Ms. Miratone- The boarding school

15th Nov 2005

"Beck !Becca! clean the room upstairs!, you lazy girl!".How many times am i suppose to repeat! and you Xylia...why are you standing there...get back to your laundry...can't you just speed up a little? you still have other things to work!" What are you starring at Girls? go back to your readings!"

I heard this hard voice of a middle age women, as if she has a very high authority and extremely cruel. There was me and Crue Min, standing outside the gate of the boarding school. Waiting to be entertain by the doorman. We press the doorbell many times  but there seemed to be no answer so far. After a few minutes, the doorman open the gate for us to enter. He direct us to a very wide hall and later led us into another large room with long windows, curtains and bookshelves with books in them.

There I met with a lady, she looks contradictory to her looks from her nice and fine personality. This shows that we should never judge a book by it's cover. She looks very stern and I'll never dare to stand up next to her if I ever get a chance to do so. Anyway, Crue Min introduce me to the lady, she was ms Miratone, the person  that I've longed to meet up with. Just considering my sisters placement and everything that i need to know about my lost sister, and I just get to know that she just ran away from the school. I wondered where is huyen now, I went into my deep thoughts again...thinking about how nice it would be, to get Huyen back by my side.

Ms. Miratone, was kind enough to let us know. How Huyen was when she was there. She seems a little shakey of unsurety that makes me wondered if she is really telling the truth. Anyway she is the only source of information that I can get from so far, since, Huyen's frosters are already in another world.

Ms Miratone told us that she took care of Huyen very well and hence Huyen has not been a very plesant girl all the time because she wasnt well trained and she has not been bought up properly from a young girl. I was pretty sad to hear of it...that my yougest sister is a brat in the school but still I want her back because she is still my sister and nothing is going to seperate the bond between us. I told Ms Miratone if there are any news about Huyen, she had to refer Huyen back to me.

I was sitting in for lunch with a group of girls and i saw another two others serving food in their shabby clothes. They were treated like slaves. I can't believe my own eyes, are they paid to do those duty? I asked Ms Miratone about itand she told me that they are paid to do so as they are meant to be slaves and students are never allowed to talk to them.

I looked into their eyes, they looked very tearful about something. Something deep within their hearts seems to speak to me about something. Letting me know that it was God's direction to help this two little kids out of their poverty. I've been waiting to serve God in this ministry of helping child like this. They are force to work their lives through as slaves to get out of poverty. Poor girls....I'll try to ask Ms Miratone if she would allow me to.

Ms. Miratone, wasn't feeling very happy about my idea but she told me that she'll allow me to take care of them if I pay a very high sum of money. She told me the price that were a large sum of money but still affordable for my family. Even Huyen was sold for a much cheaper rate during my time. i realize that Ms. Miratone might be extremely money minded that she do not care about what others think of her.

I look at Crue Min and tried to discuss with him on the spot. There was a lot of money business going on and Crue Min and I sugested that we would take both kids and take care one for one. Since Crue Min agreed, we went to the court to get Becca and Xylia approved the next day. We did not wait any longer for Ms Miratone to approve it. This was because our sympathy towards the two girls help us make the desicion quick and jsut want them back in our security as soon as possible.

Crue Min and I, have the money to support this two girls and we know that very well. We will be responisible for everything for the two girls. We made ourselves promise each other and the girls that we'll adopt them into our family. They accepted us with a big hug and thank us with a large smile.

I'm glad that everything is going well. I wish to get Huyen back as soon as possible. Pray that the Lord would lead us there soon. Today was another blessed day and lovely day to work together with Crue Min. Hushin was at home resting again...because she has to stay home to take care of our meals and everything. It was great help though. Thanks Hushin. Goodbye nite....helllo tomorrow!

Can't wait for the next day.

Awesome Crue Min---just Awesome!

Wed, 14th Nov 2005

I cant really express my gratitute to Crue Min....Thank you Crue Min! cant believe he found the school...where Huyen was staying all this while. He told me he met Ms. Miratone..the headmistress and was treated real nicely until he asked about Huyen...

I have the same feeling as Crue Min that Huyen is not in a very good condition...this was because Ms. Miratone told us that she have no idea where Huyen is.. she told Crue Min that Huyen ran away from the school just few weeks ago. I'm quite dissapointed that Huyen is not in the house...but at least now we know where the boarding school is. Crue Min had made an appointment with Ms. Miratone for me and Hu Shin so that we can get to know how is Huyen when she was in her school. I'm sure that there is someone there that is close to Huyen in that boarding school...since she stayed there for more than 3 years now.

Then I prayed this simple prayer to the Lord.

Dear God,

Please continue to lead us to my sister...i thank you for leading Crue Min to the right house and thank you that things happening now is a blessing to my life. I thank you that this incident had made me a bolder and stronger person in faith and in spirit. God, please continue to lead us to my little sister Huyen...keep her safe and let her know that she still has a family still living and still there for her..God... we are really seeking after her...and waiting for her return. Please get us to her before my classes starts again. And help me to remain strong to you if the answer is a no this time...help me not to feel weary but help me to be renewed and be strong of we cant find her this time round.

God I thank you for providing me a friend like Crue Min. But dear God please if this affections doesnt belong to you...please take this feelings away from me and help me to continue living as a single for your glory. Help me with my self control so that I'll remain pure and not lust for his affection for me. Dear God, I'm praying for Crue Min as well...may you bless him abundantly as he has been a very helpful friend at all time. The the Lord peerless name, Amen.

