A flicker of faith, hope and love on August, 13

(August 12 - 13, 2010 in Kuching, Sarawak)

Afternoon August, 12

I was browsing my facebook. Suddenly, I read a status that was written by my friend, Alex Pega. He stated that everything will be fine on the Friday August, 13. Ten minutes after reading Alex’s comment, my other friend updated her status that almost the same like him. I was wondering whether there are any special events on that day. I wanted to know what the August 13 was about. I used Google Search looking for any info regarding this day. The Google opened many websites that were linked with August, 13. Then, I clicked the Wikipedia website and read its content. I found out on that day, Michael Phelps won the most eight gold medals in the Olympic 2008, births and deaths of many famous people, as well as holidays and observances such as Women’s Day. Indeed, it was an ordinary day like other days. For both Alex and Beatrice, the Friday August, 13 could be a special day for their family. The August 13 is also a significant date for me. A year ago, it was the day that I set my feet on the United States of America, the land of freedom and opportunity. The time passed so quickly. I could not believe that I have fulfilled a year as a graduate student in the USA. Tomorrow Friday, August 13, my family made a plan to hold a special family prayer for me at my parents’ house.

A little prayer

Everybody has arrived. My mother, Tonia’s mother, Suzy have prepared food that will be served on that evening. We are going to have a steamboat dinner. After all of us gathered in the living room, we start our activity with a little prayer. Uncle Dave, Tonia’s father leads the prayer. He says a prayer to thanks to God as I manage to pass my first year with excellent results and hope that I will get good results in my second year. While he does his prayer, my thoughts are gone back to the August 13, 2009. It was my last day in Malaysia. It was also my last day to see the one that I loved so much. We said goodbye to each other at the front of the International Departure Gate at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I never thought that would be my last goodbye. My heart is sickened to think about the sad moment. My eyes are watery, but I manage to control my tears from falling down on my checks. When Uncle Dave finishes his prayer, he looks at my strange behaviors. He knows what is in my heart at that moment. He pats on my back and says to me to be a strong woman.

“Dency, forget the past. You have three years to go to finish your study. God has a good plan for you. Just give everything in His hands. Always pray asking His guidance. I know it’s very hard for you to forget it, but I do believe one day you will find your own happiness.”

“Thanks Uncle. I will try to be patient and have a hope that I will find the happiness that I’m looking for.”

“Good girl.”

Uncle Dave pinches my cheeks while smiling at me.

Family

Once the prayer is over, everybody starts to add food into the steamboat cooker that containing boiling water. My brother helps my small cousins to cook their food in the cooker. I look at all my cousins. Among all of them, I am attracted to see the twins, Daniela and Daniel. Last year, they were still small and must be carried on their parents lap. On that night, both of them can stand and walk. Daniel is a bit naughty and bigger than his eldest sister. Daniela is shy and never wants to move away from my grandmother. I just brushes her hair, and she stares at me, probably thinking I am an alien from other space. Seeing all of my family members at that night, I know they all love me. Their loves have given me strength and confidence to achieve my dreams. I realize that I will always be loved by those who loved me.