A Simple Disciple's Life

June 6, 2010

A short rant on the Israeli raid

Here is a quick rant... I took some time to look at the whole 'israeli raid' thing. Lets put it that way: no angels on either side. But I'm a bit annoyed at people's overreaction on this. I have the impression that some people took the 'OMG Israel evil' line without doing any analysis.

Let me summarize my thoughts: the raid shouldn't have happened in the first place. That was IDF's mistake. But since it did, I'm giving a lot of blame on the activitists on the ship. When you're dealing with special forces, a Gandhian approach is highly advisable. Let me repeat that: if you are dealing with a bunch of elite soldiers armed to the teeth, you should do this: a) duck for cover and b) offer passive resistance at the most.

The activists had prepared themselves for the raid. You could claim that the iron bars were improvised weapons one grabbed on the spur of the moment, but that doesn't fly when we talk stun grenades, slingshots and pepper spray. Also, if you walk around with a big metal bar and throw something at a IDF commando, don't be surprised if you get a bullet in the head. More on that later.
Have a look at the IDF footage. Even if the soldiers interviewed were lying and evidence planted, you got some scary images.
http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk#p/c/D367B77C57326D3E/2/0LulDJh4fWI

In particular, look at those two:
http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk#p/c/D367B77C57326D3E/1/B6sAEYpHF24
http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk#p/c/D367B77C57326D3E/2/0LulDJh4fWI

On the IDF side, you have to wonder who's the guy/girl who coordinated the assault. Did they sleep during their strategy class? The IDF ships approaching the vessel were thrown stuff at, including stun grenades. Don't get surprised when some of your commandos get attacked BEFORE they even finish reaching down. I'm no military commander, but I think this situation demanded a LOT of flashbangs before you put any of your commandos down.
And I'm not the only one thinking along those lines:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896796,00.html

Some people were accusing the IDF of sending grenades first. I haven't seen that. Maybe I just haven't seen the right video. If that is true, that's a pretty gross human rights violation right there. But I doubt they did that, because I have problems believing that a bunch of guys would be patiently waiting for commandos to come down the ropes to beat them if they just had received a few grenades their way. We're talking about a ~15m antipersonnel blast radius here.
The biggest DOH here: why did they even raid in the first place? They were in international waters, and they were underwhelmed... Can't you wait until the ship reaches territorial waters and wait for it with a much bigger force?

I am an armchair analyst, so take my word for what its worth... Now, for the other armchair analysts who are bound to criticize me: don't come up with this slingshots vs bullets argument. First, because I know for a fact that you can use a slingshot with metal balls to hunt small animals (my dad has that equipment), so that's a real threat. Second, because we are talking about a combat situation with microsecond reaction time: nobody has time to do any threat analysis. If you're attacking a commando, expect a bullet back. Consider yourself lucky if you got a kick in the gut or a rifle's stock in the face.

It looks to me like both sides wanted a fight, and they got it. Shame on IDF for assaulting a ship in international waters. Shame on the minority of crazy activists who transformed their vessel in a small warzone.

Posted by ma at 8:18 AM | TrackBack

March 8, 2010

Lots of backdated updates...

Here it is in short:
- I was back home for the holidays and had a great time
- I watched a ton of movies in movie festivals (American Chai, Sita Sings the Blues, Cleo de 5 a 7, Auroville, Jules et Jim)
- I attended some concerts organized by the Hyderabad Western Music Forum
- I've been doing better spiritually and I've been more involved in the church
- I'm building a relationship with an awesome sister in the USA

The last two will benefit from prayers. Please don't hesitate.

Posted by ma at 9:10 PM | TrackBack

December 10, 2009

Political Agitation

This week, we had a few days of political agitation. The issue was the splitting of the Andhra Pradesh state so that the northern part of it would become a separate state. That part is called Telangana.

The leader of that movement was fasting to death, supporters were making demonstrations, shops were closed, etc. A few of my teammates were unable to come. Church on Sunday was migrated to house churches.

Now, its over. The Central government has decided to grant the request. The rest is a matter of how and when. Splitting a state, establishing a new capital, making elections... this is going to take time to set in place.

Posted by ma at 10:54 PM | TrackBack

Trip to Chhinwada

Oh man! I spent a few days in southern Madya Pradesh, for a friend's brother's wedding. I did a little bit of sightseeing too.

Quite a trip it is! I had to take a bus from Hyderabad to Nagpur, then a jeep from Nagpur to the city. That's roughly 10.5 hours.

Things were OK, but a bit below expectations. I wanted to do much more sightseeing than that. Nevertheless, it was good to be out from the city.

Things were hectic for coming back. My bus was canceled because of the political agitation in Hyderabad. But my travel agent managed to get me and my friend in another bus, and we made it to Hyderabad early enough on Monday to avoid the agitations then.

See the pictures here:

Chhinwada

Posted by ma at 10:38 PM | TrackBack

October 25, 2009

AR Rahman's Concert

I attended AR Rahman's concert in Hyderabad this Saturday. The attendance was estimated at 50'000. The tickets were costing between 500 Rs and 25'000 Rs. Surprisingly, the higher the price, the more the sections were filled with people.

I felt that the 500Rs section was so empty...

Anyways, the profits will go to the flood victims. In case you didn't know, we had major floods in AP a few weeks ago. My company organized a donation drive about that, and gave about 25'00'000 Rs.

Back on topic, the concert was great. Since most of the songs were from movies he made the music for, it didn't connect as much as the others around me. Still, this composer is great, and the performing artists did a good job. We had fireworks during Jai Ho at the end. And there was this huggggggge screen at the back that was used very creatively during the concert. It gave great ambiance. Money well spent.

Posted by ma at 12:39 PM | TrackBack

October 19, 2009

Trip to Chennai

I went to Chennai and Mahabalipuram this weekend. Just for sightseeing.

I put some pictures online.

Posted by ma at 7:48 PM | TrackBack

October 14, 2009

Retreat in Bangalore and Dates

I recently went to a church retreat in Bangalore. It was pretty nice. It gave me some room to think, and I realized that I had been holding back a lot on my commitment to God. So the experience was uplifting.

In parallel to that, I was supposed to have 4 dates. I stayed an extra day and booked a flight for that sake. 2 sisters canceled at the last minute! Of the 2 that are left, I had 2 dates with one and 1 date with the other. I'm not too attracted by any of them, truth be told. But I'll go a second time to Bangalore to give this a final chance.

I had a date prepared in Chennai. She too chickened out. The common problem is that sisters don't want to marry a foreigner. As far as I'm concerned, such racial thinking belongs to the 19th century, and those who engage in it are retards, and it doesn't belong in the church. We are all one in Christ. We are individuals, and not representatives of a given sub-species (or whatever you want to call it). Further, we have to be ready to go anywhere and do anything for God. So how is it acceptable to be afraid of leaving your backyard? Instead of tackling the concerns and insecurities head on and be concerned of matters of character and compatibility, the Indian church is letting this retrograde and immature thinking go unchecked.
A brother was telling me he was denied dates in the US because he's Indian. I see from this that retardation is not constrained to India, but can be anywhere in the world. This is sad, unspiritual, and needs to be weeded out from the church with upmost dedication.

End of rant.
P.S. I now officially have no hope of getting married in India. Miracles can still happen...

Posted by ma at 10:21 PM | TrackBack

September 23, 2009

Ramoji Film City and Brrrrraaaaiiiiinnnnnsss

On Monday, we had a holiday, and I visited Ramoji Film City with a colleague from Mumbai. It was OK, but many steps below La Ronde in Montreal.

Yesterday, we ordered fried mutton brains for dinner. Yummmmy! I guess that makes me a zombie :)

Posted by ma at 4:03 PM | TrackBack

September 18, 2009

Visa Extension Work Done

Just a quick update...

It took me 1.5 days to get this done, but it is done...
On Wednesday, I had to rush to the office to get a document from HR, then rush back to the Foreigners' Registration Office (FRO) to get the forms. Then off to pay the challan for the fee (they take cash only, and there is no ATM near by) and then finally get all my documents attested (I didn't have enough cash... the ATM nearby was not working and the nearest ATM was 15 minutes of walk away...) I was back home tiiiiired. I went to bed at 19:30.
On Thursday, I went to the FRO early, I got the gentle welcome of the frontline officer who looks like he doesn't like his job. Then go inside to stab all my documents so that I can tie them in a nice little bundle. Then come back, give the bundle and start waiting.

Now, I have a piece of paper that says that my stuff is in process. Yay.

Posted by ma at 7:54 AM | TrackBack

August 26, 2009

Its that time of the year...

Festival galore in India!
First, we had a Jain festival this week, Paryushan.
Then, its Ramzan, better known as Ramadan. The mosques aren't enough to contain the believers praying in the evening, and I saw some praying in the street next to the mosque yesterday evening.
Oh, and we have Ganesha Chaturthi and there is plenty of temporary Ganesh shrines all over the place, except in my neighbourhood. At least there is ONE advantage in being in a predominately Muslim area ;)

Posted by ma at 5:24 PM | TrackBack

August 25, 2009

Batch of Updates :)

- I went to the Singles' Retreat in Delhi... major waste of time and money. There was some encouragement from the messages, that is true. My search for a life partner was not fruitfult, sadly. I'll post some pics soon.
- Working on a paper that is due at month's end for a conference in Chennai.
- Witnessed two baptisms last Sunday. Amen!!! One new baby brother and one baby sister :)
- Had a rock solid moment of discipling with the leaders and it was great! I've been challenged clearly and they (finally!) told me that I needed to improve some things in my character if I want to get married. Hope is back :)
- My work is progressing slowly but surely. We should reach a milestone this week.

Posted by ma at 12:00 PM | TrackBack

August 6, 2009

Major Stuff Happening

Ok, lets summarize this

- I've taken the decision to stop attending leader meetings in the church... I am not doing so well spiritually, and it would be hypocritical to keep on pretending like I've been doing for some time now.
- I've had friends coming over from Mumbai and I got to show them around, I finally got to see some of my city! 'Veiled Rebecca' in the Salar Jung Museum is an amazing sculpture!
- I'm getting good feedback on my driving
- My car is majorly scratched, courtesy of the kids in the neighbourhood and of my lousy parking skills (and my lousy parking)
- I am considering yet another scheme to start a PhD... the saga isn't over! Essentially, try to do the research now and be officially registered as a student later.
- I've given my notice to my landlord. I'll be gone on Oct 1st. I've started looking for apartments near the national park, so that I can do jogging in the morning!

Posted by ma at 9:43 PM | TrackBack

July 20, 2009

Got a New Car

Yes... you've read it well!

The lousiness of Hyderabad's public transit has finally driven me over the edge. I've gotten a car with some financial assistance, and I'm driving to work now.

You can say that my pragmatism has finally triumphed over my idealism.
As luck would have it... I've gotten it just after the price increase.

At 50 Rs per litre, it makes it easy to do math, but it really hurts the budget. (That's 1 USD or 1.25 CAD, approximatively... can you say heavily taxed?)

I've gotten to the RTO get this thing registered today. I'll soon have my license plate.

The car is a Chevrolet Spark. It claims to have good mileage, but I've yet to see that in reality.

Posted by ma at 8:36 PM | TrackBack

July 16, 2009

Now Officially a Polluter

I got a car. I did.

Yes, me. The environmentalist. The guy who was recycling every piece of paper.

No, not even with LPG, I wasn't able to afford it.

So I'm polluting to go to work and to come back. And doing errands. And soon for meeting brothers and the like.

I'm a bit ashamed. But there was little way around it. I can't live close to both work and church, the trains suck and the buses are overcrowded. I've dealt with it for 9 months. I've been thinking about it since month 6...

God willing, He'll bring me to another city or country that will have fantastic public transit. And recycling. Maybe I'll be able to atone for my destruction of the world somehow at some point.

I hope.

Posted by ma at 10:41 PM | TrackBack

July 13, 2009

Save More Than Fuel

Good website, with simple advice to get the best mileage from your car

http://www.savemorethanfuel.eu/

Posted by ma at 11:16 AM | TrackBack

June 22, 2009

Machine Guns at the Office Today

We had the visit of a VIP at the office today. There were a couple of police officers in uniform, and plenty of plainclothes officers in plain clothes, and with a sniffer dog. Apparently, the guys were 'black cats', the NSG. Rumours say that the VIP was an ambassador, and hence the heavy security.

Still, that freaked me out a bit. You know... military weaponry a few meters away from you...

Posted by ma at 3:13 PM | TrackBack

June 13, 2009

Hyderabad Theatre Festival

Until tomorrow, its the Hyderabad Theatre Festival. Yes, there is some refinement in this city!!!

Posted by ma at 11:07 PM | TrackBack

June 7, 2009

Monsoon Rains

I don't know if monsoon has officially started, but we're having quite a shower right now.

And, as usual, the power is down. But my laptop has a battery, and I'm plugged directly onto my ISP's wire (no equipment in between) so I'm able to blog despite all that. Crazy huh :D

Posted by ma at 4:32 PM | TrackBack

May 21, 2009

Power Failure

On Tuesday, as we were about to leave the ministry gathering to share our faith with the people, a storm started and knocked the power. We could not go out, so we lighted a few candles and played some games until it stopped.

The cut was spread to many parts of the city. Going home in the dark isn't fun, and I'm reaching home and I'm baking in the heat... only that small hand fan saved me from cooking on the spot!

I asked a brother, and he told me that it was happening nearly every day during monsoon. Oh, and did I mention the streets were flooded?

Posted by ma at 7:54 PM | TrackBack

May 13, 2009

The joy of simple things

This weekend, I got fed up of waiting for my fridge to be fixed. The repairman "fixed" it, but it wasn't working.
I had the wisdom of asking a brother to try it out, so that I don't have to pay a fortune each time.

So, I'm in super-hot summer, no fridge, and the big bottle of water is empty.

First, I got a fridge on Sunday. That was easy... go to 2-3 shops, get the prices, then send brothers to bargain the price for me. Then, I get it delivered, plug it in and its working!

The store that sells the water didn't deliver the day before. I called and they don't have anyone to deliver. I went back and got my deposit back. I moved to the other store that sells that... to find it closed! I roamed around my neighbourhood... but noone else sells that. Call a brother again, and he got me some water. Its a short-term fix though...

But still... I put the water in the fridge, went to do some groceries, and I had the PLEASURE of taking a cold glass of water. I was giddy drinking water!!!

Then the brothers came and we started watching a DVD together while eating food.

All in all, a lot of simple things gave me joy last Sunday!

Posted by ma at 1:19 PM | TrackBack

May 4, 2009

Long Weekend

We had a long weekend, since Friday was worker's day.

I went with brothers to the Osman Sagar lake.

View Larger Map

They had a swim in it, but I abstained. I was afraid my skin would turn green. The place is very quiet, very peaceful. We have almost no engine noises, breeze, and birds chirping.
I had quite the sunburn though, even though I creamed myself with SPF 50 sun lotion. Oh well.

On Saturday, I played Warcraft III. I bought it for 50 Rs at a charity sale of the expat's club!!! And I hunted for Eucalyptus lotion to soothe my painful skin.

On Sunday, after church, I went with my friend and did some computer fixing for him. Then I took the time to learn how to drive a scooter in a safe environment. I've managed OK, but its far from being skilled enough to go to work. Its a start though.

Posted by ma at 10:26 AM | TrackBack

April 28, 2009

Post-Vacation News

So everything went well flying back to India. Except for a mess-up by Lufthansa that made me waste a looooooooooot of time, I had the usual enjoyable travel experience.
That mess-up is that my 16:20 flight was shifted to 18:00 or so, which would have been a tight connection. So I asked to have a 17:00 flight. All in all, I could've spent some more time with my friends at church on Sunday.

Then, I arrived.

Hyderabad airport is... interesting. Things go relatively smoothly with the officials and stuff. But once you get out, you know that you're in India. Anyways, I got myself to a Radio Cab (I'm not taking the bus past midnight) and it cost me ~ 650 Rs to get back home. Expensive, but manageable.

I slept and went to work the next day. And then bad surprises came: nothing was completed. The hurdles they faced along the way made them loose enough time so that things weren't done. So, I had to roll up my sleeves and we got things working. The demo to senior folks in the organization is tomorrow. I'm looking forward for this phase to be over.
Then, I'll be able to focus on my research again :)

Other than that... I'm in the full swing of summer. The temperature will sometimes be above 37 degrees centigrade in the afternoon. Oy! During weekends, I end up doing a siesta every afternoon... I can't manage the heat very well.

Ministry-wise, I got encouragement from a brother yesterday. I was feeling down because I felt unproductive for God. He told me that, since the church wasn't doing well, the mere fact that a brother is taking responsibility is a big deal. I didn't think of it that way, and it helps me feel useful again.

In other news, I have decided not to apply for the Tata Nano. I am thinking of learning to drive a motorcycle and getting a nice cheap scooter. A car will be expensive, and I need to learn to drive manual anyway. The final decision is not taken yet. I want to get a learner's license and learn the motorcycle driving to get a feel of it. If the feel is good, I'll go ahead.

Marriage-wise, nothing will happen for some time. There is some mega-matchmaking session that will happen in August, and I have been told to wait and participate in that.
That guarantees that I won't get married in 2009. That's a disappointment, but I must live with it. Prayers encouraged!

Posted by ma at 5:42 PM | TrackBack

April 13, 2009

End of Vacation

I'm just finishing 2 weeks of vacation in Quebec. It was great, and relaxed me.

What did I do?
- sleeping lots and lots
- 3 days of ski
- 2 full-body massages
- reimbursed my parents the money I owed them (whohooooooooooo, no debt!!!)
- Caught up with old friends in Montreal

Posted by ma at 2:06 AM | TrackBack

March 17, 2009

What Have I Been Up To?

Its been a few weeks. Nothing happened? Think again.

On the first Friday of the month, we had a 'prayer night' with the brothers. Two came and we must've prayed a big... 45 minutes :(

My fridge is dead for a month now. The compressor needs to be replaced. That's half of the price I paid for it. The guy I bought it from doesn't come, and I'm not feeling like clearing time in my schedule for waiting for his (potential) visit. So I'll get it fixed when I'm out of town by delegating it.
Gotta love Hyderabad! In Mumbai, this thing would've been fixed in 2-4 days.

I was sick with food poisoning for most of last week. I had to hide in the doctor's room and sleep on the bed there sometimes. I was barely able to work even.

I have been hanging out with the expats a little bit, and with some other trainees some. One friend was surprised to see me in a pub. And he was even more surprised to see me resist his repeated offers for free beer. In 5 years of Christianity, I've gotten some resistance against peer pressure :)

My weekends are busy with social activities, doing whatever needs to be done, and church. Lately, I started giving a class about the early church. It feels great to be involved in teaching again!

There was a book sale at work. I bought a Stephen Hawkins book as well as Anne Frank's diary. Its an entertaining read, seriously! And I didn't know what kind of challenges the Europeans were suffering during WW2.

Posted by ma at 1:50 PM | TrackBack

February 23, 2009

Weekend in Mumbai

I spent the weekend in Mumbai. I took the bus on the way there and on the way back.

First, I have to say, bus sucks if you don't want to watch a movie. Truly, Indian's ability to sleep despite major disturbances eludes me!
Anyways, choose between watch and don't sleep or don't watch and don't sleep.
So on my way there, it was Ghajini. The love story in itself was worth watching. The violence was not needed.
On the way back, it was Fashion, which was stereotype-filled piece of fanservice.

Leaving the movies aside, I attended a friend's wedding, saw a play at Prithvi theater in Juhu (Hamlet, remade by clowns, very funny!) on Saturday. On Sunday, I went to Leopold Cafe and had FANTASTIC pesto pasta. hhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Then, my friends and I walked about in Colaba and took in the view. We Andherites never go there... I didn't go for a long time when I was living in Mumbai... all that you need is between Bandra and Malad, so why bother?

Anyways, it was great to catch up with my old friends :D

Posted by ma at 8:54 PM | TrackBack

February 18, 2009

Other Misc Updates

I have gotten my driver's license. Legally, and no bribes too. The process was really painless, I must say, and nearly quick. Yup.
Don't get excited though...

I've gotten failed 3 times last Sunday. The plumber didn't come. The repair person didn't come. My friend didn't show up when we were supposed to go see a movie together.
And I didn't even get to see the movie!

So, I have a fridge that is not keeping things cold, a pipe from which nauseous gases come out, and a boring Sunday that was supposed to be packed and productive.

And I've been trying to get a stabilizer for said fridge, only to have the shop selling it in the neighbourhood not be open when I needed it.

Oh, and I'm getting a new doctor (again!) for one constant problem I've been trying to get healing on. Its the 3rd in 3 months, litterally. Lets hope that '3 is a charm' is gonna work for me.

And things have not been working out too well for me with my scheme to stay late at night during the week.

I'm in Hyderabad, without a vehicle. That means that stores don't stay open super late, doctors don't work late (nor early, for the most part) and people won't be available either. And I can't order stuff on the Internet either for all my needs. And distances are farther than in Montreal. Suffice to say that a Montreal-like strategy isn't working.
Personal things don't get done well, so I'll need to switch to a more classical 9-6 and stick to it. I'm not so happy about that (less freedom, more stuff to do on weekends instead of having a social life), but it would make more sense for me and would make me more useful as a servant of God.

That also means more discipline, and having super-productive netcafe sessions when I get everything email-related done in one shot (despite the slowness of the connection). Can't think of a better approach.

At least I'm trying to optimize...

Posted by ma at 7:28 PM | TrackBack

Other Misc Updates

I have gotten my driver's license. Legally, and no bribes too. The process was really painless, I must say, and nearly quick. Yup.
Don't get excited though...

I've gotten failed 3 times last Sunday. The plumber didn't come. The repair person didn't come. My friend didn't show up when we were supposed to go see a movie together.
And I didn't even get to see the movie!

So, I have a fridge that is not keeping things cold, a pipe from which nauseous gases come out, and a boring Sunday that was supposed to be packed and productive.

And I've been trying to get a stabilizer for said fridge, only to have the shop selling it in the neighbourhood not be open when I needed it.

Oh, and I'm getting a new doctor (again!) for one constant problem I've been trying to get healing on. Its the 3rd in 3 months, litterally. Lets hope that '3 is a charm' is gonna work for me.

And things have not been working out too well for me with my scheme to stay late at night during the week.

I'm in Hyderabad, without a vehicle. That means that stores don't stay open super late, doctors don't work late (nor early, for the most part) and people won't be available either. And I can't order stuff on the Internet either for all my needs. And distances are farther than in Montreal. Suffice to say that a Montreal-like strategy isn't working.
Personal things don't get done well, so I'll need to switch to a more classical 9-6 and stick to it. I'm not so happy about that (less freedom, more stuff to do on weekends instead of having a social life), but it would make more sense for me and would make me more useful as a servant of God.

That also means more discipline, and having super-productive netcafe sessions when I get everything email-related done in one shot (despite the slowness of the connection). Can't think of a better approach.

At least I'm trying to optimize...

Posted by ma at 7:28 PM | TrackBack

February 12, 2009

Cycling Around Hyderabad

Yup, you read it well.

This weekend, I purchased a bicycle. I'm using it to go to the train station and back. Its a 10-15 minutes trip. Not bad, considering that this is as much time as you'd spend waiting for the bus to come AT BEST. And its roughly the cost of 200 Rickshaw rides, about 10 months' worth of rickshaws (unidirectional) rides. So it'll have paid itself off by year's end, and then its free :)

Other than that?
Life is OK. I'm doing a bit less well than before though. I feel irritated and stressful more often. Its more challenging to be spiritual, and I feel ravenously hungry all the time. I guess I need to double-check the side effects of that pill I got prescribed lately...

Posted by ma at 7:21 PM | TrackBack

February 2, 2009

Food Poisoning and Other Non-Fun

Oh well, life happens.

I was sick most of the night from Saturday to Sunday thanks to food poisoning. Things are back to normal now.

I went to the Transport Bhavan to get an Indian driver's license, but I'll have to come back. That day they just weren't doing the licenses, and I needed some documents in original too. Anyway, it is cheapter than to get a new license in Canada, so might as well do it.

My DVD drive in my laptop is broken. Replacing it is 8000 Rs, half of what a new system would cost me. Do I endure things as they are, with the workaround of an external drive? Do I buy a new laptop? Or a new desktop? Do I put the 'net in my house?
So many questions I'd rather not have to consider.

On the + side, I've gathered enough information to take insurance, and I've learnt enough about investing in India to feel confident to start soon enough. Lots of savings are required: travels, marriage, retirement...

Posted by ma at 10:52 AM | TrackBack

January 23, 2009

Weekend in Bangalore

I spent the weekend in Bangalore. A sister was visiting from the Montreal church, and I got to meet her. She broughts lots of stuff for the church here and for me. She's sssssssssssssssssssssssooooooooooooooooooo great!

I had a great time, seriously. Good food, good company, nice visits of landmarks I didn't see before.

Posted by ma at 3:32 PM | TrackBack

January 5, 2009

5 Years as a Christian, Going for a PhD

Yes, you read right.
You can tell I'm crazy...

Last Sunday, on Sunday the 4th, I had a party at my house. To celebrate the fact that I was baptised 5 years ago. Yes, its been 5 years already. I remember when I was a baby Christian being all amazed by the guys who had been there 5 years, and even so with those who were 10.

Now, I'm 5 myself, and I'm involved in the life of young Christians. My evangelist is 20 years in the faith and still radical over all that time.

So, how is it to be kind-of-old? Well, its great! Through all this time, I have become more and more aware of God's Grace for me. I have been blessed so abundently in my life, before and after baptism. And I have goofed up and sinned so often in both periods too. Yet, God has enough Grace to keep on loving me. I have given up on being perfect, and I am accepting that truly, His Grace is sufficient, as the Scriptures say (2 Co 12:9):

'But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.'

The brothers shared movingly too. I was touched when one said that I was impacting because I was ready to face all the hardships that normal Indians have to go through every day just to get to work. Another shared that he was amazed about how I made decisions thinking about God first. Two cases in point: choosing an apartment that is close to the church, when nicer and cheaper options are available closer to work. The other is that I decided to stop using the company bus and went back to the train, even though its more expensive and is more complicated every day, and that because (in part) I was coming too late at church meetings.

Those 5 years have been memorable in many ways.

I have travelled much (Montreal, Switzerland, France, USA and India), moved by the wind of the Spirit.

I have learned much (think about the 2-3 books of mandatory reading for MTP sessions... I miss those!).

I have taught much (conferences on apolegetics, 2-3 messages a week at my peak in Campus).

I have loved much (so many brothers and sisters who have become nearly a part of me).

I have prayed, cried to and supplied Heaven much (but that's still a fraction of what I should).

And I have seen many many changes in my life, by the power of the Spirit.

I have lived more in 5 years than in the 23 that were before it. And I feel I have lived much more than many people have in their whole life.

I am praying for God to give me a long life, so get used to read little introspections like those every 5 years ;)

On other news, I had a conversation with the big boss at my office. Not the CEO, but someone who is only 2 hierarchical levels below... the kind that wear a suit even on Fridays. Ya, that kind of very senior gentleman. I am doing a research job, so getting a PhD is a normal question to have. He told me that I had essentially 2 options ahead of me:

1) stick around for 3 years, then they might send me to do a PhD somewhere that'd be good for my research

2) stick around for 1 year, get confirmed in the company, then start a PhD with a local university, and get various scientists throughout the company to support me before and after.

One way or another, I have to write a research proposal before we move ahead. I'm expecting an easy OK on the proposal, although its possible that he may request more work on solid theoretical foundations.

I'm not looking forward to be still in school at 35, nor do I feel like to give myself a lot of sweating and hardship to do the entrance exams, etc. to get to Harvard, Stanford or MIT. Although getting a PhD from those places is great, it remains that its not a super important goal in my life.

I am vision-driven, and I want to get this project done. And I want to see LOTS of people using it in a professional context. The PhD thing is an extra. It will give me a structure to learn quicker, do my job better and I'll get some recognition for what I did.

I am aware that it will have impact on my job prospects. On one hand plain jobs will be harder to get, and on the other R&D jobs would be harder to get too (since I wouldn't have a top school). I'm not so worried about that. The first case is likely work I wouldn't want to do. The second case may be mitigated by having a good publication record.

And if anyone asks "Why did you get your degree from India?" I can always say "I'm married to an Indian". What, you think I'll stick here 3+ years and stay single?

Don't book your tickets just yet though. I'm praying about all this and consulting the leaders. It'll take nothing short of God's mighty hand to get me married here, for lots of cultural reasons I can't change.

Posted by ma at 1:46 PM | TrackBack

December 30, 2008

'Holidays'

What's up? Well, things are getting better at the office, and then density of problems to handle on a weekly basis has been shooting down lately.

I am pretty much done furnishing my apartment, and I'm more or less ready for hospitality too.

So, we had the Winter Solstice Festival thing. Glad that it is over. Its really annoying to hear "Jingle Bells" sang at church... try to find any praise for God in that one...

Anyways, I didn't celebrate Christmas this year. Didn't go to church, didn't fellowship, no real special dinner (although I cooked something nice for myself) and spent half of the day sleeping.

Work is more interesting. I'm more focused on my research now. I'm slowly writing the proposal. I have still to decide if I'm going for PhD or not. The problem is that there is no real good(read: world-class) engineering school in Hyderabad. Have fun looking at the JNTU website and try to spot all the typos! And did I mention that is a category 'A' institution?

So my only two options are IIIT and IIT, the latter being freshly created and located in the middle of nowehere...

And if I want to do a PhD anywhere else, I HAVE to spend the first year on campus, and that would make living in Hyderabad kind of impossible. So I'm wondering what to do.

I have purchased a lot of furniture from a brother who's moving away to a mission team, and my apartment is nearly done furnishing. I'll post some pictures later.

I've had a few problems lately with my bank... in short, the credit card salesman lied to me. It took them two days to understand what was the nature of my complaint. Wow!
Transportation is an epinous issue. I am wondering about buying a vehicle. A motorcycle is not an exciting idea, as the driving is INSANE around here. A car is expensive to buy and operate.
The company bus works well in the morning, but less well in the evening. I'm always late for church meetings in the week, and sometimes I'm not getting anywhere because its too full and the driver won't budge. So I'm going back to the train. With all its quirks and complications, it remains that I can get somewhere with it!

I'll give more thought at the idea of buying a vehicle. But my green side is not allowing me to make that move. I'm still true to myself ;)

Posted by ma at 1:13 PM | TrackBack

December 17, 2008

Update on the Singles' Ministry

As you all know, I'm a normal brother who's trying to do what he can to help my fellow brothers and sisters to go to Heaven.

Since I can't speak to a sister, even less encourage her, that means that the single brothers are my focus right now.

And things are unfolding nicely.

I have friendships with a few of the brothers, and they are opening up to me.
I invited them to come over last Saturday evening for half-night of prayer, then breakfast and prayer in the morning. It was great! I really felt that a lot of the heart-wrenching decisions I took were paying off that night.
We had prayers in English, Telugu, Hindi and French. How's that for variety?

I have to get some more serious discipling going though. Prayerfully, the Spirit will guide me. So much things need to be done, so many battles to fight, souls to win, and I feel I would need to do 10x what I'm doing now to make even a dent in the backlog. Prayers welcomed.

I discussed with the evangelist, and I will take some brothers along with me to do a study of the Holy Spirit. I needed to do it for myself, and it would enrich the congregation if some folks have a stronger understanding.

Posted by ma at 9:22 AM | TrackBack

December 8, 2008

Marriage Blues

No, I'm not married. But someone got married this weekend.
A brother in Mumbai, and another couple tied the knot in Hyderabad.

I wasn't supposed to attend the wedding in Hyderabad. I had my tickets for Mumbai ready and my packing was done. I had planned a lot of time with old friends. But I got sick. You know, the kind of diarrhea that doesn't get better? After 3 days I was barely able to focus at work. So I left early and went to the doctor and got the pills. And had to cancel my trip.

I spent most of Saturday in bed.

On Sunday, I was feeling a bit better. There was a wedding right after the church service, and I dressed for the occasion. I was the only man with a traditional Indian dress... wow!
But the true wow was with the sisters! They were proud of their roots, and you could see so many colourful and beautiful sarees! Seriously, that much colour can hurt a man's vision for a few days at least...

Seriously, the more I am in India, the more I think that folks in the West have no idea what beauty is.

Back on topic, I did not know any of the two who got married... I had to ask some questions to the bridesmaid and the groomsmen in order to know a bit about them.
Of course I was happy for them. But a more general kind of happy. Like being happy that there are no more people getting killed in Mumbai... yes its a positive feeling, but its not an actively positive one, and its independent of joy.

And, once again, my heart bled, knowing that my turn hasn't come yet. It could've come in the past, and there were opportunities in the church, but none of those looked like the woman of God who would help me build up my brothers and sisters in the faith.
But also, God's daughter deserve the best, and I'm on catching-up mode.
So I wait, I pray, and I work on my character. And the more I fix things, the more I see things to be fixed. And every time I thought I was getting close, I realize that there is another major issue that needs fixing.
I don't give up, but I joylessly move forward. I'm doing what is right, and what is best (in my interest, in my future wife's interest, and in God's Kingdom's best interest), and I stomach the pain of changing.

I have a bit of peace knowing that Jesus didn't always have his emotional needs met. Why do I say that? John the Baptist was beheaded, and He couldn't get much time to mourn (Mt 14), and he was more or less left to Himself in Gethsemane (Mt 26). It is hard for me to let go though... and somehow find peace with the idea that some things I want may or may not happen.

But its the only way forward. It is the victory of surrender, and I will claim it.

Posted by ma at 6:47 PM | TrackBack

November 30, 2008

Récapitulatif - 2 mois

Je suis arrivé il y a 8 semaines déja, et les choses sont en place...

Je vous écris à la suite des attentats terroristes dans mon ancienne ville (Mumbai).
Je vais bien, malgré que je sois ébranlé par ça. De savoir qu'un jour, je pourrais reçevoir une balle parce que ma peau est de la mauvaise couleur dans le cadre d'attentats terroristes. Ou bien de voir mon chez-moi calciné par une foule colérique, car je suis de la "mauvaise" religion.
Et c'est à peine alors que les persécutions contre les chrétiens s'étaient calmées... Il est clair qu'il faut continuer à prier pour ce pays, afin que tous et chacun apprennent a s'aimer et à vivre ensemble.

