Waging Peace for the World

Beautiful child

2010-10-23T18:16:00.002+10:00

Beautiful child.

The Lord your God is with you
He is mighty to save,
He will quiet you with his love
He will rejoice over you with loud singing.

The crown of beauty
Instead of Ashes
the oil of gladness
Instead of Mourning
A garment of praise
Instead of despair
Rename them oaks of righteousness
Displayng His splendor

The LORD will watch over your
coming and going
He will watch over your life
both now and forevermore.

(Zephaniah 3:17,Isaiah 61, Psalm 121: 8)

My Funny God

2010-07-17T13:18:00.002+10:00

It's been ages since I updated my blog!
I wasn't quite able to output anything, because there was no emotional input coming in :p
You need inspiration to write stuff on blogs.

Wisdom is hillarious. If you are Japanese, think about Ikkyusan. His wisdom is so funny, because when you get it, you realise how simple it is.

This morning I finally got "God's cheeky wisdom" and I found it so hillarious!

I've almost (like 80%) decided that I will continue to do research next year.

This is something I wasn't thinking of doing the last few months.
Research has been not fun, and it has been quite difficult.
I see my ability not meeting the standard that is expected in academia, in fact my work is far from that.
It was actually a shock that I became sick of studying for the first time in my life.
I thought that was the desire that can never be taken away from me.

So it was natural for me to decide doing something else next year, like admin jobs related to peace building.

Then I was on holiday for about 10 days, holiday being not sitting in front of computer, yet still reading reports. I went to beach and did heaps of excercise.
During the holiday, I watched TV too! (btw Masterchef AUS is awesome!)

When I was back from the holiday and back in the lab, I was quite fine doing research.
There is an element of it that gives me a meaning to my being. Looking at the PC wasn't as bad as it used to be these few months.

So I almost made my mind to continue on this. I know I'm not there yet, but this is the time when I am actually getting better at research. It's too early to give up.
There will be days I'm suck at work, there might be pieces of work I will hand in with shame. Just like contestants in Masterchef. But you just keep going on with the talent you believe you have.

And just this morning, when I was taking shower, I recalled this conversation I had in the early part of this year (like March?). I was telling my friends,
"I like research too much to know whether it's God's will or not!!!"

HAHA.

So that's why He took away the very desire for me. It's God's funny way of telling me that I will still choose to continue on the path because it's His will. I can see so much of Father heart of God, His faithfulness and grace.

I think it's amazing that God never has to speak to me anything to tell me so many things.

At the moment I don't have the grade to get me into PhD (LOL) but I think I will do it because it's God's will. :)

Busy with assignments, but so happy.

2010-06-03T20:55:00.003+10:00

I love this year. It's really so many ups and downs.
So many thoughts going through in my head that I can't even sleep without waking up many times in the middle of the night.

Updates:
1. I have new personal interests - Party Politics!
I was never a believer of party politics until a month ago, when I became more interested in the US bases in Okinawa. Now I think "how can I not be interested in party politics?". To me things become important, when it affects people.
Where I grew up, I can say that we have a pretty stable society, and politics does not affect everyday lives of ours as it does in somewhere like Zimbabwe.
The issue of US base in Okinawa has really opened my eyes in these few months.

2. Loving Jesus :)
He is such an amazing person. So gracious. He forgives me always. He forgives me and shows me the extent of His love.
Dateni Kamisama ja naiyo ne!
(= That's exactly why His name should be GOD.)
Some beautiful Japanese gisoel songs on youtube....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCLlh3oBwt8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1gdYWCvmvM

3. Assignments Relay
I has 4 assisgnments this week and I'm now working on the last one. Hopefully I will be able to do a good job on this.

After submitting that, I'm gonna have a Saturday off! I haven't had a day off in such a long time!

Extreme Makeover: Jesus edition

2010-05-24T09:27:00.002+10:00

I liked the analogy I used to illustrate the meaning of sanctification (= the process of being changed by Jesus) in small Bible class. I liked it so much so I decided to share it here, instead of keeping it in myself and thinking that I did such a good job. hehe

There's a TV program called Extreme Makeover: Home edition
(Japanese version is: "大改造!劇的before after", these houses are much more horrendous than the ones in the US or Australia!)

The show, Extreme makeover starts by professionals (designer, carpenters, architect, etc) coming to your house by saying, "Congratulations, your house is chosen!".
Then the professionals quickly start to sweep all the mess, destroy things that are not right, get rid of everything unnecessary. Then they will start painting new colours on the walls, make a new garden out of nowhere, replace a beautiful kitchen and all furniture. Everything is new. There is no ressemblance of what it was used to be!

And that's the same way God works in our lives.

One day God comes into your life and says: "Congratulations, I chose you!".
He will take away all your sins and make you clean. He will make a beautiful garden with streams of water, and he will take away all the unnecessary things.

"Old has gone and the new has come", the Bible says (2Corinthians 5:17), and he will help you to be more like Jesus.

The only difference between extreme makeover and God's work is that in extreme makeover, you will be on a holiday, and the next thing you realise, you have a new everything.
God's way and desire, instead, is that we will do the renovation together with God, progressively, and thoughout our lives! :)

Hopefully this analogy will come in handy for somebody who come across this blog :)
Stay blessed,
Mamigon

So inspired! Kavita Ramdas on Radical Women, embracing tradition

2010-05-12T10:58:00.003+10:00

I haven't been writen much about "waging peace for the world"....
But it's back now!
Check out this inspiring speech by Kavita Ramda's speech on Radical Women, Embracing Tradition!
I don't think I have to say anything about this.

Maybe one thing from my perspective is the meaning of tradition.
I'm not sure whether it has always been like that historically, but in today's society, "there is nothing old about tradition" (Mamighone 2010).
Tradition is radical. Tradition breathes. Tradition walks.
I love thinking about tradition. Not in a nostargic or romanticised way, but as an agent of change. Tradition has so much energy!
I think tradition's time has come!

Stress that kills and the Word that saves.

2010-05-08T15:54:00.002+10:00

Stress can kill me, but the Word of God can save me.

Romans 8:30 (NIV)
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Zechariah 3:17 (NIV)
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

45 mins full body massage!

2010-05-06T20:17:00.001+10:00

I went to Queensland School of Beauty Salon to get a 45mins full body massage today!
I paid $30 for this and it's about the half price as elsewhere I think.
Let me just say it was AWESOME!!!!!!!
You know what was so great?
It's usually the students who give you the massage, and that's the only reason why it's much cheaper thant the normal price.
But what happened to me was that the girl who was supposed to give me the massage went home early because she was sick, and her teacher (qualified therapist) instead gave me the massage :D
It was very relaxing and I enjoyed it heaps.
I still have a stiff showlder though. I think I will just rely on tiger balm! LOL

Already May

2010-05-04T09:49:00.005+10:00

Already May....and I still haven't found cupcakes to die for...

Time really flies.

The month of April was a good month for me.

Many down times. I started to rely on medicine again.

But I've been good and enjoying life as I should be.

I've been cutting off coffee.

I picked up pilates.

I walk to uni everyday (at least 1km each way).

I have better sleeping pattern too :)

The routine of trying to stay healthy gives me the sense of fullfillment and it makes me feel good!

Other than that, I've been at uni all the time. I enjoy learning about post-conflict peacebuilding. I realised this is the area where I can pour my hearts to although I miss the flexibility and simplicity (in a way) of social science research.

Time and readiness issue is something I've been particularly interested in since last week.
By time and readiness issue, I mean:
- Are the survivors of war ready to talk about peacebuilding?
- How long does it take until they are ready? Do we wait?
- How long is the project duration then supposed to be?

and I wonder, how it's like for the people of aceh.

they didn't get to be independent.
lost loved ones.
lost hope.
the earthquake hit.
lost lives.
extreme poverty.
trauma and hurts.

but things need to move on.

How do they make sense of everything that happened, and generate energy to build peace?

I am really keen on changing my PhD thesis topic and do this, if I manage to get supervisors. (My PhD thesis topic is supposed to be the continuation of this year's research.)

I wanna know more about Aceh, but for me to do that, I also need lots of energy and courage.

I've been..what?

2010-04-17T11:22:00.005+10:00

I'm officially sick of caramel slices, and looking for something new.
I bet cupcake phase is coming as soon as I find nice cupcakes around.

Things I've been thinking about:

I'm more interested in Aceh (in Indonesia) recently. I want to know more about the region. Are they happy with the kind of rights they have, or do the people want to be independent if possible? Who are "the people" anyway?

So my interests for people groups who have shown desires to be independent have been secretly growing and seeking an opportunity to get to know more about it.

Questions I've been asking:
How do identities change when people go through strong oppression? What's the effect on younger people? How do traditions remain or change? How are tradition strengthen?

Continue in the grace of God

2010-04-07T15:18:00.002+10:00

A verse from the Bible passage where Paul and Barnabas went to preach in
Pisidian Antioch.

"When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. "
Acts 13:43 (NIV)

Continue in the grace of God. He already saved me.

Recent Favourite

2010-03-25T14:52:00.004+10:00

I'm loving Lemon Lime and Bitters :D :D :D
It sounds alcohol, but it's a carbonated drink.
It's the combination of sweet, bitter and sour, which is my ultimate favourite combinations :D
It's actually cheaper drink you can get in uni, and I have it 2-3 times a week.
I have a stock of LL&B at home too!

A sad thing is it doesn't contain caffine, so I end up getting a cup of latte straight after that :p

I just bought a tumbler from Merlo's bar in univ, and I love it :D
I bought the blue one and it's so nice to hold and I love the feeling when my lips touch the cup ;)

I need to try and figure out how to be not too tired, as well as not too focused and working too hard. How do people balance the two?

back to do the readings.

A quick update (2)

2010-03-19T13:58:00.003+10:00

What I've been up to:
Tuesday:

Mehtods class.

Methods = logic of inquiry. how to think. how to understand what others are saying. Brain explosion. I realised that social science's "science" is there for a reason. It's hurting my brain :p

Wednesday:

submitted the title of my research to the school. (could have been shorter! too late!)
Consultation with my supervisor.

I got a supervisor finally, and he is my perfect supervisor, definitely worth waiting.
I love his character (patient, kind, (no im not going to recite Galatians 5), encouraging, helpful and a good listener!)
I'm glad that this was the time, because I was much more clearer about my research by the time I met him, and his advises made a lot of sense for me. A month earlier, I wouldn't have been able to have meaningful conversation with him.

