Humbled.
Over the last few days I received two emails from my Japanese friends (in Japan), who were worried about my safety after reading about the earthquake and tsunami in South Asia. I am certain that the Japanese news have made it clear that Singapore was not affected at all by the disaster, so naturally they did not have to ask after me, but they did, and it really warmed my heart. Their actions may be simple, but I was comforted to know that I have friends who care, even though we may not be close - both emotionally and geographically. Arigatou gozaimashita.
Once again I am reminded of the fact that Singapore is indeed very lucky to be located where she is, shielded by the island of Sumatra which bore the brunt of the earthquake and tsunami impact. All year round we get no earthquakes, no typhoons, no natural disasters ... whilst our neighbours are coming to terms with their loss at this very moment that I am blogging. In fact I am feeling so blessed and fortunate ... to the extent of being sick and bitter about the sheer unfairness that exists in this world -_-
... and I cannot help but wonder about the group of rowdy Thai men, who were managing a parasailing business together at Patong Beach when I was in Phuket in December 2001. I went parasailing with one of them (I had to go with a guide), dark-skinned and looking somewhat intimidating with tattoos and all, and in the midst of enjoying the sea breeze and spectacular view from the air I was afraid that the speedboat my parasail was attached to would just suddenly speed off to an isolated island, where they would rob and kill me (tsk tsk, kids do have a wild imagination ;p). But of course the parasail did come back safely to shore and I was so satisfied with my parasailing experience that I tipped them, though I cannot remember how much I gave. They attempted to speak to me in whatever English they could come up with, and I was surprisingly comfortable in their presence because they were such simple people, and yet so genuine at the same time.
I also remember having small talk with one of them on the beach... and when I told him that I came from Singapore on Superstar Virgo, he looked far out to sea, pointing to the Superstar Virgo anchored far away from where we were, and said something to the effect of, "I never go on big ship like that one before."
It is such simplicity of life that never fails to touch my heart, and it is situations like these that remind me of the reason why I chose to do Development Studies as my major.
I wonder if those Thai guys are okay, and I pray that they are, though I will never have the chance to know. The only memory I do have of our acquaintance, however, is a 4R photograph taken with all five of them at what used to be a lively, pretty Patong Beach.
It is also at times like these - in times of this current disaster - that I wonder where God really is.
X X X
Who said that wishes
Would be heard and answered
When wished on a morning star?
The Carpenters - The Rainbow Connection.
Nong Fai, I am waiting to hear from you soon.