J'ai passé un mois à vivre dans un logement fourni par l'entreprise, avant de me trouver à dormir chez la mère de l'évangéliste... j'étais presque leur nouveau fils!
Mais maintenant, je vis dans un 4 et demie pour moi tout seul. La décision fut motivée par de la vision que j'aie:
- Rencontres quotidiennes avec des frêres
- Avoir de l'espace pour l'hospitalité
- Avoir un frêre comme coloc (que voulez-vous? La maisonnée Dornal me manque)
- Avoir de l'espace pour faire des fêtes pour les célibataires
- À proximité de la majorité des frères célibataires
- À proximité de l'évangéliste

Et ça veut dire que je dois voyager environ une heure pour aller au travail à chauque jour.
Et ce fut vraiment dur à avoir... problèmes de prix, de proprios (ils ne veulent pas louer à des célibataires), de quartier, etc.
Ce fut une grande lutte, de renoncer à moi-même. Je pourrais être égoïste et me payer un apartement plus moderne, avec les luxes occidentaux. Mais il fallait faire des choix.

Je ne savais pas qu'une machine à laver ça pouvait se remplir au sceau, ni que l'eau chaude venait en option... Disons qu'une douche chaude me manque...

Il y avait beaucoup de travail à faire, et beaucoup de coquerelles à exterminer. J'ai eu de l'aide ahurissante des frères, qui ont nettoyé, peinturé, réparé l'appartement. Et c'est sans compter qu'ils m'ont conduit d'une place à l'autre pour faire tous les achats nécessaires.

L'investissement en vallait la peine. Mon ministère est celui des frères célibataires, et j'ai été vraiment béni par Dieu. En gros, je vous écris juste après avoir fait une petite fête avec une douzaine d'entre eux. Nous avons mangé, prié et joué à des jeux. Oui, vous lisez bien, j'ai trouvé le moyen d'avoir du fun! Pas besoin de vous pincer...

Déja, j'ai des bonnes amitiés avec plusieurs frères, et je vois déja l'impact que je pourrai faire. En gros, ça faisait quelques mois qu'ils ne se sont pas trop confessés. Donc, les choses commencent à sortir, et c'est des montagnes de confessions. Aussi, ils ont souvent bien des questions de foi avec lesquelles je peux aider.
Présentement, on est à la phase du grand ménage, et puis ensuite on mettra en place un d-group dans quelques semaines.

En parallèle avec ça, les dirigeants de Bangalore m'ont "matché" avec une soeur là-bas qui avait vécu à l'étranger. C'était un peu nouveau pour moi comme situation. Enfin, j'ai fait le voyage pour avoir deux dates avec elle et j'ai pu commencé à bâtir une amitié avec elle. Disons que j'était heureux de pouvoir parler avec un soeur, ça me manquait! Ne grimpez pas sur vos rideau! Je ne marierait pas de sitôt. Je me concentre sur l'impact que je peux avoir ici. Encore une fois, pas besoin de vous pincer...

J'ai été très tempté par le matérialisme, par les mauvaises priorités. Mais, Dieu merci, j'ai pu éviter beaucoup d'éceuils jusqu'à présent.

Il y a eu un baptême il y a deux semaines, un jeune frêre qui a étudié la Bible pendant un an et demie. J'étais si heureux de voir que Dieu m'a mis dans une bonne situation spirituelle, moi qui avait vécu un an de désert juste avant.

Le Québec me manque. Pas juste le luxe occidental, mais des choses comme la liberté personnelle, le sentiment de sécurité, la culture, etc. Je me donne des petits traitements de musique Québécoise de temps en temps. "Je reviendrai à Montréal" me fait brailler à chaque fois. L'hiver me manque, et j'espère avoir assez d'argent pour revenir passer des vacances avant que tout fonde!
Faites-vous des bonhommes de neiges et des randonnées de raquette pour moi. Prenez des photos et envoyez-moi ça!

Posted by ma at 8:19 PM | TrackBack

November 27, 2008

Terrorist Attack in Mumbai

For those who are really out of touch with the news...

DNA, Bloodbath in Mumbai
CBC, Gunmen attacks across Mumbai kill at least 101, others held hostage
Cyberpresse, Photos
Cyberpresse, Nuit d'horreur à l'hôtel Taj Mahal de Bombay

And yes, they were targeting foreigners. Remember, I have the wrong skin color...

Posted by ma at 11:10 AM | TrackBack

November 18, 2008

Finally, I'm doing something!

This weekend, I went to a National Park in Banjara Hills with some AIESECers. I then when to City Center, also in Banjara Hills and bought some things at the 'dollar store' there. So I have some decoration in my home :)

On Sunday, we had a baptism at church. That one one of the Bible studies in the single brother's group. I was glad to see that! After that, we went deep into a Muslim neighbourhood to get beef biryani to celebrate. Remember, its illegal in India to kill a cow, except at regulated places...

Still, I've been spending lots of time buying stuff for the new home and cleaning up.

As a sidenote, I have updated my registration with the FRO. Legal compliance is done!

Posted by ma at 11:21 AM | TrackBack

November 14, 2008

Finally Moved In

On this Wednesday, I have started to occupy my new home in Hyderabad.
I did some mopping, some dust-cleaning, and "cooked" dinner for me and a brother helping. It was ramen noodles late in the night. Yuuuuuuuuuuuuummmm...

But its done! Yay!
But no housewarming party just yet. The place still sucks too much to do that.

Posted by ma at 5:51 PM | TrackBack

November 11, 2008

One Month Down the Road

Its now a month that I have been here. God willing, I'm moving in my new flat tonight.

I did my HIV test today, as I am legally required to do. I don't need the results, I know it'll be negative, but I have to have done it, just in case someone in the government feels like not liking me.
It would be interesting to find out which % of foreigners who have to do it have done it...

I went to Bangalore last weekend. I had two dates with a sister, and generally enjoyed myself. I spent a few hours with a former colleague and his daughter. We went to a park and to a state aquarium. I always delight in God's creation, and that time in the aquarium was no different.
I really enjoyed the company of this sister too. She's smart, has wide interests, and has lots of conversation. Don't panic yet... she's not my feminine equivalent... she's not a geek :)
The traveling sucked, and I was in Hyderabad in Monday mostly braindead thanks to my train ride. Oh well.

Lately, I have been witness of two historical events: the successful launch of India's first mission to the moon and the election of Barack Obama. Its great to be witness of history in the making. Who would've thought India would have a real space program? And it certainly beats the Canadian one...
And I was sure that Clinton would've won the Democratic candidacy, only to be beat by McCain down the road...
Maybe I'll revise my judgment on the US in a few years, and make it on the list of places I would accept to live in.

Things are more or less settled at work. I have recently upgraded my computer to Ubuntu 8.10. It is working very well, looks sharp, and I don't have to do much Windows :) The problem that I have is that I don't get much work done, having to deal with all the things that aren't well oiled in the company. Let me give you some examples: papers for FRO registration (HR didn't know what to do), bugs in the accounting system that made it so that I didn't get any money, couldn't apply for advance nor for a loan (HR had to switch to a manual process), and problems with my email that essentially locks me away from the whole intranet (I'll spare you the details), and some neverending workflows which may yield some money at some point.

Anyways, its almost all done now.

I'm moving to my new flat now. Its OK located, but not superb. And everybody in the office is worried about me. Its a Muslim neighbourhood. You know that I don't care about that stuff. But, in Hyderabad, those words are synonymous of poverty (and all the ills that come with it) and of risk of communal violence. I'm not so worried, because I live at the periphery of it, and next to a government facility where I can always run away to in the worst case.
To me, these things are so prevalent anywhere in the country that I don't see much of a risk difference. Prayerfully, God will keep things safe for me.
That flat ended up needing a lot more renovating than I thought it would be. To make matters worst, I had to entrust that to someone to do. That brother is very good to do all that. But the loss of control and the constant delays made it difficult.
Let me summarize:
- I don't have control over what is happening
- I have no money, so I have to rely on others' generosity and hospitality
- I never move in when I think I'm about to move in
- There is always something else to be done
- The work is not always done at the quality I could have done it with.
- Cheap furniture hunting is not so easy. Prices go up when people see me.

Meaning that I had episodes of freaking out every now and then...

Anyways, I'll give it a shot for some time, and I think it'll be OK. If not, I'll move in somewhere else, more expensive, and have to slash some other expenses.

Posted by ma at 10:59 AM | TrackBack

November 5, 2008

3 weeks down the road in India

I'm STILL in transition phase, believe it or not. I should move in to my new apartment soonish, making it a full month of transition.

The good thing: that is making me close to brothers and I'm already having better bonds than in 6 months in Mumbai. That gives you an idea.

Here are the not-so-great things going on, and misc. other things on my mind.

I'm OK. I'm surviving 100% thanks to the church's generosity, since my company has a payroll management that needs a major upgrade.

I should move in my new apartment in a few days. There are a lot of crawling things, and fungus in the water tanks. Once those are thoroughly cleaned (I feel like using the word "sterilized", but I won't go there), I can move in.
That place has running water, but its bore water. City water, that is supposedly treated yet undrinkable has to be carried by hand by the servants who live in the basement of the building. That gives you an idea...
I think you'll agree with me that bottled water is the way to go.

I'm going to Bangalore this weekend. I'll have a date with a sister.
Someone there had the idea of matching us. We'll see how it goes. I already spoke to her on the phone and email, and we definitely get along fine on the conversation side. We'll see how good friends we can be.

I'm considering whether to start a PhD or not... I'm doing a research job right now, so I could be doing this while I'm at it. But the problem is that it forces me to be anchored at a given place for 3+ years.

I'm going through a lot of struggles inside... between selfishness and my career+personal goals vs. what I see that I should do for my brothers and sisters. I'm not sure they are opposites, but I'm not sure how they can be reconciled either.

You can keep me in your prayers, that'd be great!

Posted by ma at 9:46 AM | TrackBack

October 11, 2008

About to return to India

I'm typing this from the the Montreal Airport. I had 3 hours between my flight from Québec to my flight to Frankfurt.

Its a time to summarize what happened in the last 2 months...

Well, they were long.

I had to deal with absorption process stuff. The whole thing was badly documented, and I spent hours in my archives, pulling out documents, making scans, making copies and asking my parents to do the same. Then there was requesting them.
Then the visa, then the follow-ups to the Consulate of uber-slowness.
Then problems getting the ticket back to Hyderabad.
That took time, annoyed me, but still.

I had time to do plenty of stuff.
And I didn't do that much.

Reverse culture shock, and too much pride to really ask for help. That's what really happened. I felt a bit depressed, essentially like not doing anything. It took me a month to pull out of it. I had to get to Montreal, away from my parents' home, just to get the spiritual and social environment I needed.
I was involved in a few Bible studies, but nothing major on the evangelism front.
Weak quiet times, weak faith, weak prayer life, stress, doubt.

But its all behind me. The page is turning, and will be finished turning when I step foot in Hyderabad.

I had some good times... visited some sights, had food at Schwartz's in Montreal, at the Parlementaire, the Laurie et Raphael and the Cochon Dingue in Québec.
I had two nice farewell parties with disciples and friends and I reconnected with many people I knew.

I'm glad of it. And I'm stopping to criticize myself for not doing the most out of it. I learned my lesson, and I'll do a better job at expressing my needs and making them fulfilled in the future. There's plenty ahead of me, and I'm leaving much behind.
I like the idea of a new start, and that is one coming.

I'm sad of leaving my homeland, unsure if I will ever be there again. I'll miss the colours, the family, the friends, the food.
But I'm excited with what is ahead. Research, (possibly) dating, and lots of teaching, meeting needs, loving people.
So I press on.

Posted by ma at 4:26 AM | TrackBack

October 1, 2008

Now a homemaker, kinda

I've been in Montreal for some time now. I'm being hosted by some brothers and... well... lets just say that they need to be taught cleanliness by example.

Which is what I did. The kitchen is a battlezone, and I won a few bouts here and there. I'm making even full victories against the stack of dirty dishes and pans.

But they fight back very hard!

Enough parables... I had to do a lot of little follow-ups that kept me more or less at home, with little to do otherwise. What a boring lifestyle.
I won't demand my wife to ditch her job to be cleaning and cooking!

Posted by ma at 6:12 AM | TrackBack

September 23, 2008

Dépouillement - Dispossession

I am loosing or about to loose a lot of "me", or symbols.

All my furniture was packed and brougth back to my parent's home. They'll sell it. If they can't, they'll donate it away. I won't have much left back in my home land.

I lost my engineer's ring. I slaved 5 years for that. They don't have me in their database, and the certificate should be in India.

I have to return my medicare card before leaving to India. I was so proud of that... that little card that could just give me all the health coverage that I needed. My Indian colleagues were almost jealous

Things are a bit emotional for me. I feel that I have lost a lot of links to my motherland.
I was born there, I lived there, I studied there, and I'm not going to be seen as being from there.
Neither Québécois, nor Indian. Somewhere along the cracks...

I might never live again in Québec, although I certainly hope so.

Posted by ma at 6:35 AM | TrackBack

September 8, 2008

What I've been up to

Ok, so long time since I updated this blog..

1) Spent time with my family
2) Went to Toronto
3) Went to Montreal
4) Went back in Québec City for a few days

And here are some eye candy pictures of the best part of the world

I had some vacation moments with my family in my native area, Québec. I had the chance to do a few bicycle rides here and there.
Early August was pretty cold around here, with the temperature barely reaching 20 degrees centigrade. I saw a few movies, Bollywood or otherwise, had great food, listened to their stories, etc. It was neat.

The temperature got warmer when I reached Montréal, but then it was in the 30+ range... added to the fact that I was sleeping in a flat with bad circulation, and I was cooking.

I went to Toronto because a sister was having her farewell party before going back to Hong Kong. She's a good friend of mine for many years, so I really had to go. It was fun to spend some time with old friend there.

In Montreal, I took care of plenty of paperwork and tried to evangelize a bit. Going to India is paiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinful.

Finally, I was back to Québec with my family again. I love them, but its not great for me spiritually. Lots of boredom, far from disciples... I decided that I had to go back to Montreal

Posted by ma at 9:47 PM | TrackBack

August 18, 2008

Updated With Some Pictures

Please notice that two entries were updated with pictures. Sorry for being so late!

About Agra and New Delhi
Visit to Ahmedabad

Posted by ma at 5:00 AM | TrackBack

August 16, 2008

Pictures of my Last Neighbourhood in Mumbai

You'll see what the area looked like, and what the way to work was looking like :)

Sheer-e-Punjab

Posted by ma at 5:02 AM | TrackBack

August 6, 2008

Back in Québec City

Home sweet home.

As promised, I kissed the ground when I finally reached my destination.
It was kind of weird to do the trip Montreal to Quebec City using an airplane with blades instead of jet engines... simply because I never used that technology in a year in a developing country!

My sleep is getting somewhat regularized. I've been doing a few things here and there with my family and my disciples.
I'll try to upload many pictures soonish, of both India and Quebec.

Since we have lots of stuff going on for the 400th birthday of the city, I got a picture taken with a 'coureur des bois' look:

Chevalier de l'Ordre de la raquette - Knight of the Order of the Snow Shoe

Just for the sake of context... some of my Indian friends might be offended at seeing so much animal fur. Just so that you know, animal fur was pretty much the only thing that was warm enough to allow anyone to survive in winter. The native peoples weren't killing for fun, only for survival. The Europeans did otherwise, and killed a lot of animals for the fur trade. The furs' main use was to make felt hats in Paris... which is not what you see in this picture!
Please notice the sash (ceinture fléchée) as well, one of the proud symbols of the habitant.

The thing I had in my hand is a snow shoe. It is used to avoid sinking in the snow too much. Made from wood and animal tendons, it was another case of survival necessity. Now, you can buy high-tech ones made with aluminum and plastic membranes for sports.

Posted by ma at 10:55 PM | TrackBack

July 30, 2008

Missing the Great Things of Québec

The last days' events have made me missing my home sweet home, the best part of the world, namely Québec.

Terrorist blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore: great safety we have in Québec
Hospitals, medicines, my wallet emptying at a dizzying rate: medicare
Cycle-rickshaws: our overall high level of living, our good public transit infrastructure in major cities.
Doing anything with disciples: the easy-going, associative and egalitarian culture of Québec
Forgetting my Bible in Hyderabad: the fact that every hotel has one in every room
Taxi-wallas: that people are generally more honest
Overfull Buses: the under-population that gives us plenty of space
Guesthouse employees sleeping on a cot in the living room: minimum wage
Crawling slow Internet: cheap broadband that goes beyond 1mbps
Internet that just stops: high reliability of the telecommunications infrastructure.

4 more days 'til I'm home. Just 4 days. I can tell you, I'm kissing the ground when I reach there.

Posted by ma at 9:28 AM | TrackBack

July 29, 2008

Bahut Yatra

Bahut = lots
Yatra = travel

That's why I didn't update the blog... I've been Internet-deprived for too long, with too tight schedule to really go to a cyber-cafe.

I went to Delhi and Agra, then to Hyderabad, and now I'm in Kolkata for some work. I'm helping another team who's dealing with a technology I'm roughly familiar with.

Edited to add:
You can see the pictures of Delhi and Agra here:

Delhi + Agra

I'm sick, I have no energy, and I'm not enjoying this last part of my stay in India.
I spent 3 hours in an hospital today to be told to come back the next day for a blood test. With no feed in between. X-Rays to be ready the next day. Oh, and I have to find a way to see this doctor again.

Grrrrrrr. I miss Hiranandani Hospital.

I'll put photos online the moment I get my laptop on the internet. That's probably in early August...

Otherwise, things are interesting. The TCS Guesthouse is fantastic, as usual. Too bad I don't have a computer to browse the web with. The way to get there is using a cycle-rickshaw, which is one of the least comfortable transportation you can find, and one of the most useless ones as well, as the speed isn't very amazing. I wish I had anything else to say about Kolkata...

I'm flying to Quebec City on the 2nd and I'm looking forward to it, especially in my current situation.

Posted by ma at 7:51 PM | TrackBack

July 18, 2008

Final Day in my Project

Lately has been a lot of work... many unexpected delays in producing the release, training the new guy, more delays, more stuff to do on the release, you get the point.

Today I uploaded the last release on the client's servers. It is done. My baby. 7 months of work. Considering I've been in this account for 9 months, then its pretty much a full pregnancy here!

Anxiety, stress, laughs, joys, you name it.
I feel like crying. I don't know why. I should be just happy to have this done and move on, but its something else happening. I don't understand. That's the beauty of emotions.

As a sidenote, I had a good time with many friends last weekend, cooked plenty, etc.
I have to say, a curry-maple chicken with maple fruit salad is the killer!

Posted by ma at 7:57 PM | TrackBack

June 30, 2008

Visit to Ahmedabad

I went this weekend to Ahmedabad, the main city in the state of Gujarat.

Edited to add link to pictures

It is a big modern city that is quite cheap compared to Mumbai. M.K. Gandhi lived there for a good part of his life, in an ashram where he was training people for civil disobedience (that's an oversimplification, but it'll have to do).

We saw the Sun Temple, in Modhera, and it was pretty impressive. I'll post the pictures whenever I get connected to the 'net again.

We visited some sights in and out of the city. I had a good time with a brother from the church. He invited me over for dinner, and I played with his daughter while him and his wife were preparing dinner. I was able to more or less understand her, thanks to my 'super' Hindi skills. She was very eager to show me her toys, saying all the time "dekho, uncle, dekho" (which means "look, look" in a more or less respectful way).

It was disappointing in some ways, because I wasn't more with disciples, and because the group I was with was not as 'go-go-go' on the traveling than I am. Still, I'm glad I went.

There are some pictures I took that I'm putting online:

Ahmedabad Trip

Posted by ma at 7:44 PM | TrackBack

June 26, 2008

Wuz Zick

Hi everyone. Sorry for not posting for so long...

Well, I had two good friends with me for many days lately: Dia and Rhea :(
It reached the point I had to take antibiotics. I try to avoid that stuff, but sometimes the option isn't there.

Otherwise, life is OK. The rain mostly stopped, although it came back this week.

Posted by ma at 1:52 PM | TrackBack

June 15, 2008

Dryness and Peace-Seeking

It didn't rain today. I mean, not at all. It surprised me. I even got to see the sun!

I have been trying to have a spiritual moment, take a day out of the ordinary, but it didn't really happen as I would've like it to be. There were a lot of errands that I couldn't do yesterday that stood in the way.

I went to Nirvana Park, in Hirandani, and tried to meditate. With the kids and the people walking around, it was less than ideal. And, somehow, sleepyness assaulted me.

So, of this great day, I went to church, prayed some, read my Bible some, worked on a class for HOPE, worked on a message, yet, I'm feeling as if I've wasted it.
There is one hour and a half yet to it, so its not over, and God will make each one of them worth it.

What is the big deal anyway? I need to come to a decision about my future. Shall I stay in India or go back to the most beautiful place in the world (namely, Quebec)?
I looked at it from every perspective, and it looks like staying here would be good for me. But I have old fears tagging along.
What about my health? All that garbage in the street surely won't help me be healthy.
What about happiness? I need deep relationships to feel well, will those happen? Will I have the life balance that I need? Read books, cook some food worth eating? Learn something new? Laugh, dance, watch a game, watch a play, watch a movie with people who matter to me?
What about money? Will I end up super broke because of this decision? I'm paid in Rupees after all!

I feel there is a good likelihood of this to be OK, if not great. But I'd like to have no doubt left in me.

Posted by ma at 10:32 PM | TrackBack

June 12, 2008

Monsoon :'(

Monsoon started in Mumbai for a week now.
Some of you may say... 'rain, so what?'

Well, let me put it that way:

Yesterday coming back from a friend's house on my bicycle, I had to cross major flooded areas of Andheri-Kurla Road, the main east-west road in Andheri.

"Normally", the pools of water would be deep enough to wet your shoes and the bottom of your pants if you walk in them, but you'd be spared in your cycle.
No such luck!
Many pools were ~ 30 cm deep, getting my shoes wet. The worst was having my water up to my knees! If I were standing, that'd be mid-tigh.
Oh, and there is trash floating in that water too. I think/hope that no sewage pipe bursted at that point...

That rain is seriously impacting your life. Going anywhere becomes complicated, traffic slows to a crawl, and avoiding the pools of water becomes like walking through a labyrinth... going from point A to point B has never been so twisted.

Yet, many Indians LOVE monsoon. It has something to do with the child-like aspect of running around getting drenched and not caring.

I'll beta test that one at some point and let you know ;)

Posted by ma at 7:02 PM | TrackBack

June 2, 2008

Refus Global

I have been anxious lately. Do I stay or do I go back to Québec?

Two things went back to mind.

One is from Jesus (Mt 6:34):

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

and a sentence from the refus global:

Fini l’assassinat massif du présent et du futur à coups redoublés du passé.

End the cascade of blows from the past which annihilates both present and future.

And you can read it in English too, titled Total Refusal.

Posted by ma at 11:08 AM | TrackBack

May 27, 2008

Relocated

I moved to yet another "PG" in Andheri. This time, its in Sheer-e-punjab.

(en français, prononcer "chérie pounjab").
Where is that? I'm glad you asked.

View Larger Map

I have water most of the time. The maid comes to wash the clothes most of the time. Its another step down from where I was, but I had my reasons. The first is landlord problems at the first place, the other is that I didn't to live with women (matter of principle, you know me). My other options were too pricey or involved the second factor I just said.

But its all good. I leave very close to many brothers now, so I'm having many morning quiet times with them, and its been doing me well.

Posted by ma at 6:18 PM | TrackBack

May 19, 2008

Trip to Aurangabad

Visit of Ajenta and Ellora caves

What an interesting yet challenging trip!

Aurangabad used to be an important city in Maharashtra. Its current named was in honour of a ruler that made it was it is.

I had the chance to visit the Ajenta caves, Ellora caves, the 'Taj of the Deccan'. I also had a fantastic Marathi Thali with one of my friends.

However, the transportation nearly destroyed the joy of travel.

Bus on Friday, from Andheri to Aurangabad. I arrived more than one hour late, and it could have been critical enough to make us miss our bus to Ajenta. I travelled with one of my friends, who took a better bus.

Thus, on Saturday, we had a quick hotel check-in, breakfast, then arrival in Ajenta. We spent a few hours with a tour guide from India Tourism. My travel partner and myself did some hardcore negocitating, and ended up leaving with a few souvenirs paid at a reasonable rate.

In the evening, Marathi Thali at one of my friend's house. Hmm... mango pulp, done with the mangoes growing in their backyard! And the mango chatney. And spicy lady fingers.
And to crown it all, some pure Aurangabadi pan. It is said to help digestion, and it is true. I was an amazing meal. Fantastic.

On Sunday, we packed early to check out (to avoid paying a second day) and walked to church. The service was 90% marathi, and it was painful. Seriously. Very very much so. Yet, their love was apparent. They gave us flowers, welcomed us with big hugs, and the brothers did their best to speak to us in the bit of English they knew. It wasn't great, not was it very edifying(a hot hall for 2 hours in an unknown tongue, with the passage references given to you in English only), but it was obvious that I was still in the Kingdom of God, and I wish I had the courage to invide my friend's family for translation. I'm sure that many of these guys have inspiring stories to tell.

At 12:30, our AC taxi picked us up, and the tour guide brought us to Ellora. He was very knowledgeable, spoke flawless English, and just made you enjoy your time there. The caves' sculpting was amazing, and the major Hindu cave was breathtaking. We are talking about a huge temple, finely ornamented, chiseled in one crazy huge chunck of rock! No joints, no mortar, nothing. Just rock.

In the evening, we saw the Taj of the Deccan and then visited a saree shop, where they hand-make sarees. Some will take at least one month to be realized. Wow!

Food at the MTDC hotel, and then wait at the train station. Our midnight train arrived past 2AM, and I slept on the platform (not a bench, the platform itself) while my partner was chatting with people and watching the luggage. Once in the train, the problems got worst. For some reason, many people had reservation for the same seat... My name wasn't on the conductor's list, neither was the name of the guy occupying my seat (actually, bed). There were people on the floor everywhere, stacked as they could. I opted to sleep on the floor too, with no blanket, having my luggage as pillow. If I moved my head a bit, I would wake up a kid sleeping nearby. Sometimes, a hand would end up on my rear end (I would've freaked out being a girl in this setting), but I did sleep up to 6AM or so. My travelling partner was no so lucky. He was stuck with no space surrounded with people talking and couldn't find anywhere to lay down before dawn. We arrived in Mumbai in the middle of rush hour, just to make things better.
I don't know how Indian Railways managed to mess up the booking for this train so badly, but they did. Now, I just have to find out how to complain to the ombudsperson (or similar office) and get a ticket and an apology.

Posted by ma at 11:37 AM | TrackBack

May 11, 2008

9 Months in India

Its has been precisely 9 months I'm in this place. I'm too tired now to write the retrospect so far, so I'll spare you random thoughts.

I decided to treat myself today.
In the morning, I met the doctor because of my sinusitis. Then, I had my quiet time in Subway (waiting for Mocha to open), and headed to Mocha for my breakfast and some casual reading (never underestimate the power of a good novel!). Then, off to Vile Parle for a massage. And then hanging out with friends in Sagar City. In the evening, I went with some trainees to a goodbye party in Malad, and the DJ was wonderful. Too bad we couldn't dance there :(
I feel glad about this day... I wouldn't do the same every day, but I needed the break from the monotony and the stress.

Posted by ma at 1:43 AM | TrackBack

May 4, 2008

Singles' Retreat

Last weekend, we were 60 km away from Lonavla, in way-out-there rural Maharashtra. How much so? The signs and licence plates were all in Marathi. It took a few hours before reaching the closest town and we saw a grand total of 10 (max) factories between said town and our destination, the rest being farmland or villages.

That's something in itself!

Here are pictures and timelines:
http://picasaweb.google.com/marcandre.laverdiere/SinglesRetreat

Our bus kept on having problems climbing those hills, and the road did not leave you much chance to rest. We got stuck for more than one hour after the bus got a wheel in a ditch. We got stuck in Sion (east of Mumbai) because it ran out of fuel... that was fun.
Somehow, I managed to stay peaceful in all that, a big deal!

The preaches were of some inspiration, and it helped me realize a bit more what was happening inside. I took some decisions and I'm praying about them.

Notably: no double mindedness between "disciple" and "workaholic IT pro" and prayer to be God-reliant.

Since then, I've been trying harder to call my brothers, stay in touch with people, but its still a challenge.

Posted by ma at 12:09 PM | TrackBack

Pictures of My Friend's Wedding

I was in Hyderabad for a friend's wedding. You can see the pictures here:

Suha's Wedding in Hyderabad

Posted by ma at 11:49 AM | TrackBack

April 20, 2008

What's Been Up

Ok, let me try to summarize this... I didn't get much time to blog lately

1) Work-wise, we finished the dev phase of another sprint, and we are in the testing phase trying to wrap up documentation, fix bug, etc.
2) I did a few things outside of work: I went to a friends' wedding in Hyderabad, and I went to a friend's office picnic, which really took a full day and then some. That added up to 3 nights with little sleep...
3) I'm re-establishing the practice of positive reinforcing every day, on top of my normal prayer habits. I can't give up an inch in my fight with Satan. Its a mind-game, and the moment I start believing that things are horribly sucky, I loose focus and stop relying on God. Its a tough battle and I'm not always successful, but its a work in progress.

Posted by ma at 9:09 PM | TrackBack

March 31, 2008

One day without water

On Thursday, while taking my shower, the water ran out.
It only happened twice in 6 months, but still, annoying.
That's life in India... and we are pretty spared in Mumbai.

Posted by ma at 1:37 AM | TrackBack

March 22, 2008

Holy Holi

Holi, the festival of colours. Yet another opportunity of Indian kids to go crazy...

People will do the same kind of things as we do with water baloons, but with paint inside. Shops will be closed during the day, etc. Its really special.

Posted by ma at 10:47 PM | TrackBack

March 19, 2008

Trip to Kerala

Update: the photos are now online

This weekend I was in Kerala.

I was flown in by the company to give a training session in Trivandrum, and I got to stay there during the weekend.

On Friday, after the training, I watched Dhamaal, a Hindi comedy movie with the folks there. I went to bed at midnight, and woke up at 3 AM to go to Kanyakumari, India's southernmost point. This is where the waters of 3 oceans are mixing. Some Hindus worship this natural phenomena.
We arrived at 5AM and took a spot, waiting for the sun to rise. It took a bit of time, but that was OK. It was great.

After that, I went to town and saw a few sights and joined the brothers there. We went to a museum in the north of the city, and the garden there was great. I didn't expect such a nice garden, seriously. In the museum, they have beautiful ivory carvings that are worth the detour! In the evening, I did a short devo for the single brothers. The evangelist asked me to preach on Sunday morning, and it was time to get back to our guesthouse.

Sunday was church, then airplane. I reached back Mumbai and watched a movie with my flatmate. It was an older south Indian movie, with gaping plot holes the size of an Elephant... a true Indian movie ;)

Posted by ma at 10:30 PM | TrackBack

March 6, 2008

Serving Trip to Andhra Pradesh

Wow... that was one intense week. I'm having a glimpse of what the ministry would look like.

I travelled from Mumbai to Hyderabad, and from Hyderabad to Vishakapatnam, then back, then finally attended a wedding reception in Sircilla, Nizamabad district.

I was there representing the Montreal church and trying to encourage the disciples there as much as I could. The trip was so edifying for me too!

UPDATE: I added some of the pictures

Monday evening, big stress... I'm leaving work with things barely fixed to let the testers have fun with my work, and I'm rushing to the train. Thank God, almost no traffic. I take the train, and get a nice surprise: I was upgraded from 3AC to 2AC. Worth about 400 or 500 rupees more, for free :D

I arrived the next day, in the afternoon, in Secuderabad. A brother picked me there and we went to my host's place. In the same building, we have a) the church office, b) the evangelist' flat and c) his parents' flat. That evening, I join the singles inviting folks in the street to come to Saturday's programme.

Wednesday, I'm taking a plane to Visag and the brothers welcome me there. We go to a guesthouse by the beach. The view is amazing, the bed huge, and there is AC. I was liking my trip! We visited the city a bit, and I interviewed the leader of that church, with the help of his niece who translated for us, since he only speaks Telugu. In the evening, I preached on sanctification and after we went have a walk on the beach. One of the girls studying the Bible in the group was making advances at me, but I did not take advantage of her. You can't preach that you're a saint and then get cozy with girls the same evening (or week, or year for that matter)... Satan was trying to distract me from my mission. I spent more time with brothers then, and it was time for zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The hot sun of AP was just too much for me.

On Thursday, it was time for some tourism. I had a great time with a brother who took me around, made me meet another brother for interview, and then we visited one of the touristic areas on the city. There was a 'shrine of all religions' there and it was disapointing to see a man worshipping the image of some guy. Finally, I took the train around 5PM.

The church there is small, about 20 disciples. Their signing is very powerful though. The city is full of people who either never left it, and are likely not to speak any language than Telugu, or Navy people who'll all have a fair share of education. Its an interesting mix.

Back in Hyderabad on Friday morning, it was a "meet poverty day". I got to visit the HOPE English Middle School, which covers kindergarden to 4th grade. All is provided by HOPE, thanks to funding by CA. By all, I mean it: breakfast, lunch, pencils, books, school uniform. The kids who attend live in the nearby slums and would not have any education otherwise. They dream of jobs as doctors, engineers, etc. Without a good education, they would maybe "dream" of jobs like housewife, rickshawallah, etc. In the pure HOPE tradition, they don't care about the religious background, only about need. They have many challenges ahead, since getting state certification is difficult without bribing. A massive increase in funding would help getting things at a level allowing the certification, and that's pretty much the only option.