Thursday:

Peacebuilding Class

I love this forced opportunity for me to read stuff other than Timor Leste and methods.

Free Pizza with course mates and staff

Free food is always good, better if you get pizzas from Eagle Boys!

Friday (Today):

A small Bible fellowship wih my Japanese friends. meaningful and fun time!
Cafe with them afterwards :)

NOW:

Lab, writing on mehtods paper!!! I'm gonna take a walk in an hour :)

A quick update

2010-03-13T17:38:00.003+10:00

Hi I will quickly write what's happening in my life to show that I still have life!
What I've been up to:
- Uni's started.
- Enjoying friends from church.
- Enjoys connecting with Japanese Christians in Brisbane as well as online.
- No more anime.
- Taking a peace building course at uni.
- Studying in the lab as much as possible.
- Enjoying putting flowers around PC. (This is to remind myself what God says: I'm worth much more than beautiful flowers!)
- My school found me a supervisor for my research! Finally, after 5 months! He's gonna be the best person I can get for my thesis. I'm overwhelmed by God's "ikina hakarai!" (cool provision? aghhh it's lost its meaning.)
- Preparing for a Japan trip in November. (I'm applying for a World Peace Conference in Osaka, let's see how this door opens up for me!)
- So more studying coming up, in fact I'm at the lab at the moment.
See ya!

Avatar

2010-03-08T23:31:00.004+10:00

I know this entry was supposed to be posted 3 months ago, but I never got a chance to watch Avator until today.
I cried a bucket! So many little scenes made me cry and in total, I think I had the most tears comparing to any movie I've watched in my life.
I'm assuming everyone has watched it, so I will talk about it from my perspectives.

Personally I was really moved by the practitioners growing to love them and "them" becoming "us". I think it was a beautiful portrait of human hearts. I love Grace and Jake.

But I didn't like the latter parts, where "the indigenous" started to fight back to humans. I was dissapointed to be honest. I'd have loved it much more, if they have chose a pacific way to settle this, together with the practitioners (although I know that it wont be a $100 million (im guessing here) hit if the dispute was settled pacifically!!!). Then again, when you look at it from what a practitioner can do in real life, it (= fighting back maybe, but not being able to come up with a robust & peaceful solution) was a fair illustration.

I wanna watch it again and think more about the concepts, although I kind of think the producers didn't think about it as much as I did in some of the areas I was curious about.

Overall, it was a worth-paying-$11 movie!

Joy

2010-02-27T14:07:00.003+10:00

A breakthrough of the year, I've overcome the fear of singing :D

I decided to join the church choir for Easter this year :)

I came to believe in Jesus through gospel music.
I always loved singing, and the power I felt through gospel music was phenomenal in my life.
And that's how I became aware of something "spiritual".

It's been many years since I first knew gospel music as a mean to express my heart, maybe 7
years? wow...haha

Since around this time last year, though, I somehow lost joy of singing.

It's because I realised that I wasn't actually as good a singer as I thought I was.
Oh how hard has it become for me to sing in front of, or even amongst people since then.
I didn't even enjoy listening to music as much anymore, except instrumental ones. lol

After that, singing in front of people became a nerve breaking experience for me!

I couldn't tell anyone about how fearful and nervous I was towards singing.
It was because ecause it's not easy to admit it before myself. I didn't want to acknowledge the fear.

It took me a long time, but now I've decided to join the choir this year.
I praise God for the desire to make this decision.
I desire to get the joy of singing back so bad, that's why I decided to join the choir.

I didn't fake God and said "I will do it just for you (=God)".
That wasn't my intention.

Instead, I said "God, I want my joy back". That was my honest heart.

And I already feel the joy inside me, because I've overcome the fear! it's AWESOME!

My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed.
(Psalm 71:23 NIV)

as awkward as it seems....

2010-02-22T09:30:00.002+10:00

Although I've become more sure that God will use my intelligence to do what He wants to do with my life, God didn't choose me because of my intelligence.

This is a great rellief to my worries. And I should write it down, so that whenever I doubt my capacitiy and intelligence, I will remember that I am always qualified to do what God desires to see in my life.

Mami's going back to Australia

2010-02-10T22:54:00.002+10:00

My 2 months stay in Kyoto is almost over, and tomorrow I will have to start packing all my dresses and leggings I bought....! lol
I bought all the clothes I wore during my stay here in Kyoto. Thank goodness for deflation in Japan!!!

I Bought:

- 3 dress looking sweaters - $20 or 30 each
- gloves - $12.00
- beenies - #10.00
- 1 pair of jeans - $9.00
- shoes - $27.00
- a jansport back pack $100.00 (American brands aren't affected even by deflation...lolz)
- an autumn/winter dress $8.00
- a long sleeve shirt $3.00
- 4 leggings $4-5.oo each

.......

This is so not an appropriate topic of my blog LOL

The beautiful provision of God- friendship :)

2010-01-23T20:34:00.003+10:00

Over the years, God has taught me many times that He does not only give you the word of comfort in times of trouble, but He also gives you practical help in times of need.

Friendship has surely be one of the most precious provision of God for me these years.

During this trip in Kyoto, God keeps me amazed with His provision, especially friends. :)

During this trip alone, I met many people who share the same heart for the people in Kyoto and also for the young people in universities. These people encourage me and challenge me a lot.

Just yesterday, when I joined one of the Bible class in Doshisha University, I met a young Christian girl, and we got along so well that we spend a few hours chatting after the class.

I knew that I could share my concern with her right away, but as we continued talking, we found out that we had very similar concerns. God really blessed the time together with her, and He used both of us to share our experiences and testimonies of how God has blessed us and taught us these years.

I was having a bad day yesterday, but through the conversation with her, I was really encouraged and I got the peace, strength and faith to keep moving ahead in Jesus.

What a wonderful thing it is to be able to open up to someone so much in a short period of time. The energy and comfort I can get from these friendship must have been provided by God :)

Chii Roba (ever ridden donkey)

2010-01-13T21:08:00.002+10:00

From the Bible, we know that when Jesus went to the city of Jerusarem, he rode a young donkey who has never been ridden by anyone before.

This tells us that Jesus uses such small things/people, that don't worth much for other people .

Pastor Enomoto Yasuro, who established a local church in the 60s' in the area I live today, was very inspired by the ever ridden donkey.

Many pastors in Japan speak highly of him (oh, Pastor Enomoto is an amazing person, that's true), and people have written books about him.

Yesterday I went to a cafe called Chii Roba (ever ridden donekey) which is 100m away from my place, and there I had a chance to read one of the book about Pastor Enomoto.

I was so inspired by Pastor Enomoto's heart, especially his honesty to God about his sins (many mistakes and heart's conditions that's not right before God and other people).

I was also very encouraged to know that Pastor Enomoto lived in my local area and ministered there (he already passed away). I'm pretty sure he has walked where I walked.
Pastor Enomoto even went to Doshisha University, where I do Bible class now!
He must have prayed for me and for many other people who are alive today.
I'm so blessed to know that Pastor Enomoto is not the only one who prayed for my joy to know Jesus personally! I'm also thrilled to know that these things only happen through the love of Jesus. Because Jesus cares for us so much, He inspires people like Pastor Enomoto to pray for us.

And today I walk and pray for the people in my city, because of the love and care Jesus pours unto me!

See how alive Jesus is in my city? I am so blessed to be a friend of God!

Kyoto Updatez

2010-01-10T22:53:00.003+10:00

Waging Peace for the World can be roughly translated into Sharing about my Jesus, because He's the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)! So, here I'm going to share my life with Jesus in Kyoto.

What I've been up to:

Selling sweets on the street 4-5 days a week - Love it. I love sales and my colleagues.
Kyoto Assembly Church services on Sunday - I have been so blessed by the church and the people there. I love my Sunday nights and I know I need this time desperately.
Fellowship - After church with friends from literally all over the world, including Japanese friends. I met some really precious Japanese friends who go through very similar situations to me, because of being a Christian in Japan.
English Bible Class at Doshisha University - I love, love love the Bible class. I meet new people every time, and it's a fantastic opportunity to hear how the Bible speaks in different ways to different people, including non-Christians.
Some relaxing time with family - I get along with my parents and my dad's sister. I have managed to spend some time with them and I appreciate heaps about the chance to spend sometime with them....
Hanging out with old friends - I have met a few of them so far. I praise God for giving me some spare time dispite other commitments for both me and my friends.
Travelling time - I'm grateful for the 25mins walk times 2 everyday and other travelling time on the train, because these are time for me to reflect myself and talk to God :D Through that, I also realised my heart growing more for the city of Kyoto.

So, I praise God for all of these! I love my God so much during this stay in Kyoto.

In the next entry I will share what I have been praying to God about...!

Happy New Year 2010 :D

2010-01-02T21:24:00.004+10:00

Happy New Year :D :D :D

My new year has been amazing with a new job, selling sweets on the street!
I enjoy this job heaps, except the coldness, of course.
Today was really good, because it was quite warm (like 10 degree maybe?).
I was singing all the way when I didn't have customers around, which made my day perfect. lol

This selling sweets job is quite unique, because I really need to sell it with nice words to "captivate" the customers who wouldn't be that interested otherwise.
So it's so much joy when some people spend more than $50 :D (One packet is $7.50).

Today, someone bought 10 boxes! :D :D :D This was an amazement to everyone, so my manager praised me for it. Praise God!

I always think that whenever and wherever I need to work, God blesses their businesses.
These are God's answers to my prayers and I'm so proud of God for the blessings!
I really pray that my colleagues will know these blessings come from God :D :D :D

Thank you 2009!

2009-12-31T19:33:00.003+10:00

Some praise points of 2009!

We (me and my housemate) found a place!
I became more involved in sharing about God.
I became involved in AVPQ (Alternatives for Violence Project Queensland) and finished training.
I did a year long study with a team, and we did perfectly well together.
I graduated! I'm a graduate!
I turned 22!
I made so many precious friends.
My depression has gotten better towards the end! I'm as good as 2005!
I studied like no other time! I learnt heaps and enjoyed studying like no other!
I learnt more about the poor and God's promises for the poor. This has been an answered prayer for me. Such a precious learning.
I had such fantastic grades throughout this year. I met amazing scholars and some amazing students as well.
And I got a scholarship for next year. Praise God.
My parents visited me twice to Australia this year. We had such fun!
I came back to Japan.
I was given opportunities to share about God in Japan through the Bible classes again.
I had enough finance throughout the year, even though I didn't work.