After this simple prayer.., I left my room and went out to have a walk outside the house.. and there I met with Crue Min...and it was another awesome day...although it is quiet being around being around with Crue Min, but I'm loving his company by being quiet...well I believe that doesnt mean that you are together as friends you need to talk...just by being quiet and enjoy the cool breeze and God's creation together as friends as lovely and nice... and I just love the feeling.. just by being quiet. Just very comfortable being with a friend like him...thtz all. My commitment for the Lord ,will still remain a commitment. Depends on how the Lord lead me. The right person might be here already or maybe he haven't existed yet. Or maybe the Lord is still molding me for His glory. Anyhow I'm still 20 still very young and still have a lot to learn as a single...so it is best to enjoy being a single. I heard from one of my friend once...she told me, " girl there are still many fishes in the sea that you havent come across... just be patient the Lord will reveal the right person to you when you are ready for courtship."

Courtship will be the long term relationship that I'm seeking after and running after...something that is supported by God, Parents and christian friends...okay i guess enough for today. Will see how it goes tomorrow...just thanking God for everthing He had provided for.

to be continued....

hope you like this other chapter...feel free to give comments okay? thx a lot...and may the Lord Bless your relationship always..with friends or family alike.

thetruehutien.bravejournal.com

I’m on my bed now….wondering when we’ll get to the right place and right person to talk to about Huyen’s condition now…I wondered if she is still surviving. Or is she just treated very badly like what Mrs. Beth told me last month when I met her, as a next door neighbor of my youngest sister’s foster parents.

Things are not going well lately and the only thing I can do now was just to keep everything in prayer to the Lord. I haven’t been scribbling much lately about what happened few days back… as it is just plain boring and I’ve no time to observe anything around me… just too caught up, being busy with the addresses and contact number that was given by the educational office few days back. The only thing that I ever remembered and I felt that is worth writing about was Crue Min.

I realize that he is an awesome friend to work with….I realize that he… sort of know everything… just everything. This causes me to look up to him and make me rely on him completely. He is not does not have a good complexion that make him stand out...but he is just a perfectly nice friend to be with…he is a gentlemen, charming and really nice person. He is charming and gentle…that makes me…opps…Marcia Ember Raey…silly gurl…what on earth are you writing and scribbling about? He is just a friend Marcia…just your best friend’s twin…having affections for him already…?

I thought from the start it has been only….like Crue Min is a complete boring person and tralalalalala…etc….etc….what is happening now Marcia? Hu Tien, wake up! It is just for this trip that you are getting along with his as a team… and when you are back home everything will be back to normal…he’ll have his own life and you’ll be having your own plans as well…. Hutien,…control yourself…remember to look at the future…not the affections now. It wont help…Hutien…control yourself…God will lead you to him if he is really yours…so just keep him inside your heart first..and let time reveals itself… give yourself some more time to be a single…maybe there will be a better person somewhere that haven’t existed yet…or maybe Crue Min is the one…or maybe he will just remain good friends…opps wait! I don’t even know if he has the similar feelings for me…I just hope and wish that he doesn’t so that I wont feel so bad.

He just looks calm and steady every time I’m with him; he makes the environment as quiet as possible. It doesn’t seem to me that he has a same affections for me…I think most probably he is just treating me as a very good friend and care for me as his sister’s best friend. I can’t believe that I’ll get head over heels for him after just one month plus of knowing him..better. As for me I was just too shy to talk to him when I'm sitting in front of him unless he starts talking to me...that will make me feel like I'm having butterflies in my stomach.

This is just not me…or am I just being bluntly desperate for one… sometimes I ask God where my life partner is…but God still answer gently…”gurl you just have to wait…the right one haven’t comes…True Love Waits, my dear”…the Lord gently whispered into my ears as I wept lying down on my bed covering my head with my comforting blanket so that not one soul would know that I’m crying quietly. I’m tired of tarrying longer… I’m really tired of searching for Huyen. What is life to me? I’m just scribbling and scribbling for no reasons..my mind is just conflicting each other now… I think I just need more rest… I’ll be alright later…just need more rest…just have to stop thinking about my affections for Crue Min and move on…searching for Huyen as promised.

Tomorrow will be another day…of searching for Huyen…Crue Min offered to go by himself…so nice of him…I really appreciate his help. He looked tired today though…sorry to tired him down…really but he offered to help…I can’t say no. See what I mean…why can’t he be not so considerate then I’ll not think about him at all…sigh…okay I think I better stop here before I continue scribbling on unnecessary things…, things that are just crazy and all about the same person…why not just remain a full stop now..

FULL STOp. Okay hurry just leave the pencil hutien,…sleep and rest now…full stop…(in agreement to the mind).

to be continued ...

2nd Phone Call a.k.a Good News &

Lunch@ Mrs BeTh's

I'm now in Mrs. Beth's residence...She is still preparing for lunch in her westernize kitchen (the one they normally have in every New Yorker's home. Mmm....smells good. She told us that we'll be having Chinese for lunch today. I can't wait to taste Chinese dish today. I heard that their traditional dish comes with soup, rice and a few servings of different kinds of food. She'll be cooking her granma's famous dish. The fried Chicken, some french beans with prawns, eggplant with some pork, some smelly tauhu and a bowl of "old cucumber" soup.