Then, I saw the computer centres. They serve two batches. Mornings are for housewives, graduates, industrial workers. Afternoons are for school children of public school. In India, there is a simple rule: if you go to public school, your education sucks and you'll have trouble getting a job. If you go to a private school, you get a major head start. I was surprised to see that many housewives are signing up for the computer classes, as they want to learn how to use the computer that they have in the house. In the evening, we had a devo for the Nanpali house church and the response to the message I preached was great! Some started confessing their sins, etc. Its a bit surprising and hard to deal with a sister confessing challenges in purity, but I guess I better get used to it, since God has given me the vision of doing more of the same.
After that, I spent some time with brothers in a poor area. I felt twisted inside. So many emotions... anger at the fact that a church will tolerate an illiterate preacher in the 21st century, sadness about the love of traditions of the people over the idea of a genuine faith, anger at a government that won't bother educating its people, gladness for all the blessings I have received, joy of knowing that brothers will have great impact there, sadness at the fate of people who are so down on luck that dreaming is a rare luxury, pain feeling their painful living... that was A LOT for me to handle. Truth be told, I did not took the time to handle it. I kind of pushed it aside. I know I'll have to revisit this place, at least in memory.

On Saturday I first went to Golconda Fort, once the home of the Nizam of Hyderabad. I spent more than a bit of time preparing for the lecture in the evening. It was a modified version of "La Bouffonerie Chrétienne", which I did with Telugu translation this time around. I visited the "matchmakers" of the church, the couple who do the arranged marriages. Hard idea at first glance, it is really wise and healthy in the way done by the church. Essentially, boys and girls don't mix too much in South Indian culture. The matchmakers get a "matched" couple over for diner and get them to do some "extra fellowship". After some "dates", they'll decide to get married or not. Maximum dating period: 6 months. In short, they decide to get married the moment Westerners decide to start dating.

Sunday was the first time I did a full Sunday message. The topic was "Brotherhood without boundaries". The disciples were challenged in the right way. There was a brother who recorded parts of the message and some KKC (kid's class). I was surprised to find out that the children had their Sunday program in the open. I did some more interviews with disciples, and was amazed at how crazy hard conversion can be here. Some of them got beat up pretty bad by their families, and yet they forgave them and are helping them.
In the evening, I went to Charminar market with the evangelist's mother. What a crazy place! Its jewelry central!!! There is one street with only shops selling bangles. Only bangles! And so many pearl merchants too, and some folks selling fine clothing, like wedding kurtas worth 6000+ rupees! And we shopped some pearls... I didn't want such a gift, but they really insisted on giving me something like that.

Even now, I don't realize it. Who am I to get fancy gifts like that?
Politicians, businessmen, IOC officials... these guys get gifts all the time. I'm not one of those. I'm not even leading any congregation. I'm just doing my best to encourage people. I don't know how to deal with recognition of any kind. I don't like people clapping their hands and cheering at the end of a message I do. I don't know what to say when I am told that my message was great and inspiring. I feel I don't deserve gifts like those I got. Am I suffering for some variant of the survivor's guilt? Do I need to understand more dimensions to Grace? I'm afraid that the answer to the last one is yes...

But, I still have to write to you about my trip to Nizamabad district...
On Monday, I leave pretty early to take a bus to Sircilla, Nizamabad district, Andhra Pradesh. The heartland of the Andhras, pure Telugu-land. Am I kidding? No, their local MP is of the "Telugu Nation" party... I went with a brother. At first I didn't think that I would need any help, and was fighting Raghu about this. I soon understood the wisdom. No English, no Hindi, only Telugu. And no, there is nothing in common between the last two.
It was different... the land looked dried up. I wonder what it'll look like at the end of summer. There were boars roaming around the streets, and it was small-town like setting. Only that a small town around here is 100 000 people! It is a textile manufacturer's city. Both our flatmates have fathers in the textile business. One was very proud of the new machine he just imported from China.

We were very warmly welcomed. For some people, my flatmate and myself will be the only foreigners they'll ever see in their life. The "we" onwards will include that brother, me, and my Colombian flatmate.

We joined the house of the newlyweds in the afternoon, after pooja. The moment we got in the house, we were asked to "go pray to god". In other words "please go commit idolatry".
After a long silence, I said no. The brother said no. More incomfort... my flatmate went, put the spot on his forehead (its called a Tilak), worshipped the idol, ate the prasad, etc.
After, we were introduced to the father and his friends. It was weird... they introduced themselves by their jobs. "Caste association secretary", "diamond trader", "college professor"...

We ate some very spicy Andhra food. Andhra is the spiciest in India. The guys who ate before us found it spicy... I was afraid that I'd end up crying because of the spice. Surprisingly, not at all. They were all surprised that a foreigner would eat on the floor, with leaves as a plate, and eat their food without flinching.
At this rate, I'll get an Indian passport before I leave... ;)

After that, it was time to sacrifice goats to get some goddess' blessing. It was the first time I saw an animal worshiped and then sacrificed. And it wasn't the nice and calm kosher-style of killing. No, more like decapitation. They put the blood on some factory equipment, for blessing's sake... My colleagues in Mumbai were surprised that people in India still did that stuff.

In the evening, I wore my ceinture fléchée and went to the reception. Men on one side, women on the other. Not just the singles, even the marrieds. The couple would come together, and then split. South India is more conservative, and rural south India is VERY conservative. And the poor married stood for 3+ hours, while people would throw them some rice on the face (a blessing) and take pictures. I did bless them, more Christian style. The food was good... we had the sacrificed goats for dinner. There was some dance, but the women wouldn't dance. We managed to convince some teenage girls to join us for dancing. They asked permission to their mothers and joined us for 2 minutes. It would've been easier to apply for a security clearance.

And the next day was traveling... bus to Hyderabad, bus to Mumbai.

Posted by ma at 9:35 PM | TrackBack

February 16, 2008

Worldliness

Hebrews 3:12-13
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

I realized this week that I was turning worldly. Most friends in the World still see me as a profoundly "good person", but a disciple knows what kind of sensors to equip his control system with...

Why do I think that? There are a couple factors:
- shorter quiet times, skipped quiet times in the morning that are "caught up" later in the day
- slow to open up and confess sins
- a lot of thought on money, work, getting married
- living for work
- poor relationships with brothers and sisters
- little evangelism (if you know me, you know that apologetics is almost my middle name...)
- short temper
- lower discipline in personal life and work
- feeling that my life is a burden
- lots of emotional instability

I have been reading the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and couldn't help to notice that I wasn't thirsty and hungry for righteousness at that moment. That was the wake-up point.

Matthew 6:31-34
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

In other words:
Don't live for your job, don't think so much on how better your life would be in Canada, and don't despair because you're not getting married, because its spiritually ignorant people who focus on such things. God has a plan for you, just trust Him. Start repenting, trusting Him and living for Him, and you'll see it unfold. Now, stop dreaming about how better tomorrow could be, and do the most out of today you can.

I remember rebuking brothers for the same kind of stuff. Yet I end up in the same spot. God is gracious and we'll get out of this mess together. I need to surrender, especially on marriage. I did commit not to seek it actively during my time in India, and God made sure that I would stick to that, whether I liked it or not. 6 months down the road, I'm not liking it. Who said that maturity came easily?

The good part is that I did wake up at some point.

I know, deep down, that this is another challenge of surrender, and that I'll be pruned and more able to help my fellow brothers. And more humble too, which is still not natural to me.
Praying for me is a good idea, hint hint :)

Posted by ma at 6:08 AM | TrackBack

Things Have Cooled Down

So, on the day they arrested the guy, there was some violence in Dadar, Vikhroli,etc.

The closest I heard of was Sheer'e Punjab, not far from work. Mid-week was cancelled.
But nothing in my precise area. You had a few worried coworkers. One had to miss an important business call just to call and check up on all her family... gives you an idea.

And the guy was released on bail... which means the whole thing will repeat itself in a month or so. Fun fun fun.

Posted by ma at 6:03 AM | TrackBack

February 13, 2008

Fear of Mob Violence in Maharashtra

Centre rushes more forces to Maharashtra
This crazy politician has been spreading hatred towards north Indians (and I've been told foreigners too). There are reports of his arrest, but its not confirmed. Everybody is afraid of what happens either way...
I had folks at the office telling us to go home early and not leave, coworkers leaving early, afraid to be stuck in that mess.

I asked colleagues, and they told me that they have 'riot season' when elections come... good thing that they're not coming until next year.

Its sad that India hasn't graduated from mob violence yet. You'll see news report of that every now and then...

Posted by ma at 9:46 AM | TrackBack

February 10, 2008

Indian Cooking

Just letting you know... this week, I managed to buy veggies from the street shops. In Hindi, of course!

Then, I proceeded to cook my own Palak Paneer and Sabudana Khichedi. It was too spicy (I put too much chillies in it), but it still had the sweet taste of victory!

Posted by ma at 11:21 PM | TrackBack

Weekend in Lonavla

There is a resorty town called Lonavla/Lonavala/Lonawala/Lonawla etc. that is somewhere between Mumbai and Pune. It is the home of an important Tata Power hydro dam and I got the chance to spend the weekend there.

The train from Mumbai passes there a few times a day, and I arrived early Saturday morning with some brothers and sisters of my area. Here is a Google Map link to what I think is Lonavla

We were 15, with almost half kids! That was eventful in itself!

Otherwise, we did very little (which was the point). We visited the dam, and one of the sisters managed to get us a VIP access to the garden. And what a big garden that was!!!

It served no business purpose whatsoever, but the Tata family believe in nature and greenery, so they keep huge gardens next to hydro dams just for the pleasure of it. They open it to the public, so everyone wins!

We had problems coming back. The folks at the bus stand told us we had a 12:30 bus that was starting from here, but it was coming from Hyderabad, and nearly all the seats were taken. The group got split in 2, with some who hired a taxi (a costly affair) and some of us to ended up taking the "Volvo Bus", which means a real long-distance bus that you're used to.

I wish I could give you nice photos of the majestic landscape, but my camera is dying on me. I need to find a repair centre. It was a good prayer time in the morning :D

Posted by ma at 11:10 PM | TrackBack

Concert

Last week, I had the chance of seeing a performance of the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai.

I came in late with my friends, since there was so much traffic between Bandra and there (some political agitation at Shivaji Nagar in Dadar... a few guys got killed, apparently). But we came in just in time to see a piece of JS Bach, BWV 1043. The piece was good and very well played by the orchestra. I was delighted. There were other works, but I don't have a copy of the programme, which means that I can't tell what was played. But it was very good.

Afterwards, there was some food offered outside and I had the chance to eat sushi! It has been such a long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I met an interesting guy, who invited me to visit his personal art collection somewhere in Nariman Point.
Hint: if you can afford to have your house there, there is a good chance you can afford your own art collection ;)

I'll try to get a CD of that orchestra. Details to follow.
It did me a ton of good spiritually, since music really connects me to God powerfully. I felt serenaded. There's just no other way to put it. I wish more people could experience that.

Posted by ma at 10:53 PM | TrackBack

February 3, 2008

Catching-Up on the News

Ok... ok... I'm a bad blogger...

So, the updates are
a) Got a worst sinusitis than I'd like to have
b) Good progress at work
c) Gave messages again
d) emotional mess
e) landlord

Lets get going

a) I went to Hiranandani Hospital to see a specialist. She gave some some medicine and inhalations to do for a week and then come back. My wallet got lighter by ~ 1000 rupees that day. I love going to Hiranandani. My wallet never does!
P.S. That's where I do most of my shopping... it has a lot of stuff and its easy to get there. Malad has better shopping malls, but it takes more dedication to get there.
b) I had a few very productive days at work. We had some communication with the architect on the client side and hammered down a very strong proposal. I had to trash a couple days' work in the process, but that's part of life in software development. In the future, I'll make sure to tackle this more directly. I'm having more contacts with the client, but I'm suffering from demo curse... no demo works when I have to demo anything :'(
c) Gave a message at midweek and at the single's devo yesterday (sat evening). The fellowship is uninspiring sometimes. I have some relationships that are growing, and I'm thankful for that, but its takes convictions to persevere in an environment where I don't fit in (in many ways).
d) There has been some emotional stuff going on recently. Its complicated mess that just shows that I need to get more mature and wiser. So, there is a sister who just grabs my eye. If you know me, you know that there is nothing special about that... I talk with a brother about it, and he suggests having a date with her. Which is a big deal here. I ask for some advice, and one of the brothers decides to ask her what are her plans. But he miscommunicates and he tells me that he asked her if she is interested in me! Obviously, I've had no choice but to freak out on that one! Many "what ifs" are going in my mind, and I'm just hoping for the simple answer: a "no". In the end, I get the news that the whole thing remains anonymous, and that she's not looking to get in a relationship for now. That's a relief!
Overall, the whole thing has highlighted my frustration at being single and not seeing things changing. Why not changing? Well, one is that you can't really have a conversation with sisters. Another is that one conversation with one of the leaders is that I just won't find the woman I'm praying for in this country, or at least not in this city.

I haven't grown to be satisfied with God. So I end up feeling some hopelessness, and that in turns brings some temptations. As a foreigner in India, it wouldn't be so hard to get a girlfriend in the worldly way. Or to get an arranged marriage done quick: "Canadian IT worker, Masters' degree holder, will be in India for a few months and seeks marriage with a smart, joyful, lighthearted, life-loving and good-looking woman. Skin fairness irrelevant. Please send biodata, picture, and 100 words description fo yourself at -----@gmail.com" That'd get me a hundred emails.

I'm holding on that God will bring me (to?) a wife who will support the teaching ministry that He has entrusted me, and that its going to be orders of magnitude greater than just marrying the first pretty woman I can find. In the meantime, I have to endure having one marshmallow on the table, with a promise to have two later. For the record, I've been good at not waiting for the second. Keep me in your prayers.

I'm praying for His direction on where to go next... stay in India? In Mumbai? Go to Montreal? Somewhere else in the world? Columbia maybe?
Keep on working? Do a PhD?
I don't know... I don't care so much. Its all going to be the same anyway. Coding in Mumbai, Montreal, Berlin or Abidjan won't be so different...

e) My landlord has a low level of integrity. Rent increase and a few other things make me uneasy. I'm looking for another place. I feel like removing the Jesus stuff in the house, since he's really not a Christian. I'm struggling with vengefulness.

Please pray about all that stuff...

Posted by ma at 9:25 AM | TrackBack

January 22, 2008

Hospital Shopping

I love Québec...

My corporate doctor told me to get a CT scan for my sinusity joys. That's not cheap... I never thought I would actually shop around for that.

Anyways. I'f I'm stuck having to go to Hiranandani, I'll ask for a second opinion there.

Posted by ma at 5:14 PM | TrackBack

January 21, 2008

Teaching Ministry is Back To Life

Here are some quick notes about what is happening in my life
- Preached at the house church on Sunday
- I was invited to have a short message at the singles' meeting in early February

I am now weaving some commentary reading with my everyday Bible study in order to deepen my understanding. I'm in Matthew now.
I haven't deepened my study of santification for a few weeks now. Yikes! I need to fix that!!!

I'm not in top shae though, neither physically or spiritually. I know I need a stronger prayer life. I'm in a vicious circle: low sleep, trimming of quiet times because I try to get some more sleep in, bad prayer because being sleepy... I'm grumpy too, and so on.
And I'm working a lot, and being a bit anxious wrt a situation in the fellowship that is not turning the way I was hoping.
God is faithful... I'm able to work smartly enough, a miracle in itself.
Things will get better... its just taking time to happen. All things work for the good of those who love God.

Posted by ma at 10:02 PM | TrackBack

January 15, 2008

Pictures of the National Park

Finally, I managed to put them online!

Sanjay Gandhi National Park pictures

Posted by ma at 8:05 AM | TrackBack

January 13, 2008

Work: First Week of the Sprint

First week of the sprint, yay for stress!

I've been allocated as pretty much the only resource for a module. Not what I wanted really, but I get to design the whole thing. The problem is that the customer has some fancy ideas that I'm trying to cool down.

I am getting help from colleagues to be better organized and reporting better to my boss and so on.

The pressure is on... and I'm not doing too well with the stress right now. I need more prayer. And to take appointments with the brothers to keep the bonds strong.

Posted by ma at 10:11 PM | TrackBack

Mumbai's Leaders' Retreat

So, this weekend, I was in Goregaon for the leaders' retreat. The Mighty Men and Mighty Women group were invited too.

The preach was inspiring, and I had the great time there.
Surprisingly, I won prizes for my Biblical knowledge. Let me tell you more

Saturday, 5:30 AM: wake up, shower, cycle to that brother's house, and take a Rickshaw to Goregaon. Arrive at 7:00 to find noone else brave enough to have their quiet time with us there. So we pray together and people eventually joined.

We had breakfast, worship time, and we split men/women. We had the chance of having a ministry couple from Bangalore to join us and they taught. The message focused on relying on God. In the afternoon, it was mostly practicals.
I got a good (and really overdue) d-time. The evening was mostly a waste due to the fact that the supper was more than one hour late, so the movie was canceled.

One brother came to me and inspired me. He told me how inspired he was by my example of leaving my comfort zone and adapting to Indian life. Its not the first time I get such feedback, but its always touching. Most people here never left India. In many case, barely left their state. The airfare that is a budgetable expense for a 25-year old North American engineer is a dream for the Indian one.
So you can tell that I have experienced things that many people here might never. I'm glad and thankful for all of them. And the mere fact that I am with my brothers is really inspiring for them... its Christianity in its real form: loving one another no matter where are are from, how much we make, etc.
I recall a conversation with an African brother... I was asking him how I could contribute if I decided to go there. His answer was simple: just come... people will be fired up that someone actually wants to be with them. I'm understanding that better now.

We also had the first exam. 2 points for a good answer, -1 point for a wrong answer (including no-answers). 50 questions, I scored 46. My hope was 0, since I didn't study (I focused on my teaching ministry instead). I was shocked to see I was a top ranker (except for brothers in the ministry, who were out of competition). I was selected to be in the final, much to my surprise.

On Sunday, we had a service in the morning, with strong reminders about some of the basics, including giving. Then a preach for the brothers about having godly conversations, and giving everything to God. Finally, some people stressing the real things! After lunch, we had the finals. I scored 92 points, first place!
That is, having barely any sleep, being braindead in the competition, with no real study...
I think I've been blessed by God a bit more than I expected. I'll be asked back much more than I thought. Oh well, that's being a saint.

There was a talk I was supposed to have with a brother that didn't happen. Its about a giving plan that I'm offering, and about a sister. Don't start rumours, I'm still single, and I wouldn't bet on that changing.

Posted by ma at 9:40 PM | TrackBack

January 9, 2008

What Happened during "Holidays"

Well, I didn't have much vacation. I had the 25th and the 1st off, and that was it!
I had some "Christmas" celebrations, and a New Year party.

I also did some training at work during the "holiday" time.

Oh, and I celebrated my 4th spiritual birthday too.

I was invited to two house church Christmas parties. One of which I was doing the games.
Otherwise, I didn't celebrate Christmas, because its a worldly celebration that has nothing to do with Jesus.

I had a New Year's party in Mira Road (AKA Mosquito Town). I went with a bunch of AIESECers, thinking that the Indian host would keep things at a half-decent level. Tough luck. People getting drunk, four guys per girl on the dance floor, groping sessions, people passing out because they are so drunk, the host forgetting that he's married, etc.
What's a saint to do? Well, I have a couple follow-up phone calls to make. I'm praying for God to put in place the opportunity to do so, because I don't have most of their phone numbers (you know that I don't like to ask people's numbers).
During the party, I did not get drunk, did not covet the girls, kept my eyes clean as much as possible. Overall, I had a spiritual victory, leaving the party with my head high. In the past, I would feel like a loser for not having a girlfriend... that's one powerful before/after shot!

I did a training on Canadian business culture at work. The most interesting part was to analyze indirect communications and see how all the Indians understood the underlying point... and then be shocked at how a Canadian would be seeing it: being lying, disorganized, lazy, etc.

I've been baptized four years ago. I celebrated by going to a nice restaurant with my roomate. He asked a lot of questions which I was glad to answer. I also preached for midweek and managed to watch the Narnia movie (I had to waste a bit of time on my computer to fix the drive since the movie wasn't playing or being choppy. The house church leader asked me to do another message this week on the same topic (sanctification). I'll post notes when I'll feel that they are ready.

Posted by ma at 7:21 AM | TrackBack

January 6, 2008

Celebrated 4th Spiritual Birthday

So... 4 years down the road. I feels unreal. What happened of year 2 and 3?

I wanted to celebrate, yet not to celebrate at the same time. The Indian overworking spirit is getting to me :(

Yet, friends, do not despair, I did something about it!

I got my new roomate, also from the ACE program in the company, and took him to dinner at a nice place not too far from the office. I answered a lot of questions about my experience.

I also did a message for midweek. We could not meet at the household where we were supposed to do it. So we had it outside. And it was "cold"... meaning that I was feeling comfortable while the sisters were shivering. So the leader asked me to do it again next week with more people present. I am glad. I studied sanctification for a long time and its starting to pay off in my life and enabling teaching for God's people.

I also wanted to watch the Narnia VCD I bought last week, but it wouldn't play, or would be choppy. I wasted a lot of time trying to fix it and its not really fixed either.

I also took the time to update my vision. Surprisingly, I'm praying to be loving by 3 years from now, and for eldership in the far future.
If you know me, you know its that good time to knock on wood.
Eldership used to be the one thing I thought I could never do! Yet... I can't help but to see an IT career, some missionary episodes, raising a nice godly family, a lot of theology all over the place, and somehow focusing on helping my brothers and sisters' spiritual well-being.

Don't worry, I'm not putting aside the teaching ministry. I'm just accepting the idea of being loving.

I'm also taking some time to reflect on things I'm grateful for. Lets think of a few:
- Humility. The Scriptures say to see others a better than myself. I'm not there yet, but I can accept that I don't know everything and be OK with that.
- Maturity. I'm less crazy emotional. I still need to grow up in many ways, but things are better.
- Purpose. I have something better to spend my time on than being better than everybody else. I want to hack myself and be the best that I can be (not the same as being better than everybody else) and help others do that. And bring them to heaven too.
- Joy. I'm not Mr. "joyful joyful, we adore thee" (c.f. Beethoven's 9th symphony), granted. But I don't feel my life as a burden as I used to. I'm discovering the virtues of Christian Hedonism (that's the real thing, baby!). I can put aside my stupid narcisic hedonist ways that bring me more burdens, and start enjoying the real life. God has given me a lot of sources of joy, and I'm starting to appreciate them.
- Social Strenghts: I can read people much better than ever, and build rapport and bonds very easily. In the 2 months I was in Thane, I made people LOVE me and regret my departure. Wow!
- Job: I have a job that has potential and will help me grow professionally.
- Housing: I don't live in a dump, have electricity and water all the time, etc. I am close to work, and transportation is not too much of a pain.
- Health: in a country where hepatitis can float in the water or be on your veggies, I'm generally healthy and I even lost weight. I have hope to get under 200 lbs even!
- Relationships: I'm closer to God, I have loving parents, real friends I keep in touch with despite time zones and seas, brothers, etc.
- Money: I can afford to be generous. How cool is that?
- Experiences: I have lived in those four years what many wouldn't dream of living.

That's what comes to mind for now... I'm sure that I'm being very ungrateful on so many things.

Posted by ma at 12:48 AM | TrackBack

December 25, 2007

Quick Spiritual News

So... lets make it short

• Evangelism: back in the game


• Serving Hope


• Study of Santification Progressing


• Budget Shift

Evangelism: back in the game
I started doing some inviting again. I don't evangelize per se, I invite people to church. Its illegal to proselytize, but inviting to a program should be legal enough. So, yeah, I outsource to Indians ;)

And I am praying for great fruits on this one.
Serving Hope
I am teaching spoken English once a week now.

Study of Santification Progressing
Wow! What a rich topic. I'll write a paper soon about this. I feel freer, more joyful. Wow! Please, invest time in that study!!!

Budget Shift
Related to my study on sanctification, I decided to give more of my money to brothers and sisters, mostly to cover direct needs. I asked the church leadership to give me an indication of those needs, and we'll take it from there.

Posted by ma at 8:40 PM | TrackBack

Back from the dead... sort of

So, you got no news for a while... That's normal. The blog software was just dead, and it was an old version with security vulnerabitilies.

I tried porting to Vox, Wordpress and others... to no avail. I wasn't able to not loose all the content I had so far.

So, what choice did I have left? Open up a SSH terminal, edit config files by hand, upgrade the thing. So far, it looks like I didn't break anything.

Along the way Theothoughts needed to be sacrified for the common good. And that old sucky template was the only working option... yay.

Theothoughts articles are still here, I imported them in this blog... look at the category tag.
I still need to port that thing to another platform. Maybe I can try again in a few months after things evolve a bit. Lets cross our fingers. I just don't have the time to do sysadmin right now.

Posted by ma at 8:00 PM | TrackBack

October 23, 2007

Having a little bit of fun for a change

So, I'm beyond deadline in my project, and there is NO WAY it'll happen. So, I'm done with overworking on this. I made a good enough progress, and it'll have to be what it is.

Thus, armed with a brother and a colleague, I went to explore downtown Mumbai on Saturday. We had a nice tour guide who brought us to Malabar Hill and we saw a lot of the sights there. The view on the city is gorgeous. I'll be linking to pictures soon.

There was another festival on Sunday. On monday, there were garlands of flowers on the tea machines. A colleague told me that its a Hindu tradition to give an offering to a book or a helpful machine on that day, to thank it for working for us. I didn't know what to say to that one...
Its great to be thankful for all of God's blessing, but offering flowers to the tea machine...

So, yeah, talk about cultural differences.

I had a great time at the leader's meeting and Mighty Men + Women meeting on Sunday. We are talking about vision and gifts. So, I'm rewriting my vision for my life and will make it into a neat little poster.
Heh, even put it here, so that you guys can pray about it.

I'm progressing in Hindi. Please keep on praying that I can have a strong command of this language and use this to further the Mission here.

Posted by ma at 9:16 AM | TrackBack

October 18, 2007

I'm Officially Graduated!

I got the news from Concordia. That's it, I'm really really done.

I wish I could afford the flight to the convocation ceremony...

Anyway, that's what the transcript says:

+----------------------------- PROGRAM STATUS ------------------------------+
+ THESIS TITLE: 28/05/07 +
+ TOWARDS SYSTEMATIC SOFTWARE SECURITY +
+ HARDENING +
+ COMPLETED PROGRAM +
+ DEGREE CONFERRED 12/10/07 +
+ M.A.SC. INFORMATION SYST SECURITY +

Posted by ma at 10:19 AM | TrackBack

October 12, 2007

Non-Workaholics need not apply

I'm sorry for not blogging a lot. My life has been quite busy.

Its great to be in charge of a critical piece of integration + customization software. Its good experience, and it makes a meaningful bullet on your resume.

But, there are downsides to it, such as the fact that you can't afford to not deliver.

There are some good, non-work, news too!

So, last week, I came in Saturday, and I worked 12 hours during a national holiday (Gandhi's birthday). Yay :'(
This week has been intense too. I have daily conference call with the on-site designer to get things clarified. I've also been mandated with writing the design addendum and cook up a test plan if I have the time for it. For the record, there is not a line in the test plan yet ;)
Also, I'll have two guys working with me on implementing some of the features. This is nice experience. I just have to fight very hard for keeping a personal life, otherwise this company would be sucking my soul right out of me!

On other work news, I've been pulling strings to get my allocation to Andheri in a canadian project. This will be great. I'll be able to bike to work in the morning.

Yes, because I bought a bicycle. 2550 rupees (<70$). I managed to destroy the front wheel on the way home back from the store. The roads are bad. I'll have to be more careful. I'm starting to think I should've paid 5k for the mountain bike (with shocks) instead. Its repaired now, I have to fetch it from the store. I'll upload a picture as soon as I can.

We had an invitation service at church 2 weeks back. I prayed for the room to be packed and it was! I was so fired up about that! There has been some Bible studies that arose from it. I'm praying for this. Please join me in prayer too.

There is a nice garden down the street too, so I prayed with a brother in the morning there this week. It is very peaceful.

There is a festival starting today, called Gherba (or something similar). Its a dancing festival. People in Gujarat can dance nearly all night for 9 days! I'll try to see some of that if I can find the time.

I keep on learning a little bit of Hindi. The course organized by the company will not go far enough. I should've signed up for a class at some college instead. Anyway, I picked a little 'teach yourself' book and I'm trying to learn the script. Lets just say that they made sure to make it hard for foreigners to learn...

Posted by ma at 9:21 AM | TrackBack

September 28, 2007

Less Work, More Work

There has been some good things and some less good things this week:

- On Tuesday, we had a day off because of the Ganesh celebrations. I'll be posting soon about this.
- This Thurday, we had the first Hindi class. I can almost sound like I really want to know how you're doing!
- This Friday, we had a family day at work, so I could chat and laugh a bit with my coworkers and their wives/kids.

There has been a schedule adjustment that relieves some pressure at work. Things went from "There is no way we can deliver" to "It'll be hard, but we'll make it". No need to ask for vacation on Monday (which would've given me a chance to have a 2 day retreat with brothers)...

I'll need to go to see a doctor this weekend, I keep on having cold symptoms.
I don't sleep well... dogs just got the habits of barking by my window at 2AM for the last 2 nights. I need earplugs.

Posted by ma at 6:32 PM | TrackBack

Don't Expect An Email Too Quickly

Hello my beloved friends,

I don't have the 'net at home, I can't get personal emails at work, and my schedule is such that I can't reach the cyber cafe down the street too often. So the best time for me is on weekends. If anything is urgent, please call or send an SMS, it'll work better.

Posted by ma at 5:09 PM | TrackBack

September 17, 2007

Settled At My New Place

So, I've moved out from Oritel this Sunday. I had lots of help from a brother in the process.

I'm right next door to the Police Camp, which is both good news and bad news. That means that you don't have to worry about crimes too too much, but that also means that you have to make sure not to get on their radar too much. Not all police officiers in India are crooked, but they do exist. The rule of thumb here is: the police is not your friend. That is a shift from what I'm used to, which is: protect and serve.

I'll try to take some good pictures and upload them 'down the street' as soon as possible.

Also, the Ganesh festival has started. Apparently, everybody in Mumbai gets crazy on that one... so much so that its even surprising for the rest of Indians. Yay.

More about the place I live:

I'm at 17 minutes of SEEPZ gate 3, which is where the bus to work passes. That means that I can leave at 7:40, pray along the way in a nice foresty path that doesn't have too much traffic and hop on the first bus passing at 8:05. I get to work early enough to get my day really started at 9, so I can leave early in the evening too.

There is a store very close that offers long distance calls for dirt cheap (1.4 Rs / 6 minutes to Canada), and there are a lot of amenities 'down the street'... something you'll hear me say often. Its about 10 minutes walking distance.

A maid will wash my clothes, and I can pay a few rupees to get a guy 'down the street' to iron them for me.
I can buy groceries 'down the street'. There is a net cafe 'down the street', and not far from 'down the street', there is the Marol Depot, where a gazillion busses pass by.

More on the Ganesh Festival
There are temporary shrines all over the place. Politicians have put posters and big corporations are recycling the event in their marketing.
Ganesh is associated with professional and material blessings. The direct Indian equivalent of Mammon. This festival is BIG in Mumbai. The streets are illuminated, you have 'wandering temples' in trucks, with an idol + guys either a) playing drums loudly or b) loudly saying stuff (which I guess are praises to the Idol). According to Hindu beliefs, Ganesh is physically in the idol, and he will return back to the heavens after the idol is immersed at the end of the festival.

Yesterday evening, some idiot was detonating some explosive sticks right under my window. Its a tradition to have firecrackers during this festival, but that wasn't firecrackers... some hybrid between firecrackers and dynamite sticks would be an appropriate description...

We had an idol downstairs. They took it away in a big noisy ritual yesterday. There were many drummers and firecrackers. It was bad enough that I couldn't conduct a conversation with my new roomate. It didn't last too too long, thank God. Now I understand why the Catholic Church got all festival-y in the 4th century... people love these crazy things!

Overall, I find the society around me a bit superstitious... name your business after one of the gods for blessings, kiss the doorframe for blessing the house before leaving, put pictures of Ganesh all over the place, etc. etc. etc. And that's not just poor people!!! You'll see even big businesses put the Swatzik on their logos.

Short summary: you won't get me in hinduism anytime soon. Its a major major downgrade from a perfect infinite God.

Posted by ma at 11:48 AM | TrackBack

September 11, 2007

Stuff Happening, Unfolding

So, I have a temporary solution for my lodging that is well located. I visited a place that is better located, but will require long walks to get to the bus (~10-15 minutes). I'll take that one.

I visited a place this Sunday that was not bad... but highly illegal. Since I must report my address to the FRRO (aka the passport police), this was a very very very bad idea.

Other than that, life goes on... I am reading a little bit, I'm working, I'm involved in putting in place a Hindi class... the end result being that I don't enjoy myself too much these days. It'll get better, being finally settled will help a lot.
God willing, I'll be in my new environment on Sunday.

I got to speak to some brothers in Montreal too. My cellphone will cost me more than expected for these calls, since BPL has given me bad information about how much it cost. Nevertheless, those calls were enjoyed very much.

I need to surrender the situations I live to God more, so that I can have more joy... my life is more of a burden than anything else at this point. A lot of it comes from a) weak prayer life, but there is also b) lots of worries and c) a medication that may cause depression as side-effect.
If I still feel down after a few weeks, I know that c) has something to do with all this. But I'll work on a) and b) for the time being.

Posted by ma at 3:17 PM | TrackBack

September 8, 2007

Got my +- breakdown

Was on the phone for more than one hour yesterday with my parents. I got my breakdown. She was glad that it took me a month this time around, compared with 2 days in Switzerland.

So, what's up?
-Things are not so bad at work. I am taking advantage of the java 1.5 concurrency package to make my life simpler
-I must leave my hotel soon, and I don't have a place to go. AIESEC has apartments, but they are mix genders. I am not ready to make this compromise. So I'm apartment hunting, but not very well, and in a last minute-ish manner. Thank God I have the church to help me do that. I won't say too much, about this, but let me just say that old buildings have the tendency to collapse around here...
-The commute to work in not too enjoyable. I try to pray and read by Bible through it. A bumpy road and traffic kill the enjoyment. But I really mean bumpy... even the Quebec roads are tame.
-I am making effort to spend more time with disciples, but to not much avail... looks like I need to be more agressive about this.