I must have so many other things to praise God for which I can't think of right now....

This year was such a hard year for me because of depression, but it's almost ending, and I can say it was full of God's blessing. I remember down times, but through everything, God's hand was there for me :D

The verse I'd love to share here in the last entry of the year is:

"Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:8)

God is really amazing, and I know that I will love my 2010 so much more because I will know God more!

Thinking About Social Contract Theory (Japanese Entry)

2009-12-29T19:16:00.001+10:00

年末日本で過ごすって言うのは、すごくいい。
ニュースとか、日本は結構criticalなコメントとか、評論家の人が結構いて、色んな視点からニュースを聞くことが出来て、
BBC ニュースとかではでてこうへん、日米関係、北朝鮮問題など、結構勉強になる。

12月いっぱい研究でみている、社会契約論(ジャン･ジャック･ルソーなど)も、結構国家間のニュースについて理解する為に役立つなぁと思う。

社会契約論は、主権在民みたいな考えプラス、国民は、国家によって法的に制限される代わりに、国家によって保護される、的な理論です。守られること、それと、自分の意見が反映される（主権在民だから)ことを前提として、法的に制限されることを選ぶ、このシステムのことを社会契約論っていいます。

で、まみが研究としてみよーと思ってるのは、この社会契約が崩壊された時、どうなるか。
そもそも、主権が国民にあるなら、いったいどうやって崩壊するんだろー、
対外援助(foreign aid)で決まる国家の政策とか、そうゆうのは、社会契約の崩壊の内に入るのかなー?

社会契約と安全保障について研究しているM.Murshedは、紛争がおきるとき、国家内で、社会契約の崩壊(国家の権力VS国民の権利)が見られる、っていう論を書いてます。

来年の研究は、東ティモールの研究やねんけど、オーストラリア、国連などの政策で、警備、警察が、東ティモールにはここ10年間すごくたくさん送られてて、だけど東ティモールは、安全保障、っていう部分では、まだまだ、経済的にも、セキュリティー面も、すごく不安定な国家。

これって、もしかして、社会契約の崩壊(政治が対外政策などに影響される＝主権が海外に在る)として考えてもいい状況なんかナ、っていうのがまみの議論なんやけど、でも現在進行形で、紛争がおきてる訳じゃないし、これはMurshedの理論とは違うもんなんかも、じゃぁ、今まみがこの目で見てるのは、理論に置き換えたら、どうゆう状況なんやろーー???

っていう渦巻きの中に1ヵ月いるわけです。取りあえずこーいう感じで2009年が終わりそうです。年明けまでにちょっと勉強してすっきりしようかな。まみ言おうとしてること意味分からん(as in, if you think all these don't make sense), アドバイスください!!!

Back in Japan (2): High School Visit

2009-12-24T18:02:00.005+10:00

I went to see my RAD (as in radical) teachers today!
I went to show my graduate certificate!

I told them about next few steps I'm intending to take, and I also met a few new teachers.

I enjoyed the way my school has been developing in a better way, and I am so proud of the effort of my teachers to really create a fantastic school as such. They have really paved the way, now it's upto the students' effort to make it to schools like Stanford or Cambridge. Yes, Ritsumei has become THAT GOOD.

I was looking through my teachers books, and found a few quotes that'd be useful to my research. I just can't be helped being a nerd!

Anyways it was so nice to see my teachers unchanged in many ways and I loved it.

A new revelation was that I really thought that who I need to listen to is God.

It's a really important thing that I need to keep reminding myself. There are voices everywhere, but what I need to listen to is of God, especially this time around.

Back in Japan (1)

2009-12-19T12:23:00.003+10:00

I arrived last night!
It's so cold! It was less than 5 degree when I arrived.
It's 11:30 am now but I think it's still about 5 degree.
The worst part is that we only have one heater for the house, and we don't have enough blanket to sleep with. So I slept with mum last night, and it was so warm!

Now I'm at the dining space and typing, and my fingers are numb!
Mum and dad are serving me which is so great, and I'm waiting for the hot bath to be ready.

Japan is a very different place from other parts of the world I know, and after 22 years of knowing this country, the way some people behave still gets me irritated like no other.
So there I was at the airport last night, so pissed off, complaining to God and asking Him to help me not to get so irritated and to take away the anger, I learned that by the grace, being at peace is a skill.

So that was my Day 1, and I'm glad that tomorrow is a Sunday when I can go visit my church!

Yipee!

2009-12-07T01:14:00.006+10:00

My cute looking parents and my high school teachers

--------------------------------------------------------

I got the scholarship for next year!

It's half a price now! Finally!

I've told my parents and high school teachers about it, and they seem to be very happy.

I've got three awesome high school teachers who I truly respect so they had to hear my news first.

Matt (one of the teachers) said

"Sugoi! That's a lot of money. You must really rock in order to earn such a scholarship. "

It's so Matt that it made me laugh. I can't wait to see him.

Yes, so really praise God. It's been such an exciting journey of only doing what I like doing (a rather selfish one), and I'm humbled by just how much God allows such things in my life.

It's not fun all the time, but I really can't imagine doing anything else.

So Thank you GOD, my parents and my teachers, and friends (= who enabled me to earn scholarships because of their help to get 7s together) for your kindness, love and hoping together with me! I'm dreaming a fantastic dream and the best part of it is it's always happening!

I'm gonna have a good night sleep before the flu vaccine tomorrow. Pray for me (no side effects)!

It was a lot of stress! A proposal submitted.

2009-12-04T15:04:00.005+10:00

I finally submitted my first thesis proposal just now.

Phewwww. I can't believe the amount of stress I took on with me to go through this.

I don't even know why, because it;s not like they'll fail me for this.

I just couldn't come up with the most brilliant ideas on earth, but what I submitted today is all I can do with the ability I have today, so I'm pretty satisfied.

So now I'm quite free. I will spend next few days (few "working days") selecting things I need to read over the summer, as well as finishing 13 books I've borrowed from uni. I think it'll be okay.

I now have to prepare to go back to Japan! I'm flying off on the 18th. So excited!

This holiday will be lots and lots of catch ups and bonding time with my family, friends, and church :D I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new people through church and English Bible classes. I will talk about English Bible classes next time.

!!!! I love my project mates!!!!!

2009-12-02T23:45:00.004+10:00

!!!!!!!WE GOT 7 FOR OUR PROJECT!!!!!!!

I'm so humbled by this. I was just so amazed, because I, and quite frankly, none of us were capable of getting 7 for this project by individual efforts. We could achieve it because we worked really well as a team, like respecting our strength and complementing each other.

I'm so thankful for 3 of my wonderful project mates, especially I'm thankful for how different they are.

Let me just share the text message going on between us this morning.

Mami: "We got 7!!! O M G!!!

H: "Yaaaay we did it guys!!! Wow Mami did you stay up to view the results or did you wake up to?"

N: "Morning congratulations We did awesome :) It was worth it; all the hard work. Lets celebrate! Yaaaay"

A, the gatekeeper: "I never doubted that we wouldn't! Dinner tonight sounds good"

I just really love these people and how much they have supported me this year.

They probably are the first people in my life who made me feel like I "just want to be with them", which I did today, even though we didn't end up going for a dinner.

This 7 means so much to me. So much happiness, coz it's something "we" achieved as a team.

I praise God so much for the lessons throughout this year. I'm so grateful and thankful for His provision.....friends!!!! Awesome.

ps. the photo is an "awesome" piece of art my project mate made :D He needs more adjectives in his life other than "awesome"....lol

YES.

2009-12-01T10:23:00.001+10:00

I can do all things through him (God) who gives me strength. (Phil 4:13)

AVPQ Workshop Day 1

2009-11-28T21:39:00.004+10:00

Today was my first day of 3rd level work shop for the organisation I've been involved since this year.

The organisation is called Alternatives to Violence Project Queensland.

It's part of the international project called AVP International.

In Queensland, AVP runs workshops in community, schools, prisons, and some more places for next year. The workshops are based on activities (not lectures), that are reflective and interactive.

Some of the activities are more personal than anything, and you are never asked to say anything that you are not comfortable sharing.

One of the reasons why I keep coming back to AVPQ workshops, I guess is because it's such a rare opportunity where I get to meet such different kinds of people.

Uni students, youth, mums, dads, grandmas/grandpas, teachers, counselors, businesspersons ah and an accountant (lol)...so many people from different "social status" (if I'm allowed to say) and really, really different backgrounds, all gathered to find out more about self and how to deal with conflicts each day.

Today I was given the opportunity to facilitate half of the workshop.

I was soooo NOT keen on this workshop to be honest, because I just felt so incapable of doing so.

I am so not a leader and leadership in general is where I completely lack desire as well.

But the AVPQ team graciouslly let me lead some of the activities today, and I think it actually helped me discover my strength in new ways as well.

One of the things I realised about myself is that I am such a feeler, and it's great to be a feeler sometimes!

During the facilitation, I was praying to God and asking what people needs to hear, apart from ordinary things from the manual, but He revealed me to be sensitive to people's feelings.

So I jot down some elements God inspired me, and I included it. It looks like people really appreciated those comments. (I even thought they were some fantastic thoughts!)

All glory to God.

These are the times when I am so proud of God and how He has made me so special.

Because of AVP's nature (not a religious organisation), I make a conscious effort not to include the word "God", but I am this close to say, it's God! It's God who's desiring to speak to you! So it's a challenging environment, but I think it's a good excercise for me to really show love by actions. Some facilitators of the AVPQ are actually Christians, and it's not so hard to tell from their actions and words. That's one encouraging thing for me, and I wanna be like them.

Apart from this struggle though, I see so much potential in what AVP can do to the lives of individuals, and I really encourage people to join AVP's workshops if you can make time on Saturdays AND Sundays (I know it's hard for church going Christians).

Ask me if you are more interested :D

Prayer of Jabez

2009-11-26T13:08:00.002+10:00

1 Chronicles 4:9-10

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request."