After a few min of waiting in the couch, lunch is finally ready.I tasted the french beans for the first time and it was splendid! Yummy it taste great. I haven't tried such lovely homecooked food in my life. This really suit my taste. I wondered if I was actually from China (lolz). The soup....you'll have to taste it for yourself then you'll know how nice it was. If I write it down you'll be drooling all over the book hehehe. I bet one will sure want another serving. I was too shy to get another serving. Again as an Asian, in our tradition it is rude to have another serving without being ask.

After Lunch,

Crue Min was easing himself in the toilet when a song "where is the Love" played again. I went and pick up the phone, just to help Crue Min to inform the caller to call back later:-

HuTien: Hello...this is CrueMin's phone I'm his friend.... he is in the toilet, do you want to leave a message or you know, all back later?

Then I heard a very sweet voice (sounded like a fresh graduate to me...because of the unsure behavior of hers =).

The Lady: Hello, I'm calling from Education Department, since CrueMin is not around, could you please pass the phone to HuTien...is she there?

HuTien: Oh...this is HuTien speaking.

The Lady: Hi HuTien....the education office have approved to allow you to have the complete list of the girl's boarding school. We would like to apologise for not being able to approved it earlier. We've been busy for the whole week...marking examination papers as well as attening general meetings to make sure everything gets into place before school starts. Please come as soon as possible before the people comes and register for their children. There will be more people by then and it'll be hard to pass it to you in front of the public, you know what I mean? It'll have to be Private and COnfidential.

HuTien: Alright, I'll come as soon as I let CrueMin kNow about it. Thanks a million.

The lady: Hope you'll get to find your lost sister soon, HuTien. Alright then, Just come and ask from the counter over there. I wont be there but my assistant will be there. I'll leave it to him for him to settle things with you. He'll give you the rule and regulations of having the addresses. Bye.

HuTien: Okay, bye.

---Conversation ended----

"Hey everyone hurry up....CrueMin and HuShin come along with me, we need to get to the Education office as soon as possible. They called us today to inform us about it. Thank You Mrs Beth...for the lovely lunch but we really have to go now", I told them excitedly. " Hurry everybody...I can't wait to find HuYen...." "Yeah....yeah..."Crue Min responded to me. They both hurried into our rented car. CrueMin drove this time. I was leaping for JOY that no one could understand how I was feeling at that moment...only Almighty God Knows.

To Be Continued...

__________________________________________________________________________________

Happy reading do give me Opinions if you tend to view my story...I mean at least i Know who has been reading my writings. It'll encourage me on in writing if I know I've got readers. So please at least tag me if you drop by. A hello....will also be nice if you do not have anything to comment about. Feel free to view my Blog thetruehutien . ANd my youngest sister's writing HUyen. Do drop by again to keep yourself updated with the story. Lastly take care and God Bless.

Thetruehutien

A Phone Call

It was 9am in the morning when I heard a very familiar polyphonic tone playing the very famous ‘Where is the Love?’ by Black Eye Peas. It rang for quite awhile until Crue Min picked up his latest mobile by Nokia. I overheard his conversation with the caller. It is not because I was very interested in that conversation, but I was right in front of him when he talked on the phone. Not only that, I was waiting for the important call that the education office promise to inform us about approving our request.

This was how the conversation goes:-

“ Hello, this is Crue Min’s mobile (speaking in pure mandarin)” ---pause for awhile while waiting for the person to speak---- “ opps sorry, this is Crue Min speaking here” (in English)”--- pause longer this time----“ Oh Hi, Good Morning how are you doing? Yup we’re still waiting for the office to call us; I’m unsure what took them so long to approve our request. It’s already a week since we requested for the list of addresses”---another long pause---- “Lunch tomorrow? Sure, shouldn’t be a problem, I’ll inform the girls about it.”---pause a little----“ You too, take care and thanks for being concern. Thanks for calling to check how are we doing.”---pause a few seconds---“ sure, will keep you updated” ----pause again---“yeah see you tomorrow, God Bless.”----Conversation ended -----

“Crue Min, who was that on the line just now? Was it your aunt? “I questioned him as soon as he put down his mobile on the coffee table right in front of me. I was quite curious of who is the lady he was talking to, just now. Crue Min replied,” It was Mrs.Beth, she asked about us and asked if the office have approved our request on the list of addresses for the boarding school. So, I told her that the education department hasn’t ringed us since we left the office. It is almost a week and still no news from them. I hope that they’ll call us before we leave New York. Remember we planned to leave after 2 ½ weeks staying in New York? We’ve got to be back by then, to prepare for the next semester.”

“You are right Crue Min, thank you for reminding me. If we really can’t find Huyen this time, we’ll come back the next holidays, which will be next year during winter. Since we’ll be busy with our assignments we can’t be coming during December holidays. “, I told him. And then he answered me,” I’ll think about it, if I’m free during that time, it shouldn’t be a problem to tag along.

“Crue Min, I just want to tell you how much I appreciated your help and kindness to me and my sister in this trip. I’m glad to have known you better in this trip itself. You seemed to be very knowledgeable in a lot of things and more matured in handling and solving problems and as your friend and your sister’s best friend, I truly admired you in this area, well I just wanted to know the gratitude I’m feeling at this point of time although I still can’t find my sister. I believe my parents would be very touched by your kindness as well. I just have to say thanks a million for my family to you. So don’t feel bad if you can’t find her this time. I’m sorry to have spoil your holiday ( I said smiling at him) by not going for any local tour and just spending time looking for my youngest sister, that I doubt if she is still alive (sighed) . I’ve already lost her for such a long time and I’ve already gotten used to it. So it really doesn’t matter if I really can’t find her, no harm waiting for a little longer. As long as we’ve tried our best to search for her.” I told Crue Min not wanting him to feel bad. That is the only thing that can cheer him up a little.

