To the stars

Baptised already. It is a new beginning.

The ceremony itself was pretty much usual, but kinda funny though. I really need to get my glasses fixed XD

After coming out of the water, the situation was what I called "the time when you feel most accepted and encouraged." In the space of 5 minutes, I had shaken more than 10 hands, possibly 20.

Then came encouragement cards.

Frankly, I wasn't expecting such things. I get the occasional encouragement note from the friendly YMM Barnabas every now and then, at random times, but usually, I never get encouragement or congratulation for anything I personally do, anything I have gone through, passed out of, things that mean a lot to me. When I passed out from UDI, FGB, SNCO, all the congrats I got were from my DG and my coursemates.

Never anyone else.

I was shocked. I felt rather uncomfortable for the next few days.

And I realised how much I had missed for years.

And I realised how long I had survived without it.

You can go a long way without encouragement, but when you realise it, it hurts real bad.

That's where hope in God comes in. P.U.P. has taught me a lot about trusting in the Lord no matter what happens, even when all the world betrays you.

Only He can save us from our despair.

God defend us.

I am reminded of a song that I used to hum throughout UDI. (Man, you can never get enough folk music on this blog, aye?)

The Minstrel Boy

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy right shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!

Oh yes, and 633 Squadron will play in the background when you visit. What joy.