or with other countries and it isn’t good because we can’t change where we are but its our perspective that matters most. Maybe it isn’t the most comfortable and modern of all places, nor does it have awesome food at the mess or amazing facilities, but we do have very brilliant lecturers and PGs (post grads) and a very cooling weather here in Kolar such that we almost never sweat, and numerous other blessings.  Smile I have to be strong and remember that I’m studying for a purpose greater than just obtaining my MBBS, and for something bigger, greater than what I see around me. And not forgetting the valuable experiences we’ll have here, and trusting that God’s grace is sufficient, always. Smile

 

There is love that came for us
Humbled to a sinner's cross                                                                                                                    Y
ou broke my shame and sinfuless                                                                                                     You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny                                                                                                              Through the storm and through the fire                                                                                         There is truth that sets me free                                                                                                          Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger                                                                                                                                          You are stronger
Sin is broken                                                                                                                                                  You have saved me                                                                                                                                         It is written Christ is risen                                                                                                                             Jesus You are Lord of all

No beginning and no end                                                                                                                                You're my hope and my defence                                                                                                           You came to seek and save the lost                                                                                                     You paid it all upon the cross

So let your name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher be lifted higher

“Hillsongs- Stronger”

Wednesday 4 August 2010

today!

I’m blessed. The last few days have been great- last farewells, so many goodbyes, well wishes, prayers, blessings, gifts, angpows, smses, calls etc.

Thank you all of you for the time and effort you gave me. Really really appreciate each and everyone of you. :)

I’m leaving Malaysia for India tonight at 10.10pm. I’m excited, psyched up, happy and sad all at once to discover the incredible and not-so-incredible part of India, blessings- the obvious and those in disguise.

So I guess the next time I update, it’ll be from the land of India.

God bless! :)

Wednesday 28 July 2010

bring on the chapati!

I think I’ll slap myself for posting this pictures when I reach India.

Location: Dragon-i, Pavilion

DSC02574

sauteed spare pork rib with signature sauce.

DSC02575

fried la mian (longevity noodles) with meat and black fungus.

DSC02578

sauteed shrimp with salted egg yolk. THIS WAS AMAAAAZZZZING. lol.

DSC02585

shanghainese steamed meat dumpling. (xiao long pau)

DSC02595

honeydew sago cream.

So, exactly one week to go! After so many stories, facebook pictures, updates, statuses about the land of India, I’m no longer wishing for time to slow down. Seven more days to seeing India through my own eyes, and starting a brand new chapter. Sure I don’t know what to expect, and there are so many things uncertain, but I want to trust God for what I cannot see, for each step of the way.

I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the LORD  in the land of the living. –Psalms 27:13

So what I can say now is…

Bring on the chapati!

Thursday 22 July 2010

four three four

DSC02343 

Four different university placements,

Three different places in India,

Four different departure dates.

To Ms Lynthia Wong my super slimmed-down ex-roommate, I know you’ll be just fine in India. Stay strong in the Lord and have fun shopping in Mangalore! I know you’ll be one super hyper bubbly dentist.

Thinking back, its funny, our frantic countdown of A2 to finish, our speculations of what India would be like, how our university placements would turn out. All our memories, too many to record, too unique to describe, and too racist to verbalise here, I’ll remember with a smile.

:)

and many an evil chuckle.

:p

Thursday 15 July 2010

soaking up malaysia!

c2

19 more days,

grasping at time

to soak up Malaysia

:)

Meskipun badai silih berganti dalam hidupku
Ku tetap cinta Yesus selamanya

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Incredible India, a paradox

india-003

When I think of India, there’s always this sense of intrigue to it, a whiff of mystery, a dash of the unknown. Everything associated to this exotic country seems just so different.

After two years of knowing one day I would go this place, to study and live for the entirety of my university life, its finally just a little less than a month away.