Posted by ma at 7:40 AM | TrackBack

August 28, 2007

Now Working Somewhere Else

So, I've been assigned to an office in Thane, to work on a large telecom project. There is a corporate bus that facilitates transportation, and it is a lot less full than the city's. The site is very nice, with ACed newer buildings, plants, etc.

Still, transportation is a pain. The morning ride is OK, the return one is another story. There is TRAFFIC in Powai like you wouldn't believe it. It feels like it'd be faster walking, but it is still faster than walking. I'm trying to learn which stop to take and which city bus to take from there, so that I don't waste too much money on rickshaws.

I had midweek and Sunday services in a house church. We stayed and sung songs with a guitar after. Then I was invited to lunch by the hosting couple. Later, I spoke with a brother and asked him to be my discipling partner.

Things are still not 'in place' spiritually, but are improving. I invited someone to church this Sunday, and I had a Bible study today, thanks to circumstances beyond my control. God is really helping me put things in place.

Saturday, I spent a lot of time in Hiranandani. I bought 2 shirts and I failed to get my laundry done: the place refused to take more laundry orders... come back next week they say! I went to Mocha, a coffee shop with low-speed wireless internet. Better than nothing, I got to upload pictures. I also found a place that allows me to call to Canada for pretty cheap. I got to take a few apointments for Saturday in the early evening!

india

Oritel and Surroundings

Posted by ma at 6:15 PM | TrackBack

August 20, 2007

Will Help HOPE a Little Bit, and Other News

Hello all!

So, I went to one of the HOPE locations in Andheri East today. It was a bit of a mess to get there (I wasn't organized) but I should be fine in the future.

They have 5 computers and they teach Microsoft Office, as well as some conversational English.
I had a discussion with the HOPE leader for India, and he told me that one of their big needs was on digitization and reporting. They need to report regularly to their sponsors, and they need to be able to show their success stories.
I'll build them a simple solution using Access. Nothing too complicated, but something that will save them from having thousands of Word documents with unmanageable data.

On the way back, I saw a couple cows and dogs munching on a pile of garbage. Other street sights of before: a dog in a puddle of muddy water in the middle of the street, bathing and drinking. A procession of cows and ox in the middle of the street, some goats tied together to a pole, on the roadside. Lots of stray dogs. Stray dogs sleeping in the middle of the way at the train station. The sewage is carried not in pipes, but in canals by the road side, etc.

My mom asked me if there were a lot of polution... the answer is: yes, you'll see it, you'll smell it, and its likely that you'll touch it too.

I finally started taking photos. I'll put them online soon. Getting the files to the hotel's computer is a bit of an hassle.

Other than that, I went to church yesterday, and to their Men of God and Women of God meeting. We played some team game, and then there was an exortation to do something that brings us out of our comfort zone this week. I know that being here was already something, but I'm thinking of something more discomforting... I'll let you know about it.

Its weird being at church... everyone comes to introduce themselves to you. You're kind of a star. Many don't even speak English, or barely do. It was a bit hard to have a conversation with anyone. One thing that was true from what a brother told me is the men/women divide. Girls on their side, guys on theirs... very little mixing. There is one sister (for sure) and maybe a second one with whom I did more than introducing myself. That's good in a sense, since I was challenged to focus on building strong bonds with brothers.

Before that, I met a brother at Mumbai Central station and we went shopping... except for the fact that the mall was closed. So, we went to the Hadji Ali instead... Many people, hindus too, come to this Muslim holy site. It is built on the Arabian Sea, and it has a little bridge going there.

On Friday, I had news from my allocation: I'll be going to either Mumbai or Chennai. So, there is some progress. The sad news is that I won't be in their eSecurity team, which I would have been perfect for. It turns out that they have some kind of policy in place that says that I should be put to customer billable functions. So the security job is gone. Anyway, they know that I like design, and they're working on putting me on a new project, so that I can have a chance of contributing at that level, which is welcomed... I don't feel like starting my career as a maintainer.

Other news, I have a cold. My troat is sore, and my noze is leaking fluid like crazy. Nothing too bad, I bought some medicine from one of the many "druggist" close to the hotel.

Posted by ma at 2:37 PM | TrackBack

August 16, 2007

Things Unclogging

Registration at FRRO: done
Employee number: finally got it
Bank account: done
Cellphone: got it!
Corporate ID Card: will nag for it
Corporate email: idem

Seriously, things are slow. I spend my day reading some policies, etc. I'm waiting for my allocation, and I have a huge checklist of things to do, and the HR people have too much things to do anyway, so its a time of self-directed study.

I did not go hiking in the end, it got canceled. A brother got me to a shopping mall (Hiranandani Mall) and I bought my cellphone at the D-Mart. That's the big thing. I can communicate now!!!

I met some brothers today who advised me on evangelism. There is a big risk I run in trouble if I preach or do cold contact. So be it. Nevertheless, I'm still a disciple. That means "team effort"... I'm going to have to let the others do Bible studies and so on... my role is to bring people in. So shall it be.

Keep me in your prayers. I try to pray as much as I can in the bus, and I do get Bible reading done, to a certain extent, but no real quiet time. I'm going to set my alarm clock earlier. God willing, it'll work out this time.

The big things for me is that I bought some food at a local grocery store, and that I took the bus to Sakinaha, then the rickshaw, which a) saves some money, but more importantly b) give me some feeling of independence. And that is a very good feeling to have, knowing that you are not at the mercy of some illiterate driver or the hotel staff for your basic needs. The honeymoon phase of culture shock didn't really happen to me, and I'm in a hurry to feel comfortable around here!

Posted by ma at 9:39 PM | TrackBack

August 15, 2007

Indian Update

Letting you know what happened to me

Sunday: went to church, attended the leader's meeting, hung out with a brother. All was good.
Monday: first day of work, spent mostly registering at the Foreigners Regional Resitration Office. Got a cellphone SIM card, but not the cellphone (the store guy didn't know his phones)
Tuesday: second day of work, reading stuff in the HR training system (I'm so applying for six sigma certification! CISSP maybe, if I can) and getting the bank account done, then eating out with colleagues, forgot to buy the cellphone.
Wednesday: that is today, Independance Day. At 60, India has been independent longer than Canada (we're 25), and much longer than Quebec (we're at -X). I'm going out on a hike in New Bombay (Navi Mumbai) with brothers and sisters. Maybe a shopping mall will be done and I'll be able to do my shopping.

How do I feel? I'm not sure. The transportation have frustrated me. Rickshaw is expensive, since the apartment is far from everything, and that the buses pack up very quick. The train ride is the same in second class, and less bad in first class. I live far from work, so that's 4 hours of transportation a day. A very temporary arangement.

Besides the frustation, I try to remain humble... my forefathers could not have imagined their descendant seeing what I see.

Posted by ma at 7:18 AM | TrackBack

August 11, 2007

Start of the Indian Adventure

Oh boy. There was no other way to make this real that what happened.

Don't worry, nothing was stolen, and I'm safe.

I left on Tuesday at 8:45 PM or so, and I arrived in Mumbai at 23:00. Getting everything done before leaving was a marathon in itself! By the time I was out of the airport, it was 23:30.
There are a fair share of armed soldiers at the airport, and a LOT of people.

My welcoming party wasn't there. So I had to take the prepaid taxi to where I was hoping I'd stay. Why was I hoping it? Because there was a miscommunication in the past, which I cleared before leaving. The driver didn't know where the place was, and he had to ask for directions a few times over.

The way there was something. Dogs on the streets, a taxi blocking the way, the smell of garbage, non-asphalted sections, etc. I was thinking that the guy was bringing me to the wrong place and that I'd get everything stolen... not so. This is a neighborhood in expansion. A lot of construction. Its apparently hard to keep track of the new hotels and stuff. What doesn't help is that addresses as you know them don't exist here. Even the building where I work, in the nicest part of town, doesn't have an address. The address of where I live is ... close to the TATA Symphony.

We finally find it, I tell my driver to go to the place, and he wasn't even sure that it was the right place. The fact that he barely spoke English didn't help make things better. The taxi was old, small, and looked like it was self-destruct, just like the rest of the taxis in the parking lot at the airport. Still, that taxi looked a lot better than many rikshas

We arrived and two security guards asked me who I was and which company I was from, and I showed them an email I had printed. Thank God for my annoying habit of having plan A and plan B in place.
I share a room there with a Mexican dude. The breakfast is provided, we have a loud TV in the main hall, with a swimming pool at the back. The place has high walls and security guards.

Behind the building, there is a construction side. In between, there are some bidonvilles (shantytown), shelters built out of whatever people can find. Not a lot of them, just a line between the two buildings.
This morning, it is raining, and some people are washing outside, and we can see them.
I have the loud TV annoying me, a copy of the Hindustan Times at my door, a breakfast waiting for me, and I'm using some kind of old computer in the hall that doesn't have more than 256 color on its display.
But seriously, this is nearly luxury.

I didn't think that it'd be so real, so quick, but it is. What most people home would describe a dump (remember, my shower is bucket), is actually a pretty nice place here.

Please come back often as I will document my adventures here. God willing, they will be many, but will be nice ones.

Posted by ma at 7:29 AM | TrackBack

August 6, 2007

Preparations, Wedding

After the seafood galore in Moncton, I was back in the real world in Montreal.
My travel plans are falling in place, and I'm getting things readier and readier for my departure.

I watched a lot more of Jericho. I love that show!!!

On Sunday, I was gone all day. Two good friends were getting married in Chambly, by the waterside. The bride was gorgeous, the groom pretty sharp. The setting was wonderful, the reception without reproach. I enjoyed this very much. Even the traditional form of the wedding didn't bother me all that much.

I'm super glad for both of them!

Posted by ma at 2:49 PM | TrackBack

July 31, 2007

Purchases, Surprises, Travels

I'm writing from Moncton, New Brunswick. I had a great bowl of pasta and sea food yesterday. I'm presenting a paper at a conference here, a bit more than a week before The Big Trip... insane.

It is some kind of vacation in my "vacation" time before leaving. As you know, its not been relaxing too much. I'll try to take it easy, and do lots of reading (which I just LOVE).

I had a good surprise this week. A brother called me telling me that he could pick up my furniture and get it to where it needed to go! That took care of one of my big worries.

I did some nagging, and I got the cheque that I needed signed, so I was able to mail the application to the AIESEC Adapt bursary. God willing, I'll have it! Up to 80% of my airfare in exchange of some volunteer work and presentations about Canada (which I was hoping of doing anyway...)

I saw the Shermer-Jacoby debate DVD and was left wanting. Jacoby did a good job, but didn't really hammer it down well. When it finished, I was surprised. That's it? That's it? Its not a bad DVD, but don't go out of your way to watch it.

Sunday's service was... interesting. A brother hijacked the service to introduce a brother who hasn't been attending in a long time. He had this long letter calling out sins in the evangelist. That wasn't a happy moment, especially with the language used. But there are good side to this. A brother rose and took upon himself to investigate the matter in an impartial way. Then, our evangelist still went up front and did his message, without a word or a reference to what had happened. That's self-control!!

I'm feeling very encouraged by sisters in Toronto. They called me with very kind words, and sent me a few words of encouragement (with a very fancy card) that made me teary-eyed for a moment. That's one of the best things about God's kingdom!

Going back to my trip preparation, I've emailed people from my the church in Mumbai. Plan B is kicking in high gear, since I'm not relying on the AIESEC people too much right now. Brothers will write back within a day to let you know they're working on it, AISEC people will... write back... at some point. I'm not bitter, but being factual. I'm less than 2 weeks away, so I have to go for what works, no matter how someone may feel about it.

I'm confident that God will work it out, but I'm still stressed about that. I need more prayer.

Posted by ma at 8:35 AM | TrackBack

July 23, 2007

Pictures from my trip in Virginia and Massachussets

So, quickly here are those from Salem, MA:

Visiting Salem

In case I didn't say it yet: the Witch Museum is a waste of money, don't bother going there. The walk in Salem is great though!

Posted by ma at 4:12 PM | TrackBack

July 21, 2007

Stuff: moving, planning, fishing, etc.

Lots of things have happened, but nothing to write too much about.

We're having Sunday services in the park now, with a nice picnic afterwards. I'm enjoying it.
I spent 2 days with my parents in Magog. I fished with my dad and picked a black bass (Achigan, in French). I'll put the pictures online soon. We also took the Orford Express touristic train, but it wasn't really worth it for just the ride. Maybe that the option with the fancy meal is worth it. We ended up taking supper with disciples in Sherbrooke, before I went back to Montreal this Friday.

Fishing Trip with My Dad

Other than that, its just travel preparations and helping people move. There is some more of my stuff that is gone, lent to a brother. There was a miscommunication with a couple about when they'd come to pick my furniture, so I have to figure that one out.

No real progress on my side project for bringing stuff for the poor kids in India. Gotta nail that one down this week.
I've had to spend some time preparing for a conference in Moncton, where I'll fill in for my CSL colleagues, who can't attend. I've dictated some terms (i.e. travel by plane only), but I've remained flexible.

I'm reading The Prideful Soul's Guide to Humility, which is very challenging. I'm realizing the depth of my pride.

Also noteworthy is that I spent some time with a Protestant evangelist who's been bringing the Gospel in India to Hindus for about 15 years, and I learned a lot. God will use this knowledge to help me reach out to lost souls. The Gita, an small hindu text, clearly establishes that deeds won't save anyone, and that there is only one God. That will be very useful in the ministry as a stepping stone towards Christ.

Keep me in your prayers so that I can be peaceful, humble and truly consecrated.

Posted by ma at 5:00 PM | TrackBack

July 2, 2007

Moving, moving, moving

Well...

I helped a couple people move Saturday, and spent the day before and after preparing and executing mine. It was tiring. I'm feeling my left ankle acting up.

It turns out that my landlady allows me to stay in until I leave for India, which is August 9th. It should simplify a few things. I still need to plan a couple things, because I turn out having more stuff than I thought I did.

I bought my plane ticket, and I'm involved in Bible studies. I'm evangelizing more, things are getting better. I just need to manage my time well to truly enjoy this month before I go.

Posted by ma at 7:56 PM | TrackBack

June 21, 2007

Now a Patent Examiner (of sorts)

I've just registered for the Peer to Patent initiative, allowing the public to examine patent claims. You know how much I don't like software patents, so it will be my pleasure to help investigating these claims while I still have access to the wealth of scientific databases that Concordia lets me reach.

Posted by ma at 3:41 PM | TrackBack

Storms of Life

What an... interesting... weekend. I had the proof that I'm growing in maturity, although I didn't enjoy it so much...

Read on, and you'll see!

I worked hard on correcting my Thesis and sent it to my supervisor on Friday.
I went with my mom to an Indian restaurant and I tried practicing eating with my right hand... I was not that successful, but its a start.

On Friday evening, I get a (very late) phone call from a sister with whom I was going along quite well. We chatted for not long, but long enough to have an avalanche of thoughts hit me afterwards. I did not sleep well at all.

On Saturday morning, I spent some time talking about all the emotional storm that was brewing in me, then I went to spend some time with God about all that. I knew where I needed to turn...
Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

It was difficult, but I had to admit that I wasn't loving... not only towards this sister, but in general in my life. I wrestled with God with many tears over this until I reached the point where I concluded "I am this now".

I'm sharing this for many reasons, one of them so that you can be encouraged, my dear reader, that the Word is truly powerful and heart-changing. I hope that you have some of that going on in your life, too.

After all that, I was surrendered. The same sister called me afterwards (less than 12 hours after the first phone call) and told me she just wanted to be friends.
O miracle of miracles! I was actually calm and peaceful. If you know me, you'll be surprised that I was displaying maturity in all that! I was even glad we had this conversation.

But things didn't last (I'm still new at being loving and mature, remember). I had to meet my mom to do groceries, and we miscommunicated. I went to the Loblaws and shopped to do my recipes, but I did the mistake (once again) to go to the self-checkout. What a pain and annoyance! I was coming home tired, frustrated, and trying not to think too much about all I went through just a few hours before.

Nothing went well in realizing the recipes. I had badly planned things. I picked a fight with my mom (which we resolved a bit later) and we arrived late at the party organized at church. At least I got to chill out then.

On Sunday, I watched a great movie, Aurore. My roomate watched it too, and he told me that he now understood why the Catholic church is despised here in Quebec. It really should have received more awards than this. It is a remake of an older movie about the same story, which I'd like to watch at some point.
It was deeply touching, because I could be like this priest... so loving of theory that he was unable to love people.

Things have been moving on after... I've been working on making corrections to my thesis, and working on the Gospel a lot more than in the past...

Posted by ma at 3:23 PM | TrackBack

June 10, 2007

Pictures of my thesis defense

Hello folks.

I've decided to surrender more of my soul to Google and use picasa web to host my pictures. This web site is getting fullish.

Here are the pics I managed to recover from my memory card:

Thesis Defense

Posted by ma at 6:08 PM | TrackBack

May 31, 2007

Done and ... well, more stuff!

I successfully defensed my thesis Monday. I have some corrections to made. But not right now!

I'm in Boston typing this, on my way to Virginia for the second class of the ministry training program.
I'll be back on the 7th in evening in Montreal. Have fun without me until then!

Posted by ma at 8:26 PM | TrackBack

May 24, 2007

Defending my Thesis Monday

Hello all. Just a quick word to let you know what's up:

- I'm planning my trip to the MTP in Virginia for the 1-3 weekend, followed by a visit to friends in Boston
- I've been working on a paper for a French journal
- I've been preparing for my Thesis defense on Monday. Monday 4 PM. See it as a mega oral exam... please pray for me to be close to God, confident and well-prepared.

Posted by ma at 5:13 PM | TrackBack

May 18, 2007

The Uber-Catching-Up

Hello my beloved readers. Its been a month heh...

Things have been intense. You'll understand why.

I gave my thesis to my supervisor on April 20th... that was a LOT of work. I spent most of the week not sleeping a lot. And it showed. There were quite a couple errors that needed to be fixed down the road.

At church, we finished our campaign on repentance (too shortly for my taste) and the men went on sexual purity directly. We're reading Every Man's Battle or Every Young Man's Battle. Its not a bad book, but it probably could fit in the quarter of the pages it uses. The principles are easy:
-Men get sexual stimuli visually (hint for the sisters: help us out please!)
-So you have to control your eyes like Job
-And control your thoughts
-And make a clear decision to stop all forms of lusting, masturbation and other sexual behavior unfitting for a saint
-Oh, and have an accountability group
The rest is pretty much illustrative examples. Borrow this book if you can spare yourself the purchase.

On May 7th, I had my first interview with the company in India. It went well, and I should have a technical interview soon. A few days after, I had a morning full of interviews with a very large software company in Montreal. They have an R&D center too, and they have expressed interest in me completing my Ph.D. there. We'll see... I need some time to clear my head before I take a big decision like that. I'm not closed to the idea, far from it, but I need to have a good alignment of the stars, in a sense.

Last weekend (May 12-13), I was in Québec City to celebrate my dad's birthday. I attended the Mothers' Day church service there that was really inspiring. Our baby new sister was involved in a musical trio: vocals, guitar and piano. The girls were both sopranos (I think) and they sang a song with a canon, which is a musical trick that I love. I was traveling in the car with a couple from the church in Montreal, which made my trip even more enjoyable.

This week was eventful too: a brother for Washington State came to visit us and I was hosting him. He's pretty cool and I enjoyed his company. He's not messing around, loves God, and wants to do His will. He was surprised by an invitation to go abroad as a missionary... the rest is hush-hush.
I submitted my thesis officially on Thursday. The committee agreed on a date before the end of the month. Oh, please pray for me!

Spiritually speaking, I faced a lot of worries about my future (I'm not even confirmed if I go to India or not, when I would defend my thesis, coupled with a few tensions at work) and demanding schoolwork. This resulted in me 'crashing'... my drive was sucked out of me! I'm rebuilding that, but I'm rebuilding this in a better way. I realized that a lot of my life as a disciple was based on my own strength, even in my relationship with God. I am trying to break my strong side in order to live by the real strength that comes from the Spirit.
And I won't talk about how I feel about the state of my ministry... there's going to be work to do this summer.
I'll have June more or less off: I'll only work a couple days, and plan my future then. The other parts are meant for investing in my health: physical, mental, spiritual.

P.S. we're getting 2 intern from another church for the summer. This is so great!!!

Posted by ma at 5:16 PM | TrackBack

April 18, 2007

Quick Summary

Hello folks,

things are hectic for me... I'm wrapping up my thesis to submit to my supervisor this week.

I spent the Easter weekend with my parents. I skied with my dad too. That was cool!
I had 2 more conference papers accepted, one of which is a Springer one!
As of now, my thesis has 125 pages of paper (-11 of introductory material).
My time was mostly spent on my thesis these days. Not many phone calls, no dates, no nothing, or almost. Since I don't work on Sundays, I spent the chance to be with an old friend (since 1st grade). He's a certified chef, so the meal was a pretty good one!!!

My birthday party was a bit devoid of people. I was disappointed by that, but enjoyed every single person who came. My parents paid for my MTP books and someone gave me all the chronicles of Narnia! I have a travelbook for India too, so things are under way.

I got myself starting the vaccination process, and its EXPENSIVE!!! Oh boy! I didn't see that one coming. God willing, I'll have enough money left to go to Beachstock and/or MTP. If not, oh well, so be it.

Posted by ma at 1:57 PM | TrackBack

March 26, 2007

Repentance

We had Ed Anton in town on the weekend of the 10th, who taught us about Repentance, all Saturday long. It was inspiring and encouraging. I was listening to him, and I felt inside: "YES! YES! This is Christianity! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!"
He really helped me understand how to correctly "rebuke" my brothers and sisters (Elencho in Greek), and I had a clearer idea of godly living. He describes it as a homeostatis of holiness. Essentially, we need to target perfection and see sin as unacceptable, although be full of grace when we do fall in sin. The trick is NOT to see sin as acceptable somehow. No "well, we're not perfect, we're bound to sin" kind of stuff... more of a "I'm living for God, Amen!" kind of thing.

Posted by ma at 4:38 AM | TrackBack

Ministry Training

I'm catching up on my blogging... here's one more crazy thing I did: Ministry Training in Virginia.

So, me's got crazy in the head... I've decided, nearly at the last minute, to go to the Ministry Training Program in Virginia. Here is the quick breakdown of the planning.

Thursday March 1st: leave Montreal by train
Friday afternoon: arrive to Newport News by train, rest, start classes
Saturday all day: classes, try to squeeze in a date
Sunday: classes, church service, more classes, chill out, leave by bus to NYC
Monday: take the train to NYC, so that you can save yourself a day of traveling that way. Arrive in Montreal at 6PM

Can you imagine that the travel was brutal? It makes your feel like putting your environmental principles in a blender and take the plane at every single opportunity for the next year!!!

This is what more or less happened, only with a twist... I found out that they had a Virginia-wide leaders' meeting on Sunday after the classes in Richmond. I adapted my plans to leave from there, and I had the chance to arrange a date too.

The theme of the session was church history. I had one of the mandatory books read already. I read one of the required books on the way there, and another on the way back. I did the take home exam a few days later, since I couldn't find the time to do it right after coming back. I hope I did good! (I don't have the results yet)
We covered a lot of topics. I knew the Patristic story OK, and I had a background in the reformation. But it was cool to add to my medieval history knowledge to learn about scholasticism in that era. The Age of Reason was really interesting, although too short. Its crazy how our way of thinking is directly impacted by this period of history and we don't realize it.

Posted by ma at 4:32 AM | TrackBack

February 26, 2007

Lots of Weekends to Blog About

Summay:

-AIESEC Conference
-Seattle experience
-Camp Blanc

(p.s. at work, I'm just writing papers these days...)

So, a few weekends ago, I was at an AIESEC Québec-Ontario conference. The hotel room was nice, but I found little enjoyment there. Actually, I was missing my church a lot. How can I say it better? If only the "Christians" were half as sold to their faith as the AIESECers are to their organization, then there would be peace in the world, no poverty and no hunger. Anyway, it was an experience I wasn't eager to join it too quickly... a bit too infantile for my tastes at some points.
On that Sunday, though, I was glad! We had a baptism at church! Our wonderful new sister in the faith was born. And I HUGGED HER very very very much!

The other week back, I was in Seattle for an interview with Microsoft. I managed to stretch the travel to spend the weekend there. The trip to Seattle was horribly delayed in every which way, that makes me want to avoid American Airlines as much as I possibly can for the rest of my life. I was welcomed by the disciples there. I had the chance to ski one afternoon (spring conditions, oh well), hang out with the Campus ministry there on Sunday (even attended the leaders' meeting... oh boy is there some action there!!!). On Monday, I studied, moved to my hotel room and studied some more. On Tuesday was my day full of interviews. Things went good enough, but not perfect. I forgot about updating pointers in a parent node after deleting a child. I wasn't sure of the best way to serialize a N-ary tree for network transmission... those two questions hurt. On Wednesday, it was a day full of travelling to Montreal.

On this weekend, I went with my church to a camp outside of Montreal to do winter sports for a full weekend. That did good. My snowshoes got some real action! Too bad I didn't sleep well for one of the nights, the whole experience would've been awesome then!

Posted by ma at 10:30 AM | TrackBack

February 9, 2007

Quick Progress Report

Hello folks!

Things have been busy recently. Lots and lots of papers to write!
Also, there is some action in my ministry, so I'm not idle.

We're wrapping 3 papers (2 conferences, 1 journal) for publication, so that's work in itself.
Then, I got two papers accepted, so that's more work (although good news).
I might go to France on March 26th to present one of those papers.

I watched the SuperBowl with other disciples and didn't like the game too much. The bears messed up big time.
I watched Art School Confidential, which I think was a waste of time and money.

I ordered some books for my geekness and spiritual health.

My ministry is doing well. We should have a baptism this weekend. I had a Bible study with 3 guys last Wednesday.
I got to the point of surrendering the idea of a lucrative career in my field, but I'm not 100% emotionally surrendered yet.

That's it in short.

Current non-Bible reading: The One Who Knows God, edited by Scroll Publishing from works by Clement of Alexandria.

Posted by ma at 2:23 PM | TrackBack

January 22, 2007

Two Intense Weeks

Let me try to summarize...

On the 9th and 10th, I had the chance to spend time with Mike Fontenot, who's leading a great church in Virginia Beach. He exhorted the leaders, then lead a Bible talk on campus, and then preached for the mid-week service. He gave us specific challenges and its clear that this year will be make or break.
On the 12th, I presented an English version of the presentation I did at UQAM in december with a few trimmings. I presented it at CCF. The Q&A was intense, as many people in the crowd did respond to the part where I showed that early Christians believed in baptism for salvation. Sidenote, did you know that a person who studies the Bible before baptism was called a catechumen? He was a believer only after being baptized.
That weekend, we welcomed a few singles from the Lowell (MA) church. It was a nice experience and I had the chance to get to know some really nice disciples too.
I'll try to see if there is a way to go support their Campus ministry and reverse.

The week was boring, as I was doing non-research work for my supervisor. Some things just need to be done.
On Friday, we had a devotional with a lot of guests and Mexican food. Yuuuuuuum! I also had a study with a guy on the topic of baptism who was really open and humble. This is a rare and delightful occurence.
Afterwards, a few brothers and I did a night of prayer. It was my first one. And the first coffee in many years...
On Saturday, I had another study with two Haitian guys who have quite a few unorthodox beliefs. Very interesting discussion nevertheless.

The campus ministry is doing good. People are sharing their faith, dating their sister (only one in the campus), bringing guests to the devotionals, etc. And I have faith that it'll get better. The best part is that I don't have to do it all, delegation is JUST WORKING!!!! yiiiiiiiiiiihhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

P.S. I've finally settled on gym, badmiton and pilates for my training program this semester. Pray for my discipline!

Posted by ma at 7:24 PM | TrackBack

January 8, 2007

No Spring Convocation

After looking at the semester ahead of me, researchwise, and discussing with my supervisor, I won't go for the Spring convocation... that required that I submit my thesis in March, which looks unrealistic right now.
But we did however decide to target early May for my thesis submission, meaning I'll finish the whole process in June (at best in May). That's not as early as I'd like it, but we'll see how things unfold.

Posted by ma at 4:59 PM | TrackBack

January 6, 2007

The "Vacation" Itself

I was with my parents for the 1st week, and in Montreal the second.

I mostly was recovering for the first week, and doing ministry-related stuff the other.

I did ski once with my dad. The rest of the time I shopped (boxing day sales... and yes, I shop something like once or twice a year), slept and recovered from some back pain. I'm thinking of getting one of those "tens" devices prescribed by my doctor. I watched lots of TV. I ate way too much. I was very worldly overall. And that didn't really give me the energy I needed.
The second week, things got interesting. I have been invited by a big software company to have an interview at their corporate site in the USA and I spent time brushing up my resumé and taking care of the logistics of that. I spent some time planning for the campus ministry activities this semester. I did follow-up with some folks to see where they're at.
Some interesting things happened: a sister from Bangalore is visiting us, and my evangelist told me that we'd focus to support the Indian mission in Bangalore. So... I'm taking advantage of her insider knowledge!
Also, I had the chance to witness a miracle. My uncle seriously upset my mom a day before they had to leave to travel together, and our new year's party was over before it started. Prayer was effective, and God used me to help them see the issue. After a few minutes of observations from me, they were working it out by themselves without any help. And things turned well. They were laughing about it and we ended up having a good evening too. That's really awesome!
If you know me, you know that I'm not supposed to have the skills of a counselor. Give credit to the Spirit.

Anyway, my week passed by too quickly, and I didn't do some of the important things I wanted to do. I did take care of some issues, but this is annoying.

Oh, and I'm 3 years in the faith now. My birthday was on the 4th. I'm having a mini celebration this Sunday with the Campus group.

Posted by ma at 11:47 PM | TrackBack

Pre-"Vacation" Rush

I didn't update about my life too much what happened to me recently, so lets do that.

In the week before Christmas, I was working hard with a colleague in order to finish a paper. Once we did that, we had to translate it to French for submittal to that French conference. I did most of that translation work. We identified some counter-cases and we had to lower our claims accordingly. Far from a universal practical solution... anyway.

I shared my faith a bit in the shopping mall... that was fun. Its crazy how people are conscious of the commercialization of Christmas, but don't react. I guess that its the same as being conscious of the environment while driving a SUV.

I was very tired and felt at the extent of my energy. I just NEEDED to take a break.

Posted by ma at 11:42 PM | TrackBack

December 14, 2006

Theology Break

Last Friday, I taught on dualism at the CCF meeting (see my entry on Theothoughts). After that, I pretty much resolved a break from theory until January. Oh, and starting to enjoy myself a bit more.

So, on Saturday, we had a double-date to welcome a couple who was gone for weeks in Africa. They brought us Superman Returns, which I enjoyed watching for its pure entertainment value.
On Sunday, we had the Christmas banquet in Chambly, in a restaurant called Fourquet Fourchette... the food was great. I was wearing a traditional ceinture fléchée over my suit too! We had some good clean fun, dancing, and I was so exhausted I crashed in my bed by 9PM.
On Monday, I did volunteer work. The Richardson Centre was welcoming the German Choir. They sang for us Christmas songs that (for a change) did not annoy me to the nth degree. Then they served German treats to the residents (and volunteers).
On that day, we also started working on another research idea and I was getting pretty annoyed, reading compiler theory books that bored me out of tears.
On Tuesday, I continued that line of research reading graph theory books that increased my (already adamant) determination NOT to do a Ph. D.
But, I then asked some advice to a colleague in the lab who had a lot of experience with graphs and he just gave me an algorithm that solved one of my problems. Then, we discussed and defined a second one that solved the other problem. Now, that's something I love! So, my research is going well for a change.
I arrived home and cooked some stuff. A vegan lasagna and some pot-pourri of whatever was in the fridge, to which I added chick peas, shrimp and other stuff like that. That got me to bed late, but at least I'm eating better than pizza all week long.
On Wednesday, I had a good d-time with my evangelist. I guess that a baloon burst, and I let him know about many of the challenges I am living, but was in a kinda denial about. One unresolved conflict, some attitudes, some women issues, stress, you name it! He was glad to see I was at a crossroad where I could choose to be changed drastically by God, and that I was seeing the issues by myself. I told him of my decision to take it easy in the holidays and to do no theology until January. I'll focus on psychology and Christian living books (WHAT? you expected me to stop reading???).
In the end of the afternoon, I went back to the Richardson Centre for a volunteer's dinner where I enjoyed some food, some talk and then went to church. The message on evangelism was inspiring, and I got myself a book from Clement of Alexandria, The One Who Knows God, which I started devouring. Oh yeah, its THAT good.

So, that's what's new in my life. I'm targeting finishing that paper by Friday, and maybe start another before I take vacation. I don't know if they'll be accepted, but we'll try it.

Posted by ma at 8:39 AM | TrackBack

December 5, 2006

Through a Tough Two Weeks

We had to wrap up 3 academic papers last Friday (Dec 1st). That's fine and dandy...

Only that I had to wrap up my apologetic conference for the church too...
So, it was a rough two weeks, but I pulled through.

I had the chance of presenting before ~20ish people what was titled "La bouffonnerie chrétienne", essentially how Christianity went from religion to a politicized thing. I also compared how religion has been controlling people, and how its just imitating the rest of society.
After an historical interlude, we looked at the faith of the early christians and it was question period.

I did more than my allocated hour, and I slashed stuff a LOT... I don't know what to cut if I want to stay in the time next time I do it. Oh well.

Thanks to those who prayed for the success. Things went well, and I wasn't as arrogant as when I did the Da Vinci Code, thanks to faithful prayer partners before the event.

Posted by ma at 7:59 AM | TrackBack

November 21, 2006

"Vacation" with Family

Spent Saturday and Sunday in Québec city with my family.

But, my week was not void of action too. Papers and presentations, here we come!

On Wednesday, my supervisor told us to put aside all our current work to start working for a paper in an encyclopedia. So, I had to rush to the Concordia and McGill libraries, take books to widen our previous work a bit. So that was a bit of reading to do.

I still managed to invite people for Friday's apologetics presentation on archeology, which was interesting. There was a section on superstition that was interesting and that I never saw covered before. There were not too many people though :(

On Saturday morning, I used allo-stop and went to see my family. We saw the movie Babel, which is NOT disciple-friendly, but definitely interesting in the themes covered. Lack of maturity, lack of preparation to life, lack of communication, emptiness. I liked most of the Japanese girl, who's so void of love that she's on the verge of suicide. The role was well done to show her increasing despair. Its a great commentary on the shallowness of our society.

