India

You see this everyday roaming the streets of Delhi

This, is quite a rare sight. Camels. We took a camel ride to see the Taj

The grand entrance into the compounds of the Taj Mahal

Silks & Cottons of India Expo.
Amazing place.

The very people we were there for. The children in the Prayas community.

~Salam~

Bloody affaire

On the 8th of June 2012, Friday


I saw the dark red colour of blood flowing out of my left hand. It was a shock then it became thrilling.
This has always been one of the things I have been dying to do since the last time. Blood donation.

On a gloomy and rainy day, I left the house to meet up with my very good friend to catch up and have lunch. Before that, we went to the Bloodbank. I hadn't told my family where I would be going or what I would be doing. But I still went and donate blood. The Bloodbank is conveniently located in the north where I live.
I'm nervous about going there alone, not knowing what may happen there and after donation. I could have fainted at the sight of a needle or the sight of my own blood. To be honest, I was a tad confident that day. As if the invincibility potion flowed through my veins.

The Bloodbank is actually a bright and welcoming place. It was a pleasant surprise. Registering, check-up and some blood tests went as smooth as a baby's bottom. Before heading into the brightly lit room of donors, machines and what-nots, I grabbed a pack of Milo and drank on the spot. Just a last minute (futile) effort in increasing the blood glucose level. Also, the staff there are ever so friendly and helpful. And off I went into the room, there were three other men in the big, white-washed and spacious room. Large LCD screen TVs on two opposite sides decorate the walls. I felt so welcomed and safe. Upon sitting on the huge cushioned lean-back chairs, a lady quickly provided me with a blanket. Warmth. It had been raining since morning that day. 


As they were preparing the equipments, my gaze fell on the view outside. The windows covered half of the wall, providing a view of the skies and the building next to us. The clouds were still in a foul mood, projecting a gloomy forecast. But that surely did not dampen my spirits. 

The senior nurse walked towards my chair, alcohol swab stroked the crook of my left arm. A cooling sensation. Then, she revealed the needle. As she was about to insert it into my skin, I looked to my right, avoiding the scene. I would rather feel the pain than to see me subjected to that pain. Ouch! It felt like someone pinched me so quickly that there was no lingering pain. And so, I began pumping my left hand, gripping and releasing my fist. The dark red blood flowed just like a river flowing out to sea. I touched the bag containing a pool of my blood. Warm. How pleasant! I never thought I could feel the warmth of my own blood. In less than 20 minutes, they had collected enough blood. The needle was out and I pressed a swab of cotton. I didn't feel drained at all. It felt invigorating actually. It was a nice feeling to be able to donate blood, sharing the gift of life. As healthy human beings, we often take for granted, the very fluid that sustains us everyday, every minute, every second. With the gift of life flowing through our veins, it is our responsibility to share this gift. That's how I feel.

After many thanks and Milos, I left the Bloodbank for a much awaited lunch. My next Bloody Affaire would be in September. 

~Salam~

Restart

I'm back!

After months of absence,finally I have time to myself. Six months of absence sure is a long time.
But life continues to drive by us in lightning speed. The last time I was here, I was preparing to depart for India.
And it is the most incredible experience ever. Being an avid fan of Travel Living Channel, often times, I come upon the tourism advertisement for India. The catchphrase never fail to remind me of those experiences. 'Incredible India'. There truly is much to tell about the people I have encountered, the life within those brief weeks, the amazing food, the brilliantly coloured fabrics, clothes and shawls, the scenic landscapes. Masha-Allah. I miss it all.  Perhaps a separate post about the experience is fitting.

With all those months of absence, much has happened. Good times, bad times, tear-filled times, grateful times...Ahh, good or bad, Allah knows His plans for me. And I trust Him with all my heart. Whatever happens, I know that there is a reason. I may not clearly understand, but He knows it better than me, He knows what is good for me. And that is what that matters.

Whisked away

I'm off to India!

Almost a month away

Hari Raya Aidiladha is coming soon! This weekend in fact!Alhamdullilah for the time off. At least I can spend some time with my family and my books. The exams are coming and its time to bury my head in those pile of books just waiting to be read. Also, there won't be much time left to spend time with my family since I'll be gone for half of December. Why? Okay, its time to unveil the secret that I've been keeping to myself all this while. Visa has been approved. Tickets all booked.

In December, I'll be going to beautiful India. On a mission thats characteristic of who I am. On a mission to help in whatever way we can, the children in the slum community. Going into details here is stepping outside my comfort zone. So I'll just touch briefly. I'll be gone for more than two weeks. To a country I've only kept watching in movies every weekend. How exciting! And the weather there is especially cooling at this time of year  since I'm going to the northern part of India. Its ironic how early this year, I was dreaming and contemplating with a friend to go on a trip to India. Turns out that both of us are indeed going to India at the end of this year, albeit we're going to different parts of the country. I've much to say of this trip but since there's only one month to go before there is not much time to talk or write here. But I aim to write every single day I am in India of my experiences. Being quite an idealist, I am optimistic of the experiences. Insya-Allah everything will go on smoothly. Whoever who reads this, I only hope for your good prayers and well wishes.

Its not often one gets to fly to India and make a difference. 

~Salam~

Wrap-Up

And so, I wrapped up the week with three injections. How great is that. Fears of falling ill after the injections are omnipresent. Watching out for all the signs and symptoms. So far so good.

One more month till exams make their presence. And there's plenty to study. But I have yet to start revising. I'm just stuck in a mundane mood. Reporting mundane daily ongoings. When exams are over, maybe I'll reveal something that I've been working on. Possibility of going somewhere. Being a very private person, I tend to keep things to myself and my family. Not even revealing stuff to friends. But I like prying into other people's business. Well, actually, since I don't say much about myself, I'll just ask others about themselves ergo, prying into their business.

So much for wrapping up the week...

~Salam~

She said

I wished you were dead.
she said.

Words like these should never be said
Only now do I understand how hurtful it is
When you're the receiver.