“Hey, don’t look so sorry for me, I’m well I’m really having fun and you didn’t spoil my trip alright? It is nice to use some of our brain during holidays in case it won’t function well the next semester.” Crue Min answered kiddingly to me as he used his hand to push my head to the other side. Well is not a boring trip anymore, especially with Crue Min around keeping me the best company ever! And also helping me up….=)

Haven’t been scribbling about HuShin lately. Yup she did help a lot too. When we are searching for Huyen, she was the one who stays at home cooking; doing shopping and doing our laundryjust to keep comfortable when we reach our rented apartment. It wouldn’t be so relaxing without her help. Thank you so….much HuShin. That is my heart felt thanks. I’m very thankful…. To have a sister like her =).

To be COntinued....

The Min’s and a Bad Sore Throat Day

We’re now at the Min’s. This little cottage looked exactly like those we have in Korea (not from the outside but in the inside). HuShin and I received a very warm welcome over here. It’s very nice to meet people of the same background again. CrueMin’s cousins are around our age and we clique very well. Is nice to have Korean dish for meals again. Oh I do miss mom’s special recipe. I miss home already!

In the afternoon, after eating too much spicy food, I had very bad sore throat. CrueMin’s aunt had specially boiled some herb for me to help me reduce the pain on my throat. Oh, it was so…o….o bitter. Mrs.Min had already warned me that it’ll be very bitter but it’ll be for the better. After drinking that extremely bitter herb (as bitter as the bitter gourd), I doze off to bed as I was very tired after 3 days of running around New York City. Mrs. Min was kind enough to let me drink that herb; she told me that it’s her family special recipe and their ancestors were traditional doctors last time. She added that I can’t get it anywhere except from the Min’s that is if you are one of their friends. I’m very grateful and touch when I heard that.

6a.m in the morning…

I woke up early this morning looking at the bright sun and listening to the birds chirping sweetly standing near the window paint. The morning breeze blew through the window as I looked out of it. Lovely, how lovely is it. Being in a Korean like home, yet situated in a different country. I’m writing in front of these beautiful scenery, green grasses, meadows and hills. Oh it is lovely to be here. Yes, the Min’s are staying further away from the city, where all the trees and hills are situated. It really reminds me of the 10 year old me when I’m still staying in the wooden house. We can see only greenery and happiness although we’re suffering from poverty but we’re very happy people, all of us.

Is not that we’re not happy now, but we kind of take things for granted and take things very lightly. We don’t really cherish tiny little deeds like last time anymore. No wonder people use to say that when you are rich you don’t really appreciate as much as when you are poorer. Poor people get contented easily. They have a very simple mindset and because of that they’ll have lesser pressure and lesser things to worry about. They need not need to choose from so many branded goods to satisfy their needs and desire. They just have to look out for economical or affordable goods so that they will spend their money wisely.

In the small wooden house seemed to have tied our “Big” family together. Maybe it is because all of us are crammed up in one house. Hehe… We never complained about staying together because we enjoyed each others company. During that time, we do not even have a small TV as we were too poor to afford it. There is surely no couch potato at home for the first 10 years of my life. This was why we’re much knitted together as our only company was “each other”. As for the recent years of my life, we were not as closely knitted anymore. There seem to be more sibling rivalry too. Example, fighting for the TV remote controller.

We began have our own daily activities and have burden ourselves with so many extra activities that we do not have enough time for each other. I do miss our old life style. Money can’t buy anything. Can’t buy happiness, can’t buy family closeness, can’t buy friendship, can’t buy Joy, can’t buy Peace, can’t buy Love but it sometimes can bring pain due to Greed!

“HuTien, HuShin are you both awake?”, Mrs. Min is asking for us now. “Wake up ‘jamae’, Mrs. Min is calling us already, I believe is breakfast time ‘jamae’”, I tried to waking HuShin up. I wondered why she is such a sleeping beauty when she is having a break. That’s not her, I’m always later then her. She was still sleeping soundly like a peaceful child just needed more rest in a day. I just left her there sleeping and not waking her up because I understand that it’ll be good for her to rest well because we have all the time in the world. It is holidays anyway. I took my digital camera (that I bought from home) along together with my notepad so that I can scribble anything important for my future use.

I met with CrueMin downstairs and he looked different in his homey attire, like a small boy look. Kidda cute. We just greet each other a good morning and Mrs. Min called for me again from her kitchen asking me if I could give her a hand. I just smiled at CrueMin and went into the kitchen. We’re having western food for breakfast this time. I truly appreciate that from Mrs. Min. Although I’m fully recovered from the sore throat, I’m glad that I do not have to force myself into spicy Korean dish.         

 look out for Chapter 11....please come again! give some opinion kies? thank you!

It’s Another Busy Day!

We (Crue Min and I) went searching for the Education Department of New York without HuShin, this time. HuShin told us that she’s feeling tired and unwell after yesterday’s busy search for HuYen.

So Crue Min and I went searching this time round. We asked for about 10 helpful people of different sizes, height and skin color before we reached this medium size building that states Educational Department Office, New York. Crue Min then pointed at the building and said,” there it is. Is the office that we’re looking for. It’s right here, let’s go in now and ask if they have the list and address of girls’ boarding school. Hope that they’ll allow us to have the address.”  We headed into the office without waiting longer.

