Me in Vaasa, September 2015, in front of the statue of Toivo Kuula, a
famous Finnish conductor and a composer. I love his beautiful music.
Hello, my friends! ( ^.^)ノ Sorry for the long silence. For the past couple of months, I've been busy, or just lazy when it comes to writing my blog. So, now it's time to share my news since last summer.
To be honest, my summer wasn't very happy. In my life, bad things have always happened in summer. Last summer, I had to live in the shadow of fear. I visited my doctor many times, because there was something wrong with my blood. Lymphocyte levels were elevated (and they still are), which means that everything is not completely normal. That's why they kept testing my blood over and over again, for many months.
The doctor said it could even be leukemia! For a while, I was really nervous and scared. The thought of death was on my mind all the time, and that's not such a nice way to spend your summer. Life is so unpredictable, and nothing should be taken for granted in this world. I asked myself, am I going to die? They did a bone marrow examination on me in the hospital. It was a somewhat painful examination, but not as bad as I had thought.
Finally, the doctor told me that there are no signs of any malignant disease. Thank God, and thanks for the prayers of my "Russian angel", who prayed and prays for me every day! Some time ago, she requested daily prayers for me in the Moscow monastery. It's really great, and I'm grateful for that! Of course, I also pray for my angel every day. I really believe in the power of prayer.
What else am I doing? Last summer, I did a special Mannerheim guided tours for the museum (please click here to read more about the Marshal Mannerheim, who is called the greatest Finn of all time).
In addition to that, I've been working as a karaoke host in the local pub for a couple of months. It's an interesting and challenging job and not always as easy as it might seem. I would have never believed that one day I would be working as a karaoke host. That, anyway, is what I ended up doing last July when I was asked to take over this job. And I will do my best at it, although I'm already looking for a new job that would be more suitable for me.
These days, I'm okay, my spirit is high and my faith is strong. I've completely stopped drinking alcohol – not even a beer anymore, not for four months. I'm working, I'm reading a lot, and spending time with my friends.
In addition to that, I've been working as a karaoke host in the local pub for a couple of months. It's an interesting and challenging job and not always as easy as it might seem. I would have never believed that one day I would be working as a karaoke host. That, anyway, is what I ended up doing last July when I was asked to take over this job. And I will do my best at it, although I'm already looking for a new job that would be more suitable for me.
What kind of literature have I been reading lately? Russian classics, non-fiction (mainly history and politics), thrillers, religious texts and spiritual literature... My favorite book this year thus far has been Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Pelurit (in Finnish; in Russian: Игрок; in English: The Gambler), which was first published in 1866. At the moment, I'm reading Konstantin Paustovsky's short stories. Nature and its beauty are in the heart of his humane tales. The book is named Venäjän sydänmailla (in Finnish; in Russian: Во глубине России, in English: In the depths of Russia).
I'm thankful to God and to my friends for everything. Orthodox Christianity is very important to me, it's the foundation of my whole life. "Everything is in the hands of God, and we are instruments in His hands as well." I learned this from my Russian angel.
Blessings and all the best to my friends! Keep your faith, love and be loved, and never lose your hope. （＾—＾）
Teisuka
(Updated November 17, 2015.)
Me surrounded by museum visitors on a Mannerheim tour.
Hot air balloons above my home last August. The photo is taken from
my balcony.
my balcony.
Hi Teisuka,
ReplyDeleteLong time no see! I'm so happy to see you back on this platform. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I'm sorry for what you went through during the summer in terms of your health. I'm glad that it did not turn out as bad as you had thought. Hope this will increase your faith and help you live more peacefully. -:)
It's quite understandable that you worried about your health. If I had been in your situation, I would have worried too, even more! We all have fears, and I think the only way to conquer the fears is trust our Lord. It's easy said than done though. It needs a long journey for us to get there. It seems that you do have strong faith now, and I believe you will fare better if you are in a similar situation in the future.
It seems that you had otherwise a pretty fun and fruitful summer. By the way, you look good in that picture. -:) You just need to smile when you have a picture taken next time, haha...
When I said that people need to trust God, in a way, I'm actually talking about myself. I definitely need a stronger faith because I always worry too much and have a lot anxiety, especially recently. I'm working on that right now, but it seems to be a long way to go. I should definitely learn from you.
Not only do I feel anxious, but also I feel lonely from time to time. As I'm approaching 50 years old, it seems that I have much fewer friends than before. I think I even have signs of depression. I've read some self-help books, but it seems that my struggle hasn't got much easier. I'm sharing this with you because I want you to know that everybody has a battle to fight, so you are not alone if you feel life is not going your way. Maybe I should count my blessings more. -:)
Thank you again for sharing your experiences, both good and bad. As the winter is not far away, I hope you feel even better as your favorite season is around the corner. I look forward to seeing you more here, my friend! -:)
Wish you all the best,
Bao
Hi Bao,
DeleteLong time no see, indeed! :) Many thanks for your profound comment and good wishes, my friend. I also hope that you had a nice summer and good time with your family.
Yes, we all have health problems at times. David Wong (R.I.P.) was a friend of mine and this was his favorite saying: "Be a little kinder than necessary; for every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle." I really like this aphorism. Such a great wisdom. Just like you wrote, my friend: "Everybody has a battle to fight, so you are not alone if you feel life is not going your way." That is so true.