After, I spent time with my parents, ate supper, talked about their updated wills and mandate. I then worked a little bit on my presentation, filling in details such as dates and explanations of theologies. Went to bed at midnight, was woken up by the cat feeding at 4:30... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Church was good. The teaching was on the Holy Spirit! I loved it! Then, I ate and prayed for all afternoon with 3 brothers. Then, final meal with parents, and back I went.

Now, I'm back in paper-writing. Yay!

Posted by ma at 6:16 PM | TrackBack

November 15, 2006

Pains and Pleasures

So, I spent pretty much all of last week trying to get an example using JAAS to work. The stuff on the web shows how EAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSYYYYYYYYYYYYYY its supposed to be.
Its not. I have some kind of lame bug somewhere that just makes things NOT working. Snif :'(

On Saturday, I did the standard exam for potential hires by the Québec government. Just reading skills and some basic math. Nothing hard, really, just a big waste of time, as far as I'm concerned.

On Sunday, a great day. We went to Québec City for the church service and it was inspiring. We welcomed a new brother, who was just baptized, and we learnt that quite a few sisters are now pregnant. Talk about a baby boom! The songs were super inspiring. They modified "Our God in an Awesome God" in a very poignant form, with the Hebrew names in it! The preach was good too! I got to share about my conversion and I was told I was touching, real and down-to-earth. We ate out in the Old Québec and the waiter started asking questions about the church and stuff... one of the easiest sharing of my faith ever. Anyway, that one did get me on a good mood.

I also solved a dispute with a sister, so things are pretty good.

Posted by ma at 10:52 PM | TrackBack

November 7, 2006

Crazy Road Trip

So, after PST, I spent time with a sister before attending a midweek church service in downtown Toronto.

On Thursday, I took the bus to Detroit and was warmly welcomed by a brother and his wife. I was driven around and treated like a prince. I joined a Bible Talk in Wayne State University, had a great group date (the sister who did the cooking knows how to cook, oooooooooooooh yeah!).

On Friday, I had a prayer walk on Belle Isle, had a breakfast with my hospitable couple, and then was 'handed over' to another brother. We took care of the car rental, tried to purchase a Chinese Bible (the one thing I can't seem to buy without ordering from the web), went to a mall, etc. I bought a small chess board and some dominoes. On the evening, I took a sister to a campus devo and back.

Then, the road trip began. See pictures taken by a brother.

On Saturday, after a good quiet time, we left to Oxford, Ohio. We spent some time adjusting the tire pressure, etc. The road went well, although longish. We ate out in a Mexican restaurant in uptown Oxford, saw a hockey game at Miami State University.

On Sunday, we had a mini quiet time and went to church in Cincinnati. The preach was super good, talking godly living. After eating with the disciples there, it was time to head back.

I overall enjoyed the company in the car, although the whole ordeal was challenging for me emotionally (won't say more here).

On Monday, it was a looooooooooooooooot of bus, oh man! Detroit -> Toronto -> Montreal, 10h45 -> 24h15.
Suffice to say I didn't come to work too early today.

Posted by ma at 6:41 PM | TrackBack

PST 2006

From October 30th to November 1st, I attended a conference: Privacy, Security, Trust, in Markham. The proceedings are not online just yet, but they eventually will. Both CCECE and PST aren't online yet... that's annoying!

I presented a paper there, which went well. Security Hardening of Open-Source Software. We described an onthology based on security engineering, defined 'security hardening' and showed examples in C. There were no hard questions or anything like that.

There were a few interesting things that I saw:

Sushil Jajodia presented the fruits of his team's research in a tool named CAULDRON, which maps your network's vulnerabilities, draws attack graphs to your crown jewels, and correlates Snort information with this attack graph. Very useful for any sysadmin. I don't know if it is publicly available though.

Brian O'Higgins presented the software sold by Third Brigade. Deep packet inspection in a driver, that works with a few rules that just WORK. Looks sweet too!

The paper of Horkoff et all, "Analyzing Trust in Technology Strategies" is one of the few "Trust" papers that won't put me to sleep by the end of the first page.

Folkerts and Bischof, in "A Comparison of Reputation-based Trust Systems" come up with metrics and a framework to evaluate reputation systems. I didn't read the paper through, but it looks like a turning point in the field.

Alam et al. propose a new form of access control, Constraint-based RBAC (CRBAC), targeted to service-oriented architectures. They developed a language to specify access constraints (as far as I understand) on top of classical RBAC. It allows for partial inheritance of rights too.

Kong et al. propose protected data paths by allowing the kernel to keep a cache on the behalf of the application, so that the application is not able to access the data itself.

One of the neat things I discovered is the Quero toolbar. I installed it on IE7. Its a convenient search toolbar, and it has an integrated ad blocker. I can get the same in Firefox, but its good to know I can have it in IE too. It allows to replace the standard address bar of IE7 so that there is no visual duplication between IE7 functionality and the toolbar. I like it!

I still need to sift through many papers... will keep on updating this page as I go along

P.S. some presenters very very boring... its almost shameful.

Posted by ma at 6:31 PM | TrackBack

October 30, 2006

UK Pictures of Me

So... here's some proof I was in the UK. More pictures to come. I'm thinking of using Flickr to host my pictures in the future...

The famous London Bridge:

In Greenwich, with a ship behind

Posted by ma at 12:12 AM | TrackBack

October 16, 2006

Computer Pains

So, I committed to fix that sister's computer.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh ye rebelious little one! You are putting on such a fight!
I spent the whole weekend working on it and I'm still not done. I had problems with Ubuntu... kept on getting corrupted images!
Well, it turns out that my problem is (I suspect) my DVD/CD burner. Using different software and media don't fix the issue, and burning the same CD at work works OK...

Gotta make a phone call to Dell tech support. I hope I have some warranty left.

As a sidenote, prepare to be scared: Jesus Camp is a documentary I have to see! Go watch the trailers. I am just... scared. I have this gut feeling that those kids won't end up as evangelizing soldiers of Christ, but more the kind of M-16A wielding soldiers of the government...

(Edit) It turns out that I did a Memtest86 on the little machine, and the RAM is bust. On the bright side, I installed openSUSE on my laptop and it even auto-configured my wireless connection... hmmm...

Posted by ma at 9:33 PM

October 8, 2006

Geek Time! Family Time!

So, its the Canadian thanksgiving weekend!

I had my parents in town... but you'd think God would let that in the way of a few adventures? Think again!

The summary:
- some progress in my research, yet my prof goes unrealistic again
- campus devotional goes great!
- help a guy move in a... convicting... way
- got a hold of a sister in Lausanne on Skype. Its been a while I was trying to encourage her.
- music, music, music!
- movies: Syriana, Return of the Street Fighter, Animatrix
- first lab monitoring time goes as a breeze
- API madness

Before I get started with the rest of the week, let me say I had a good time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

My folks and I had a good meal on Saturday. My mom went to church with me and we had a great buffet at Casa Corfu afterwards. Monday was a day off, and I helped a sister who's trying to get wireless internet in her business, and was well thanked for my efforts by a nice meal!
On Tuesday, I went with my mom to the Botanical Gardens' China Garden. They have, every year, 'La Magie des Lanternes', chinese lanterns all over the place, built around a given theme. This year was celebration. I'll put the pics online soon enough.

some progress in my research, yet my prof goes unrealistic again

So, I managed to work a bit with my colleague and we hammered down the biggest parts of that paper ok at this point. Obviously, we could cut 4 pages of extra English if we really got down to it, but that's not the focus now. At our weekly meeting with our supervisor, we had once more the whole argument on how we'd specify what we had to specify, although I thought we agreed on that months ago. No big change in the end, so things are still OK.

The thing is... he wants more examples done by next week. Nevermind the fact that I need to actually research that stuff, implement it, test it, refactor it, document it, convert it, build a performance benchmark around it, etc.
The other thing he requested will be relatively easy to do, although its just gonna be time consuming.

campus devotional goes great!

So, one brother shared one of his quiet times, and we did a game to discover each other. We had to write down a secret about ourselves on a piece of paper, fold it, and put it in a basket. Then, we all picked a name, and we had to guess who the person behind the secret was. Lots of laughter, and nice discoveries. Also, we had a birthday cake ready for one sister's birthday.

help a guy move in a... convicting... way

Someone I met a long time ago. He calls me and asks for some last-minute help packing. It should be quick, he says, because its just a room... just need to pack his books.

I swore when I entered the room. A tiny space, covered with books, newspapers, and whatever else.
And there were a lot of books. Mostly Bibles. In all translations, in multiple copies. And it was fullllllllllllllllllllll of it!

Suffice to say that I left feeling my hands so dirty that I didn't want to open my apartment door with them and that I really really want to have a clean room and household now. As much as it is sad to say, I just don't want to be like THAT nor anywhere close to it. I know it sounds like judgment, but it really is discernment.

got a hold of a sister in Lausanne on Skype. Its been a while I was trying to encourage her

Won't say too much of it. I just find it neat that God has got me there first, so that I can be of some use to her (I hope). Maybe He wants to take our friendship for great purposes? After all, the world is a small place, and God doesn't see our role to play in it as a small one.

music, music, music!

Listened to a mix and match of the Fulda Symphony Orchestra. There are some legal CDs on the web. I'll keep you posted with that I liked.

movies: Syriana, Return of the Street Fighter, Animatrix After the devo, we watched a part of Animatrix. I like that DVD so much! You can learn the history behind the Matrix. I watched another tidbit of Return of the Street Fighter, which is in the public domain now. Sometimes, I just need some gore.

For my brain, with my parents, I watched Syriana, from George Clooney. Very good movie about how the US' thirst for oil is messing up the world, with political plots left and right. A lot of mixed storylines make it very interesting.

first lab monitoring time goes as a breeze

So, this week, I had my first lab monitoring time. I actually stuck in 2 sessions, because I never really stepped in the labs before and I needed to figure out how things would work out.

So I discussed a few things with a colleague, and looked upon my dear friend, sourceforge for a solution. What did I find?

Super SSH!!! Ohhhhhh yeaaaaaaaah, that's the stuff!
Now, let me give you a hint of the problem: we have about 20 computers in that room, and they all need to be configured for our students. Do I look like a guy who'd like to log into each of them to type the same boring commands?
No! My lab monitoring time is all about being paid extra to do my work... oh, and helping the students. That too
;) (kidding). But, in my non-student-helping-time, I want to learn about tools and technologies that make my resumé more attractive, read my Bible, catch up on the 10'000 things I got to do in my life. Typing the same commands 20 times over isn't on that list, you'll notice.

What's when sssh comes in handy. In no time, I was able to configure all the computers into a farm, create a SSH identity key for automatic authentication, and use sssh to configure all the computers to accept my connections WITHOUT asking for a password. OOOOOOOOOH yeah!
Thats in my toolbox. Can you tell my geek side is happy?

API madness I had some compiling issues with AFC and thus decided to transition to uthash after looking at some APIs. I transitioned one module fine, but the second was just causing me too many problems, so I rolled back to AFC and started working a bit on the code to fix it to my liking. That's neat about Open Source software. Maybe I'll end up contributing a lot of things to that project, who knows?

Posted by ma at 8:39 PM | TrackBack

October 2, 2006

About to Break Down

Don't freak out just yet. There are good things happening in my life.

This Sunday, the church paid a bus to get us to Sherbrooke. We have a couple there trying to save a few souls, and they need encouragement every now and then. There, I meet someone I met in Switzerland and with whom I did that Vezelay experience.

Also, a workplace relationship has improved from fighty to understanding, so that's great!

I have a patched up frienship. The sister acted in a way that made me feel tossed out and we had a chance to explain each other and bring forgiveness in the equation. It still has a negative impact, but there is no beef anymore.

I feel I'm out of sleep, out of energy, and overly challenged in everything... school (not much getting done), ministry (same thing), household chores (roomates complaining that I don't clean up the place enough), contract (no action in the last 2 weeks), etc. They got down on me real hard at our household meeting yesterday. I hate cleaning. I'm not good a it, it takes time, and it doesn't look that much cleaner when I'm done with it. And I don't want to change, I want to have enough money to afford a maid to take care of that for me. I don't like infrastructure work very much. It comes down from my solitary past when my apartment was where I slept, worked and ate and that was it. I wasn't LIVING there, per se, so why should I care about the non-functional attributes (say, cleanliness) when the functional attributes were there? And yes, I did clean... just not that often.
My roomates joke about it telling me they're getting me ready for my wife. Although they are right, it doesn't change the fact that I'd gladly offer my future wife a break from household chores by outsourcing the responsability outside of our couple.

I need prayers for discipline, organization, health.

I went to a career fair, submitted a few resumes, took a few cards, and we'll see about that later. The purpose was just to get myself in the HR systems of those companies so that things would be faster to find myself a job when I'm finishing my degree. I am debating doing the governments' tests, since their timing is just bad.

At school, I've had lots of problems compiling some code that was working fine a month from now. I changed the API I used for the hash table to something lighter that didn't cause me trouble but I still have problems with AspectC++.

Posted by ma at 2:25 PM | TrackBack

September 18, 2006

Report On The Conference in England

I spent most of last week in Oxford and London, here is what happened to me.

Wednesday

Arrival at Heathrow at 7ish AM. It took forever to go to customs. The flight was OK. I slept nearly 2 hours, which is good for me. I saw Mission Impossible 3 in the non-sleeping part of the travel.
I went to the airport's prayer room to read my Bible and to pray a little bit.
Afterwards, I booked my hotel. I got a B&B in the area where the church service will be on Sunday. All this took more time than I thought.

I took the 10:10 bus and arrived in Oxford near 11:20 or so. I found Jesus College easily, checked in, and got in my room.

Afterwards, I did some shopping (tea!!!) with a british colleague. I refused to pay 10£ (more than 20 CDN) for an Ethernet cable to use in my room. I guess I'll have to borrow it from someone else.
In the afternoon, I fell asleep quickly, and was awoken at the sound of a piper playing near the college.

Walked about Oxford and took pictures and then went to supper. I missed the sessions, and my supervisor didn't pay for me to attend the workshops anyway. After the supper, I grabbed my umbrella and walked in the city in a tour lead by the organizers. We finished in a neat pub called the Turf tavern and I had a "White Horse", a (surprisingly) non-blonde British beer. Got back to my room, watched a bit of that Star Trek fan movie.
(Star Wreck: In The Pirkinning)

Thursday
Woke up early, prayed, read Bible. Watched a bit more of the Star Trek spoof.
Got to breakfast and tried Assam + Lapsang Souchong mix... very good.

The first presentation was by Steve Cook of Microsoft about domain-specific languages. It seems that their IDE allows for the easy creation and configuration of such languages/systems. He has a blog and there are some resources on Microsoft's website that I'll investigate.

After a 30 minute break, there were 4 other presentations: some new features in C# (extended foreach and a new thing: forall that supports parallelism) for multimedia applications [Böszörméyi presented it, I think], implicit and dynamic parameters in C++ [Heinlein of University of Ulm], virtual classes with genericity [Ernst of University of Aarhus] and oberon script [Sommerer of MSR UK].

The first was an implementation idea: foreach and forall in C#, the latter supporting paralellism in the background. The second is something I wouldn't use per se, as I feel they don't bring that much. The third I understood almost nothing and I don't feel they have a real practical use.
The latter was cute: a JavaScript compiler for Oberon that translates it in JavaScript and allows Firefox to render Oberon programs.

I lunched, borrowed a network cable and reviewed the presentation I had to make. Then my plans broke apart, because my mind went blank... I forgot the important parts of what I needed to present. DOH!
So, I barely attended the next session, the time for me to reabsorb the contents of my presentation.
I saw the end of a presentation about reusable components [Acona, University of Genova] that reminded me a little bit of VHDL structural programming, but only so much. It allowed to define unspecified types that can be defined in other modules, and merge them as needed.

It was time for another break, so I got myself a good tea, breathing deeply to take care of my stress. Then, I went to the presentation room and prayed until it was time to talk with the session chair.

My presentation went well and was on time. The questions were simple and I looked like a real expert! One question I could answer quite certainly, the other required me to make a guess based on what I knew, but I think I was accurate nevertheless.

The guy after me [Burgstaller, University of Sydney] presented formal symbolic analysis of programs (something about Control Flow Graphs). I missed half of the screen because of where I was sitting and he was talking to the screen, so I was not getting much. Also combined to that is the fact I'm not good at formal stuff. It allows to combine all program paths in one symbolic notation.

The next speaker [of ETHZ] introduced an extension to Oberon (currently named MathOberon... still in the works) and Zonnon (for .NET). Essentially, an array/matrix library for that language.

The talk afterwards [of Linkköping University] was about another language for maths: MetaModelica.
Modelica allows to model complex physical systems, with a claimed efficiency compared to C. Interestingly, it allows reuse by acausal equations... it keeps R* i = v as an equation, and the compiler will bother about which needs to be assigned based on which data is known. This looks pretty cool! I know what I'll use if I ever need to do real modelization.
MetaModelica adapts Modelica to define semantics of programming languages. You write your language specification, and you obtain a compiler for your language. There is still work to do, but this could be of some use. It even has an Eclipse plugin.

Brian Shearing did an improvised presentation on malleable software. He states that the problem is that information hiding is wrongly done... as it should be about relationships. They are moving architecture specification languages to a smaller scale. Those were slides that he did in collaboration with Peter Grogono (one prof I love at Concordia).
The basic idea is to have process-based organization, in "cells".
A few principles:
. same notation at all levels
. properties are not part of the object model
. arguments should be passed by value only, and let the compiler decide otherwise
. objects normally have encapsulation, relationships and identity. The cell should have encapsulation only. Cell have data, methods and processes are all private. It has ports and they can be imported by another cell. ports = capabilities. They are defining interfaces: ports, protocol. It is process-centric. instantiation of cells is very tricky.

In the evning, we had the banquet, and Niklaus Wirth (the man behind Pascal and Oberon) was present to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Oberon. He made a short speech that concluded in the importance of the artistic side of programming, making things beautiful and understandable.

Friday
First prsentation from Oderski (EPFL) presenting the new Scala compiler. He introduced a new thing from a type theoritical perspective: path-dependent types. He also talked about the Scala compiler, written in Scala. Their solution was to have abstract classes and abstract types with mixin composition. They introduce self-types, which will be the type of the this operator. The advantages is generality, documented interfaces for dependencies, allows multiple instanciation. They also implemented pattern matching over classes. Functions are all objects, etc.
The scala compiler works over Java, and generate Java executables. It can be downloaded at scala.epfl.ch.

Then, we had a presentation on a new language by Bläser (ETHZ) that allow to specify components with interfaces for solid parallelization. It allows to dynamically arrange components network. The performance level for very large networks is great, whereas C# crashes. It is still in the early stages, and can be downloaded from the web. There were many questions and many looked very interested.

The next speaker was Puntigam (TU Wien) on token-based synchronization. He first described the types of synchronization.
Internal is about atomicity. External is about protocol sequences.
His tokens are based on petri nets, although it just looks like a Java-like syntax with a precondition specified in the signature. From this older research, he moves on to some other issues.
Internal synchronization is solved by a lot of tokens everywhere, and "atomic" blocks. Then he talked of tokens on "this" by the concept of internal and external tokens.

After the break, Wolfinger (Johannes Kepler University) showed a component plug-in framework for .NET. It is called CAP.NET. It supports contracts and contraints in source code, hot plugging, plug-in unloading, updates without restarting. However, it is not downloadable for now, as it is part of a larger project. There was a few comments about making it available, which is to be seen.

It was followed by Schwarzinger (Racon Software GmbH Linz), who talked about connectors. Its an architectural style with fancier connectors than I saw in the Siemens model. Connectors are sets of interfaces, support config files, can be symmetric or assymetric, light (interface declaration only) or heavy (including non fonctional services such as logging and profiling), they can be single-part or multi-part, and there is a matching notation. Light and heavy connectors can be interchangeable too. Its architecture has a connector manager, that allows dynamic management of connectors and functional components.

We had a demonstration of Starfire by Garaio (Garaio Technologies) and Gutknecht (ETHZ). Its a language for web application that runs over .NET.
It starts by the problems we see in webapp development.
1. "Tower of Babel": many languages and techonologies mixed together.
2. Noise & Overhead: unnatural complexity (ex: OR mapper, binding, integration, etc.)
Assumptions: 50% of code is overhead/noise, complexity increasing
Aims:
one language, integrates helper languages under the hood, good model for GUI/dialog-oriented interactions, integrate DB and webservices.
The demo was way cool: We had a database query that was AJAX enabled and could go through the list very smoothly. A single click on a record made an editing menu appear too. It allows to put HTML in, but that's optional.
One of the samples was 15 lines long... I know for sure that the same thing in Perl would have taken forever. We would have needed to put the HTML, receive the GET/POST query, save each input query somewhere, fetch it, etc. Database interaction was super simple... only one example he showed was more than 20 lines long.
If I'm moving to webapp development, this is a technology I'll consider.
From the security standpoint, there is work to be done. At least SQL injection is taken care of.
It is in beta testing, with final release in 2007.

After lunch, Ulrike Glavitsch demoed AOS (Active Object System). It is an operating system that supports multithreading (multiprocess kernel), UTF-8 output, etc. Their programming language allows localized programming (i.e. chinese variable names if you want).

Then it was Reed who demonstrated an Oberon live CD. It is... minimal. I tried it beforehand on my laptop and I wasn't impressed by it.

The next session was on automatic object colocation, presented by Wimmer (Johannes Kepler University Linz). Object colocation is for heap optimization to improve data locality. The project aims to use the dynamic behaviour of the VM. Problem: what to colocate? They detect the hot fields and optimize those. They have "read barriers", every time a field is read, a counter is incremented. At a certain point, the barrier is removed and the field is put in a special table and stored in a special part of memory that is optimal.

The next speaker (Hames, University of Sydney) is about register allocation. The central element is the live ranges of the variables. Their approach is different from typical interference graph. They use partioned boolean quadratic programming. They manage to have about 1% more optimizations than classical methods.

Then, it was the turn of Pereira (University of Victoria) telling us about partial redundancy elimination. They identify "hot regions" and "warm regions", and you move the redundant computations to all the entry points in the cold regions.

I chatted in the break with Brian Shearing, an old friend of Peter Grogono. The latter is a professor I looooooooooove at Concordia.

After the break, Gutknech (ETHZ) revisited the dining philosophers problem. He starts saying that his result is useless, but its the methodology that is interesting. Uses the generalized Peterson algorithm for mutual exclusion. He presents a proof for his solution. He uses only atomic read and atomic write, and no concurrency constructs like semaphores.

Then, it was Paulino (Universidade Nova de Lisboa) talking about mobile agents. The system is called Mob and looks complete enough to be useful.
It operates on an abstract machine. It is however built from a calculus... useful, but headache-causing in my case. The system design is interesting nevertheless.

The final talk was by Glavitsch (ETHZ) on active objects. It is based on Active Oberon on AOS/Bluebottle. AOS is a multi-processor kernel, and Bluebottle is a thread-safe multimedia and GUI framework. Active Oberon is a variant of Oberon for multithreading.
An active object has its own thread of control normally. In Active Oberon, its an object with a body that runs in a separate thread. She described how she implemented a multithreaded file search tool using those technologies.

After the conference, I chatted with a guy from MSR Redmond that was working on Project Singularity, that looked very interesting. Let's see if Microsoft will actually go through and offer that.

We went punting by the park and it was nice and relaxing.
I afterwards went to take the bus. I left one hour early to get my ticket and eat a nice thing. There were no ticket office open at that time, and I had to go to the ATM to get some £££ to pay the driver directly. When that was done, I barely had the time to order a panini and get going.
I was the only one on the bus, which was quite a weird feeling.
I was welcomed by one brother in Hounslow Central and he took me to his place. I slept at his apartment, although the noise of the street made it an issue on the sleep quality side.

On Saturday, we woke up late, read our Bibles and had a prayer walk. We got to a traditional British restaurant for breakfast. Going back to his place, dropping my luggage to the B&B and blablabla took forever. On our way to Hounslow Central, we met a guy doing some street preaching. That was pretty cool. We went to London's core and straight to the Parliament building and the surrounding area. We walked along the Thames, and were in the Thames Festival. There were quite a few clowns, shops and so on. There was a lot of people and we weren't walking fast, so we crossed at Blackfriar's bridge and got on a bus because our feet started to hurt. We went to Liverpool Station, then to the Tower of London. Time was running by, so we just looked at it from the outside. He took a picture of me with the Tower Bridge in the background.
We returned to the public transit and passed by Canary Wharf (the tallest building in London) to go to Greenwich. We had a meal there: Mashes and Pies: meat pies with mashed potatoes. Quite filling. Then, we went to a brother's birthday party.
I met a sister I lost touch with for more than a year and we talked a lot, although at some point I forced the conversation away from McKeanian matters. There was some techno music that played and I had a good time dancing over those!
I went back to the B&B and crashed on my bed.

On Sunday, I went to the church service in Hounslow. From 11AM to 1AM, in a hot room... that was brutal. Combined with my generalized lack of sleep and a very hurting troat (sincerely, and the pharmacy wasn't selling zinc lozenges!!!), I was out of patience. Then, after the service, a sister starts giving me the specs of the husband she'd like me to find her. "hmm... I need to go to the airport"... "I mean, I need to go now" ... "look, my flight is in 2 hours" ... "are you coming with me to Heathrow or what?"
Once there, I had to wait forever for the luggage drop-off because the Air Canada employee did something that wasn't her job and that took 10 minutes. Then the security check was overly full of people. They had those videos of what to do to make it faster and I made sure I complied with them. Once cleared, I saw that my flight was boarding now... more than 5 minutes in advance! So I hurried there only to find... a room full of people who aren't boarding. No seats left, I sat on the floor. Here goes last minute shopping in the tax-free zone.
No, I'm not complaining too much :P Don't worry.
My trip back was fine. I saw The Sentinel. The rest is too average to be documented. I'm glad that my roomate picked me up at the airport. The first thing I did was to go to the pharmacy to buy those zinc lozenges to take care of my throat!

Posted by ma at 7:21 PM | TrackBack

September 10, 2006

Twisting Plans

So, I had my back-to-school time all figured out. Or so I thought.

School starts on Tuesday. The plan is simple: go to school, evangelize half an hour up to an hour every day, pick my bike from the repair, work hard on finishing a paper by Friday, have a blazing hot devotional on Friday, and there you go, we have a powerful start to the semester.

That's not what happened.

On Tuesday, I'm being told I have to go to the UK to present that paper. So I gotta book the flight and learn the bloody thing I'll have to defend. Then, I have to address a situation with a brother and he can't come to church at midweek, so I have to take apart time during the day for that. Then, I learn that most people booked prayer times during the time prepared for the devotional, forcing me to cancel it. We have a campus group Bible study time allotted on Saturday and only one person comes. It goes on and on. I did barely any useful work during the week, although I did evangelize a bit.

Its very frustrating to me. Not only all my plans were seriously messed up, but I also feel that my semester start just... sucked. Not the powerful, momentum-building colective experience I wanted to see...

I was told by my evangelist to focus on love in the group. That's what August was supposed to be for, and didn't happen. Now... will it work in September?

Prayers welcomed, both for my character, and the well-being of this ministry.

Speaking of prayer, I enjoyed the 48-hour prayer chain that we did as a church this weekend. It was great: we had a tent set, with a wall full of the congregation's pictures and prayer request. I prayed with a brother for a full hour and we were far from having prayed for everyone! It was a great experience, and I'll definitely keep on prayer for God's saints in Montreal.

Posted by ma at 9:18 PM | TrackBack

Vacation Report

Sorry for forgetting you.

That is what I did in my second week of vacation, after the fishing time.
There is not much to say, except that I did not rest all that much.

First, we saw a documentary about Cavalia, this circus show based on horses. This was really inspiring. In a sense, its the power of love... they decided to respect the horse and its personality, and worked around it, instead of whipping a behaviour into it.

On Wednesday, I got to Québec City by bike (not the full trip though) and I went with a brother to the midweek service there. It was inspiring. They were dealing on how their love for one another would get into work. I slept at that brother's place and, the next day, I went back by bike, the whole way this time!
I stopped in St Romuald and chatted with an old friend of mine, whom I lost track of for a while.
Then, it was back home. My calves were aching. Why? The brakes were too tight, so I was constantly braking lighty against my will. So that was a pretty good feeling to finally be home!

On Friday morning, it was time to get back to Montreal. I left at 12:00 using Allo Stop. The trip went well. I arrived home, got some more stuff in my bag, removed some, and left off for the Campus Ministry mini-retreat.
So, on this Friday evening, we have a good meal and a games night, followed by a movie, Glory Road, an inspiring movie about the racism that had to live a team of black basketball players, who eventually won the NCAA championship.
Then, we slept in the tents and another day came.

On Saturday morning, after a great breakfast, we all shared based on the message each prepared.
The theme was: Love, Growth, Evangelism, and I asked each person to prepare a 10-minute long message/sharing centered around a passage in the Pastoral Epistles. You guessed it, I'm the one who assigned the themes and passages. The result was really inspiring indeed. Especially about fleeing the desires of the youth and pursuing righteousness. During the lunchtime, we played mini golf, and we had a good lunch together. Afterwards, I tried to brainstorm and set things in place for the new semester, but everyone was too sleepy to be into it.
I wasn't happy about the ending: I had prepared a second message and I wanted the input really badly!
Overall good, but with not a great ending.

As of me, I was working on exhortation. This is an area of my personality that needs to grow, since I'm leading this group, and I need to address issues when they arise, instead of letting them linger and eventually explode.
Sunday and monday were focused on trying to get Linux to work on my laptop (Ubuntu's installer goes black during the install process... gggggggrrrrrrrr) and getting the HP printer to print in black only.
I've not been successful at the first, and only partially at the second. I don't like it when my beloved darling works against me. I love computers, its my field, and it feels really nasty... like a backstabbing.

Anyway, then it was time for school.

Posted by ma at 8:51 PM | TrackBack

August 29, 2006

Fishing Weekend

So... my vacation was about to really start.

Yes, I was off from work since Monday (with the exception of two critical meetings) and I spent it doing a lot and a lot of things. Biking, running some errands, catching up on some paperwork, trying to get the tax people happy etc. I had a full day dedicated to ministry-related things as well.

Didn't feel like a vacation, really.

That being said, I still had some fun. Notably, I watched The Count of Monte Cristo and Holst's Planets, a DVD done by the BBC. I love my library!

But, moving in for the fun part.

On Saturday morning, around 9:30 or so, my dad arrives from Québec City and picks me up. I barely had the time to pack.

We go up North, in Lakeview, for a family party. Thing is... we forgot to gas earlier in the travel and there isn't any gas station in sight... remember, we are NOT in a urban area... no cellphone coverage (at least not with my provider), one store per town, lots and lots of shacks by the lakes, and I doubt you'll have a high-speed internet connection anywhere over there. Its a different world... two hours of driving from you!

We got directions and managed to find a gas station. On the way there, in Montcalm, we saw a fire station with a library. The library part seeming smaller than my apartment. I was wondering if I had a personal library bigger than the entire town... although they must have a high book density in that little facility.

We got to the family party, with a full tank of gas, and enjoyed ourselves. In the evening, we went to settle ourselves at the Pourvoirie des Quatres Chênes, in Huberdeau. The chalet we used was comfy enough, although not super hot (actually better than expected).

Comes Sunday morning... it rains. I spend some time with God in prayer and reading my Bible. I have time because we're having a lot of rain. So, afterwards, my dad and I play cards for a while, we chat. I ask him a lot of questions about himself... kind of catching up with all the adolescence we kinda skipped.
The rain goes to drizzle and then stops, and we start preparing ourselves for fishing: put the boat on the lake, get the rods ready, dress up, etc. And then, the heavy rain comes back, and so we wait more.

Another accalmy comes, and we get on the water, from 11:00 to 16:00 or so. The rain had come back at that point. So we just enjoyed the feeling of peace and calm on the lake, letting our lines drag in the water as the electric motor was propelling us slowly, with a beep from the sonar every now and then. We ate supper, chatted some more, then we split, reading. I guess we blew our quota of words for the day or something.
In the end, I opent he TV and watch a show on Katrina by Découverte.
We both go to bed early, feeling tired.

Monday morning comes and we have sun! I take a prayer walk by the lake. At first, I see the vapour from the lake dancing in the sun. I hear no sound, almost. Then the birds start singing, and the mosquitos start liking me... so I finish my quiet time in the shack where I won't be eaten alive.

My dad didn't wait me and he was on the lake already. When I was ready to join him, he fetched me on the side and we continued until around 11:00 or so, as our battery was dying. It was a slow pack and lunch, chatting more. On the way back, I slept for a while, and worked through a conflictual relationship with a brother, found some Scriptures related to the situation, etc.

The overall experience was very good to me. I got to tune out for a few days from my techy world, tune in to nature (those who know me know how much I love that), get to know my dad a bit more, and have a moment where my brain is effectively on "pause".

Now, I'm at my parent's place... far from a lot of things worrying me, and fully planning to care as little about them as possible until I'm back on Friday :)

Posted by ma at 11:45 AM | TrackBack

August 21, 2006

I'm on Vacation

My dear beloved readers... I'm sorry I did not blog that much recently. I was working hard at work trying to tie loose ends so that things wouldn't be too bad when I'd be gone in vacation, which is the state I'm in now.

Its really really good to be able to have a nap in the middle of the afternoon on a Monday when you feel like it!

What happened on the way to this blessed time?

Lets look at things from the reverse order...

Sunday was my last time taking care of the babies at church. I did the communion message for all the folks doing the babysitting. The rest of my time was dedicated to recovering (sleepwise). In the evening, I joined others at Rockaberry's to celebrate the upcoming departure of our campus ministry leader, a close friend of mine. I had a Toblerone pie... way too many calories for my own good.