It is a very quiet atmosphere there as there are only office workers there and no people from the neighborhood. We met a very tiny man (small people) at the counter, he look very busy with his work. “Very hardworking huh?”, CrueMin whispered into my ears. “Ahem, is there anything I can do for you, Youngman?”, the middle age looking man offered help to us from another counter next to it.  “Sure, erm..Sir we’re here to ask for the addresses of the girls’ boarding school in this area. Is it convenient if you pass us the addresses?,” CrueMin answered smiling at the man. “Addresses? Why do you need them for? Here, please fill in this form and give us a valid reason about why you need the addresses for…..and remember to state your name, current mailing address and also…..your mobile number. We’ll contact you as soon as we make sure it’s alright for us to pass you the address. Sorry we can’t give it now….because addresses are very confidential its just…. incase anything happens.”, the man explained to us. “It’s alright, thank you sir, we understand, please do inform us when we’re allowed to get the addresses. Here you go,” CrueMin replied as he passed back the paper to the man.

We left the office feeling quiet disappointed and hoping that they’ll contact us soon. Since we can’t continue today’s plan, we stop by an ice-cream, waffle shop to get freshen up after a tiring journey. CrueMin then reminded me that he’ll need to meet up with his relative the next morning for a few days; he asked if HuShin and I would like to tag along since there is nothing to work on except waiting for the office reply. For there is really nothing we can do for the time being and we should just relax ourselves and not overstress ourselves too much. I told CrueMin that I’ll consider accompanying him to his relatives’ house but I’ll have to ask my sister if she feels the same way.

I realized that CrueMin seemed different and more out spoken lately when he came over to New York. Just wondering why, but prefer him that way, just to keep me company. I’m getting closer to my bestfriend’s brother; alright he is not that unfriendly as I thought he was. I shouldn’t judge him by his cover. Lolz. Huyen, please wait for me……I hope you are doing well somewhere, just like me.

New York City

We haven’t found either Huyen or her foster parents. HuShin, CrueMin and I have been out the whole day yesterday. We tried to find them by using the mailing address that my parents have passed to me before I left Korea. The problem is that, we found the house but it seemed unoccupied and untouched for ages. There are still old letters in the letter box unopened and left to decompose. CrueMin asked, “HuTien, are you sure you got the right address? Or maybe you have missed written it or something?” I replied him in a very polite and calm way, being very sure that it was the right address, “it was the address shown by my parents from the envelope, the exact address.”

CrueMin suggested that we should ask around to see if anyone knows the owner of that particular of house. Thanks to CrueMin’s reliable and helpful idea, as it has bought us to the next door neighbor of this house. Mrs. Beth. There we had a friendly conversation inside her quiet and cozy home. This was what we talked about.

Mrs. Beth: So, what wind brings you here? By the way where are you all from, you don’t look local you know? (she questioned CrueMin, HuShin and I, smilling from her left ear to her right ear.)  

Mrs. Beth looked like an Asian herself maybe she has a mix parentage.

HuTien: We’re from Korea; I’m HuTien, this is Crue Min and this my sister HuShin. We came here for a short holiday break just to search for my long lost sister, HuYen. You don’t look western Mrs. Beth but more to an Asian. Are you an Asian? (I questioned her suspiciously due to her light brown skin complexion and black rounded eyes.)

Mrs. Beth: You are right HuTien. I’m an Asian. A pure Chinese but I’m born in America. ABC that’s my race group over here in America. (ABC stands for American Born Chinese). I could hardly read or write Chinese. This was because during my time, English is the most important language and it is use as a communication tool as well as international business. Now Chinese language is very wide spread too and it is as important as the English language we’re using now.   

CrueMin: That is very interesting Mrs.Beth, I agree that Chinese language is very

widespread now. The Chinese seemed to be very successful and just recently, few months back, I saw the news shown in the TV that China just shot it’s lastest

rocket into space. I heard that it was a very successful one. The astronaut came

back save and sound. (the interested CrueMin responded fast to Mrs.Beth’s opinion about China and her recent success.)

Mrs.Beth: Yes you are right CrueMin. To tell you frankly, I missed being a pure Chinese. HowI wished I could set foot on Chinese ground before I leave mother earth.

HuTien: You sure can Mrs.Beth. I’m sure you can live up long enough to visit China at least once.

Mrs. Beth: Well it’s hard to say, no one knows when a person leaves mother earth, some will live earlier and some will stay longer, depends on how our creator plan us to be. This is why we need to treasure the people we love everyday and remember to live a live that brings Joy to the soul so that we’ll die a happy person. But thanks HuTien that was very encouraging for you to say that to me.

CrueMin: Mrs. Beth, we have something in mind that we would like to ask you about. Do you know of a couple who stays beside your house? They should be in their middle age now.

Mrs.Beth: Well yes, do you know them?

CrueMin: Erm….no but they might be HuYen’s foster parents. Do they have an adopted child who is now 10? She is a Korean.

Mrs. Beth: Mr. and Mrs.Louis and that 6 year old Asian girl? Yes, I’ve seen them before. But the last time I saw them was 4 years ago. The nice couple had been killed in a car crash, I heard that the Asian girl was then left alone in a boarding girls school. Recently, I heard a rumor that the school principal treats the girl badly and that little girl is now working as a slave in the school. Maybe you can get the boarding school address from the Education Office in New York City. I’ll give you the address. I’ll help you scout around as well. Please keep me updated about anything. Here is my contact number and e-mail address. (passing the address to CrueMin). It’s getting late, you better be going.