Enlarge my territory, God!

The catch though, to me, is that I actually can't tell from this verse how long Jabez had to wait on God lol. But God did grant Jabez' request indeed.

Faith time!

Love, Hate equation of my holiday

2009-11-25T16:57:00.003+10:00

I understand how some people talk about love and hate being the two sides of the coin.
Man, I am loving and hating my research!!!!
This is the 3rd week of my holiday and I have NOT seen any advance to my thesis.

Love:
- snacking in between
- listening to different music in between
- knowing more
- inquiring more
- more interesting information coming in
- intellectually stimulated all the time (ah, I know this is the best thing I can do with my life.)
- finding the 'gap' in literature

Hate:
- coffee doesn't work
- can't sleep at night
- more I konw more I don't know
- realising I'm incapable of finding some infoz
- not being able to see any fruits
- I don't know what I am trying to say half the time!

This's my life. I'm gonna start my day now. I know it's really late, but it's okay.

Ps. I desperately need someone who can help me with research! Pray for me!
I think I really have reached my limit and I don't know how to go any further without help.

"God, I can't do it!"

2009-11-23T14:42:00.008+10:00

When I was crying out to God "I can't do it", I felt God smiled.........man.......

Pride always seems to be everyone's issue. I am a major "prouder" as well.

The book of Isaiah I read everyday never fails to speak to me.

This was the fresh word of God for me today.

Isaiah 48:17-18 (New International Version)

17 This is what the LORD says—

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

"I am the LORD your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.

18 If only you had paid attention to my commands,

your peace would have been like a river,

your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

(emphasis by mami)

Christian's life start with Him. He's God. He's GOD! HE IS GOD!

Ok I'll take shower and head to uni. Man so stuck with the research!

I had the best birthday ever.

2009-11-19T17:17:00.003+10:00

This is me! It was my 22nd birthday yesterday :D
I wasn't sure whether my friends were fine with me putting their photos, so I'll just paste my own photo here.

A friend lent me African costumes to wear during my birthday dinner at her place.
We brought African food and sweets to celebrate together!
It was such a fun time WITHOUT alcohol which was pretty awesome for a 22nd birthday.
But we had such a fun together!
I love how my friends get along each other as well. I'm so blessed with amazing friends!
I really love the fact that I love them so much.....I know it sounds funny!
It's not easy finding amazing people like them and I'm so glad that God brought all of them in my life. It was totally unexpected!

I never put so much value in friendship before in my life.
I'm so thankful for God that He provided people like them to make me realise how incredible it is to have friends! I also realised it's a good thing sometimes to rely on people, which is almost like a revelation to me!

I will never fail to mention about a cheesecake a friend who was my project mate throughout this year brought for me! It was his frst attempt making a cheesecake. How sweet :)

That was my wonderful birthday and I'm now back in the lab filled with excitement for my research. It's ridiculously slow but I can see it moving forward!

Enjoying documentaries

2009-11-17T17:31:00.003+10:00

I woke up so lethargic so I decided to rest the whole day today.
I don't know what it was but Im feeling a lot better now.

I watched Iron Ladies of Liberia and now I'm watching Dinner with the President.
These documentaries are filmed by this documentary project called 'Why Democracy'
http://www.whydemocracy.net/

They make really creative and quality documentaries, including "Taxi to the Dark Side".

Anyone who has got nothing to do because the exam's over and interested to learn more about the world, "have a go at it" (so aussie, yes?)!

The weirdest craving: steak!

2009-11-15T11:40:00.004+10:00

There really is something wrong with me....me of all people craves for a steak!
If you have forgotten, steak has always been my least favourite food.

Now every morning, I wake up craving for STEAK!
and regardless of what time, I cook it.
Yesterday I ate steak at 7:30 am....

There must be something different happening in my hormone, I'm sure!
This morning I had about 100grams of it. :p

Steak's great.

After half of my friends have been converted to "vegitarianity", I still have faith that meat is food! lol

My source of peace: the Bible, the Word of God.

2009-11-11T10:56:00.003+10:00

I have been quite anxious about my relationships with God and circumstances in life.
It started with a little thing, that my scholarship application came back unsuccessful.
I'm still waiting for another scholarship, so you can pray for me :)

This small incident added my anxiety about me maintaining a healthy relationships with God.

The first thing was "God, what have I done wrong?" "What's wrong with my heart attitudes?" and "God, maybe you don't wanna give me, am I right?"...

Basically I was really confused about myself and what I have been doing everything for.
I am very good at confusing myself, and this time was no exception.
I wasn't sure what I do is completely for God, especially because I love what I do so much.
How can I equate my love for reearch to my love for God? How can I dare say, "I love my research because I love God!"? That sounds so fake.

I was just really confused about my heart desires and ambitions.

God never failed me or any of you in this: when He needs to speak, He does.

I was flipping my Message Bible (remix: remix ver. is for the youth, it was given to me as a gift), intending to read the book of Isaiah, but somehow stopped at Psalm 119:1-8.

It says:

"You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
That's right - you don't go off on your own, you walk straight along the road he set.
You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live, now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;
Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart,
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me."

(Psalm 119:1-8, The Message - remix)

I guess this is straight forward enough that I don't need any explanations.
I take it as a great warning and a correction, as well as a word of comfort and confirmation.

What a relief I receive when God teach me and correct me!

Disturbing Truths

2009-11-09T21:53:00.003+10:00

"But isn't there always a limit, even for the most enraged spirit?"
-from 'Jazz, Perfume and the Incident' by Seno Gumira Ajidarma

I love this quote. This book tells a story about a journalist who was in charge of information related to 1999 Dili Massacre in Timor Leste. It's about his struggle with holding truths yet not being able to publish them because of censorship.

This quote means something to me, I guess, because that's how I feel whenever I come across injustices. I always ask myself and God, "I thought there was a limit to what I can feel, why there seems like no limit?".

I revisited this book just now, when I read this news on BBC about child sex abuse in Zimbabwe.

I'm just so upset that I have nothing to say....

My latest crash 2

2009-10-31T19:32:00.003+10:00

This is really awkward of me liking a Starbucks product, but I fell in love with

Green tea Frappecino :) :) :)

I tried it on Tuesday and I was so shocked that it actually tasted like green tea! It's so delicious!

And now I am missing it....where can I get it apart from the city?

I want it now!

WOOOOW: Are you kidding me? :D

2009-10-30T11:46:00.003+10:00

I've finished all my assignments except a project report due on the 9th of Nov (around 5,500 words?)!!! :D
I also have 2 exams on the 7th.....but that's it! That's it for my degree!!!!

I am so grateful that I had God who has become a foundation of my perspectives these few years.

I often reflect what I have been learning these few years, and I thank God that He's my ultimate source of knowledge. The world can offer you everything that means nothing, and that is so true!

I also thank God so much that whenever I question Him about injustice going on in the world, He reveals to me that He's even more hurt and He's way more concerned than me.
I swear I will never have more compassionate friend than Him.
And I'm proud to say God's heart is the one that sustained me through and through.

I loved praying and talking about what uni and the world teach me in the presence of the Lord, and that experience was just so precious to me.

And I have a priviledge of continuing that next year, too! Praise God.
Praise God for allowing me to be a student another year. He's gonna take me on board on another faith journey! : )

VIP: Very Important Person

2009-10-28T23:02:00.004+10:00

She is my very important person. No, the person in the photo's not me. She's my mum.

Mum had a major break down today because I forgot to call her until 9pm.
I have to call her every day, even if that is 30 seconds.
She was going crazy in the beginning but she calmed herself down and
I spent 1.5 hours on the phone with her, just chatting.

As usual, we discussed about variety of things like
- Japanese major policy reform on education and health
- privatisation and re-publication (?) of public services
- recent Nobel Peace Prize Winners
- causes of UN's budget deficits
- peace and conflict studies as a disciplinary
- humanitarian intervention
- miseshime (traditional concept of public punishment in Japan, came out in relation to "new barbarianism" argument)
- Afganistan elections and the US elections (very sarcastic jokes included)
- the origin of Tengu (apparently it's a god and a demon in Japanese history, we did a bit research on that tonight.)

As a result of all the discussion, I re-discovered that mum knows so much more than me.
She's still my good mentor who gives me differet insights and helps me examine my understandings about the world.

I am proud to be her daughter and a follower.

let's think about something nice.

2009-10-25T20:30:00.003+10:00

This is a part of my beautiful uni.

Trees are beautiful.

I couldn't move the whole day. Stress? Shouldn't be. I've done so much that I'm much more free than last few months.

Let's not focus too much on it let me think about beautiful things like trees and teddy bears.

The Black Road: On the Front Line of Aceh's War

2009-10-24T15:38:00.002+10:00

I am almost compelled to write this entry.
I watched the most horrendous documentary in my life yesterday afternoon.

It's called, The Black Road: On the Front Line of Aceh's War

Summary (borrowed from the Uni library):
"Inside view of the battlefields and burnt-out villages of the Indonesian province of Aceh and the lives of its GAM independence guerrillas, human rights activists and ordinary farmers. Focuses on the post-Suharto years of escalating fighting."

I encourage you to watch it, only if you have the determination to know the truth. The cruelty of the site captured in this documentary is incomparable with many others I have watched. What I saw in there was unbearable. It actually took me the whole morning to talk to God about it and pray about what I saw.

What shocked me, I guess, was really how cruel people can be and how deep and how far people can develop hatred. It's so obvious for someone like us to know that killing human rights activist for selling a bird nest is wrong, in fact killing is wrong. What really struck me is how this simple morality becomes so deconstructed and new messed up "righteousness" or even "moral obligation" are created when you hate someone. What scares me more is that given the same situation, I would probably do the same thing as perpetrators. That is the most disturbing truth.

If you want to know more, go to:
For the documentary
http://australianscreen.com.au/titles/black-road/
Aceh in general
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=1396
On the Aceh Peace Agreement
http://www.cfr.org/publication/8789/indonesia.html

I pray for the victims of the civil war in Aceh and peaceful settlement of victims. May their sould find rest in the Lord.

WHY ARE POOR PEOPLE POOR?

2009-10-23T00:41:00.002+10:00

I was gonna sleep an hour ago, but this question woke me up and keep thinking about it!