Saturday, I started having a special time with God. I walked up the hill next door and let one worry after another on the side of the road (the pink flowers for love, that tree for my ministry, etc.). On top, I read a few chapters of Job, prayed only about God and my relationship with him. Going back, I started praying for all those things I let by. It was a good experience, one that I'll repeat for sure! I then attended a wedding of two members of the congregation, and then denied myself to have a mini date with sisters to a restaurant. I was too tired and too cash-strapped to really want to, but I felt it was the thing to do. I wanted to encourage that sister for so long. In the end, she's the one who did most of the encouraging!!! After, I went home, got some sleep, and then met my date for the wedding reception (actually, the latter part of the reception, I was not invited to the whole thing). We came in for desserts and the dancing and we had lots and lots of fun. There are rumours that say that I do, indeed, dance... don't be misled by such things ;)

On Wednesday, we had a brother coming for the US that preached a powerful message about prayer that shocked me deep. I felt I was trying to get all the benefits of a relationship with God without the most important part... being close to Him. My prayer and my repentance now is focused around that. Please join me in prayer.

Workwise, we did enough progress so that my coworkers will be able to work on two papers and get them mostly ready by the time I come back. I'll just have to put in a finishing touch before submission. Yay!

That's an OK summary. I hope this keeps you in context!

Posted by ma at 9:13 PM | TrackBack

August 7, 2006

Lebanon + Bible + Friendship :)

I guess that's the best way to summarize my weekend.

I had two Bible studies scheduled during the weekend, but one guy was a no-show. The second study went quite well and I'm praying about it.

I spend the evening with a couple from the church. We ate in the park together, attempted to go to a free outdoors feature of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, but couldn't (just a way way way too long file). We then retreated to their place and watched Hidalgo together. Interesting movie for sure, and its hardly believable to be a real story.

On Sunday, I prepared a few passages so that I could get everybody involved in the upcoming campus camping weekend... to find out that MORE people were cancelling. So we'll be moving the event. Still, that was really annoying, and far from the 'may your yes be yes'. People who know me know that I don't like broken commitments.
I arrived late for the Kid's Class volunteers message, and then we had more kids than normal with less people than normal to deal with them. So, we adapted, and I can say that my babies kept me busy :)
Seriously, I'm starting to like them, although I'm not fluent in "baby-speak' just yet...

After, I went with a few other Christians to a march for peace in Lebanon. I read in the morning paper that 15 000 were in this march. I felt like I was a citizen!

Then, I got right on time for the leader's meeting and the following BBQ to celebrate the birthdays of two of our leaders. I helped with the cooking too, and I can safely say that I didn't loose my BBQing skills after all that time :)
Back home, I called a sister outside of Montreal while I was cleaning the bathroom... there is a virtue into turning a chore into pleasure :)

Other than that, my week has been pretty uneventful.

I am thinking of when I'll take vacation, and I'm not decided yet. I am feeling the need for it in an increasing measure.

My reading on Emotional Intelligence is really helping me be able to pick my emotions/moods better, and I think I'm getting a bit better at reading body language. I'm not at the point of be able to be emotionally detached in difficult situations yet, but it'll happen.
For those of you who wonder why I read that, there are two things:
a) a lot of the things associated with emotional intelligence related to godly character (think patience and self-control)
b) I was suggested to build those skills up before I start leading the campus ministry of my church in the fall. I see this as an opportunity to test myself on wheter or not I should pursue my dream of being a minister (eventually, at least), and I need those skills (and indestructible time management) so that my experience doesn't leave me burnt out and drained.

So, I guess I'm setting myself up for accelerated character growth, eh?

Posted by ma at 3:56 PM | TrackBack

July 27, 2006

Bon Cop Bad Cop

I saw the premiere of Bon Cop Bad Cop at Fantasia this Monday. The director, executive producer and two actors were there.

The movie has his dose of nudity and sexual content, as well as swearing, but it also has a strong dose of laughter and action scenes that leave you begging for more. I particularly laughed duing the swearing lesson. (Well, we use it as an adjective, but it can also be a noun. Then, there's also a verb form...)

Posted by ma at 7:04 AM | TrackBack

July 25, 2006

Nice weekend with my folks

Will keep this very short.

I spent the weekend in Québec City. I did some biking with my dad, participated in an African night, had a nice service + BBQ on Sunday. There has been some emotions flying on the air for me. There was just a lot of my youth that was flooding my memory once more. Like if those memories rebelled after being put away for so long.

I also listened to The Brandernburg Concertos of J.S. Bach, interpreted by The Brandenburg Consort/Roy Goodman, under a Hyperion Dyad label. I like the 3rd much, the others less.

Posted by ma at 7:09 AM | TrackBack

July 19, 2006

Crazy Adventure

So... I thought I had my evening plan set yesterday... I was wrong.

A brother calls me and tells me there's a guy who'd do a Bible study NOW. And it seems that any other moment was not much of an option. After telling him that I had plans, I told him to call me back if noone could join him. It looks like I was his only man.

So, in a flash, I cancelled my previous engagement and hopped in the metro to go to a place of Montreal I wouldn't spend that much time on normally. The guy walked us to his place and we studied until 23:45. The direct metro line was closed at that point. :'( So, we walked to another metro station (much longer route for me on the Orange line) and I got home past 00:30. Yay for my unstable sleep :(

Anyway, I'm kind of proud of an insane adventure like that. This is the kind of stuff that should happen in a disciple's life every now and then!

Now, we just need to pray for him to take the decision to convert.

Posted by ma at 4:18 PM | TrackBack

July 17, 2006

Challenge in Surrender

How to put it?
There were sisters coming from the US, and I took care of them. Why was it challenging? Because nothing worked according to my plans! Then, there were communication issues that made me wait a lot, and walk a lot more than expected (remember the sprained ankle) and a few more things I'm not putting there (lets just say they don't give me a good image). So yeah, you can say that I was more of a control freak than a godly surrendered man.
As a sidenote, I enjoyed when one sister gave me advil!
Anyway, we visited the Old Montreal, a bit of the Quartier Latin and Village, fireworks, Mount Royal, etc. We ate at the 3 brasseurs and this is a good place to go eat if you have a bit of money.

Also, the heat worsened my sleep, so I ended up being overly tired on everything. We had a good service on Sunday, but I can testify that I had no desire but to sleep afterwards ;) (buuuuut, that's due to the heat... not the sermon).

As of today, we finished the paper and submitted it. I was supposed to have a Bible study this morning, but the guy was a no-show... but that was cool, as a guy started talking to us. He was resistant to have the Bible as the supreme authority of his life, and we parted peacefully. Now, I'm moving on to read some work done by the ISO.

Posted by ma at 3:55 PM | TrackBack

July 14, 2006

Creativity and Butchery

Professionally, I had an interesting week. Health-wise, its a mixture of love and hate. Spiritually, let me smile.

We had two lectures from a visiting scholar. One was on time management, and one was on software watermarking

We spent some time working on our theoritical language, and things went the way I expected with my supervisor: simple, elegant, but very hard to implement. Our previous work was the reverse, although I fully expected things to turn this way and supported it to a certain extent. We also started working on the camera-ready version of that paper we need to submit Monday. It turns out that we used the wrong template to compile the document... and that with the needed template, we ended up with 6 pages, whereas we were accepted for 4.
And the butchering began... its not the first time I have to do it, and this is getting annoying. There are limits to what you can chop off when things are already quite compact, but you need to go somehow beyond that. Anyway... enough complaining, I have another publication. Maybe I'll even go to Markham to present it.
I am satisfied with my level of productivity. Things went well and I had a lot of focus.

I started physio. I have to do exercises. First with the rubber band, and now about equilibrium. I have some stretches to do. The therapist was surprised to see me on one of those. She told me I was one of the least flexible cases she saw on that particular stretch... that means that my knee is much more messed up than I thought it was.
Anyway... I don't like the process, but I have to go through it.

So, what was so great spiritually? I prepared a strong exhortation for the brothers' midweek, reminding about the spiritual warfare and the need to be a band of warrior-brothers. I gave pratical challenges for the next 2 weeks: 1 d-time , prayer time, and evangelization time with another brother at least, for each week. I finally made a follow-up phone call (after being lazy about it) and I'll meet the guy for a study on Monday. Guuuuuuuuuuuuut!
I also prepared a super-time for sisters coming in town from Albany, NY.

Posted by ma at 4:44 PM | TrackBack

July 13, 2006

Letter to MP

It is done! I wrote about Darfur. Here's is what I sent him (with a few CCs)

I gotta watch the video of the conference myself:
http://migs.concordia.ca/CanadaandDarfurConference.htm

Irwin Cotler
Chambre des communes
OTTAWA (Ontario)
Canada
K1A 0A6

CC: Mr. Harper, Mr. MacKay, M. O'Connor, Mr. Duceppe, Mr. Layton, Mr. Dallaire

Date: 11 Juillet 2006
Sujet: Appel à l'action face au Darfour et à la mise en place d'une politique claire d'action internationale.

Monsieur,

Je suis un simple citoyen vivant dans la circonscription de Mont-Royal, et je vous écris en réponse aux nouvelles que je vois concernant le Darfour. De plus, une réflection personnelle me laisse l'impression que le Canada est en train de renier ses valeurs fondamentales dans sa politique étrangère actuelle. J'espère que la courte exposition de la situation et de mon analyse, dans cette lettre, stimulera votre action parlementaire. De plus, j'amène des suggestions qui me semblent concrètes

C'est avec horreur que j'ai lu que mon gouvernement avait refusé de supporter une motion condamnant l'état d'Israël dans sa politique punitive face à la population palestinienne. Cela me semble en contraste direct avec plusieurs valeurs bien canadiennes et plus précisément la compassion.

Avec réflection, je me demande si notre gouvernement a précisé quelle était l'idéologie qu'il allait employer dans nos relations internationales, et si cette idéologie était en phase avec les valeurs de notre société. Hors, il me semble voir une idéologie quasi-guerrière qui n'a rien en commun avec les désirs de mes compatriotes et moi-même. J'ai la certitude que les Canadiennes et Canadiens sont d'un fort altruisme quand stimulés par la souffrance et l'horreur. Les réactions de la population lors de crises du passé ont bien démontré une solidarité autant locale qu'internationale.

En tant que député de l'opposition, j'aimerais que vous questionnez ce gouvernement sur ses réelles valeurs quant à son action à l'international. Le Canada sera-t-il à l'avenir une nation défendant sans relâche les droits humains, sans discrimination quant à l'origine, la race et la couleur de peau de ceux qui sont opprimés?

Je vous prie de faire pression pour des actions concrètes sur un dossier qui représente malheureusement trop bien l'indifférence occidentale: le Darfour. Comme vous le savez sûrement vous-même, les actes montrent un réel génocide, mettant en vedette une population déportée, massacrée, pillée et violée au vu et au su de la communauté internationale, avec la collaboration directe du gouvernement local. Les troupes de l'Union Africaine, selon des observateurs indépendants, sont incapables d'avoir un impact réel sur le terrain.
Nous sommes moralement obligés d'agir, et ce ne sont pas les quelques dollars offerts précédemment qui arrêteront les milices de tuer.

Il sagit bel et bien d'un 2e Rwanda, malgré que la communauté internationale a juré de ne jamais laisser un 2e se produire. Advenant que vous ne soyez pas familier avec l'horreur de la chose je vous encourage de lire le livre de Mr. Dallaire ou de discuter avec ce dernier. Quant au Darfour, les pages du site web de CBC vous donneront un portrait assez juste de la situation, bien que je vous encourage à consulter les témoignages des observateurs sur le terrain.
(footnote: L'Université Concordia a organisé une conférence sur le sujet. Voici un lien avec les informations:
http://migs.concordia.ca/CanadaandDarfurConference.htm)
Je vous suggère, monsieur, des idées pratiques à suggérer à nos gouvernants:
Appel aux soldats des forces régulières et des réservistes volontaires à servir à une mission de stabilisation.
Leadership au sein des Nations Unies pour obtenir des sanctions exemplaires contre le gouvernement Soudanais pour sa complicité
Leadership aux Nations Unies pour l'établissement et le déploiement d'une force de stabilisation déployée à l'intérieur d'un mois. Si la communauté internationale a su réagir en un instant pour la première guerre du golfe, elle est toujours capable d'agir rapidement et efficacement aujourd'hui.
Considérant les antécédents de ce genre de mission, passer par l'OTAN si le processus est bloqué à l'ONU. Peut-être cela donnera une leçon en efficacité à cette organisation reconnue pour sa lenteur à décider quoi que ce soit.
Restructuration de l'armée afin d'établir un Corps de Paix et Stabilité, spécialisé dans ce type de mission. Cela règlerait le problème d'image associé à l'affirmation que nos troupes sont étirées à l'extrême, puisque les troupes pouvant être facilement déployées seraient visiblement comptabilisées.
Adoption d'une politique d'adoption d'un État. L'idée n'étant pas courante, je vous l'explique ici: plutôt que de séparer l'aide aux pays en voie de développement en de petits morceaux qui n'ont pas toujours de l'impact localement (ex: les sacs de nourriture de l'ONU vendus au marché au lieu d'être distribués), je propose un partenariat avec une nation précise. Cette dernière reçevrait la part du lion de l'aide internationale, mais surtout quant à des contributions en nature: juges, policiers, médecins, infirmiers, ingénieurs, enseignants, experts en agriculture et développement durable, économistes, etc. L'objectif étant simple et bien défini: édifier une nation sur tous les points critiques: éducation, infrastructure, économie, droit et intégrité à l'intérieur d'une génération. Une telle aide servirait les besoins les plus immédiats (santé, nourriture) tout en gardant une vision à long terme. Plus l'action étant concentrée, plus tangibles seront les fruits. Le résultat serait une nation forte, apte à aider celles de sa région moins bien nanties. Une telle politique, une fois la paix et l'ordre rétabli, pourrait être appliquée avec la région du Darfour (à défaut de s'occuper du Soudan au complet... il ne faudrait pas non plus récompenser un gouvernement désirant la mort de son peuple)

En résumé, monsieur, je vous appelle à défendre l'idéal Canadien de la solidarité et du la défense des droits humains fondamentaux. Prenez le taureau du Darfour pour les cornes et démontrez au monde que chaque vie humaine est précieuse! Nous sommes capables, en tant que nation, d'avoir un impact énorme sur le monde.
Des grands hommes nous y dirigèrent dans le passé, il nous faut maintenant de grands hommes pour le faire pour l'avenir. Faisons-le!

Sincèrement vôtre,

Marc-André Laverdière

Posted by ma at 11:18 AM | TrackBack

July 7, 2006

Great Movie at Fantasia

The Fantasia Film Festival is going on right now, at Concordia. The line up of movies is interesting. Too much, actually. I need to fight the urge not to buy 10 tickets on my own!

Yesterday, I went to see Seven Swords with a brother and we enjoyed the movie tremendously. Not only they had awesome fight scenes, but they also gave important to secondary characters.

I needed to have some relaxation, after the big mess I had to deal with this week. Won't say more on this blog at this point.

Posted by ma at 9:11 AM | TrackBack

Shame!

I really think that our government is nuts at this point.

So, Canada votes against a motion condemning the actions of Israel recently. Please keep in mind that Israel is destroying civilian infrastructure in the process of retrieving a kidnapped soldier. Power plants, Palestinian leaders' offices, etc. are being blown up for this sole purpose, handicapping further the Palestinian people. How many will die because of that?

Then, it makes lip service in improving things in Darfur, by donating money while not really pushing for things to change on the ground.

And shame on me for delaying to write to my leaders demanding things to change... Email me if you don't see me posting my letter to them by Tuesday to keep me accountable.

Posted by ma at 9:03 AM | TrackBack

July 4, 2006

Double :(

Germany lost today...

The other :( is that I got to the doctor's today, who diagnosed a sprained ankle. He prescribed some painkillers and some physio. I am not too happy about that, but I needed to make sure that my ligament was not torn or anything like that. Something tells me that those nice shoes will see a decreasing level of mileage in the time to come...

Posted by ma at 9:33 PM | TrackBack

June 28, 2006

Got a Paper Accepted

Good news this week. I got a paper accepted for the PST 2006 conference (PST = Privacy, Security and Trust), which will be Markham, Ontario (not far from Toronto) on October 30 until November 1.

We have some modfications to make to the paper in question, as they accepted us as a 'short paper' of only four pages... also known as an introduction, previous work, and conclusion... grrr.
Its funny how we are asked to make a shorter paper with more references! :)

We'll see who will be presenting the paper. Pray that it is me!!!
Still, I prayed (and asked for prayers) for acceptance to this conference and another one, and it was answered. Yay!

Posted by ma at 4:52 PM | TrackBack

June 27, 2006

Great Weekend in Toronto

Friday was a holiday at the university, since the saturday was the Saint-Jean Baptiste.
And my office was relocated on Monday... leaving me with a long weekend, which I enjoyed in Toronto.

So I take the 11:30 bus and arrive in Toronto somewhere close to 18:30. On my way, I do some reading in Mere Christianity, from C.S. Lewis.
Then, I grab some Japanese food and I head off to meet the singles and campusians for their Friday devotional. We read a few psalms and prayed together. There is one prayer (for Canada) that freaked me out... it started as a fine thing, asking for safety and godly leadership, and turned into something really political (don't let us complain...). I should've talked to the brother about it... oh well.

I get to the place of the brother hosting me for the weekend and we chat a bit. I don't have a good night, being awoken in the middle by the guy who spoke in his sleep... we took some time to pray to let go of our worries and then things were better.

Comes in Saturday. I had to wake up very early to go to the HOPE Walkathon. I was ready by 7AM (not quite yay). I committed to participate with 2 sisters... and one was doing the run, the other was doing the walk. What is a man to do? The answer is: both.
So, I run 10 Km to encourage that first sister (litterally doing some dragging), and then did the 5 Km walk with the other (and a few other folks that were with us, mostly a Mexican sister telling us about her life over there).
So that got me tired. We drove to Scarborough to drop one sister to do some shopping, and I had a bite with another in a Thai restaurant. I had a very yummy soup (large noodles with crab and shrimp), and then went on to crash on my bed. I had to cancel a hang out with a friend.

After resting, I did some groceries with a brother and I went to deep-down-far-away-Scarborough to hang out with two sisters. I could say that they are the closest female friends I have in Toronto. I let them cook an improv meal based on what I brought while I tried improving the speed of one of the sister's laptop (please notice the gender segregation here. I'm fully expected to be hung to a high tree for such an evil treatment of women... I live in Québec, after all :P ).
She didn't want me to liberate her computer with Linux :( I guess it'll take more suffering on her part before she makes the switch.
The meal was GREAT! We had omelets as the main course. One had a mozarella + mushroom sauce and the other had a mango+tomato sauce. There were some pasta too. We were so full we didn't get to dessert. And I had brought maple syrup just for that! Snif :'(

We all had a good time, talked lots. One showed some of her travel pictures, and I showed some of mine (those on my European blog). I took the bus to get back home... and that's when things started going wrong. I did a mistake on the way there and couldn't find the place. I did not have the piece of paper with the address or the brothers' phone numbers.
I called one sister who would know... no answer (1 AM). I call the one who had me at her place, and she's not sure. I walk around the place trying to backtrack my steps from the grocery store. She calls a few folks of the church trying to get the information, and even finds me another place to stay (1:30 AM). With some more searching and finally reaching the first sister, I get to the place. My ankle started hurting in the process, as I was wearing my fancy shoes (that's what women do to men! see why women are evil :P ) and I've been limping a bit since then. Anyway, at 2 AM I was in my bed, feeling thankful for a merciful God and a really loving sister going the extra mile (if not two, or a thousand).

On Sunday, it is time to get to a house church service. We had a message about God's gentle whisper in 2 Kings 5. That is something I did not notice before in this passage. We had a BBQ afterwards and I joined my dear sisters at Pacific Mall (think of it as Scarborough's quasi-chinatown... I might have been the only white guy there). We chatted a bit. I found out that I was not a white guy, but 'beige' :P :) That means too white to be yellow, too yellow to be white. That's quite accurate. I am sorry to disapoint, but I am not gonna fake being a cowboy or something just to be more 'white'. There are many things I like about asia, mostly due to my martial arts background, and so be it!
Anyway, we went to help a couple who is getting maried to get their condo together. While the sisters were washing the floors, the brothers were assembling the doors of the cabinetery and a TV stand.
I'm so good at gender segregation! On a more serious note, I enjoyed doing something with my hands. I don't do that a lot.

In the evening, I had a meal with the brothers hosting me, and we saw Hitch, in which a brother played a scene (or at least someone looking like him). It was very typical... not gonna go farther.

On Monday, I go spend time with a brother who's building a web site for networking disciples and using affiliates to generate easy revenue for the churches. I can forward your his email if you are interested. The project is interesting and has a lot of potential. Many pitfalls too, like anything worth doing.
I took the bus and did 3 studies out of Proverbs that shook me to the core: relying on God, advising, and generosity. I read more of CS Lewis and I am surprised to see that he's buying some of modern churchianity without thinking. He's writing a lot of good stuff, but then talks about Christians going to war and the immortality of the soul and I'm frowning. The immortality of the sould is a Greek idea and there is a case against that concept to be made from the Bible. Also, as I read by Bercot, the doctrine of righteous war was drafted by Augustine, quite not in accordance of early Christian beliefs. Anyway.
I also watched a troubling/touching movie, Blind Spot. Hitler's Secretary. She tells the story of how it was to work for Hitler... its crazy how it was a real ivory tower. The anecdotes have a certain interest, but its her continual shame and unforgiveness that is the most suprising.

Back home I spent time with some brothers and then I got to bed. I think that everyone will know by tomorrow that I really really really enjoyed my time in TO.

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June 20, 2006

Da Vinci Code Presentation Online

So, I uploaded it on Google Video. You can watch it here:

Posted by ma at 4:13 PM | TrackBack

Sports :) and :(

First of all: Go Schweiz! Haha! They are lined up to move ahead in the tournament.

Second, snif @ hockey... we can't seem to get that Stanley Cup on Canadian soil. Oh well.

Posted by ma at 12:07 PM | TrackBack

June 19, 2006

Its raining ... cash?

I received an email today from one of the administrative staff telling me that I received a Hydro Quebec Graduate Award.

My mood went up! That was unexpected (although I applied for it, I wasn't really caring about getting it). Its not 1 million dollars, for sure, but it'll help my cash-strapped finances this year :)
I feel like God is blessing me, but I don't want to speak on His behalf, since He hasn't told me.
So far, I'm good at fighting the feeling of deserveness.

Resume updated, you can be sure of that.

Posted by ma at 5:17 PM | TrackBack

June 17, 2006

What Was Christianity?

I presented a conference yesterday at Concordia titled "What was Christianity? Did the Da Vinci Code Expose True Christianity?"

The presentation was a very small subset of the contents of this document I wrote and that I'm publishing on TheoThoughts.

Go get it!

It is the fruit of many many hours of reading and redaction. I got the last bus more than once this week in the process of finalizing it.
The presentation went smoothly. Too smoothly even... things were going out of my mouth with so much ease it was scary. However, I was told by a brother that I did sound arrogant. I guess that the sudden eloquence did not come alone... still, where did that thing come from? Was it God blessing me? Was it an expression of pride that doesn't show up under normal circumstances? Both?

Anyway, I had the chance to put in practice some of the gifts I was given. This is also a prayer answered, as "a public lecture" was on the list I made in January!
Its possible that we'll redo it on another campus. We'll see. :)

There won't be much more to say about my week... I more or less breathed for that thing.

Posted by ma at 10:09 AM | TrackBack

June 11, 2006

Gah!

I'm feeling overwhelmed.

The conference on the Da Vinci Code that I'm presenting is next Friday. I had quite a bit of stress related to getting the room, mostly because of a slow communication link (email) with my sponsor for the room. Now, it is booked, but there is an issue outstanding.

Other than that...

I'll put work aside... its been special this week.

On Monday, besides work, I go spend time with the elderly in that retirement hospital (best translation I could guess). We had fun. We were in the outside garden this time around. The guy playing the piano had his hat land on the roof that covers the meeting place of the garden... and I'm the one who had to go get it. Oh, and I also tripped over the power cord of his keyboard. DOH! Anyway, the evening went smoothly.
Once that was done, I helped my brand new sister (she was baptized the sunday just before! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!) with her French and her knowledge of Canadian history. After that, I had to update my finances tracking so that we could settle the accounts between roomates. My bed welcomed me.

Tuesday was the same as usual. I helped my roomate with his computer problems. That was a shock surgery. We took his case from his old computer and that's pretty much it! We replaced the motherboard and the power supply. The difficult thing was to get the two CD and DVD players connected because of their master/slave configuration (fun cable twisting). I had to spend quite a bit of time debugging the hardware, but it is (mostly) done. Windows is not booting (not a surprise... you move from a Pentium 4 board to an AMD Athlon XP board... there's probably just the bytecode that is compatible with what was before). I had the chance to test quickly the Helix Forensic CD and I enjoyed it. Its fast and it has just the right tools to do imaging and detection.

In parallel of all that, I finished reading Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up, 3rd edition, which I loved tremendously! Granted, the author has a view of the early chuch father that is a bit high. Still, its been doing good to my soul. The interesting thing is that it comes from an evangelical author. He gave the the taste to read the texts of the early christians myself.

On Thursday, I helped a sister move to her new apartment.

Friday, we had a time watching movies with the campus group at church. We had the pleasure of watching Mr. Deeds, followed by Motorcycle Diaries. The first one whas a typical funny adam sandler movie, full of fully expectable plot twists and american ending. The second one was a jewel. We see the young Che Guevara who decides to put aside his last semester in med school to travel from Argentina to Venezuela with a biochemist friend. Their motorcycle ends up breaking down and they finish the trip by foot. In their journey, they meet a lot of misery, especially form the natives of South America who were expelled from their land. The contrast between the two characters (at least at first) is impressive: the young che is an example of faithfulness to his beloved and of honesty, and Alberto Granado is the example of lying and lusting. They spend time in a Leprosy camp too. A truly inspiring journey.

On Saturday, I finished fixing my bike. I had to change the tires, take care of some rust, get myself a new lock for it, etc. Now it is fully done and ready to be used. Now that it stopped raining, I should be able to go to school on Monday using it.
In the evening, I had a date with my brand-new sister and a dating couple of the church. They treated us with wonderful fish and potatoes, followed by some games that made us laugh a bit. Then, we watched Batman Begins. I liked the character development, which is much more developped that in many American movies I see. I relate to the young Bruce Wayne, who can't feel his shame because of his anger... I know that I have still much work to do to understand my emotions after years of repressive habits BUT! I promise that I won't be inhaling an opiate with some ninjas to help me deal with that! :)

This Sunday, I delivered a message on the communion at church. I was talking that the communion/eucharist/Lord's supper brings us closer to God by the dual combination of the product and the process. I'll try posting my message notes on TheoThoughts. I had a study with a guy who decided to be baptized next Sunday. I'm excited. This is a prayer answered! I also worked (and will be working) on my Da Vinci Code document today.

Here's a quote from one of our brothers, Ignatius, considered to be a disciple of John:
"My lust hath been crucified, and there is no fire of material longing in me, but only water living +and speaking+ in me, saying within me, Come to the Father.
I have no delight in the food of corruption or in the delights of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Christ who was of the seed of David; and for a draught I desire His blood, which is love incorruptible."
(Ignatius to the Romans 7:2-3. I got it from www.earlychristianwritings.com)

Posted by ma at 7:39 PM | TrackBack

June 5, 2006

Reading and Writing Week

So, I finished my reading of the Da Vinci Code. I started reading Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up with great convicting joy.

Now, I have to pull together my references and write the contents of my upcoming presentation. The editorial cut will be very tight because there's just too much material.

I submitted two papers for an IBM conference near Toronto. Lets just pray for their acceptance. There has been quite a last minute rush over those.

This Saturday, I spent some time with a brother from Québec City and it was good to update on each other's life. In the evening, it was a friend's birthday party that we celebrated in an Ethiopian restaurant. Its nice to eat with your hands every now and then!
On Sunday, we had the baptism of a brand new sister! I was so joyful. I prayed for her for months and months and months. I had the chance to build a relationship and to make a few contributions on her path (as mr know-it-all :P ) and I rushed out of kid's class (I was excused, don't worry) to see the baptism. And yes, I hugged her very very very much. :)

Posted by ma at 9:46 AM | TrackBack

May 30, 2006

Beachstock Report

So, with 4 other disciples, we left on Thursday for Beachstock IV, a christian conference organized by the Hampton Roads Church of Christ.

So, on Thursday, I leave work at 12, meet a friend that I lost touch with, then did some final shopping. In the evening, we got the car from the rental company.

We had to worry about a few logistics issues and we left around 10 or so.

By Friday morning, it was my turn to drive, which I did for a little while. We ate our breakfast at a restaurant with a flag as tall as the building holding it. We arrived at First Landing State Park in the afternoon, after ~16hours of driving.
Interesting facts: have lots of spare cash for the tolls (soooooooooooooooooooooooo expensive). One of the tolling areas is a tunnel/bridge that is a nice feat of engineering. It crosses the bay in full, but two parts are tunnels, so that ships can go through. The drive is nice, as we had the full sun and the ocean wind/smell. We had strong rain at that point.

We set the tents, registered for the conference, then did our grocery shopping. We cooked ourselves a few burgers and then joined a song worship event. I was in and out of the group. As always, I'm not always comfortable in group worship (especially with songs that I don't know well), so I took turns worshipping on my own. The rain had stopped, but I could see the lightning at a distances, which I felt was God's fireworks for me.

We went back to our tents, and the sleep was quick to come. I was a bit cramped, because I wanted to avoid touching the tent, as it was raining back.

On Saturday, I woke up early and joined a prayer on the beach group. It was followed by the baptism of our new brother. That did start my day well. Then we had breakfast in our little group and arrived a little bit late for our classes. Men and women were split, and we guys had two messages. We were roasting in the outdoors auditorium under the harsh sun. Essentially, we are called to stop sitting on the fence, and to have real relationships (with God, in discipling, in the fellowship)...
We had lunch and I got a shot at the "Fast Fellowship" event, a variant of speed dating. It met some nice sisters, but 4 minutes is really tooooooooooooooooooooooo short for me. Not sure I'd do it again. Afterwards, I attended the Talent Show. One of the brothers of Montreal did his French rap that got the crowd going!
We had another message afterwards and I was smart enough to stay in the shade this time :) I can't say that I remember anything from the message, but I'll re-check my notes this week.
In the evening, we changed and went to the Luau party. I had a short date with a sister who committed to go see a movie later. It was nice breaking of the ice, and I'll be writing her. Afterwards, I hung out with a sister I met at the speed dating and she was telling me about her dream of evangelizing her native region in Albania, which was very inspiring to me (as a sidenote, I met many sisters who are dreaming to be missionary... I'm not the only one on this planet who is!).

On Sunday, I woke everybody up and rushed to prepare the breakfast for everyone else. We obviously arrived late for the message. This one, however, I remember better. We were challenged to take a year off our lives to offer ourselves to serve in whatever way God was choosing. The brother was from India and told us about the examples of many christians in India with the trials, the difficult choices and persecutions they face.
I then went to the beach, and I saw a brother and sister be baptized in Christ. I love seeing a baptism, because of two things 1) reminds me mine and 2) reminds me that they can happen (sometimes I loose sight of that after months of seeing no impact in my evangelism).
Afterwards, I had a quick lunch and then, at 2 PM, I joined a 5 km race group. I finished the race in 28 minutes! I was pretty happy about my performance, as I was hoping to do it within 30 minutes.
Then, I went to have a swim in the Atlantic ocean, took a shower, and attended the last of the Talent Show. We had some outstanding rap and dance that I remember the most. They also randomly picked contestants to do some crazy stuff, one of them having to do a peanut butter/jellybean sandwich with his feet! The whole thing was very funny for us in the crowd.

Once this was done, we packed the camp (that was a change in schedule) and deal with a few issues that emerged in our group. Everybody was tired, which didn't help. Once we more or less forgave each other we went to then end of the dance (about 30 minutes... they were ending too early). A sister lent me her glowsticks and I did my thing :D Mental note: buy glowsticks next time. My knees were seriously hurting after all that, suffice to say.
And then, I was time to go back to Canada.

Posted by ma at 5:22 AM | TrackBack

May 24, 2006

Apologetics Online

I posted an apologetics document in French on my other blog (TheoThoughts).
It is a very good introduction (less than 50 pages), written by Ghislain Normand and Alexandre Picard.

Here is the link to the announcement.

Posted by ma at 1:42 PM | TrackBack

May 22, 2006

Don't Mess With the Swiss

I saw a video of the Swiss Air Force and I remembered some things about their military that I saw when I was there.

First of all:

I need to figure out the legality aspect. Google Video invites people to just upload their home-made videos and it looks like anyone picks a song and some images and upload it... Something tells me that this must be a good spot for the RIAA to start suing.

Anyway, here are a few reasons why invading Switzerland is a bad idea
1) mandatory military service for men. It can be escaped, but a fair amount of people go for it anyway. This results in a large amount of civilians with assault rifles and military handguns in their homes (with a buddy, we did a conservative estimate that about 1 million people in the country did their service. Lets just assume half still are in service. That's about 500 000 assault rifles currently dispersed in the territory, not counting stockpiles in case of crisis) They train for 3 weeks every year and have mandatory test at a shooting range each year.
(The CIA estimates more than 1.7 million eligible males, but having about 1/3 opting out is not irrealistic). If you thought Fallujah was bad, just wait for the mountain fights in Appenzell :)
2) their jet fighter pilots are so good that they can land on highways and streets and refuel at gas stations... in joint exercises, other air forces refused to join in this exercise
3) they have underground forts all over the places. Just stay clear of the mountains
4) they can mobilize the rail system and deliver troops anywhere in their territory within a day
5) everyone they make business with will want to kill you (and that's a loooooooooooooooooot of people)
6) their greatest natural resources are essentially electric power and ski resorts. Its a knowledge and trading economy that doesn't use the euro. Result of a conquest: a lot of useless currency.

Now, I guess I need to write an article titled "Please Mess with the Canadians", but I don't think it is needed - the US government is already quite good at it. ;)

Posted by ma at 7:36 AM | TrackBack

May 18, 2006

Picture of me in Ottawa

Posted by ma at 7:32 PM | TrackBack

FFVII Advent Children

I loooooooooooooooooved this movie. The fight scenes were beyond anything I've seen.

The storyline was good enough, even though I felt that there were a bit too much discontinuity and that they brought all the old characters just for good measure, instead of integrating them really in the story.