No doubt I would be more gungho in excitement and less worried if I were going somewhere else *cue European country*, nevertheless at this stage I wouldn’t choose to trade countries. I am grateful to God for this scholarship, this chance to study medicine in a country lauded by many for this particular field.

In all honesty, my cup of feelings is a mixture of everything. I look forward to it and yet I dread it. I’m reluctant to go and yet I’m willing. I’m afraid to leave the comfort of home yet I know its time to be independent. I’m rearing to start studying medicine and yet I worry. I do not want to leave Malaysia and yet I want to. I want to be a doctor and yet I’m afraid to.

I’m a paradox.

Wednesday 30 June 2010

this time for africa!

The thing about World Cup, is the way it brings people together. Where else would you see North and South Korea playing in the same tournament?

a

Thankfully, this is not South vs North. That would be World War III ! Its Spain vs Portugal, a mighty clash all the same.

h

The players are representatives not only of countries, but continents. Japan vs Paraguay was also in fact an Asia vs South America clash, both of which have never entered the quarterfinals before. Paraguay wrote their name in the history books last night to the anguish of Japan, and all Asia.

s

But the funny thing is, the World Cup makes football fans of whom previously may not be football fans. I guess the global excitement and thrill of the game is just too much to bear. :p. Here a Spanish fan blows the vuvuzela.

So, this morning I had the usual early morning match routine of 1 hour nap before game-wake up-groggily-change into something more football fanish (yeah I know I’'m weird) –start watching the game-exchange msgs with my bro and other football crazy friends-half time get snacks- Spain scores woohoo-final whistle-“yay” kind of msgs received from fellow Spain fans.

d

And then… I almost dropped out of my chair. I got a msg from this person:

Woohoo spain! :-D yay!

Haha I know this is making a mountain out of a molehill but Said Person don’t usually watch football and I never thought Said Person would wake up at 2.30 am in the morning for a match that is not even quarterfinals yet.

Eventhough I tried to influence Said Person to do so, I didn’t think Said Person would do it.

Welcome into the fold, Said Person. I feel proud to have successfully converted Said Person into a football fan, and that of Spain.

cb

Viva La Espana!

*congratulatory pat on the back*

Till the next post! :)

#photo credits to soccernet.com

Monday 28 June 2010

writing again

After two months of hiatus, I herein decide to pick up the cyber pen and start blogging again, albeit in a total new blog. :)

I stopped blogging last not because I lacked time, but in fact inspiration. Every time I tried it all seemed jumbled up and stupid, even frivolous. Old stuff I wrote when read back months down the road looked…well, weird?

But the truth is, I am blessed by many things I read online. Blogs I visit, even if I do not leave comments or even personally know the writer, offer much entertainment, encouragements and laughs. So dear reader, I hope to offer you that- a word in season, some extra value to your day. For everyone has their own story he or she alone can tell. I hope to update semi-regularly at worst, but forgive me if I fail to do so. :)

So… in the last two months,

1) I have received my university placement. Early august or so I’ll be heading to Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, India for 5.5 years of medical school. I’'m accustoming myself to reply like clockwork “oh its somewhere near Bangalore.” when asked all to often where Kolar is. :p

2) I have finished the three- month language course in KTT of Hindi, Kannada and Tamil. By no means I am anywhere respectably proficient in these languages, but its fun knowing a little. To me, Hindi is sophisticated sounding, Kannada is impossible without a lot of head-shaking, and Tamil remains a mystery.

3) Said goodbye to KTT. After about 2 years in what should be the tiniest college ever its was finally time to leave. Just today the juniors’  juniors are coming in for their first time, shows how fast time flies eh. No doubt many of them would be shocked and disappointed by their surroundings, but just like all KTT-ians do, proceed to survive with much fun and meet amazing people along the way. :)

4) World Cup! The South Africa run of which seems shrouded by annoying eardrum- blastin’ vuvuzelas, complaints about the Jabulani ball, FIFA’s rejection of playback technology (think England-Germany, Argentina-Mexico). And currently ongoing:)

So, till the next update! :)