I'm revisiting big thinkers like Sen and my housemate J (lol)...let's say poverty is a combination of "bad lucks" (from my housemate, not Sen, but what he said basically was the same thing), how do you differentiate between "good lucks" and "bad lucks"??? I mean I'm completely fine with the obvious ones like social status, gender, age, levels of education, disabilities and stuff, but what about aids? Can aid dependency a bad luck, or perhaps a good luck?
Is "empowerment" programs a good luck? or a bad luck?....How many good lucks do you need to get out of poverty? OR how many bad lucks do you need to become poor?

Mannnnn these thoughts can keep me awake the whole night.

I started to revisit PRSPs (you don't need to know if you are not a development student) and all that discourses back in, actually, it's not that long ago, 2005 in Timor Leste.

I don't remember whether I've mentioned it here, but basically I'm really interested in how the Australian government is so willing to spend money on policing training in Timor Leste. Australia government spend half of ODA budget for Timor Leste on policing. I'm really interested to know why that's the case, and I'm planning to spend a year on tackling that question.

Why are people poor? What has policing programs in Dili, the capital city, got to do with getting people out of poverty, when 85% of the poor people live in rural area? What is Australia doing?

Are policing programs in Timor Leste "bad lucks" or "good lucks" for the people in TL?

Thank you, Team!

2009-10-22T20:03:00.003+10:00

We had a Poster Showcase tonight!

Today was the occasion where all the social science project teams and uni staffs come and present this year's project.
We all had a great time admiring everyone's project and laughing at A.J.P's (my team mate) jokes!
Unfortunately, we didn't get awards for the poster, we are really proud of our baby!

We had a great time after the presentation munching on really high standard refreshments as well lol.

I'm so glad that I had this opportunity this year to do a group project.
It really gave me confidence that I can actually work in a team and it can be so much fun!
I also found out some of my weakenesses and also strenth, and I'm so glad that my project mates never failed to fill in my weaknesses and respected my strength. They are my amazing people!

So tonight I will finally get to rest, because I just realised that 8 more submissions I had are almost done!!! I can't believe it!!! God's amazing. It's also amazing that I didn't realise I'm almost done with it :p

Worked so hard today!

2009-10-20T17:23:00.003+10:00

I was in the lab from 9:30 and worked non-stop until 4:30...7 hours!
Now my eyes are playing weird...it's so hard to look at one spot...seems like my eyes are rolling around or something!

So I'm taking a break here listening to Stevie Wonder's Ribbon in the Sky :)

While I was listening to that song I was telling God about what He said.
Everytime I do this, I kinda think it's funny. It's not that God forgets, you know?
But I was "reminding" God that the Bible says;

"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 (New International Version)

and I was telling God to quiet me with His love,
not knowing what it means exactly :p

But I think that's what I want :)

Time to go back to study.

Word of Affirmation

2009-10-19T14:06:00.003+10:00

I can't thank God enough in this season of my life.
God's been faithful and extra nice to me. He answers my prayers and my questions or complaints that are not even prayers.

I've been emailing so many researchers proposing my thesis for next year and asking who might be the best person to help me.

This has been a tough (and fun) experience because I feel like I am such a dumb person when I present my argument before different scholars. It really takes so much courage!

It's so easy to lose confidence and I talk to God about it a lot.

Just now when I was walking out of lecture theatre to the lab, I was telling God honestly how I can get this projets done. It seemed that noone in the uni are interested so far.

But guess what I've got really good responses from 3 of the scholars when I just open the email account :D They suggested me 5 more scholars in total (apart from them!) who might help me as well!

That's really a blessing from God because supervisors are really important in a year long project,
especially when I cannot even access certain informations without their help.

I thank God so much the fact that they gave me so many encouraging words and practical steps to take next. I was utterly lost just about 10 mins ago!

So Im just saying here tha my God's a good God. He guides and He provides, and He's the Way.

Commonality in sufferings

2009-10-19T00:09:00.003+10:00

I was talking to ma on the phone till just now and she gave me lots of insights I've been neglecting.

She was talking about 'street' (according to some definitions) kids in Mindanao, the Phillipines.
Mindanao has had conflict over 30 years if I'm not wrong. Religious based but maybe not just that. It's also to do with economic reasons.
She was telling me about how a lot of Muslim families fled since conflicts started, but what I didn't know about was that actually many kids were sent back to Mindanao to work for the families who are now in different islands.

The case she was mentioning was the 6 and 9 years old brothers who were collecting plastic bags for living. It was the case of child headed household, and parents and 3 other kids were in the different islands. It was a very long story mum gave me, but basically she was talking about how poverty is so perpetuated.

Recently I'm focusing too much on the "forest" and mum pointing out the "tree" factors was really refreshing to me.

It also challenges me to rethink what I should be doing with all my knowledge and skills.

The world is such a messed up place, and I still like to believe that one can bring about a good change for someone "who could have been you".

A major break down and faith and everything else.

2009-10-14T18:58:00.004+10:00

My good friend, a housemate, actually, has described me as "determined" before,
and I think I understood what it meant today :)

I will just share quickly (trying!) what's been in my mind here.

Time and time again I realise that I'm pretty crap at the area I'm interested in the most (security and peacebuilding), and I pretty much have no sense of critical thinking in me.
(Yes, I am one of those people who ask irrelevant questions in classes.)

But I have so much passion in researching these areas, and I think it's God's given.

I'm planning and praying to do research higher degree here in QLD, because eventually I want to work in universities in Japan, where I can be a person of influence. I'm talking in terms of sharing God's love here, not academic stuff. I see QLD as a place for me to grow and not planning to leave anytime soon.

At the same time I find myself not being able to equip myself, in terms of ministry, and the frustration's been pilling up.

I think I have made myself clear here, basically, nothing seems to be working for me.

So I've been asking God whether I'm taking a wrong path or I'm aiming too high....I mean, I'm not growing in any of those areas!

Maybe I'm just supposed to graduate with a Master or I should just do a normal job.
Maybe the purpose of studying development is just for me to become a better prayer person...
Maybe I'm not even called to share God's love the way I think......tons of maybes.......

I have been throwing this frustrations to God heaps these days.
Today was not an exception.
When I was walking from a uni building to another and complaining to God, I realised that even if I'm not good at the area of my study, I just can't give up researching on the areas. I just can't give up thinking about the different peoples I study about everyday. I can't give up praying for the nations God's revealed to me and my friends. I can't give up sharing God's love in Kyoto. I just can't give up any of these!

When I was telling that to God, I suddenly got a confidence that, maybe, it's all possible.
I mean nothing is possible without God's grace anyways.

and what does the Bible say?

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Phillipians 4:13 (NIV).

You might hear the best testimony in a few years time. Stay tune!

my latest crash

2009-10-13T11:05:00.002+10:00

Irish Cream Latte!!!

I never knew how much I was missing out until just now, Irish Cream Latte rules!

Praise God I got an extension granted for one of my major assignment.
It was supposed to be due tomorrow, but now it's due on Friday 3pm :)
That means I can spend some time with God tonight in church!

Now I've got 7 hours to research before church, so praise God for that as well :)

He's sweeter than Irish Cream in my mouth! (Psalms 119: 103...Joking!)

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

2009-10-11T12:30:00.003+10:00

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2(NIV)

At the end of the day, if I love you more, I don't care other things. That's all I desire.

Breaking News! Nobel Peace Prize for President Obama

2009-10-10T13:15:00.003+10:00

Congratulations for President Obama, it's my very priviledge to blog about this award ; )

Nobel prize win 'humbles' Obama (you can watch his interview here as well)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8299824.stm

Quote from the article:
"He said he did not feel he deserved to be in the company of some of the "transformative figures" who had previously received the award. "

This is very true with exceptions of a few.

I was very happy for this award and I really hope that this will not be just another advertisement for the reconciliation of world's disparity.

What made me nearly cry actually was how this award represents the world's desire for the Saviour.

I remember when I attended a Japanese service in Brisbane at the beginning of this year, the pastor there said,

"I have to tell ya, he (Obama)'s not the Messiah". (by the way the pastor is American)

One fortunate thing about President Obama is that he's well aware of this, I guess.

For those of us who believe that Jesus is the Saviour and Messiah, let's continue to pray for the US presidency and the country will be a peaceful and just place for the poor and oppressed.

Finishing off

2009-10-09T11:13:00.003+10:00

"I see a lot of passion in you guys but pragmatics will score high at the end".

I was attending a Honour's session where each of us present our thesis proposal in front of the School and peers the other day.

And what one of the researcher said was so true.

After taking a few Valium I thought it's time to finish off all the crap I accumulated and that's why I'm at the lab now.

Fuck the international human rights law and universalism.

It's really hard to always be passionate about stuff.
If passion doesn't help me, then forget all that, Just Work!

Perseverance: New Revelation!

2009-10-07T20:28:00.005+10:00

2:Peter1:3-7 (NIV)
" 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love "

When I was looking up this verse, I found out that the word perseverance is not in the Old Testament! That's interesting :)

For those of us in the New Testament era, perseverance is for us, sadly!

The good news is that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life..." (v3).

Time to go back to my researches!

I'm gonna reward myself with another research topic, because I'm too bored with the current one.........hmmm........perseverance.......:S

There's nothing better in this world.

2009-10-07T08:48:00.000+10:00

A cup of black coffee and tim tam for breakfast!

Let's faith it :p

2009-10-05T18:10:00.003+10:00

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrew 11:1 (NIV)

This is the yellow tree! Enjoy

2009-10-04T22:04:00.004+10:00

Enjoyed the trees?

The guy in the photo is my dad :D

What's the fuss about yellow trees? Read my previous blog.

beautiful trees and flowers

2009-10-04T14:04:00.004+10:00

Jacaranda is in full bloom where I live.
Beautiful yellow flowers and pink flowers which I don't know the names of are also blossoming!
One of my favourite trees on campus is blossoming like crazy#*!@ It's yellow like no other.
(Yes, I have my favourite trees.)
What a shame I don't carry a camera.
It'd also been better if I had a great writing skill to express how beautifully yellow the tree is!

It's right at the centre of the court, and whenever I look at it, I feel like talking to the tree, asking,
"What are you doing here?"...haha

It just stands out and it really gives me hope, "for some strange reason" (phrase borrowed from one of my beautiful project mates).

I wanna be like that tree, shining outstandingly and extraordinarily :P

I will upload the yellow tree photo later.