Anyway, here are some spoilers I found on Google Video. Legality warning: I'm not 100% sure that those are legal. I own the DVD myself, so I have fair use rights :P

Go Tifa!


Go Cloud!

The utlimate spoiler (you've been warned... you really have been)

Posted by ma at 10:53 AM | TrackBack

May 15, 2006

Sneezy time

So, I imported a cold from Ontario... yay

I did some work on Friday, but not high productivity. I did call my folks to wish them a happy birthday (dad) and a happy Mothers' day (mom)

On Saturday, I mostly rested. I watched 2 old kung fu movies with a few friends and was on the phone with a sister from the US. But that's pretty much it.

On Sunday, I went to church early for taking care of the babies and was quickly dismissed because I was sick. Afterwards, I ate out and we had a Bible study. I rested a bit home, then had 'family night' with my roomates where we essentially ate together and shared about our families.
Afterwards, I got to the bus station to fetch a friend coming back from the US and get her safely to her place. That had a few delays, especially since the person who was to welcome her there was not there as agreed upon. Yay for bad logistics.

On this Monday, I woke up super early and got to work late (yay for cold), but managed to get a little bit of work done. I met my supervisor who gave us a direction to work on with results for tomorrow.
I shared my faith with some brothers at lunch, and I purchased 'Advent Children' that I told you about... I'll have to wait a little bit before watching it, but that's OK with me ;)

Posted by ma at 5:03 PM | TrackBack

May 12, 2006

Back from Ottawa

I guess this will be a recap of the conference I attended in Ottawa as well as other side activities I had.

Overall, it was a great experience. I really enjoyed and I'm confident that I had a positive impact there.

So, on Monday there are some presentations I attend. In the evening, I go to the banquet organized by the conference at the Museum of Civilizations, which was a 100$ banquet (included in the conference fees for me). I met an interesting woman from Calgary and chatted for most of the evening. I was happy to see she wasn't giving up on God despite some very bad experiences in churchianity.

On Tuesday, I attend some presentations in the morning, then spend my afternoon in a park reading something I had to read for work... might as well make it enjoyable! In the evening, I met a brother at the Rideau Centre and we evangelized an hour or so, then went to eat at Tucker's Marketplace. I invited the waitress to church and thought I was trying to pick her up! Oh well... I guess I'll see that kind of confusion happen more than once in my life.

On Wednesday, I packed all my stuff, got breakfast, saw some presentations in my track. In the afternoon, I chatted with a guy of the Orthodox church who's one of the most reasoned about his faith I had the chance to meet so far. In the end, it was my turn to present my paper. We had some flexibility in the time, and I took a few more minutes to introduce the topic than planned, and everything went smoothly. People were asking questions about what patterns could do for them, mostly.

In the evening, I had a quick date with a sister, then joined the brothers for midweek. They discussed about their reading of the book 'Wild at Heart' and then watched Hockey. I did little watching, I mostly discussed with a brother about how things were in Montreal.

On Thursday, I took my sweet time in the morning, went downtown and bought myself a pair of sandals (I just needed to make this purchase at that point) and then I waited for my old boss of long ago at a pub called Father and Sons, which I don't reccomend (2$ for a small very factory-like orange juice...). Him and I chatted and updated each other on our lives in the last 4 years or so. Afterwards I visited the Maison Laurier, which housed 2 Prime Ministers in the past. It was a nice visit, but I wouldn't put it high on your list of museums to go see in Ottawa if I were you.

Posted by ma at 12:09 PM | TrackBack

May 8, 2006

Transition, Preparation, Determination

So, I am typing this blog entry while waiting for a presentation to start.
The topic isn't that interesting to me, but I'm giving it a shot :)

I'm trying to recap my week with the best and the worst for you, my dear readers :D

On Wednesday, we had a Bible talk back, after I stopped during the exams (I was just sharing my faith, not organizing Bible talks). At mid-week, I got to see again the presentation on evolutionary creationism. Its always good to have a refresher. I also exhorted the congregation to start reading again and share about their reading. We had a leader's meeting and I was encouraged to see studies emerging one more!

On Thursday, I had a lab meeting in the morning and my supervisor told me to come up with a better template for the presentation. I'm really becoming a part-time graphics designer! I did some fine-tuning of the presentation, but mostly focused on the template.

On Friday, I had a pretty normal day at work, for the part I was at work. I bought my bus ticket and got a few books at the National Library.
At 5 I went to a Bible study with a nice Chinese guy who was really open. He joined us as we went to pray on top of Mont Royal with the Campus group.

I also prepped my presentation and did a mock presentation in the lab. I have to be careful with time, but things should go well.

On Saturday, I woke up early to pack my luggage, have a D-time with a brother and a study with a nice Iranian guy. He didn't swallow too much the idea that Jesus was God. I had to leave in the middle of the study to catch my bus to Ottawa.

The bus trip went smoothly and I was welcomed in Ottawa by a sister and a brother, who took me to a BBQ organized by the pastor of the church here in Ottawa. I spent a bit of time with the singles at the BBQ, as the marrieds somehow split between men and women and weren't inspiring me very much (somehow talking a lot about fences...) I did an effort to break this "segregation" though ;)

In the evening, I spent time with a brother who was hosting me and we talked about our different challenges. Then, to bed I got!

On Sunday, I woke up early and kept on reading a book on the real history behind the Da Vinci code. Then I read my Bible aloud for a brother and we ended up being a few sharing about our struggles related to the passage we read. Then, it was a prayer walk before leaving to the church service.

The message was inspiring, talking about the parable of the Talents... highlighting how much a talent would be worth for us today (~1.2M$) and how our view of God affected our desire to take the risk to make our talents fruitful.

Afterwards, I took a few appointments to share my faith and so on, then went to a nice dinner in the Royal Thai restaurant. Expensive but good.

I then registered at the conference and checked in the hotel. I read a bit of the activities organized, relaxed, slept, read more, and finally attended a cocktail with a colleague. There, I met a nice guy who is well versed in both computing and theology as well. Something tells me that we will be talking much more during this conference.

My night was not really good, but it did give me the opportunity to finish reading my Da Vinci history book.

So, I end up underslept yet optimistic about my day to come today, Monday.

Posted by ma at 9:37 PM | TrackBack

May 2, 2006

Inspiration, Inspiration

I had a great weekend, but not a great week beforehand.

Let me share...

So, we submit the documentation for final course project on Monday, and that was a marathon in itself.

Then, I learn that a paper I worked many hours on was rejected. Then I work a lot on that paper... you know that stuff.

I told you also about the inspiring message at the leaders' meeting and the morning of prayer.

For Saturday evening, I spend time with a sister for two concerts at McGill:

At first, we had the final Bachelor's concert of Alexandrine Brachaud who sang:
- Misera, dove son! ... Ah! non son io che parlo, K.369 (Mozart)
- L'invitation au voyage, Phidylé and La vie antérieure (Henri Duparc)
- Indian Summer - Blue (Jake Heggie)
- Benedetto sia' l giorno (Liszt)
- Tres Sonetos (Turnia)

The performance was good, even though less than announced. She had a powerful crescendo.

Once this was done, we rushed for a harpsichord concert by John Austin Clark, doing one of his Master's concerts. On the line-up we had:
- Passacaille en sol mineur (Couperin)
- Praeludium un Fuga in B moll, BWV 866 (J.S. Bach)
- Sonata K. 24, K. 25, K. 479 (Scarlatti)
- Französische Suite Nr. V in G, BWV 816 (J.S. Bach)

This guy was solid! He played tunes that were of super high tempo with ease. There is only one thing that I could hear a fault in (bourée of the Französische Suite) and that fault was arguable (I felt he didn't hammer one note strong enough). I gotta check to see if he has more concerts coming!

Now, on Sunday, we have a good message based on the cleansing of the Temple. Conclusion: we need to be men and women of prayer, and to be known for our zeal for God.
Afterwards, I decide to fill in for a guy to do the collection counting. But before we do that, we are being treated to a nice picnic in the park, under a very nice sun. So nice indeed that I'm afraid that this day will alone contribute to a skin cancer in a few years. ;)
So, we do the collection, spend some time with 2 couples of the church, then move to have a 'family night', which is centered around... Hockey.

And yes, the Canadiens lost. I don't care for sports normally, but I do when everyone is hyped about it (read: playoffs and olympics). Afterwards we settled the amounts owed for each roomate and are getting our collective finances back in order.

Now, on Monday, I'm under motivated... I had to redo my federal tax form to submit it online, because the phone option wouldn't allow me to. Anyway, once that was done, I got to work and kinda got my presentation started. I somehow couldn't figure what to talk about and how long for each, etc.

I get a phone call telling me that they have to cancel the volunteering that I normally do that night... so I go to a conference organized at UQAM. Pierre Maisonneuve (known SRC journalist), Bernard Landry (former PM of Québec) and Loco Locass (a politically engaged rap band). They spoke at some point of the return of ethics, of the need to dream, of hopelessness in the youth, etc. During question period, I could not refrain from asking them to comment on a growing spiritual need in the youth.
I'm proud I got THOSE guys to talk spirituality.
The only thing is that they don't get it... spirituality does not equal morality or ethics, and that's how they see it.

Nevertheless, this is, I hope, a small seed planted in their lives.

Posted by ma at 12:06 PM | TrackBack

April 29, 2006

Paper Rehash

I spent most of my week doing some semi-magical things on the paper that was rejected in order to deal with the reviewers' comments. With a colleague, I spotted some conferences where we might submit it and found a direction of improvement (that would take more time). Noticeably, I increased the data set for our statistics by about 40%, which was not always trivial.

I'll be able to put only minimal effort on this paper in the week to come, but I feel there is a good foundation established to submi to another conferencet next Friday.

On other news, there were inspiring things... We are receiving Mike Fontenot from the Hampton Roads Church of Christ and he preached to us for the leaders' meeting. The singles and campus ministries also gathered to pray with him in the Botanical Garden. I feel a burning to get more radical in my lifestyle. I realize that I've been working from my strenght recently, and that I need to live by faith much more.
Keep on praying for me.

Posted by ma at 4:34 PM | TrackBack

*drools*

I saw a few snippets of Advent Children on Google Video and I'm seriously drooling over this.

The price on Amazon is not too bad either.

I'll have to look at my budget to see if I can afford it. One way or another, I need to be patient for my cashflow to get better... I'm still waiting for my first pay. Patience is not my strongest point yet...

Edit: if you are having a guilt trip over not giving me a birthday gift, then wink wink, nudge nudge
(Couldn't resist it :) )

Posted by ma at 4:27 PM | TrackBack

April 26, 2006

Semester Finally Over

I finished my semester on Monday. It was on major marathon to get there, since we had to finish in 2 weeks a software that we didn't really start in the first place.

I had 2 all-night coding sessions last week. Everything seemed to go wrong, from the technology that we were using that didn't work all the way to team skill and communication issues. We demoed on Saturday for one full hour... that was painful!

We wrapped the documentation on Monday and I was glad it was over.

Our supervisor has scheduled us meetings once a week for the team, as well as a monthly newsletter (which I am doing using Scribus. That's a certain learning curve but I'm doing OK.

Yesterday, I got the news that I had a paper rejected. This was a paper I put a lot of energy on, and the reviewers were not agreeing on what to fix... which doesn't help on fixing it for submitting somewhere else.

Today, our supervisor demands 9-5 work hours, with some flexibility. I won't reschedule stuff I had prepared today, but I'll have to be careful starting next week.

As a sidenote, here is a great video. Whoever did that must be really smart and creative!

Posted by ma at 12:16 PM | TrackBack

April 23, 2006

Beautés du Darfour

Here is the poem that I submitted for Women's Month a while ago. I had a conversation with a sister and this popped up, and I felt it would be great to share with you. Afterwards is an attempt at translation in English.

Please note that English is my second language and that it shows very very much on the translation.

Beautés du Darfur

Tant de larmes coulent
Dans le village, la destruction
Fade devant les femmes qui hurlent
Cette plainte venant de chaque maison

Aucune n'est morte, sinon dans leur cœur
Plusieurs souffrent d'innocence brisée
Que nul homme ne pourra réparer
Comment enlever leur douleur?

Les libérateurs ont ravivés
Les souvenirs si souvent répétés
Lacrymales inutiles aux étrangers
Punition pour toute la féminité

Beauties of Darfur
Rivers of tears are flowing
In the village, the destruction
Fades from women's cries
A lament from each house

None is dead, except their heart
Many suffer broken innocence
That no man could ever repair
How to remove their pain?

The liberators have ravived
Often repeated memories
Lacrymals useless to foreigners
Punishment for feminity

Posted by ma at 5:15 PM | TrackBack

April 21, 2006

An Inconvenient Truth

This is a movie I'll see for sure!

Posted by ma at 1:25 AM | TrackBack

April 18, 2006

Impressive Honda Advertising

This is something I saw a while ago, and I'm delighted to see it again on Google Video.

Its cool that they offer this 'embed' option to integrate it to our blogs... smart!

Posted by ma at 11:54 AM | TrackBack

April 17, 2006

Deadline is coming ... yet I refuse to let stress win over!

So, we have this thing due for Friday...

And the learning curve for the technology is a steep one. Plug-in architectures require special work, after all.
So, I spent most of last week working until pretty late.

Nevertheless, this was not to stop my evangelism for Easter.
Nor would it prevent me from encouraging my sisters. Saturday, I went to an older sister in the morning and we were 4 listening to a CD of Vivaldi (you know how much I like that stuff). In the evening, I helped a sister submit her thesis to her supervisor (computer issues) ate out with her and we went to see Belgian clowns at the Tohu. This was definitely good.
We had help on our way by a friendly mechanic in a garage. We came back after the show and invited him to church, only to see that we missed our bus back. Yet, God being God, another bus showed up and we ended up on a faster path back to home than we would've otherwise! Talk about good planning ;)

On Sunday, I enjoyed the church service. Afterwards, I went back home, and God sent me a few religious people to evangelize... Why do they need to find baptism so much of a "work"?
Anyway, I afterwards phoned brothers and sisters I lost touch with. I then proceeded to cook some nice food while listening to Händel's Messiah. Somewhere during the 2nd part, I was done cooking and I was eating the supper with a good glass of Guavaberry (one of the best liquors in my opinion). So, while eating, I was praising Jesus, concluded by the joining of my voice on the 'Halleluiah' movement.

I also finished reading John on Sunday. I loved the density of references of His divinity that Jesus gave, which are heavily quoted in John's work. Also noteworthy is that he got close to stoning quite a few times because of that!

I am writing this while listening to Pachelbel's Canon... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Posted by ma at 9:37 AM | TrackBack

April 12, 2006

Finally, a map of the neighbourhoods of Montreal

I was not born in Montreal, so I don't know where the neighbourhoods are...

But, I found a map:
http://www.logement.umontreal.ca/carte.htm

Now, just gotta find one that includes the metro stops and I'll have the (nearly) perfect map.

Posted by ma at 10:18 PM | TrackBack

April 8, 2006

Things Done This Week Outside of Studying

As a sidenote, my exam went OK yesterday. There were a few questions I had no answer to, since I did not memorize all the Common Criteria acronyms.
Otherwise, it went well on the rest of the questions.

Worthy to mention: I signed my union card for our union-to-be for research assistants. I hope enough people join in.

I had a Bible study with a Chinese guy on tuesday. I'm praying for him.

I had a date with a sister and saw the movie Memoirs of a Geisha with her. Some of the scenes were breathtaking in visual quality. Its impressive how the system was designed to train women to tease their way to the top, while destroying their dreams and desires in the process, and turning them into the back-stabbing type.
I reccomend this movie for its wonderful window into the traditional Japanese society and for the well-done character development.

Posted by ma at 6:59 PM | TrackBack

April 2, 2006

One exam done, more celebrations

I spent the week working on one school project and preparing the final exam for that same class.
The exam went very well (Halleluiah!) and I met a guy who's really interested in studying the Bible.
We had a code-a-thon on Saturday afternoon and got significant progress done.
I had supper with my folks and a colleague to celebrate my mother's and my birthday in family.
We had a very encouraging church service, with Chuck Pike who came to teach about the problem of evil.
I did not learn a lot from the theoritical perspective, but I am encouraged to see a man who was a missionary, who works as an engineer, who is married, and who is a Teacher for God's people.

Basically, all things I'd like to see happening in my life :)
It is also shifting my perspective from "right after I get my degree" to "when the right time will appear". That means that I'm OK with the idea of getting a job in Montreal after graduating if that's the way God wants to mature me and prepare me to go missionary. Anyway, the prayers are continuing.

Also, I went to the planetarium with a few other disciples and marveled at the creation. I saw Saturn in the telescope too! My first planet :)

Posted by ma at 11:27 PM | TrackBack

March 26, 2006

Great Birthday Party

So, I had to cut a bit of my planned time for writing code on a school project to get myself ready for the party: some food, the cake, etc.

It turns out that most guests were late, but all were late at the same time, which was great. There were 15-20 people in my apartment and we all had a great time. I had board games ready, and noone wanted to play them because they enjoyed their conversation so much!

I shared my conversion story with some workmates, talked about marriage and singlehood, blowed my candle succesfully, and received very encouraging word. Overall, the serving spirit, the multiple facets of my convictions in my life and my love for God and knowledge were the most marking to my friends. I sometimes need to be told things like that :)

In the end, it was not bad to have this party, even though exams are next week. I had a bigger smile and less worries... I was able to let go, just for that one night. That's worth something, definitely.

We had tunisian food brought by a coworker, turkish sweets, iranian tea, rice salad (done by myself), a chocolate cake, apple pies, some australian and spanish wine, etc. A good mixture indeed!

I got from my parents a digital music player that supports the Vorbis format, as well as noise-cancelling headphones. I was given a 3 CD set of classical music, and a brother gave me a CD of classic/jazz music. I am buying myself some special earplugs to ear conversations better in noisy environments, as a gift to myself.

Another great thing was the encouraging cards I received. I even wrote myself one, just because I love myself. Don't worry, I'm perfectionist enough to be immune to narcicism! My ego is not yet out of control ;)

Everybody had a great time, and I'm sure that it left an impression of guests as well. I need to pray for all of them to join God's kingdom.

Posted by ma at 5:45 PM | TrackBack

March 24, 2006

Gaaaah

Hmm... the amount of work let me to organize my birthday party kinda last minute...

That, and that overall drain of energy I had, since I got a cold.

Anyway... studied a bit, got some work done of the team project, and too much time spent organizing a party...
Many people told me I was looking stressed out and tired... I guess they were stating the obvious.

Posted by ma at 9:27 AM | TrackBack

March 20, 2006

My Birthday is This Saturday

Just as a note for everyone: I'll be 25 on the 25th (isn't that simple and easy to remember?)

That way you have no excuse not to send a wish ;)

Posted by ma at 7:04 PM | TrackBack

Blessed Week

There has been some really positive things that have happened this week. Let us look at them:

-The Hulk is coming in town
-Meeting planned in heaven
-Science vs. Genesis
-Bible talk training
-Money growing on trees (or kinda)
-Great conversations for great friendships
-Strong preach this weekend
-Learning the art of encouragement
-Sheperding in practice

-The Hulk is coming in town
SO, this monday and Friday, I spent an hour in the university's gym with a brother and a classmate and started pumping iron. I'm working on endurance (so that my tendons have a basis for further musculing) for now: 2-3 sets with 20 reps, focused on the upper body. The lower body should be taken care by the jogging

-Meeting planned in heaven
Now, imagine this: a sister owes me money and can't come in when planned. We move the time to have an 'evangelization date' on Wednesday. It turns out she leaves the bathroom at the same time as a woman that was coming to my Bible Talk. Quickly, I introduced them to each other and they were making friends before I had the time to blink!

-Science vs. Genesis
Good news: they match. My roomate did an interesting and convincing presentation about the creation. One of the biggest stuff: the word used to talk about Adam's creation was referring to making into a spiritual being. This should cast aside all doubts about the first few chapters of Genesis

-Bible talk training
I spent some time with brothers to help them build better Bible talks. The leaders are cool with the idea of a series of workshops to raise up a new generation of leaders

-Money growing on trees (or kinda)
I finally received a chunk of my contract. Yay! My banker would be happy too, I am sure

-Great conversations for great friendships
I spent some great quality times with brothers sisters this week, notably two full hours on the phone yesterday, and one today with a brother I did not know much about.

-Strong preach this weekend
Compare Abel and Cain, their personality, their deeds, and ponder about yourself...
I was translating for someone and I lost a bit of the contents though. I guess I'll steal somebody else's notes...

-Learning the art of encouragement
In the context of lessons learned at the last devotional on dating and sexuality, I'm trying to compliment others on the good things I see in them. I almost feel cheep/flirty/weird... I'm not used on doing anything but bash on flaws...

-Sheperding in practice
My frustrations in discipling relationships might be to an end... for a change, this week, I just gave a few phone calls to brothers and set times together almost by snapping fingers. Now lets make them worth their while! :)

Posted by ma at 4:59 PM | TrackBack

March 13, 2006

Now a published academic

So, we submitted today the final version of a paper for CCECE, a conference to be held in Ottawa in early May. Our extended abstract was accepted, so we have no reason to expect not to be published at this point :)

The annoying thing is that the conference is from Sunday May 7th until Wednesday May 10th. I'll have barely the time to breathe after submitting the Forensics project that I'll have to work hard on making a top-notch presentation.
Also, I sent an email to one of the chairs to request to be scheduled any day but Sunday. I don't see why they would not accept, so lets be confident :)

Now, that thing must be paid from my pocket with the University taking a looooooooong time to reimburse it. This means two words: credit card :(

Posted by ma at 7:06 PM | TrackBack

March 12, 2006

Evangelistic weekend in Quebec City

Wow. I am totally encouraged.

3 brothers, including myself, left using a rented car on Saturday morning. Their objective is simple: share the Good News in Quebec City.

We arrived at 12:00 there and ate with a brother.
At 2, we were praying and getting ready. We split in teams of two and invited for 2 hours straight. The way we shared our faith was great, because we were actually engaging in dialogue with a lot of people. We were crazy enough to get to a residence and knock on some guys' doors... almost like Jehovah Witnesses ;)

At the end of that time, 2 folks joined us. We left aside the planned Bible Talk and instead looked at Paul's preach in Athens. The guys were excited at the end and we all left to go for a spaghetti night together.

I, of course, left them to join my dad. We ate together and he showed me a DVD of the ski school with recordings of him practicing.

On we Montreal people preached during the service. We reused our message on "those who dream" and the feeback was great once more! The folks we met the day before were there too. I was so excited to see their interest too!

Afterwards, we chatted and went to a restaurant, then I drove back to Montreal. We had a leaders' meeting where our opinion and ideas was really listened to and though over. I feel I made a contribution today.
One suggestion I had was to make Bible Talk seminars, in order to give confidence to the folks who'd be interested in running them. We'll see if there are voluntters. :)

Overall, I feel great. I feel that God has used me this weekend. I feel vibrant spiritually of having fought so much on the battlefield for a given day. I feel joyful at the idea of people studying the Bible. You get the idea :)

Posted by ma at 8:59 PM | TrackBack

March 6, 2006

Enjoyable weekend

On Friday, it started with a cancelled class that allowed me to get some more work done.
Then I got to see a movie with brothers.

On Saturday, it was followed by a d-time and lots of catchups, completed by a great meal and a board games night.

On Sunday, it was a vibrant church service, a common meal, and work on a message mixed with time with friends...

So, I finally watched Star Wars Episode III. I liked it for the deeper lessons, not for the acting. What I liked the most was
a) he didn't get any of what he wanted, just like Satan promises but doesn't deliver
b) the corruption was very progressive and it was unavoidable, even though some willpower was involved in it
c) being fully open is a necessity
d) pushing a struggling man out of the way is not a good idea, empowerment is better.
e) finish what you start, it might come to bite you otherwise

We were supposed to play at LaserQuest, but some came late and we would be almost alone playing... so we fell on plan B.

The meal was nice. We had a good supper prepared by one of the married couples, and the 7 of us afterwards played Cranium, a Québécois board game that was a lot of fun. It includes trivia, linguistics, drawing/sculpting and singing/miming categories. In that sense, its kind of more balanced than many other such games I played in the past.

We had a 'beach service' this Sunday. The preach was a blaze of fire. It talked about unity and attacked solidly some dissenting spirit that we have seen recently (church replantings, calling people to change church, politically cutting contributions, etc.) I liked when he opened a phone book and said "this guy here... I'm sure he's going to the wrong church! and that other guy, wrong church too!" and basically telling to start with the white pages if you want to call people to change church. Brilliant. And he also asked us if Jesus, despite his sharp disagreements with the leaders of his time, stopped giving contribution, called people to change synagogue, etc.
Afterwards, some of us stayed to eat, others went to get meals and missed the whole point of the beach service.

Then, I went home and started working on my Friday devotional message "Bible Sex: You Know You Want it"... that should wake up the sleepyheads :) I spent a lot of time on the historical of the false idea that Christianity sees sexuality as some kind of bad thing. I talked a bit with a sister working on an assignment at our place, and I had supper with my roomate and her. Afterwards, I had the pleasure of giving a phone call to someone in Toronto and it was time for bed :)
For once, my 'day of rest' looked a bit like one!

Posted by ma at 2:52 PM | TrackBack

Natural Products Madness

So, I'm deciding to give those green products a chance again, after deciding to repent of my laziness and bad eating habits. Its gonna be a uphill battle, but I gotta do it if I want to be healthier and (as a side benefit) slimmer.

The point is health first, as a sidenote.

I went to a store that was offering 10 gazillion brands, all of them being relatively expensive. The sales person was helpful, and left me with a matching number of fliers for me to consult in order to make an informed choice.

Great... I almost feel like being taken by the hand on that one. That is surprisingly unlike me.

What are my objectives?
I want a dietary supplement, not a meal replacement.
I want something that gives me energy and a good balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins
I want something that lowers the appetite so that I don't loose control overeating (it does happen too often for my liking)

And now, those wondeful products:
lean+
Slimstyles
greens+ (with variants: extra energy, daily detox, multi+)
vege greens
Flora HoodiaTrim
A. Vogel Helix Slim

Now... before I get an headache reading all those, does anyone have advice or practical experience to share with me?

Posted by ma at 2:21 PM | TrackBack

February 28, 2006

Gaaaaaaaaaaaah week

So... what shall I say?

I was under pressure from the two papers to be done in a week, and it looks like some brothers were acting on purpose to drive me crazy.

How can I summarize it well?

For starters, I had the impression that I was not being told the full truth, that school was so important that even God had to go second, and that my efforts in the service were worth nothing. I went blue on a brother who took the communion without any appearance of introspection and I abstained myself from taking it because of the state I was in. I was confessed sins like I would never have imagined a saint do.

Telling more would allow you to identify the folks, so I'll abstain.
Also, I spent my sunday evening trying to fix my roommate's computer and to install some kind of Linux on that old Pentium 1 we got, to no avail.

On the plus side, I had a big opportunity to work on my surrender. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting there, I guess.

Lets talk about the nice things.
We had a great message on salvation on Wednesday, and our resident teacher-in-training rebuked a few false doctrines while being at it :)
Sunday's message was great. Our evangelist was talking about walking with God based on Psalm 16. I requested a copy of his notes, since I was too caught translating to take notes myself).
On Saturday evening we had a great meal cooked by the single brothers for the single sisters. We had a great line-up, and its sad I forgot some of the food served. We had a special soup made with apples and onions, croustade aux pommes, bison, horse steak, etc.
I was delegated to dish-washing, and I'm glad I got some washing done during the evening, because we are still piling them up in the kitchen as of this morning.

I'm reading a nice little book on emotions that is really simple and short, and that is leaving a lot of room for thought too.
BTW, I'm not sure I mentioned that I finished 'Surprised by Joy' by CS Lewis... one more thing to write about in this blog or in TheoThoughts. Oh well :)

I spent some time to listen to a Haendel CD too. I'll write in another entry.

Its hard for me to focus on the positive... at least this blog helps.

Posted by ma at 8:18 PM | TrackBack

February 24, 2006

Nice conference on globalization

Our brother from Québec City, Ghislain, was over to deliver a message on globalization "from Babel to the New Babylon" that was interesting. I learnt some stuff, and it was useful perspective, even though I was out of energy and overall excited.

Afterwards, I spoke with a guy who is evangelizing too and asked me the coordinates of the church. Talk about eagerness!

Posted by ma at 10:35 PM | TrackBack

Another paper done

So, after submitting a paper for a conference on Monday, we rushed to complete this one for submission tonight.

I submitted my last comments to my colleague before typing this, and he will do the sending very soon.
I'm not feeling my head all that much. The good news is that, despite the high stress of this week, I was able to maintain some kind of decent sleep schedule and activities :)

Posted by ma at 10:32 PM | TrackBack

February 20, 2006

One Paper Done!

The pressure has just gotten lower. One of the papers is submitted on time.

It actually is my baby, if you want. I spent quite a lot of hours on it that it feel like if it was "my first paper", even though it is not, technically.

We submitted it to a prestigious IEEE conference. There are quite a big number of papers that were submitted, as far as I can see, so acceptance is not guaranteed.

I'll tell you more about it if we are accepted :)

Posted by ma at 8:00 PM | TrackBack

February 19, 2006

Grrrrrrrrreat Campus Service

So, the Campus ministry was in charge of doing the service today.

We had a video that was filmed by our evangelist and edited by a brother.
We split the preach in 3 parts, of which I did one.
We had a sharing and a deep passage for communion.
We had a performance of a Bob Marley song and a rap song too.

It was great, and people loved it.

Our theme was "Those Who Dream"

We preached of 3 dreamers: Samuel, Saul and David. I did Saul, and he's a wonderful counter-example.
He managed to annoy God to the point of loosing the Holy Spirit by his disobedience, now that's something!
I served a few strong exhortations about religiosity, following what you think is God's way without checking if it is, about the risk of loosing our salvation.

I had to squeeze it shorter than it was supposed, as the brother before me took more than his planned time, and that we were asked to shorten the whole sermon to avoid making the service too long... it was the first time I was doing a point such as "and this happenend, check xyz if you don't believe me"... I'm typically much more of a purist than that. :)

The response from the brothers and sisters was very encouraging. I was stressed beforehand, as this was the first time I was preaching before the whole congregation. I am glad this is done. It is a victory and a milestone for me.

Posted by ma at 10:35 PM | TrackBack

February 13, 2006

'Revolution' at School

There is one of the classes where many students are very dissatisfied by the professor. I agree with them to a certain extent.

Yet, some are really going crazy. They are pushing for recourses that the situation does not justify, and this is making too much of a mess for my taste. I like to translate Mt 18 to real life for situations like that, and I don't think we're at the last stage just yet...

Anyway, things should get back in order... lets just hope so.

Posted by ma at 2:55 PM | TrackBack

Nice Retreat in Syracuse

We had a good time, as our evangelist drove some of us Campus folk to a Campus and Teens Retreat done by the Syracuse church.

We did some tug-of-war, a coolified treasure hunt (running in the snow, none-the-less), a prayer walk, had an awesome testimony and some messages. Also, we had a good dance. I had the chance to hang out with a very cool and surprisingly sophisticated sister...
At the dance, I also had some powerful times of prayer that gave me, overall, a Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat Saturday evening.

Our evangelist also officially nicknamed me 'rabbi'. Not a bad nickname :)

Posted by ma at 2:48 PM | TrackBack

January 30, 2006

Not a bad weekend :)

So... on Friday evening, after class, I joined a devotional on finances and prayer. I kept a few pointers of things I should check to optimize my costs of living. But, overall, its mostly stuff I was doing already.

On Saturday, I had the chance to give myself a good me-time by reading the first half of Paul Meets Muhammad. Afterwards, I went to the CIBC to open my investment account. I should make my first Mutual Funds RRSP investment very soon indeed. Afterwards, I got to work a few hours on a paper with another author, and we got to the point of something like 44% of our review done. Then, I got to a supper that was organized by some marrieds to encourage us Campus people :) They even gave us a fruit bowl!

On Sunday, I went earlier than usual to church, and was filmed for a Campus video. I'll see whether I can make it available online. The service was great, with a brother from Hamilton preaching on growth (aka sanctification). Afterwards, I ate out with some other disciples, then did some more "counseling" with a brother who needed it.
We then got barely on time for the leader's meeting. Afterwards, I got home and had time to chat with two disciples in orther cities. I wish I had more time for that kind of phone calls! It did me a lot of good, for sure :)

Posted by ma at 3:45 PM | TrackBack

January 23, 2006

Some Chillout and Stuff Done (finally

So, I managed to get some things done, after a while feeling nothing was going anywhere...

And I got some enjoyment too.

First of all, I decided to leave my computer in the hands of my roomate for a week. I was tired of the level of distraction this was putting in my life.

So, no more emails at home, or reading the news or listening to radio on the internet... but its not like I lost that much.

I got some more reading done on class stuff (I think I am getting ahead a little bit. I just need to keep it up).
I got to have a great time with brothers on Friday after one of them gave a show at his university's christian group.
I finished reading Wild at Heart, The Culting of Brands early on Saturday.
Then I got to the CLC and purchased 2 books, one of which I devoured, the French translation of Between Heaven and Hell . I was done reading it on Sunday.

Something tells me I gotta start writing the reviews now. *sighs*

Posted by ma at 5:47 PM | TrackBack

January 16, 2006

More medical matters

Got to see the specialist this morning. He prescribed some medicine (salinex + bactroban mixture, manually done by the pharmacist, none the less; nasonex), nasal sprays basically. He also prescribed some X-rays of my sinuses.

I was lucky enough to get all that done this morning. We'll see if that takes care of my constant cold-like symptoms.

On the good news side, I had a discussion of about 3 hours with a guy and he's interested to know more about the Bible. It was not wise of me to invest that much time, but I'm glad of the outcome. I have a lot of discipline to work on nevertheless.

Please pray for my health: both the infection (or what seems like it) and the sleep.

Posted by ma at 5:06 PM | TrackBack

Exhausting Weekend

So...
This Saturday, I refreshed myself with Vivaldi, then worked on my investments, before going to a wedding ceremony.

This Sunday, I was dead tired, and things did not get better...

