Coming Home for Christmas December 23, 2008
Posted by rbjtimban in Career, Celebration, Christmas, Church, Culture, Family, Festival, Love, My Views, Relationship, Tradition, Village.3 comments
Chester, my younger brother, called me from Bintulu. Told me that he would be home for Christmas. He also told me to call Juliana, to come home, as he could not reach her by phone. I told Chester that Juliana and her family had just left for Serian a day ago after a very brief visit to Betong. After a brief conversation over the phone, Chester insisted me to call Juliana asking her to come to Betong for Christmas. I was wondering, is Chester having something in his mind this season? Could it be regarding our bilik in Stambak Ulu? … or something else. Only God knows. What I know for sure is that, Chester is missing all of us all these while. He longs for a ‘once in a while’ family gathering.
Chester's eldest daughter
Early 2k May 28, 2008
Posted by rbjtimban in Career, Celebration, Christmas, Computer, Education, Ethnic, Family, Language, Love, My Views, Relationship, School Activities, Teachers' Training, Writing.Tags: Festival, gawai antu, renovating, school transfer
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2000 – I have decided to apply for transfer to another school near my mum’s house. My first choice was Sekolah Kebangsaan St. Augustine (500 meters from mum’s place), secondly, Sekolah Kebangsaan Abg. Abdul Kadir (700 meters), and thirdly, Sekolah Kebangsaan Saka (4 km). After I had submitted my forms, I crossed my fingers for about six months – May till December. Since then, my wife and I felt anxious about the transfer. I told her that I might be considered this time, as we have been in this school (Sekolah Kebangsaan Nanga Spak) for almost 11 years.
2000 was also the year when my wife’s longhouse celebrated the Gawai Antu (Festival for the Dead). Our financial standing was to fund both the out-going transfer from Sekolah Kebangsaan Nanga Spak, and also the festival. But my in-laws were very considerate. They, especially my late father in-law, understood my financial position. Long before 2000, I have been helping my in-laws in repairing and renovating their house. I had to provide my effort as I was not financially strong. Yes, my wife and I really appreciated their consideration in that matter.
December 2000 – the transfer that I had applied in May was approved! Yes, we are moving out. I arranged for the transportation in less than a week. Once all our things were moved to mum’s place, my family and I rushed to my in-laws’ longhouse to assist them preparing for the Gawai Antu. The festival was supposed to be held on the 30th December 2000 and all the longhouse folks were very busy preparing for it. Sounds of hammer could be heard until 9 or 10 p.m. and everyone did not mind the noise!