CrueMin: Thank you Mrs. Beth, very kind of you.

Mrs. Beth: You are welcome. Or would you like to have a meal before you take a leave?

HuTien: It’ll be great if you don’t mind.

Mrs. Beth: You are very welcomed for dinner over here in Beth’s. my husband will be late tonight so it’ll be very nice to have a few company for dinner. 

( Mrs. Beth offered generously).

After dinner, we left Mrs. Beth’s house and went back to the hotel that we are renting for the whole holidays there. I’m starting to like CrueMin’s way of settling things. Don’t think too deep, I admire him as a friend. I’ve got to hurry to the Education department now to check the address. Will stop here now, it’s going to be another busy day. Pray that we’ll find Huyen soon. I do not want to see my dear sister suffer in the school while I have been enjoying luxury since 10 years old. NO not for Huyen, I couldn’t believe what Mrs. Beth told me about but will check it out soon. Don’t think so much Hutien, worrying wouldn’t help.

Last night I sung this song silently to give me the courage and encouragement, this song is titled It’s a Long Long Journey, heard it from a Taiwan Drama, The Dolphin Bay:-

It’s a long long Journey

Till I find where I’m

supposed to be                  

It’s a long long journey

And I don’t know if I can believe

When shadows fall

And block my eyes

I am lost and know that

I must hide

It’s a long long journey

Till I find my way home to you.

Sometimes it feels no one understands

I don’t even know why

I do the things I do

When pride builds me up

Till I can’t see my soul

Will you break down this walls

And pull me through.

Cause it’s a long long journey

Till I feel that I’m worth the price

You paid for me on calvary

Beneath those stormy skies

When satan mocks and

Friends turn to foes

It feels like everything is out to

Make me lose control

Cause It’s a long….long….journey

Till I find my way home to you.

Oh…o..to you.

I’m still searching for my Huyen…

At The Airport & During the Flight

We reached the airport around 12:50am, dad help us load our luggage into the airplane and then sent us off from the boarding gate 4A. Crue Min was standing there like a statue, standing so still, staring at our actions quietly while keeping us company. Well I believe that he’ll just make a good silent companion in the whole trip as well. That was my very first impression or I can say first perception on Mac Crue Min.

I’m now in the airport’s waiting room, well just waiting for the aircrew to get ready for its take off before passengers are allowed to board on it.  There is nothing better to do now, but 30 minutes, just 30 minutes and we’ll be flying to New York, America. Woohoo! Hurrah! Say bye bye to Seoul, Korea for awhile and looking forward for an American dream. I haven’t been a true tourist all my life. This was my first time being in a waiting room. Wondering what JiunSi was doing here before his flight, alone? That’s even worse than me; he’s missing home, good food and family bonding in Korea. Maybe he might be doing his reading or just writing on his notebook. Arh…crazy me, why couldn’t I just ask him to find out, stop assuming and guessing crazy HuTien...! Okay okay maybe he will be just like 2^nd sister lazing on the sofa waiting for the boarding passengers’ announcement.

There goes the announcement, exactly what JiunSi had told me in his last e-mail. He was just preparing me for my first flight. He told me, for longer flights they will provide games, movies and music for every passenger on board.

@ 3 am

2 hours past just in a glimpse of an eye. I’m feeling a little uneasy because I’m not very use to the seatbelt buckled around my waist. I often buckle it from my shoulders to the side, and that was only when I sit in the car’s front seat while driving or the seat beside it. Passengers sitting behind seldom buckle up their seatbelts.

I’m now stuck sitting between Mac Crue Min and my sister. Crue Min was busy reading the international newspaper that had been provided by the airport while my 2^nd sister was entertaining herself with the movies provided by the airplane. Here I’m left alone again (as usual) scribbling on this special booklet a.k.a my only companion during this time, while listening to my favorite Chinese singer from Taiwan, Jay Chou and another from Malaysia by the name of Ah Niu.  

Although I don’t know the meaning of those songs sung by both the singers but it was fun listening to the melody and the beat of their famous music. Jay Chou’s music has the very solemn kind of music style while Ah Niu’s music is jovial, hilarious and cheery. His specialty was just being himself. Wearing just a normal Malaysian “kampung” (country in Malay) boy would wear. He wears very simple attire which was just a pair of short pants, a singlet and a pair of slippers for his performance. Is something very different from the other singers’ right? Just by being himself, he became very famous throughout Asia. He being different was what captured my attention to his music in the first place. I like singers who are unique and different. That’s me. I would like to be something different too and not a copycat. What I learnt from my lecturer recently was not to copyright people’s ideas; this was one of the Mass Commer’s BIGGesT rules.

Besides Asian singers I used to love listening to Western singers, boy bands like, Westlife, Nsync, SClub7 and Blue but I’ve grew out of it few years ago. Now I prefer the local Korean singers more. Korean movies have been a BiG Hit in Asia now and I’m getting glued to some Korean songs because of the never ending love dramas that were shown on our famous local TV channel, channel 6. I’ve recently finished watching Glass Shoes not on TV but my parents bought us the  whole set of DVDs. I just gobbled up the 5 DVDs in 5 days. What a TV addict I am. Lolz….but watching TV is my homework. (a very good excuse to make)

To Be Continued........

A Ride to the Airport & a Flashback of

 a Very Embarrassing Moment for Jiunwei.

