My Serenity Prayer in a Changing World

Some 13 years ago, I sent my eldest off from home to study in a foreign country. Reluctant though my husband and I were, we had to, as tertiary education opportunities were limited then, and we would be curtailing his potential in keeping him here. I had expected him to complete his studies, return home to Malaysia to work, and to resume his life.

As it happens, he decides to stay on in the country he has grown to love, and over the years he has brought a brother and sister with him to further their studies. Younger brother completes his education, gets into Big 5 and settles down there too. Fast forward, youngest sister is pursuing tertiary studies, and he's even moved his parents there too. But that is a separate story.

He has been home lots since then. Last week he came back home on a special mission. He is on the trade delegation accompanying his Prime Minister in the signing of the FTA with Malaysia.

I have not seen him as much as I wish to, on this trip back home he's been busy on the many functions in his role as a delegate of the NZ Government. He's been on the motorcade as the entourage travels through the infamous traffic jams of his hometown, with a couple dozen policemen clearing a way for them. He's been visiting Malaysian affiliates of NZ corporations with his PM. He's been in the company of high ranking Malaysian and NZ Government officials and corporate men.

Am I affected by all this hoopla? No, because I have not even been able to catch much of him, despite there being flashes of him on the late night news. And no, because this is part of his work.

Am I proud of him? Yes I confess so, him doing what he is doing for the country he is living in now, and him making small inroads in his career, business and social work. Return home to Malaysia? Well he's showing me that he can work and live there, and can return home in style :) It is surreal but it has also brought home to me that the world we live in is really not that big after all.

My expectation has evolved – I have long since learnt to give it up for the greater good and entrust my sons' future in their own hands.

These days I travel to NZ more and it seems like the country I sent my children to with so much trepidation back then has also become like a second home to me. Meanwhile I continue to be mindful that life is ever evolving...

"God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know
the difference."

This prayer encourages me and I wish that it will you too.

KL takes a Hari Raya break

For the past one month Muslims have been fasting through the holy month of “Ramadan” and during this period, they fast from sunrise to sunset. As such most office workers and school children are allowed home early to prepare for the breaking of fast. This means heavy movement and traffic gridlock in the hours prior to it as people try to be home in time to celebrate with family members.

Today is Hari Raya Puasa, it marks the end of the fasting month, and the start of the month of “Syawal". This sees a heavy exodus of people leaving the city for their hometowns of origin to celebrate with kin. Here is where “balik kampong” takes on its full meaning. It also means the city takes a break from the usual humdrum of the rat race as offices and schools close for two days. This year Hari Raya Puasa falls on Sunday, and it is an extended weekend, and therefore a good excuse for non-Muslims to get away too!

I normally will not drive into the hotspots of the city, avoiding them like the plague. Not today, as I take the camera and hit the streets in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and enjoying the views - here are some shots taken on the second day of the festival.

Do you know these places (9 pictures)? Recognise some of them? Send me your answers, let's see if you get them all right!

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Notice that the roads are much quieter - a stark contrast to the usually busy, chaotic, lively and noisy jams that are so much a part of KL.

Clue: These are popular roads and landmarks...

Have fun!