Resisting.

2009-10-02T15:16:00.002+10:00

I love Hiromi Uehara!
She's a powerful jazz pianist :)

She has played with Chick Corea too. Their work is also beautiful, but what Im listening to atm is her "Desert on the Moon". So beautiful.

Please listen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVNAdwFFWjI&feature=PlayList&p=392614750B7F1EB9&index=0

The New Killing Fields by Cutting Edge

2009-10-01T23:51:00.003+10:00

I just watched a really shocking documentary called "The New Killing Fields" (2004).
It was reporting about what's really going on in Sudan, while the Sudanese government denies what's going on as genocide. The documentary wasn't taking on anyone's side, so it was also critical of the African Union, British and American governments. It wasn't the most informative documentary, but it was one of those "shocking" ones.

I watched some of the most horrendous scenes...
To me, sometimes symbolic ones are more horrendous than bloddy one.
There was one scene where a bulldozer was wiping the dead bodies away, and that really shocked me. It's the sign of a planned and systematic genocide.

Some things are hard to understand on journal articles alone. It's much more strong when you watch it.

And now I pray, pray, and pray....

What an incredible peace!

2009-09-29T08:47:00.006+10:00

This morning, wow, I was so deeply comforted by the Word from the Bible.

What an incredible peace the Bible can bring me.

I was listening to a beautiful song called "Total Praise", by Richard Smallwood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv9-WlymKg0

The song is inspired by Psalm 121 in the Old Testament of the Bible.

This is how Psalm 121 goes.

Psalm 121
A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—

where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

How comforting to know there is someone who watches over my "coming and going", "now and forevermore" (v8). Who else can do that?

and He's there to "keep you from all harm" not to pick on my weaknesses and condemn.

What a liberating and joyous thought!

No Weapon

2009-09-28T19:49:00.002+10:00

Fred Hammond: No Weapon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EfFVnP6DO0

I think the reality of the life is that there will always be battles. If not physically, then emotionally or even spiritually.

Isaiah 54: 17
"no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,"
declares the LORD."

I will not be shaken.

Promises of God for the oppressed from Psalm 9

2009-09-26T00:11:00.005+10:00

Psalm 9:9-10

v9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

v10 Those who know your name will trust in you,

for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:12

v12 For he who avenges blood remembers;

he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

Psalm 9:18

v18But the needy will not always be forgotten,

nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

Appreciating friends

2009-09-24T19:03:00.003+10:00

I'm at the lab but im not alone tonight:)
I'm with three other precious project mates...haha
They really make me feel better whenever I'm not well.
They are really comforting :)
Whenever I'm with them, I stop worrying, because they are so laid back!
So I'm with them now and I feel like I can actually work on the essay that's so verdue lol
Life without Valium has been really tough, but I think I can do it: )

Photos from Vietnam

2009-09-24T12:43:00.004+10:00

A friend of mine who lives in Vietnam shared some photos with me :)

I just like this photo I don't know why. He's carrying lotus flowers. I wonder whether he sells them or not. I mean if he doesnt sell them, why is he doing that, right? It's interesting....

Again I Say Rejoice!

2009-09-22T11:46:00.003+10:00

2 hours of sleep and still working on my essay. My concentration has ran out so many times already, but there's a hope now! I've got an extra 10 hours, because it's an online submission :D
So now I have no choice but to work on this, and I'm somewhat hopeful (or stupid) and not worried.

My song of the day is Again I Say Rejoice by Israel & New Breed.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

God I believe in: my peace my comfort.

2009-09-18T11:36:00.003+10:00

My friend sent me this video clip this morning and it just really touched me so much.
It's so simple yet so deep.
I have trouble embedding youtube clip on my blog. I don't know how to do it....
So just click on the link there.

God's Chisel - The Skit Guys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY

Stay blessed!

Back in the lab.

2009-09-17T21:05:00.003+10:00

I had two cups of soy latte today, wicked!

I had a project meeting until 9pm today. Feels like we did a lot of work today.
I don't know whether I've mentioned aobut my project here...
I'm researching about the motivation and limitation of tenant participaiton for a community housing organisation with 3 other people from School.

I enjoy it because of my project mates :) It's nice to meet up a few days (maybe more) a week and have some coffee and sweets together....no, that's not why we meet up, but that's the fun part :)

Today I transcribed interviews for the first time. Surprisingly I did it pretty well, except that I couldn't catch "have a go" lol. I thought it was a verb that I don't know.....that was funny :p

Ok time to do my own asisgnment now :)

How my day started out well this morning

2009-09-15T12:44:00.002+10:00

I didn't want to wake up this morning because I was in the middle of a nice fuzzy dream, but had to be at uni at 9am :(

I headed to uni and had a class, and then bought a soy latte* and had a consultation with my lecturer.

I'm really happy about how the consultation went, and the inspiration I got to write an interesting paper.

A good thing about my School is that if I can come up with a better research question than the assignment questions, I can go ahead with my own. This is how I manage 10 assignments a semester.

So this semester, I've only researched about Timor Leste, which is my "centre of the universe" so my lecturer calls.

Let's see how many papers I can write on Timor Leste.

*In case anyone has noticed, I haven't had my caramel latte for a few days : )
All because I have my friend's wedding on Saturday and I need to I lose 1kg for the dress!
I'm pretty good with controlling weight, (if I want to), so it should be fine by Saturday ;)

The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo

2009-09-14T17:32:00.002+10:00

Watching this documentary was really a wake up call for me this morning.

The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo was a documentary of the rape cases under the war situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If you are interested, here's the trailer:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oGGpulYsZY

The DRC has a decades-long history of conflict. These 10 years have been especially more complex for the people there, because of the coming of Burundi Army and Rwandan Army to the DRC. In the documentary, there are so many, so many women who share about their rape cases, not just by the Congolese soldiers, but also the Burundi and Rwandan soldiers.

These women were so called the "survivors of rape", who are still alive and able to give account of what has happened.

In the documentary, there was a doctor who works at the hospital which is funded by international organisations. What he said really spoke to me a lot.
I don't have the exact words, so here are my interpretation of his words.

"Everyday you think this is the worst case, but here comes a new one. It only gets worse, and it happens everyday".

he also mentioned how the ones who managed to reach the hospital is the "tip of iceburg",
but as you can see in the documentary, the hospital is completely full....it was overwhelming.

This is a nation that really needs help.

We (esp. as pols students) often talk about how the West shouldn't criticise or say something about what's going on in Africa.

But if you are a woman who was raped and needs medical care, would it matter who helps you?

In the documentary, a member of a local women's group was telling the journalist that it was God who heard them and gave them the opportunity to speak out.

Politicians in the DRC or even men in general might say they don't need Western' helping them. But the women want to speak out, because they need practical help.

It really made me think again about the roles of the Western politics (or in this case I include my home country, Japan). There is so much to be done......so much....

My prayer is for the women who suffer physically, mentally and also financially from the consequences of rape cases.

A timely post on a chillin' saturday afternoon, NOT.

2009-09-12T16:37:00.002+10:00

The US Campaign for Burma just sent me an important article from Washington Post that I thought worth pasting here as well. I should note that the person who wrote this article is a Burmese. He is risking his life to deliver this message.

An 'Election' Burma's People Don't Need
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/08/AR2009090802959.html
By U Win TinWednesday, September 9, 2009

Much attention has been focused on Sen. James Webb's recent visit to my country and his meetings with Senior Gen. Than Shwe and incarcerated Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi. I understand Webb's desire to seek a meaningful dialogue with the Burmese ruling authorities. Unfortunately, his efforts have been damaging to our democracy movement and focus on the wrong issue -- the potential for an "election" that Webb wants us to consider participating in next year as part of a long-term political strategy. But the showcase election planned by the military regime makes a mockery of the freedom sought by our people and would make military dictatorship permanent.

In our last free election, the Burmese people rejected military rule in a landslide, awarding our National League for Democracy party more than 80 percent of the seats in parliament. Yet the military has refused to allow the NLD to form a government. In the 19 years since that election, Burmese democracy activists have faced imprisonment, intimidation, torture and death as they have peacefully voiced demands for justice, individual and ethnic rights, and a democratic form of government that is representative of all Burma's people.
While never ending our struggle for democracy, the NLD has continually sought to engage the regime and open a dialogue -- based on peace and mutual respect -- that could address Burma's critical political as well as social problems. Make no mistake -- these two issues are linked. Burma was once the rice bowl of Asia. Today, because of the regime's destructive economic policies and its use of oppression to maintain military rule, Burma is a shattered, poverty-stricken country.

The regime is seeking to place a veneer of legitimacy on itself through showcase "elections" and claiming that "disciplined democracy" will be instituted next year. Yet in May 2008, just days after a massive cyclone devastated Burma and killed more than 100,000 people, the regime used a farcical process to claim that 93 percent of voters chose to adopt a constitution that permanently enshrines military rule and prevents those with undefined "foreign ties" from holding public office -- catch-all provisions that would bar Suu Kyi and democracy activists from seeking office.

Some international observers view next year's planned elections as an opportunity. But under the circumstances imposed by the military's constitution, the election will be a sham. We will not sacrifice the democratic principles for which many millions of Burmese have marched, been arrested, been tortured and died to participate in a process that holds no hope whatsoever for bringing freedom to our country.

The demands of the NLD are reasonable. In April we issued another declaration to encourage engagement with the military that called for the release of all political prisoners, a full review of the constitution, reopening of all NLD offices and the right to freely organize. The regime's answer is the continued jailing of Suu Kyi and 2,000 other activists, massive military offensives against ethnic groups and the enforcement of rules to gag democracy.

How can the international community play a meaningful role? First, officials such as Webb should stop fear-mongering about China. His language about containing China, and working with Burma's regime to do so, is based on an outdated and unrealistic thesis. Suu Kyi rejected such notions by informing Webb that "we will not deal with anyone with fear and insecurity. We will deal with anyone, China, America, India, equally and friendly. As we can't choose our neighbors, we understand that we need to have a good relationship with China." Second, the NLD encourages other countries and international organizations to engage with Burma's military leaders to persuade them to engage with us and Burma's ethnic groups. The United States and many other nations have imposed sanctions on Burma. That is their decision and in keeping with their justified solidarity with the democratic values that we all hold so dear. If the regime genuinely engages with the NLD and ethnic representatives, releases political prisoners, ceases attacks against ethnic minorities and takes additional steps to build a true democratic state, these sanctions will be repealed at the right time.