Please read the previous entry about my Vivaldi experience. The wedding was nice and inspiring, with the sister married being around for 10 years before it happened. They were all dressed a bit French Colony style, and the music was real good. Touching wedding altogether. Afterwards, I went on a date with one sister to a vietnamese restaurant. She is very nice. I was very the tie she gave me for Christmas.

I'm letting my beard grow because I've been told a few times that it looks good on me. I had a nice look with the suit, the fancier tie and the little beard. I don't often find myself good-looking when I look in the mirror ;)

On Sunday, I set the book table by myself and took care of things on my own. I served in the service for the plates, and translated for a sister. Then had to worry about a few things about the book table. Then a small group of the campus went to pray for a sick sister. We grabbed some KFC (I mostly took salad, even though some of the junk too) and we prayed for about 2 hours. I had to go get some rest because it was too much for me.

Then, it was the leader's meeting at church. We made the commitment to read the full Bible in a year and were offered a few plans to help out. Then we were working on the Campus calendar. Afterwards, we had chilli and football. I was too tired to enjoy it really. I worked on my Bible talk message on the table as much as I could in the context. It took me everything to not break down in the bus, and to try to be uplifting, serving and caring.

God knows I'm doing as much as my strentgh allows me. He'll have to give me serious healing for more to happen. I need to be fully surrendered on this and its hard for me to be, I guess.

I was at a point that I was too overwelmed with tiredness to feel like doing anything but my little thing, do some introspection (regarding the feelings that have been going on in me these days), watch the end of that kung-fu movie. And then, it is THE time my roomates really want to talk. In short, this sunday has been very much unlike me.
I felt a bit frustrated at serving and all that, in the end. I'm sure the tiredness doesn't help.

Posted by ma at 4:49 PM | TrackBack

January 12, 2006

Evaluating the Despotism in your Community

Very interesting video from 1946, full of truth for today, from Archive.org:

Despotism (1946)

Measures how a society ranks on a spectrum stretching from democracy to despotism. Explains how societies and nations can be measured by the degree that power is concentrated and respect for the individual is restricted. Where does your community, state and nation stand on these scales?

Note to my reader: the knowledgeful of you will realize that our societies are sliding towards despotism. This is more obvious in the US than in Canada, but it is so a bit here too. Just think about the Asper family...

Posted by ma at 5:06 PM | TrackBack

Wasting Time over financial matters

So, yeah, its the RRSP season!

I've shopped around for socially-conscious mutual funds, now I just gotta get myself a broker that won't kill me with fees to acquire one of them for my RRSP.

I also have been looking at insurance for my household, and I'm thinking of looking at health insurance while I'm a it (since I'll have to buy one, sooner or later).

I also made phone calls for vehicle rentals for a church outing. So very very much of my time is going away on those things that I sometimes wonder why I should go for in the first place...

Anyway, I encourage you to look for socially conscious funds for your RRSP. They are listed all here (for Canadian investors, that is) :
GIR (French)
SIO (English)

Posted by ma at 4:56 PM | TrackBack

January 7, 2006

Prayers for 2006

So, as promised, here are things I pray for happening in my life in 2006

Evangelization: be a standard-setter
- That we can see 12 guests at my Bible Talk by August
- 3 Bible studies lead per semester
- Inviting at least 3 people on a daily basis
- Baptise my first brother
- 1 public lecture
- That everyone in my classroom has been invited at least once to know God

Character: be wedable
- Deep joy in the Lord
- Full submission to God
- Self-affirmation, rock-hard, bullet-proof self-esteem
- Maturiy, making the right spiritual choices on a daily basis
- Sincere satisfaction and thanksgiving for my life as it is, including celibacy
- Grow in servanthood
- Grow in patience

School: rock that world
- Complete all classes with flying colors
- Sucessfully reprenting Canada to a standards body
- Publish 5 academic papers
- Have a strong thesis foundation

Ministry: source of strength, love and unity
- Sincere love and friendships within the Campus and the church
- 12 book reviews
- 1 teaching before the congregation on a Sunday

Health: be fit and looking fit
- Regular, healthy sleep
- Healthy diet
- Exercising at least 4 times a week
- Fall beneath 190 lbs

Posted by ma at 11:50 AM | TrackBack

January 5, 2006

Grades are in!

Praises to the Almighty, the greatest source of wisdom!

I passed all classes very well, it seems. I give Him all the glory for that (even though I feel a little bit proud, honestly).

Posted by ma at 2:42 PM | TrackBack

I'm 2 years old now!

Yes, its now official.

I was born again two years ago, on January 4th, 2004. I have officially graduated from being a baby christian :P

A huge lot happened since then, and even more since I started studying the Bible (something in the fall of 2002). I couldn't regret the blessings and the maturity.

And, since this is so close to the new year, I had the chance to reflect on the blessings of last year. I hope this testimony brings some sunshine in your day!

It was the end of my time in Europe. I finished it with a tough semester at school, having a teammate drop the course, struggling in another... a challenge!
It was also when I came back from there, changed. And more changes came, as God was faithfully working on me.
There was a lot of academic success, finishing my degree with distinction, starting the Master's, getting a bursary, etc.

But, on the more important things...

A year of firsts:
- First "official" discipling time happened
- First time I would lead a Bible talk
- First time I delivered a message, not just a communion message (it was at a devotional)
- First time I lead a Bible study

A year of love and serving:
- Strenghtened and deepened friendships
- Started serving at the church's book table
- Did some organization for the campus ministry

A year of knowledge
- Deepened my understanding of the Bible
- Learnt and memorized important passages to explain and defend faith
- Read on apologetics, other religions and beliefs

A year of growth (last but not least!)
- I learnt that I could not live my life as a productivity machine, that I needed some balance
- Started to make my life more balanced
- Been consistently exercising
- Maturity of character

The very last point is really the grandest of it all. You need to be close to me to know how much really happened, and all the pain I had to go through for that.

To God be the glory!

In short, the promises of God really did happen!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)

Posted by ma at 2:17 PM | TrackBack

January 4, 2006

Vacation Summary

So, I'm back at work today. My sleeping has not recovered yet, and my supervisor lets me a few more days off to rest.
I took an apointment with my doctor, we'll see if sleeping pills are the way to go.

Nevertheless, here is a summary of my vacation

Dec 22: I do some massive cleaning in the appartment and in my room. I was getting tired of living in a storeroom for the household, and I had no excuse not to do it, since my semester really was over.

Dec 23:, I spend some time packing, then chatting on the phone with a sister, then its time to leave with a buddy from school to Quebec City.
I find my parents there, and we go home.

Dec 24: We had a Christmas supper with my family
I tried chilling out a bit. I spent my afternoon writing merry christmas emails while watching a Star Trek movie, then a documentary on sugar cane workers in the caribean (here is the summary: they're slaves) on RDI.
We had a Christmas supper as a family. Afterwards, I did a message, and we watched the movie Indochine together. It was nice, but we found flaws in the directing and the story telling. Its a French movie, so most of you won't see it ever. In short, its a tale of the consequences of passionate decision-making: its messy. We see Vietnam during the French rule, how things started getting out of control, the exploitation of locals by the colonists, etc. The central story is about a woman who falls crazy in love with a soldier... to then see her daughter fall in love with him too. She manages to get the soldier assigned far away, but only to see her girl run after him. They become lovers, criminals before French law, hiding with the communists and having a baby. I won't spoil it more!

They also gave me my gift: a hand-carved nativity scene from the caribean, which my mom brought from a cruise there.

Dec 25: Did some ski with my dad, had real fun. We are bonding closer and its great!
My dad and I are the fast skiers, so we did most of the day without my mom. We worked a bit on my technique, especially on straightening my back. I was not too rusty, and my dad was impressed that I wasn't loosing much technique despite the fact I do not ski very often. It also shows that I have been doing some jogging, as I was not tiring quickly. I had a lot of fun. I especially love the feeling of going down the hill pretty fast, and having to battle your skis a bit to have things go your way, instead of theirs.

For those of you who don't know about alpine skiing, please note that the new generation of skis, when used as they were designed to, will more or less operate on their own (its an exageration, but only a minor one). But, let it be known, I am the master of that pair of skis!

Coming back home, I saw on Arttv a recital of Händel's messiah, recorded by Radio Canada in 1999. It was a very good performance done in Quebec City. I enjoyed it very much. We had a good supper as a family while Händel was playing.

Dec 26: Spent some time with a couple of the Quebec City missionnary team. We updated each other about our lives, prayed for each other, though of blessings for 2005 and wishes for 2006. Afterwards, we watched The Downfall . This movie shows the last few days of the Third Reich from the point of view of Hitler's secretary. The images are very strong, but most of it is not battlefield stuff. We see the characters exhausted, in nervous breakdown, lead by a dictator that lost touch with reality

Dec 31: Spent time with sisters from Africa and showed them the Old Port. Then we went to the party in the east end of the city with the disciples. The sister organizing really has a gift for making things fun. We had a few games to play, a wine and cheese, some dancing, etc. I took some time to speak with my evangelist, to tell him I was fully supporting him, and that too I am willing to see repentence in my life.

Jan 1: Went back home and studied Scripture a little bit, watched a few movies with my roomate. One of them was Supersize Me, which I only saw a part. It was really shocking. The guy developped an addiction, destroyed his health physically, mentally, his sex life, etc. Also saw The Divided State, about the controversy Michael Moore caused by accepting to speak in Utah. It is always surprising to see how hardcore conservatives tend to like to impose their viewpoints... no wonder they voted so much for Bush! The overall intolerance and lack of knowledge of the folks involved was making me sick (nearly)... imagine people booing a professor after mentioning that Irak had no weapons of mass destruction.
Note to my reader: no, and its official, there were no weapons of mass destruction: report from The Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction , read page 2. If you still support a weasely administration after that, it'll be my pleasure to refer to you some details about a CIA leak and some illegal spying of US citizens...

Afterwards, I had a time with a brother to reflect about the blessings of 2005, and to see together what we'd like to see happening in 2006. I'll put my list on a separate page.

Jan 2: Watched Hotel Rwanda, which was truly inspiring. During the Rwanda genocide, we focus on this hotel manager who takes the decision to use every possible tool he can find to save the life of many. His high-class hotel becomes an unofficial UN refugee camp, and he witnesses first hand the atrocities of it all, and especially the disdain the Western World had for the situation.
Note to my reader: there is something almost as bad happening in Congo right now and you should know about it.

Jan 3: Had a discipling time with my evangelist, had a study with mormon missionaries that did not turn very well, but not bad either. I was glad I was able to hold up as I did. I need to deepen my knowledge and convictions, that is clear. Went to volunteer at the Richardon Centre and had lots of fun dancing and talking with one elderly lady.

Jan 4: Went back to work, had a Bible study with a guy from UQAM. We'll see if he's really interested.

All that I did not document was probably centered around cleanup, study the Bible, and read about mormonism.

Posted by ma at 6:21 PM | TrackBack

December 22, 2005

Beautiful in academic dress

The company providing the graduation picture, Chappell, has a neat web service.

I took the liberty to picking my small-sized picture until I order the big ones from them, scan them and so on :)
I guess I can call this pre-emptive fair use of copyrighted materials...

Here's your good-looking man in an academic dress!
Tell me which one you think is best (assuming you can actually squint your eyes enough for that) :)

Posted by ma at 10:30 AM | TrackBack

December 21, 2005

Thanksgivings for blessings

So... my semester is over.

We finished the project on Monday, wrapped up the documentation today, and I'm slowly tearing through quite a few things on my todo list that were on hold...

Since I promised God I'd give him all the glory on the project, henceforth I do so now: thanks for the Almighty that allowed this project to work enough so that we had something to show!

Our project was very disfunctional as of Monday, the day of the demo. Many prayers went for miracles, and the closest thing we had was a de-facto extension. We presented at 8:30 PM. We barely had the time to enable the SSL connection of the LDAP server. One test was done, and the prof comes in and asks for the demo to start. It could have gone wrong, but things were OK. He seemed satisfied by all that.

My supervisor signed my passport application. I did it on the Internet with their new epass system. Once I got to the passport office, I had expedited treatment. While some folks at ~1h30 minutes to wait, I was in front of the employee within a minute of being given my queue number.

They have some quirks to iron out... the web application says that many information is optional, but it turns out that they are all required, and I had to get them from memory... lets just hope I did not mix up stuff! Overall, I was surprised by the efficiency of the process. My old passport is pierced as invalid now, and the new one should be mailed by Jan 9th, and I did not ask for a rushed treatment!

I made my decision regarding the OIQ membership: I will remain part of the student branch, to avoid the yearly fees for the time being. I got some advising by a staff member there. The credit card application is dealt with, I just need to wait... so I don't need to move forward with a 90$ a year gold card.

My supervisor had encouraging words for me. He gave some advice to be careful not to get too religious... I replied that I had a conviction that what I invested in God, God was giving it back to me, allowing me to be successful. He said that this was something very wise. Apparently they have a something close to that in the Coran. I do recall a proverb saying something of the effect of not being too wicked, nor too righteous... Full commitment to God does not mean living as a hermit in a monastery :) It means far more to live a radical lifestyle, to be a beacon of light IN the world, FOR the world, BECAUSE of God's grace thanks to Christ, and to win some to Him.

Posted by ma at 4:56 PM | TrackBack

December 13, 2005

Pouches under the eyes the size of a sand bag...

So, in very short...

1) I got my B. Eng. degree last monday, with Distinction, and with co-op. Very proud. The party to celebrate wasn't great

2) The last final went good, I feel.

3) I was able to wrap up the report for our OS project for something that looked clean

4) The project due tomorrow is not going anywhere. snif. I'm struggling with that OpenLDAP server thing. It seems that no matter what I do, it refuses to work. I can't even test my Java code :(

5) Got myself the new Second study Bible this Saturday. Yummy! I've compare with the NASB Study Bible from Zondervan and found it to be more neutral. The Zondervan one acknowledges its failure on the "salvation by faith alone" doctrine in the footnotes of Romans 6:3 or Acts 2... basically saying that:
the conversion, back then, had faith+repentance+baptism all bundled together... which is why the apostles sound like you are saved at baptism. Of course, this is not the way we do it anymore, and we know we are saved by faith.
In short, they recognize that the "conversion" they are talking about diverges significantly from the apostles'. Basically "we are wrong in our practice, but we got a good enough excuse to keep on doing it"... lovely!

Posted by ma at 2:12 PM | TrackBack

December 3, 2005

2 final exams are done

2 done, one to go.

Monday, it was Cryptography, and Thursday it was Operating Systems Security.

The Crypto exam had a few math questions, a few theory questions, and a creative question (mediated RSA). I still don't know how to inverse a matrix un modular arithmetic.
The OS exam had one math question, and the rest were of theoritical nature. There were 2 questions I was not sure to do or know I didn't do that well.

Thanks to God who gave me the wisdom and peace to go through two exams in a week! Those who know me know that the "peace" part is the most significant one.

Posted by ma at 10:23 AM | TrackBack

November 24, 2005

Wash me with hissop, and I shall be white as snow

We all know that snippet of Psalm 51.

It is very coherent with what is going on as a) the snow is staying on the ground now... winter has officially started! (yay!!!) and b) I spent time with a brother for reconciliation.
We know each other better now. I still need to fight off and pray about my tendency to resent at a emotional level.

Still, I'm feeling better.

As a sidenote, the Operating Systems Security presentation went well. Things were not perfect, but it went well.

Posted by ma at 7:43 PM | TrackBack

November 20, 2005

Adaptations...

So, we have a new brother in the household... he is going through very particuliar personal circumstances. Ihad many opportunities to servie him in very many ways.

We did our group demo in Cryptography also, and I got to work hard on my research which opened on interesting directions.

Graduation is confimed... it will be on Dec. 5th! I can't wait to get that piece of paper that will make it all official.

So, I'll have to stop living for the next 3 weeks until the rush goes on.

This week, it is the Operating Systems presentation. Last week's presentations did not impress me, nor did they teach me a lot. It was mostly VPNs and buffer overflows... not that I didn't write on these things when I was undergrad. I'm eager to make that presentation and hand in that report. We're talking about real actual research here :)

Speaking of research, I had a good idea this week. My supervisor liked it and asked me to get a first draft going. I was able to reuse a lot of material from another paper project (that's useful to have a very comprehensive "previous work" section).

There's an interesting thing that unfolded this week. I was doing some research and saw that a major standardization body was doing some work close to my work area. My surpervisor being connected as he is, he managed to get us involved in that standarization work... On one hand, I'm excited about the opportunity (how good will that look on a resumé!), on the other hand I'm a bit afraid... international politics, long stays in hotels potentially far from any church, some non-negligible distraction from my courses, the mission field, the ministry and so on.
Basically, reasons for prayer.

What about the rest of the week? There is not much to tell... mostly work and studies.

I got a tooth extracted and had two fillings this week too.

The Cryptography presentation did go too well, but the prof was still satisfied.

On other news, I had good time at the CCF meeting. The teaching was OK, even though the Bible wasn't opened enough at my liking. I'm annoying like that.... I demand one Biblical reference after another. I had the chance to talk with a Swiss girl, who believes in baptism as well. That was interesting in itself.

There was a good birthday party on Thursday for a sister. I saw the end of a popular movie which popularized the t-shirt "vote for pedro". I didn't have the chance to speak with her for a while, it was some kind of catchup.

On Saturday, I spent time with brothers, then we cleaned the house, then we did the communal grocery for the household. Afterwards, we ate a little bit, then I got to the Singles' hanging out time. It was a concert at McGill's Redpath Hall by the McGill Chamber Music Ensembles.

First, it was Haydn, String Quartet in C major, Op. 76, No. 3 "Kaiser", interpreted by Nora Pellerin, Nathalie Duchesne, Yuri Sinto-Girouard and Geniève Lessard-Lapierre.

Then came Martinu, Trio in C major for piano, flute and violin, Op. 291 "th Madrigal Sonata", with Tomoko Inui, Miriam Hartropp and Pieter Viljoen.

Finally, we had Brahms, Trio for clarinet, cello and piano in A minor, Op. 114, interpreted by Shauna mcDonald, David Eggert and Michelle Nam.

I personally loved Haydn's piece the most... I loved the small canons that built up very much.
Martinu's work was more cacophonic to my ear. I did not enjoy it very much.
Brahms work I enjoyed well too, even though I did not really hear those little plays between the instruments, not was it as "gentle" as the Baroque style I like so much.

Afterwards, I was with a brother and a sister and went to Mont Royal to have a view at the city from there. We prayed for the mission field in front of us. They went to my place, and I served them some food and tea.

On Sunday, we had a very convicting preach on Romans 12, 13. I got to talk to a few to work on the friendships that gone cold because of unresolved issues. Something I should have done much earlier... I'm glad its done. Still, there are 2 that I need to take care of as well.

I ate out with brothers and sisters, then slept a little (I'm still undersleeping because of stress). We fixed some food and so on. The new roomate proposed a DVD, The Apostle, which is so overfull of false doctrine that it hurt. Then there was the broken southern US accent made it hard to follow... Yet, this guy was indeed an example of zeal for Christ.

I gave a phone call to a sister and asked for the women's perspective on friendships. I am working on a teaching on this topic. Its been generally remarked that the church here has a few problems with loving one another. She told me good news: there was a baptism in Toronto this Sunday! Amen.

This week has been full of blessings in many ways, with many adaptations, challenges, and so on. Can't say God is not at work.

Posted by ma at 8:59 PM | TrackBack

November 14, 2005

Toronto Weekend

So, I decided to be a bit crazy by going to Toronto, for a set of lectures from Douglas Jacoby sponsored by the Toronto Church of Christ.
Crazy because I have a project demo this Monday...

Friday, 5PM, my train was leaving to Toronto. It was the first time I travelled by train in North America (after using this mode of transportation abusively while in Europe).

This option was more expensive than the bus, but the fact that it took that one 4h15 to reach destination, compared to the ~7h that the buses took, was a major motivator.

The train did remind me a little bit of the Swiss trains for the airplane-like seat arrangement. It had a lot bigger storage space for luggage, was only on one floor, and was definitely a LOT noisier than a Swiss InterCity (but not as bad as a very old clunky Regio). It was weird to hear the whistle all the time. It was so frequently that it did feel like "all the time". Good thing I could put music on :)

Arriving, I got to the rendezvous metro station and waited for my hospitable brother at Starbuck, because Tim Hortons did not have power plugs for me to connect my laptop (my battery is pretty low), I got to Starbucks.

After he picked me up, we chatted a bit, petted his cat, then got to bed.

Saturday, we ate breakfast together, prayed in the car together, and went to Convocation Hall to attend the lecture from Douglas Jacoby on reasons to believe. I was with a few brothers and sisters to lunch in Chinatown, and got the following classes on archeological evidence and world religions.

Overall, my expectations were very high, and they were not met. The format where we could ask questions was good, but not what exactly I was hoping for.

I went to study and worked on my OS project afterwards, then got to spend the evening with 2 sisters, and loved it very much. We ate at a Hong Kong restaurant (both sisters are from Hong Kong) and I got to try out Ox Tongue... it was very yummy. I'd eat it anytime. We spent 3 hours together, and it was cool to know their dreams, their conversion stories, what they think of their native land, etc.
I definitely want to keep in touch with them.

On Sunday, we got to Convocation Hall again for the worship service. Douglas Jacoby was teaching about evolution, dynosaurs, the big bang, etc.
I did not realize the importance of the Big Bang from a theological perspective, because it means that the scientists recognize that there was a start to the universe... a nothing that lead to something!
In general, he stressed the importance to dissociating the why from the how... evolution does not necessarily mean that God does not exist... its a matter of mechanism to let creation happen. Same thing for the Big Bang. In fact, the fine tuning required for a working universe (with margins of errors of the magnitude of 10^-20) hints towards God.

A brother took good care of me after service and escorted me back to the train station. I cancelled my ticket and returned with brothers from Montreal after a little bit of wait.

Posted by ma at 6:22 PM | TrackBack

November 11, 2005

Double-ration of blessings

This week was interesting...

The planning to Toronto was flipped upside down when the brothers who were supposed to drive with me pulled out altogether.
Then, there were a few last minuteness regarding the accomodation... my planning side was not happy.

But all fell in place anyway.

I spent a good chunk of time studying a standard draft document. It presents both opportunities and risks for my research, so it is important that I take more time to understand the standard itself, but also the standard body and the working group's direction.
Maybe there is a way to join their effort, which would be a very interesting experience for me.

I'm leaving my classmates to work on the crypto project this weekend. I had to put aside my "code hero" personality for something that was truly important for me: Douglas Jacoby, which would fall close to a role model for me. When I knew he'd be teaching in Toronto, I just jumped at the opportunity. There was only one problem though... our crypto project to hand in on Monday.

I put things in place so that we could make a lot of progress this week, and even coached one team member to work on his not-yet-functional code.

I struggled with impatience (a form of anger, when you think about it), because not all team members were set up for the code-a-thon we set on Wednesday. It was a few hours this week that were focused on helping others do by themselves what I felt I could do for them (you know my pride). In that sense, it was a victory in servantship. Lets hope it translates in a good grade :)

The Bible talk on wednesday was of size... 11!
In August, at the the return of Portland, I began praying for my Bible talk to reach size 10, and to have studies starting afterwards each and every time.
The first part of the prayer was accomplished very quickly, when you think about it.
So, I am "forced" to pray for something more specific: 10 guests :D
One can have worst problems.

Speaking of which, guess what? Money grows from trees!
Or so it feels. I received a letter from my university telling me that I was selected for a Graduate Scholarship. That did boost my morale!
I do confess that, on the spot, I began thinking of how to fiscally optimize it, of how much I'd put in my RRSP, what electronics I'd give myself...
I woke up at some point from my covetous dream and started thanking God for this unexpected blessing. I still need to decide how to split this, but there is definitely a part that goes for the church, another that will go for an organization caring for the poorer abroad (I'm thinking Médecins sans frontières, HOPE Worldwide and Oxfam), another that will pay for this Toronto trip, and another that goes to the RRSP. The rest will likely go for gifts for family, friends and/or self :) I do have more urgent matters anyway.

What's the line-up after my Toronto trip?

Monday, Nov. 14th: Demonstration of our Crypto project
Monday, Nov. 21st: Submission of our report for our Crypto project
Monday, Nov. 28th: final (unconfirmed yet) for Crypto
Thursday Nov. 24th: Presentation of our OS project and report submission
Thursday Dec. 1st: Final exam for OS
Tuesday Dec. 6th: Final exam for Network Security
Wednesday Dec. 7th: Demonstration and report submission for Network Security

So, yeah, you'll have to bear me as a stressed productivity beast for a little while. The good news is that I'll have reverted back to humanity before Christmas!

Posted by ma at 6:21 PM | TrackBack

November 7, 2005

King Treatment by My Parents

Spent the weekend in Québec City with my folks and the church there.

I'm definitely a spoiled single child!

On my arrival on saturday, after a long painful Allo Stop trip (with guys in the car talking about sex nonstop), we did some shopping for winter boots, a new backpack (mine was nearly kaput) and some electric stuff.

We ate a great supper together (my dad did a great job with the steaks) and watched the movie Les Boys II together. Vulgar hockey movie, very stupid, but very funny.

On Sunday, we went to the service together. Afterwards, I ate with a brother, then spent time with another. This took all my afternoon, and was a great opportunity to catch up on their lives, request advice, and give advice when needed. In the evening, I ate at the Quebec Inn with my folks (great, beautiful buffet), then took an Allo Stop ride back home. One guy in the car wanted to know a lot about God, so I spent nearly one hour with him after the ride showing Bible passages and so on.

What else happened in my week?
Lots and lots of work. Deadlines are appearing soon with the projects. My supervisor wants to have a draft of a paper done real quick too. One of my projects is quite bigger than I was expecting, so its a lot of grunt work, trying to match a bunch of problems to a lot of solutions.

On Friday, I was mentally drained, and did not feel like using my brain too much after work, so I watched The Bourne Supremacy. That was good relaxation. Not a great movie, but entertaining nevertheless.

I spent a great time on wednesday night with two brothers, after meeting for the booktable planning.
I had a guest speaker at the Bible talk on Wednesday, so that was easy for me.

There was a big cloud on the board though... on Wednesday, a meeting with our supervisor turned sour. We had issues to deal with him, collectively, and it turned bad the way I was expecting it to be. No more details here.
My supervisor and I still have a friendship, but this could have squashed it.

Posted by ma at 2:52 PM | TrackBack

March 27, 2005

Celebration week

What a crescendo!

Travelling with brothers, celebrating my birthday, witnessing a marriage starting, and having Easter. Can it get better?

On Thursday, a part of the church went to Montréal in a minivan, which lead to some interesting brotherly time.

Friday, after inviting people to Sunday’s service, we had a celebratory meal for my birthday with the Campus Ministry. In the evening, I hung out with a house church, and then spent the night with the groom and the groom mates. I’ve got lots to learn before being remotely qualified for marriage (and that’s keeping in mind I’ll never be worthy of it).

In all honesty, I have to confess that I've spent a lot of time on my personal gift to myself...
I always wanted to listen to the integral of The Messiah, by Händel.
I got to the music store, asked advice, read reviews, then went to the final challenge: sampling.
I listened for 5 different recordings, and it was a tough choice. At first, I could spot some things I didn't like in 2 of them. But for the last 3... they were all so good!
So I went for that I felt gave me the best quality/price ratio:
Handel: Messiah, Israel In Egypt, directed by Andrew Parrott, performed by the Taverner Choir & Players

On Saturday, I’ve prayed with one of the groom mates and went home a little bit.
The ceremony was in the afternoon, and was amazing. I’ve already detailed it in one entry.

On Sunday, we’ve had a great service, in the afternoon, with the leader of the missionary team preaching about Change, the fruit of our Christian life. This is a theme he deeply loves, and that comes back more than once when evangelizing with him!

On the coming-back trip, I’ve spent time with a brother, and he was really encouraged by my honesty about my struggles, and how shame is the catalysis of a lot of bad in one’s heart. From what I read in psychology books, it’s a major driving force in addiction processes. The spiritual outlook is the key to the solution. After all, since Christ brings forgiveness, why should there be any shame in us? It is something I’m learning myself, but something worth sharing too!

Posted by ma at 8:37 PM | TrackBack

A superb wedding!

This saturday March 26th was the wedding of two of my friends of the church: one roomate and a sister with whom I spent a memorable day in Paris.

Both ceremony and celebration was memorable.

The night before, I was blessed by the honour of spending the "last night" with the groom-to-be and the groommates. There was a lot of advice exchanged, some touching testimonies, and so on.

On that fateful saturday morning, I spent some time on a prayer walk with one of the groommates and then let them do the final advice, preparation and so on.

I only saw them again on the afternoon. The venue was exquisite and the ceremony well designed.

The music was well chosen for each part, and with a long pressure buildup that climaxed with the arrival of the bride.

There was one song where everybody of the church joined in: "L'Eternel est merveilleux"

L'Eternel est merveilleux,
Il règne au dessus des cieux,
Avec amour et sagesse,
Il est le tout-puissant.

Which could be translated as;
The Lord is wonderful,
He reigns above heavens,
With love and wisdom,
He is the almighty

One of the friends of the couple also had a solo part. I felt like crying... the church was definitely vibrating with our hearts!

The rest of the ceremony went by very nicely.

I was talking with family and friends who all found the ceremony very different, but very good. All enjoyed it, and it also brought up opportunities to share my faith.

Afterwards, I headed for the reception.
I was at a table with other friends of the new husband and some of his cousins. We were encouraged to sign, so that the couple would kiss. So songs did pop up! Our table came up with an old Québec song that is taught to all youngsters at summer camps: "Oh hursule"!
There was a contest for the best anecdote about the marrieds, and we had a good laugh.
There was also a video presentation with pictures of both of them, per decade. It was cool to have a glimpse at their growing up.
I spent time talking with a sister who's always super busy. I've done some dancing too.
We were also shown an old traditional French dance, "Le brise pied":
People are in line and the sequence is simple:
3 steps right, clap hands
3 steps left, clap hands
Half spin on your right
Half spin on your left
Full spin on your right, clap hands
Half spin on your left
Half spin on your right
Full spin on your left, clap hands
And then repeat :D

All in all, I had a great day. This was very inspiring, especially that everybody says that the husband and I are very similar, personalitywise.
It made me start imagining who would be my groomates if I were to marry now, how would be my ceremony, etc. It also touched me to think that I'll be living this one day too.

Speaking with this brother showed me how much he loved his new wife, how mature he was, how able he had got in dealing with conflict and so on. He made that progress thanks to a lot of patience building the relationship, with God's help, and with a lot of preparation and love from other experienced brothers.
This is more than a blessing, this marriage is a miracle. And I have more faith than ever this will happen to me.

Posted by ma at 11:15 AM | TrackBack

March 20, 2005

Paperwork & Iron week

I never thought I’d spend so MUCH time on my income taxes. I really did all I could do, in 2004, to complicate things. Well, technically speaking, there are other things I could have done, but you get the point.

Also noteworthy: I've got my Engineer's Ring now. Pride is definitly involved ;)

There were other preoccupations as I sifted through a lot of accumulated government papers, made phone calls about them, and so on. I kept on jogging in the morning, but felt frustrated by all the accumulated worries and the feeling of unaccomplishment.

On Thursday, I went to Montreal with my parents for the Engineer’s Convocation Ceremony (aka the Iron Ring ceremony). I basically swore to do a good job, not tolerate bad workmanship, etc. This is basically Hypocrate’s swearing (for doctors), Engineering version. The ceremony was designed by Rudyard Kipling, and is very formal. There were a few Bible citations and a reading of one of Kipling’s poems.

Don’t I look good with that ring on?

On other news, one brother, on the phone, really shook me and told me out of the blue to have better time management (and he’s quite right). I’ve made progress, but I’ve got work to do still.

Professionally speaking, I’ve not done a great job handling my responsibilities at all. I’ve accumulated a lot of lateness, and the other people on the team also had delays because of this. Consequences of sin do cascade off…

Posted by ma at 8:16 PM | TrackBack

March 13, 2005

Second week

Things continued on their inertia, and I’ve made the trip to Québec City on Thursday with my evangelist. We met the leader of the Québec City mission team halfway, at Trois-Rivières.

I was blessed to see a discipleship and leadership moment from my own eyes. I’ve got lots of wisdom to get before I’m to consider ministry!

I’ve made the second half of the trip with this brother, who’s also one of my great friends. He’s one who really encouraged me when I was in Europe. Right off the bat, he integrated me in Bible studies and other evangelization activities.

I then settled in my parent’s house… home sweet home. There are a lot of memories and unresolved things floating around.

I made the communion message at Church too, but kept it “short and sweet”. The brothers and sisters were encouraged.

Posted by ma at 8:13 PM | TrackBack

March 6, 2005

First week back in Québec

February 28th, 2005, the day I come back in the province and the country, after a full year in Europe.

The snow is there to welcome me. I like it… it’s good to see real winter after the gentle winter of the Swiss plains.

A brother was waiting for me at the airport. Coming in was LENGTHY, as I brought back a lot of stuff from my time there, and I was clearly blowing the exonerated amount. The customs officer was very nice, but it took him 4-5 tries to do the form on the computer. The final bill was about 400$ in taxes, which was what I estimated.
The temptation of frauding was great… but thank God for putting this challenge in my life, so that my materialism came to light.

It took me 3 days to adjust to the jetlag. At first, I was in bed at 20:30 and waking up at 2:30… ouch!

I’ve settled in one of the brother’s house, and my friendship with one brother came back to life instantly. We started jogging together in the morning, and listening to a CD from Tony Robins, who’s really motivating for a better lifestyle. And the jogging in the Jardin Botanique is definitely worth it! We do exercise, we offer thanksgiving prayers, and present requests to God together. We also transform military training songs to motivate ourselves… something like “I love challenges, that’s by action that I prove myself” (trust me, it rhyms in French).

We event took time to do snow angels once. The view from the China garden for prayer, with lots of snow, is amazing… and jogging there is too! The best part is that access is free before 9:00 :)

I’ve worked on a Communion message for the Sunday service, which really inspired the Church. I sadly made it WAY too long, and my evangelist really told me to be careful about that.

I’ve got myself a discipler now, and I’m back into the mission, with the reborn Campus Ministry! Things really start off well on the spiritual side!

Posted by ma at 8:11 PM | TrackBack