I’m leaving Seoul and flying to New York soon, reaching New York the next morning. Dad was kind enough to fetch my 2^nd sister, HuShin and I to the airport early in the morning. Mac Crue Min would be meeting us in the airport at 1am sharp because we’re supposed to check in 30 min before the 2am flight. The 2 hours journey to the Korean National Airport was a very boring one. Dad is busy concentrating in his driving while my 2^nd sister was very tired after a day of being a homemaker at home.

I was left alone pondering about the last time when we traveled to the airport. Not to catch a flight in the airport but to send Jiunsi off to Japan. It was sort of a farewell kind of thing when parents are not very keen to send their child off. Anyway, during that journey to the airport, (5 years back then). Something very embarrassing happened to Jiunwei. Since no one is going to read this secret journal, I’m going to be happy enough to scribble down every detail of his embarrassing moment. Hopefully our “Miss Radio Reporter of the Raeys”, Miss HuShan would not secretly read my journal if not Jiunwei will be in great trouble again. The little Miss busybody would tell everyone who knows Jiunwei or to say in simple terms, the whole school and the household would know including distant cousins and friends.

So far only Dad, Mom, Jiunsiang, Jiunsi and I knew about this incident. Jiunwei had pleaded us not to tell anyone else and had made us promise him on the spot.  Dad as usual was driving while mom was just quietly sitting on the car seat next to him accompanying him quietly. Jiunsiang, Jiunsi and I were cracking a lot of jokes to entertain each other before Jiunsi leave us. It seems like as if we’re not going to see Jiunsi again. We want to give Jiunsi a very good farewell memory before he leaves and not showing our teardrops. (to tell you the truth I was controlling my tears when he left Korea to settle in Japan. )

Anyway, I’ll just continue the story about the past incident. Suddenly Jiunwei, told us that he needed to ease himself very much. We were then in the middle of a busy highway and dad found it hard to stop at the side of the road. Instead of easing himself outside the car, Jiunwei have to do it unnaturally. My parents told him to do it in an empty mineral bottle. The cheeky 9 year old, was a little embarrassed to do so with the help of Jiunsi and I holding up the blanket for him, incase someone would look through the car window. He was just giggling at the same time feeling uneasy to do so in front of us. Finally, he has to do what my parents ask of him because he couldn’t stand waiting longer or it’ll explode. Without us noticing, Jiunwei covered himself with his blanket, without our help, for security purpose and ease himself that way.

Well it was very disgusting because I believe that there will be germs around but we can’t help it. The water bottle of yellow urine was then thrown into the airport toilet blow when we reached there. Erm….indeed disgusting but it was the fact, and it happened that way. My parents then warn Jiunwei not to do it again. That was an emergency that is why we allowed him to do so. If he do that again we’ll embarrass him by telling Hushan.  

I’m still wondering how is Huyen doing at this point of her life. She is already 10 years old. 3 more years and she’ll be in Highschool. The only thing that can proof that I’m her sister is by telling her that she has a very nice Korean silk with her. It was my family tradition to give it to every members of the Raey family, since my ancestor. It is not a culture that Koreans does but it is just purely for our own family to know and to easily identify ourselves incase we are separated to stay in different places. I prayerfully hope that she’s still having it. Alright I’ll just stop here. It’ll be good to rest, it’s too dark to write, I’ve tried my best by using my mobile’s torchlight but it’s still too dark.

                                                                 To be Continued....                             

Dish made by Mom

Summer Holidays

Yay! It’s finally summertime. It’ll be a few months of never ending leisure. I wish that it will be a perfect one. I’ll be going to New York in a few days time. Dad had already booked the air tickets through his mobile. He is the one who will be sponsoring our trip. Thank you so much dad, how could I repay your kindness? Muaks love you….

It’ll just be HuShin, Crue Min and me. Although I’m still a little worried about a “not so lively trip”, but my eagerness to search for my lost sister had allowed me to forget all worries of an unexciting flight to New York City. Lately, I have been hanging out with Huye Min and Crue Min every weekend. I still felt very distance from Huye Min’s twin; we had nothing in common, really…. nothing in common at all. Our hobbies are totally different and the way we carry ourselves are totally opposite.

Example, I like interacting with people, when I meet them but Crue Min had made me feel very uneasy all the time. This was due to his quiet personality. I told Huye Min about my worries about Crue Min but Huye Min just reminded me that Crue Min just needed some warming up because I’m still new to him. She added that, Crue Min had always been the “quiet one” in their family and seldom interacts with people especially girls of his age. There here again you see we’re totally opposite. In my family, although I’m considered a not so noisy ones but I’m still a quiet talker. Sigh, hope, what Huye Min said about her twin is accurate. Just have to wait a little longer to see. Alright I will give Crue Min some more time. Lolz what am I talking about? Am I writing about Crue Min again? He is not that important, so why bother about him not talking to me? This is really funny huh. Will have to stop scribbling about Crue Min. Lets talk about, erm today’s food.

Mom had made a yummilicious famous Korean dish for dinner, “pulgogi”, or also known as “fire beef” in English. It is a thinly sliced marinated beef. Some call it barbecued beef, and it is also a popular dish among tourist too. A spicy hot “kimchi” is also added in the dish. My mom once told me when she taught me how to cook, that “kimchi” is a valuable source of Vitamin C. Mom told me that “kimchi” is good for health. Although I’m a Korean, I still can’t eat such spicy food. Mom reminded me about my younger days as a primary school student. I often cry when I taste anything too spicy for me.