In the meantime, let no one doubt our resolve. The NLD is a reflection of Burmese society. We will not be cowed or coerced into participating in a fatally flawed political process that robs the Burmese people of the freedom for which we struggle. We stand ready to engage, but we are more than willing to continue our struggle for the democratic values that so many have given their lives and their freedom to achieve.

Taxi to the Dark Side

2009-09-11T15:06:00.007+10:00

I'm just watching this documentary called Taxi to the Dark Side, recommended by my lecturer.

This documentary shows how the US changed the definition of "toture" since the 9/11, by looking at the acts committed by prison guards in Abu Ghraib, Bagram and Guantanamo Bay.

A trailer from:
http://www.taxitothedarkside.com/taxi/

A summary of the documentary from: http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/taxitothedarkside/index.html

A day of rest

2009-09-10T16:08:00.005+10:00

Fatigue.

I took a off today. Sorry team.

A good thing about Mr.V (my medicine) is that I don't have to think much while it's working.

So I just watched a few reports on Timor Leste, and Gintama (anime) took over it.

I'm really calm.

What I am doing today?

2009-09-07T18:01:00.005+10:00

Not much, except the report assignment I need to finish by tomorrow.

I've been drinking rediculous amount of energy drink and coffee recently.

I do development, peace and conflict studies, hoping that some day I can do something useful for the poor and afflicted.

But honestly, the amount money I spend on coffee and energy drink (and of course, papers) would've saved lots of needy around the world already!

I don't know how I am supposed to justify myself in front of the poor who just need basics to survive. What does my sleepless nights doing assignments do to them? Only harm!

Ok, better get back to the report. Life continues just like this.

time after time

2009-09-05T18:35:00.004+10:00

I love Miles Davis :)
Time after time is one of my favourite piece played by Miles.
It's a really reflective piece, and I love it because it's Miles who's playing it.
When I listen to it, I really think life isn't so bad, and I think that truly is art!

So everyone, I definitely recommend that you will find your music to help you think that life isn't so bad! It will really help you :)

Have a nice Saturday night!

Watching Timor Leste

2009-09-04T17:58:00.006+10:00

I'm watching a documentary called "Hero's Journey".

Xanana Gusmao narrates the documentary.

Xanana Gusmao is the former president of East Timor.

(Today he is a prime minister, which confuses me a lot.)

I recommend this documentary, because beautiful places that you never get to see on News are filmed.

I'm planning to do a study on Timor Leste next year.
Now I'm dveloping my desire to know more.

I watch, I see the colors and landscapes and people.

I read stories.I hear the sounds of life and death.
What a beautiful thing I am allowed to do with my life, I think.

Xanana is one great story teller.He has a deep, compassionate voice and his story speaks straight into my heart.He speaks of the story only the person who went through can tell.

Before I started thinking about choosing East Timor as the focus of my research,

I had no interests to research there, just because I feel that it's over studied by Aus.

I started looking at it, and now I actually think that there's something I can contribute :)

Maybe I'm overly hopeful about my research, but it's better than being pessimistic!

P.S.

Today I received the news that the School is not sure whether they are giving us scholarships for next year.I was disappointed, but I'm still hopeful about it.

Remember me in prayer that they will give us opportunities and I can apply for it:)

It will help me so much, because I want to do some fieldwork. I need funding!

A moment of peace for you

2009-09-03T21:45:00.002+10:00

A photo taken by a friend :)

In case you don't notice, the turtle is made of bread :D

Good Morning, World

2009-09-02T06:39:00.004+10:00

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the right of the poor and needy."

(Proverbs 31:8-9)

Releasing the universe from your ass

2009-09-01T17:19:00.004+10:00

That's what Gintoki (read my previous entry) says about being an artist.
It's just his way of expressing how hard it is to live an extraordinary life.
No one knows the hard labour behind the beautiful art.
But Gintoki reminds us that living a life is just like being an artist.

What do I have to go through to produce a beautiful artwork?

The process might not be as beautiful as I thought it'd be...., and I guess that's the beauty of it.

So philosophical :S

I'm just in a mood to write this, because I'm already so stuck with the ideas for next years' thesis....

What I learn from Gintama

2009-08-31T23:18:00.007+10:00

If you only know me through this blog, you probably won't know my love for animes.

Having grown up in Japan, some of the important lessons in my life were taught by animes.

The anime I watched the most this month is called Gintama.

It's a really ridiculous comedy (sometimes reminds me of Jackass for its ridiculousness) and at the same time, it has some really meaningful messages.

This really lethargic looking samurai with silver (or rather baby blue) hair is Gintoki, who is the main character. He is a samurai who does all the odd jobs...and as all the heroes do, he gets involved in strangest cases where he needs to risk his own life.

(The brief summary of the plot can be found: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gintama. )

What I really like about Gintama, on top of its ridiculousness, is Gintoki's heart for the people, and his determination to protect the lives that matter to him.

Below is the link to one of my favourite scenes of Gintoki protecting his friends.

(Apology for not picking up the video clip that has subtitles!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bJ-Ht1EUgA&feature=related

How Gintoki protect his friends and friends' (or even clients') precious ones, even when his life is at risk, really challenges the way I think.

If I really care for someone, I will do what Gintoki always does.

I'm not determined or in anyway responsible to do that now..... :(

What amazes me even more about Gintoki is that he also protects someone who has got nothing to do with his life, as long as someone entrusts him to protect his/her precious one.

(Example: When a random mum approaches Gintoki to protect her rebellious kid who is threatened by gangstas...)

Gintama gave me a new revelation and a dream, on top of protecting my own precious ones.

That is to protect someone just because the person is precious to someone else :)

The next entry will most probably be about the Bible verses related to protecting or standing for the needy, who are precious in God's eyes.

OTANOSHIMINI! (Stay tuned!)

I'm back.

2009-08-29T13:56:00.004+10:00

I'm back in front of my PC after one week of parents' visit in Queensland.

Just dropping by to tell everyone that my blog's not dead!!!

And here's a random picture I drew a few months ago.

People talk about doves being the symbol of peace.

To me is the tree.

What's your symbol of peace? :)

Gandhi 2

2009-08-17T20:40:00.006+10:00

I finished watching Gandhi. It spoke to me so much...
Watch this trailer :D I bet you will want to watch the whole movie!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQEYeL2D_U

Man: "You are an ambitious man, Mr. Gandhi".

Gandhi: "I hope not".

It's a great movie. The picture, the colour, music and humour.
Ben Kingsley, who played Gandhi, is one amazing actor as well.

Watching Gandhi

2009-08-16T10:03:00.006+10:00

I'm watching the movie Gandhi. It's a 3 hour long movie,and I'm still in the first hour now...

I love the movie. It's really comical, and it's really great because I know something as comical as what happens in the moviethat actually happened in real life.

I think we all get some sort of inspiration from Gandhi.I myself as well, Gandhi was always my hero, because he's so radical.

The reason why I respect Gandhi is not just because of what he did, but his determination to "fight to change things" and passion to seek what is "good".

It really challenges me a lot as well. How determined am I about being "good"?Do I even recognise the responsibility for me to be good?Do I seek the truth as seriously as Gandhi did?Do

I try hard to seek ways to bring about change?
His life really speaks so much, and what he did is still radical today.I don't know many people who stayed insipiring over a century.

Personally, Abraham Lincorn, William Willberforce are quite inspiring today.and obviously Jesus as well (he has stayed inspiring and radical for over 20 centuries!!!)

I recognise though, not everyone agrees with me.Although it seems to me that everyone acknowledges Gandhi's radical approaches.There really is something about Gandhi.

I will probably write another entry about the movie tomorrow.

What the world is NOT busy with.

2009-08-14T15:08:00.005+10:00

Dear Friends,
I've been receiving quite a few emails on signing a petition regarding Aung Sann Suu Kyi's extension of detention. I will just paste this here. My hope is that you will understad the importance and sign the petition to make a change!

Today (I received this email on the 12th August), the ailing Nobel laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to another year and a half in detention by a Burmese kangaroo court.

Suu Kyi's treatment is just the tip of the iceberg of the brutality of the Burmese regime -- spanning 40 years of murder, torture, mass rape, and slave labour. It's time for the world to put the Burmese generals on trial. Avaaz is launching a call for the UN Security Council to investigate the regime for crimes against humanity -- a judgment of guilt could lead to prosecution of top generals by the International Criminal Court.

Click below to join the call and see a mock up of a banner that we plan to drop in front of the UN calling for action:http://www.avaaz.org/en/jail_the_generals

Over the next two months the UK and the US hold the powerful Presidency of the United Nations Security Council - both President Obama and Prime Minister Brown have spoken passionately about Burma, so now is our best chance in years to get the Security Council to act.

But the US, UK and other Council members are still dragging their feet -- concerned about challenging China, a key sponsor of the Burmese regime. If a global outcry demands it, they will try harder to get China to agree, as happened when the Council decided to allow prosecution of another China-sponsored regime in the case of Darfur, Sudan.

Calls for investigation and prosecution of the Burmese Generals have been growing. The pressure is building on Obama and Brown as already dozens of US and British legislators have called for an inquiry. And a recent Harvard University report by top global jurists reveals that the UN has already quietly documented the forced recruitment of tens of thousands of child soldiers, more than one million refugees and internally displaced persons, numerous cases of killings and torture, mass rape and the forced displacement of 3,000 ethnic minority villages -- as many as reported in Darfur. Let's join them in this call to hold the regime to account: http://www.avaaz.org/en/jail_the_generals

The Avaaz community has stood with and supported the Burmese people through cyclone Nargis, through the massive repression of democracy activists in 2007, and this year over 400,000 of us have called for the release of political prisoners. Today, if enough of us act together, we have a chance to call upon the highest body under international law to finally end the tyranny. Sign the petition and send this on to friends and family to send a clear message to the UN Security Council that the world expects them to lead:With hope, Alice, Ricken, Brett, Graziela, Paula, Paul, Pascal and the whole Avaaz team.

....

If you are really really interested, check this out as well.

