Hari ini Jumat Pertama, Hari Pertama bulan April, Dua ribu sebelas

Today, on the first friday of the first day of the month, I proclaimed the Gospel in Bahasa Indonesia for the first time. Although reading seemed natural, it took three days to practice and one sleepness night to prepare. I was so nervous last night that although I tried to sleep early, I woke up every hour until it was time to take a bath and prepare for the mass. It was like reliving the tension I had during comprehensives and tribunal examinations when one could not possibly express in words the feelings of both excitement and fear. The former is brought about by the enthusiasm that finally a chapter wil end but a new one will begin, while the latter is caused by the uncertainty of the present and of the future. Although I admit that my comprehensives for masteral was the worst, today's experience is an entirely new species of its own.

Just when I thought that it was the end of firsts, I had a taste of my first Baskin-Robbins ice cream here in Surabaya. The taste of praline and love position (flavors of the ice cream) was heavenly. Particularly interesting is why one of the flavors is called love position. Aside from the red color because of the strawberries, I think one would just submit to the indulgence of eating it and feeling sleepy afterwards. The taste passes through your tongue then in to your stomach, but the sensation goes to the brain, and finally you would just like to go to your bed.

Another first later tonight, I will have my first confession with Romo Thoby Kraeng, SVD , during the first Friday mass with the Filipinos at the Adoration chapel beside Galaxy Mall.