                                                                                               To be Continued....

Huye Min in Uni

Aahh… I finally reach Uni, after the morning massive traffic jam. It’s only 8:30am. I think I have to grab something to bite. I haven’t taken my breakfast. Oh there is Huye Min, she is also in the canteen now. She look very upset over something, I can sense it without asking. She is the closest person to me, other than my 2^nd brother and youngest brother.

Hu Tien: Hey gal, what’s going on..?

Huye Min: Erm..nothing much, not a big deal. Remember I’ve promised to accompany you to New York? I can’t make it this time round because “jomo” (grandma) had asked me to help her with her housework. Due to her old age she can’t do everything by herself. As you know my parents are too busy with their business, they have no time for us at all.

Hu Tien: It is alright Huyemin, I understand your situation. Nevermind, I’ll remember to invite you the next time we go for a tour.

Huye Min: But my brother will still be going, because he needs to meet our uncle and cousins that are staying in New York.

Hu Tien: I’ll tell my dad to cancel one ticket then.

Huye Min: Thanks, Hu Tien and sorry that I can’t go searching for Huyen with you. My “hyeongje” will be helping you up. Don’t worry, at least there is a young man accompanying both you and your “jamae”. Just in case anything happens. Don’t look down on my twin’s ability he is very good in taekwando. (Huye Min giggled as she whispered about her elder twin Crue Min)

Hu Tien: Huye Min, I’m glad to see you giggling now and I don’t have to see you in your sad face. (I said smiling at her) Let’s go to the library now, as planned, we still have 50 mins left before our morning class starts.

So now Huye Min will not be able to make it. I wondered if I could clique well with her twin brother as we have not much similarity. Although, from the same course. Different from Huye Min, Crue Min is not so easy to relate to. He’s majoring in Journalism, he get a distinction for mandarin language for his finals last year and I haven’t sat down and talk to him before. That is why I’m getting a little worried that it’ll be a B.O.R.I.N.G trip without Huye Min and Jiunsi.  

Hutien, don’t worry; you’ll have a fun time in New York. Remember if you find Huyen then the trip will be an adventures one. The trip will be interesting if you want it to be. Go Hutien….you can make the trip nice. Crue Min is not bad after all; you can get to know your best friend’s brother better and stop doubting and assuming the way he lives. You can find it by yourself. This was how I assured myself.

Car ride to School

Jiunwei: ahh…finally we’re heading to school. Sorry to hurry you “jamae”, I hope I haven’t troubled you much because I am suppose to meet someone in school today.

Hutien: it’s alright it doesn’t matter, I’m rushing to university myself, don’t worry about me. It’ll always be better to be early. I’ll make sure I’ll be earlier the next time.

Hushan: Hyeongje, who are you planning to meet? Who is the mystery person that you’ve been meeting with recently? Is it a she or he?

Jiunwei blushing) erm…no…it isn’t a “so.nyeo”(girl in Korean)…erm alrite she is a “so.nyeo” but….we’re just friends and not more than that. Friends alright?

Hushan: Oh is that the “so.nyeo” that you’ve been eyeing at during sports day?

Jiunwei whole face turned as red as a tomato)

Hushan: alright, alright, it looks like someone is extremely embarrassed. You like her right “hyeongje”?

Jiunwei: never, we’re just friends. (Jiunwei denied)

Hushan: I believe you like her, just tell me the truth, I won’t tell anyone. I promised not to be a radio station of Raeys reporting to every individual of the family. (kidding)

Jiunwei: how can I believe you? You have always been a famous radio reporter of Raey family. I remembered when we’re both 7, you told everybody that a girl kissed me on the cheek.

Hushan: That was so many years back. “hyeongje”, please…. I promise I won’t okay?k? k? (asking him as Jiunwei looked out of the window, and did not bother about her pleas.)

After a few minutes

Hushan: Alright then, I’ll check out myself, since you don’t want to tell me. Huh. You’re such a terrible “hyeongje”.

Jiunwei just kept quiet ignoring her and looked a little dreamy)

I can’t believe that they are already in their teens. Although Hushan is much a baby compared to Jiunwei, I can’t believe that they are now 14. 3 more years and they’ll enter college life, just like me. Jiunwei liking someone is not something abnormal for young people their age. It is high time that they know about BGR, boy girl relationship and not fall in the trap of Pre-marital sex. Teenagers nowadays are much different from teenagers my time. We had more fun being in a group then being two by two. Anyway I trust both of them; nothing like this will happen to them if they think about our parents first.

Jiunwei: hey “jamae” careful, the light turns green already. Didn’t your instructor tell you not to write while you are driving?  You are scaring us with your driving already. I wonder how you pass your driving test. (in a kidding gesture)

Hutien: sorry ya guys? (feeling a little embarrassed)

Jiunwei: drive safely I don’t want anything to happen to my favorite “jamae”.

Hutien: alright, I will.

We reached school on time, Jiunwei hugged me. He is much taller compared to last time when I’m still in my secondary school days and him in his primary school days.

Have to hurry to Uni (University) now. The earliest class will be 10am. 1/2 an hour drive from here. It is just 7:45am now. I’ll be a little earlier today but good enough for me to check my mails and try to accomplish my assignments that will be due few days from now. Better get going. I’ve also told Huye Min that I’ll be meeting up with her in the library an hour before class starts.

                                                                                                                                    To Be Continued....