Sources:For the politics behind the guilty verdict visit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8177328.stm

Read the Harvard report here: http://www.law.harvard.edu/programs/hrp/newsid=59.html

For a United Nations Official's appeal to the Security Council visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/opinion/28iht-edpineiro.html

See the Sudan Commission of Inquiry process here: http://www.unausa.org/Document.Doc?id=253

For the UK MPs call for Commission of Inquiry visit: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=38487&SESSION=899For

the US Senators call for a Commission of Inquiry visit: http://avaazmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/Obama%20UNSC%20COI%20Final%206-15-2009.pdf

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For all the jazz fans,

2009-08-13T12:34:00.004+10:00

I'm in the lab enjoying my favourite brissy jazz band, Misinterprotato :D
I love the pianist so much. Go check them out http://www.myspace.com/misinterprotato :)

Music is one of the many things I appreciate about people.
I think human beings aren't that bad, because they can produce really great music sometimes.
Although at times, they are more than capable of producing the most disturbing, horrendous music as well :p

Misinterprotato will definitely make your day a better one, if you are a jazz person.

I will start working on my assignments now (^-^)/"

Enjoy!

Question I received: Nagasaki 1945

2009-08-12T00:14:00.003+10:00

Hi my faithful readers,

I actually have 2 more blogs, where I share with different people.
One blog, I write in Japanese, and only my friends can have access to it. That's where I share about my daily life, movies, cartoons, stand up comedy that I watch everyday :p Occasionally I share about peace, including my relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ.
Another blog is linked to Japan Prayer Link. I use the blog to share about current issues, especially what is relevant in Japanese societies.

I posted an entry on Nagasaki 1945 to another blog, and I received a really good question, and I want to share my answers here :)

The question I received was:
So what would be the first step to take? I guess so many of us just don't know what to do and how to do things like that.

Here is what I shared with her:

I think in this case, personalising Hiroshima and Nagasaki is the key. You know how you talk about yourself whole day with your friends and everyone. That's the same attitude we should have, when it comes to peace. You must not neglect the power of speech. You know how the Bible says "And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?" (Romans 10:14, in relation to the sharing of gospel). The very same principle in this case. How else, other than sharing about it, can people know? We are definitely in the right position to succeed the story of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the first step is for you to become conscious about it..."it" being the fact that you can personalise, and you ought to personalise the story of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

I really do believe in what I'm saying, and that's the very reason I started this blog.
Thanks so much for reading my blog :D You guys fuilfill my purposes :)

happy moments

2009-08-10T22:26:00.007+10:00

I had a relaxed day today:)
Isn't it nice when everything that you are doing is the same, but you are quite relaxed.

I'm a major thinker, so me not thinking anything is really a rare occasion.

What I have recently started so that I can have some time off from my thoughts is walking.
When I walk fast and long enough (like 4.5km was good), I don't really have to think anything anymore, and I'm just concentrating on my walk. It's seriously great!

So it's been a few days I've been able to feel peace of mind, and it's really great because it allows me to take lots and lots of depressing information without feeling so worn-out.

I'm going to go home now but I still have so much energy. Fantastic!
I should really get serious about walking :)

What Nagasaki 1945 speaks to me today.

2009-08-10T00:15:00.004+10:00

I've also been to Nagasaki to visit different places to see the scars.

That was when I was 15, 6 years ago.

Nagasaki is one beautiful city that I would enjoy living. Lots of hills, narrow streets, Catholic churches, trams and beautiful food (Historically, Nagasaki was an international city)...

Dad used to work there as well.

It is another beautiful city I know in Japan.

9th of August was when the second nuclear bomb was dropped. This time it was in Nagasaki.

If I'm not wrong, where nuclear weapon was dropped was just above the prisons, which made it impossible for anyone to escape. (Although you would probably be blown and killed by the explosion.) By the way this was sort of a mistake, because it was a cloudy day, and the pilot couldn't see where the JPN army was making ships or military equipment was.

I often hear the expression by the locals in Hiroshima and Nagasaki that "city was disappeared".

Honestly, Hiroshima and Nagasaki weren't really "good" military targets. The two cities (especially Nagasaki) probably were relatively safer parts of Japan during the WWII.

I don't think anyone imagined that tragedy to happen.

The locals call nuclear bomb "Pika Don" "Pika" is the expression for the flashy light. "Don" was the sound of bomb exploding. Because it's a nuclear bomb, you see the chemical reaction first. (coz lights are faster than sounds) So technically the moment you saw the flash, the city was already wiped out. You hear the sound and you realise that your city is gone.

Man I wonder how it's like. Is it sorrow? Is it anger? Is it hatred? Or is it powerlessness...

I'm writing this entry especially for my Japanese friends. Guys, we have to become story tellers for the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. History is repeating and human are ever more capable of implementing their wicked desires. We have to speak up.

What is man?

2009-08-08T11:55:00.018+10:00

3 When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV)

I always think about the value of one life, and what happens when 1,000,000 lives that have same value gather together.

Is it 1 X 1,000,000 worth of lives?

We all know that when something bad happens to our precious ones, we feel for them, cry with them and pray to God (whether you believe one or not, you still pray) about them.

100 people commit suicide every single day in Japan.

25,000 people die of hunger every single day around the world.

30,000 people die from flu in Australia every year.

These figures always make me think a lot. I feel sad that I cannot feel for them, yet at the same time I'm glad that I don't. Mum said to me before, that is the only thing fortunate about us human.

Sometime I get depressed that I feel for one particular person.

There are so many lives going through the same things and why do I care this one so much and not others? These things just make me realise that I'm mere human.

And I feel great sense of peace when I read the passages in the Bible.

This morning it was the verse shared above (Psalm 8:3-4).

I find peace in the fact that there is God who care for mankind, and his love is not relative.

God's love is 100% for all mankind, 100% for me, 100% for me and mum and dad, and another 100% for you, you and your family and friends....list continues.

Glad that I didn't take maths seriously....haha

So I believe that for God, there is no difference between 1times 1, 1times 100, or one times 6,500,000,000. It all comes out infinite for all people.

That really gives me great sense of peace, to know there is someone who does what's incapable of me, and also to know that I am not condemned by not being able to care for all.

Hiroshima 1945

2009-08-06T22:01:00.008+10:00

Exactly 64 years ago, on the 6th of August 1945, the first nuclear bomb was dropped in Hiroshima. It was one typical hot and sunny morning. I'd like to dedicate this entry for the victims of Hiroshima 1945.

What was special about Hiroshima was that it was the first time nuclear bomb was used to attack a city. It was reported that 140,000 died as a result of one bomb. Half of them died within one day. They were burned or bleed to death. The rest died because of different diseases caused by radiation. 140,000 by one bomb...the world doesn't really think about how horrendous this might have been.
(This is particularly because Japanese also murdered so many innocent lives in Asian countries and the Pacific, which makes people think Japan kind of deserved this wrath. I will talk about relativity of lives some other time.)

Memory of Hiroshima means a lot to me, as I have studied and visited Hiroshima when I was 12. Clocks that stopped at 8:16am, burnt clothes, burnt and boiled skin, burnt glasses and metals, black rain, the river filled with dead bodies....the items and photos I saw in the nuclear memorial museums are still very much vivid in my head.

I felt very strange today, because I didn't see anything on Hiroshima on the Yahoo Japan headlines. I was wondering for a moment maybe I got the date wrong.
It was the 6th of August, 1945.
Forgetting is very scary, especially when media does that.
I believe that Japan has an obligation to tell the world what the nuclear bombs and wars can do.
I personally do not believe that Japan is doing a good job on this, and I will also talk about this some other time.

I thought of putting photos of the city and victims of Hiroshima 1945, but I found them really too cruel. Some of the most cruel war photos I've seen are from Hiroshima. I will leave the decision to see, up to the readers.

Here I will just leave a photo of Hiroshima today. Hiroshima has been construted anew, and you will probably feel the sense of calmness there. Thanks to America for the reconstructuring work.........I don't understand war.

My greatest hope is that Japan will become an advocate of peace and in that the lost souls in Hiroshima 1945 will find rest.

Shake Hands with the Devil

2009-08-05T21:25:00.006+10:00

I have just watched the DVD, Shake Hands with the Devil.

It is a documentary about the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and the life of General Romeo Dallaire, who was a Canadian General for the UN Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda before and during the 100days of genocide. As a General, he witnessed 800,000 Rwandan brutally murdered within 100 days, remaining utterly powerless under the international system. His life today is dedicated to tell his experiences in Rwanda from his perspectives and those of peacekeepers.

If you want to know more about the DVD and Dallaire, go to:
http://dallairemovie.com/
Dallaire published a book, also titled Shake Hands with the Devil, which I have also started reading recently.

It's really hard to imagine what it's like to be put in the position of Dallaire.
Victims of Rwandan genocide and their family members genuinely ask him everywhere he goes.
"why? why couldnt you stop?"
This question will surely accuse him as long as he lives.

I personally believe that given the same circumstances and backgrounds,
people will act very similarly.
It really haunts me when I imagine myself in his position.
Having been able to do nothing in the field, every single day you ask yourself, why you couldn't stop that brutality happening. It's a curse...

The fact that Dallaire is still alive today is a hope to me.
He is still facing the consequences of his responsibility from the mission in Rwanda.
I think he is one extraordinary person with a strong sense of responsibility.
It's easy to take away one's life, but Dallaire choses to live and live for a cause.
It means so much to me personally.
It inspires me to live a life of "peacemaker".

The book Shake Hands with the Devil start with a Bible verse in Matthew 5:9, and I should conclude my long entry with that as well.

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God".
Mattew 5:9 (NIV)

First Entry

2009-08-05T17:11:00.004+10:00

Welcome friends!

My name is Mami.
Mami is a Japanese name and it means inner beauty.
Inner Beauty.... far from it... :p

I'm a uni student and finishing my first undergraduate degree in December.
I'm studying development at a university in Australia,
famous for its conflict study research centre.

This is my attempt to express whatever thoughts on conflicts and peace that come to my head, so that I won't get burn out before I start working in a related area.

I'm writing this now, and a little bit scared that some of my peers or even scholars might come across this blog and think, "what the hell is she talking about???".
I will try not to put so much nonsense....bear with me even if that's the case :p
I'll be happy to read comments as well :)

Thank you for visiting my blog! Hope you'll have a beautiful day!