"We all have fears, and I think the only way to conquer the fears is trust our Lord." I completely agree with these words. Don't worry about your faith, my friend. I'm sure your faith gets stronger. You are a good guy and a good Christian. :)
I'm so sorry to hear about your anguish, Bao. If you feel that you have the signs of depression, I think you should visit a doctor. Sometimes depression is just a chemical disorder, and then serotonin is a good medicine for the brain, just like vitamin we need.
I want to dedicate this video to you, my friend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY_n6mvCY1M
It's a healing and beautiful Russian Orthodox song titled «Слава Богу за всё», English: "Thank God for everything." There is one touching sentence in this song: «Слава Богу за скорбь и за радость», English: "Thank God for sorrow and joy." Very powerful wisdom. I do believe that everything is in God's hand. That's why an accident can be a blessing in disguise sometimes. Sounds like a cliche, but I know it's true. :)
I remember you in my prayers, Bao. I'm sure that finally all will be fine. I know you have a positive attitude, my friend. I think Chinese are always optimistic and positive people, and they can survive anything. :) May God keep you and yours in good health and safe!
Best wishes and blessings,
Teisuka
Hi again, Teisuka,
DeleteThank you for your comforting and encouraging words as well as for sharing the video. The music is very soothing, and it really can calm my mind. I think I will listen to it whenever I feel anxious.
I agree with you that depression might actually be a physical problem. I will definitely see a doctor if it becomes worse. For now, I think I can deal with it myself. -:)
Hope you're getting much better with your health problem. I just read Monica's reply to your blog, and I think she might be right -- it may be related to your vitamin D level. Anyway, just take good care of yourself, I believe everything will turn out fine.
Enjoy the new week!
Bao
Hi again Bao,
DeleteYou're welcome, and thank you for your good wishes. I like this Bible verse, "carry each other’s burdens" (Galatians 6:2). So we do. Be well and take good care of yourself, my friend. Have a great week ahead! :)
Teisuka
Hi, Teisuka!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I'm sorry to read about your problems and I hope that you will be able to solve it out. It might be also stress or a chronicle infection in your body. I have a friend who was kept 3 weeks in hospital, feeling very bad and she was suspected by leukemia. They made her tests over tests. Blood tests said it was leukemia, spine test said it wasn't and this is the most important. But she was still sick and not feeling good, so they transferred her to a hospital specialized in this kind of diseases. They couldn't find any virus in her blood... Till one day when the doctor herd her talking with her family at the phone, that her parrot died. So the parrot was sick and she had a low immunity because she didn't feed herself well and she caught the virus from the parrot.
So till they will find out what you have - or maybe they will never discover- I think that it will be good for you to increase your immunity with some natural plants and maybe some vitamin D, because you don't have too much sun. But ask also the doctor about vit. D.
On the other hand, I was happy to read that someone who loves you is praying for your health. I think that love can cure everything:)
Hi Monica,
DeleteLong time no see. How have you been, my friend? Hope all is well on your corner of the world. Many thanks for your great comment and example story. Your story and good advice can really help me. A chronic infection in my body, I think it could be possible. For sure, it would be also good to take more some vitamin D.
Yes, there is one who loves me and prays for me every day. What more can I hope. I can only be thankful, and love her back and pray for her daily. I agree with you, "love can cure everything". It's the best medicine. :) Blessings and all the best to you and your loved ones, Monica. Be well and take good care!
Teisuka
Hello brother, I am so happy your tests seem to show your health is satisfactory....you are too young and handsome for it to be otherwise.....I can see you hosting with that baritone voice of yours but of course you should be singing......I am so sorry that I lost your most recent comment on my video as it was marked spam and somehow it got lost trying to transfer it to the comments section, nothing personal for sure....blessings to you and your angel Teisuka and thanks for updating us on how things are going for you.....like I always say, you are the best my friend......Glenn :)
ReplyDeleteHi Glenn,
DeleteMany thanks for visiting and for your kind comment, brother. My baritone voice? Haha. Thanks but I think that is too strong a word. Well, sometimes I also sing in karaoke, but not too often. Better to be just a host. :D Oh, there were some bugs in YouTube? Don't worry, I'll post my comment again on your new video. Thank you very much for your compliments and good wishes, my friend. Happy Veterans Day November 11 to you. Be well and safe!
Teisuka
Hey, Teisuka! You look very good at this photo. Never faint never lose your heart. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (c) Bible. My health is not very strong but I try not to think about it :) Victor
ReplyDeletePrivet, Victor!
DeleteThank you for being here today, and thanks for your compliment and great Bible quote. It is really wise verse - and so true. I'm so sorry to hear that your health is not very strong. Indeed, we all have our battles and troubles... Get better soon, my friend! I remember you in my prayers. «И молитва веры исцелит болящего» (Послание Иакова 5:15).
Blessings,
Teisuka
¸.•´¸.•* ♫ Hello.... Sorry to see you had a rough summer.... but after all, seems like you have overcome the most difficult part... Life is always so strange and unpredictable sometimes.... I am glad that you are doing a lot better now... Please continue to move on with all the strength you have... I am sure there are many friends will pray for you and we believe you will feel great again soon...
ReplyDelete¸.•´¸.•* ♫ I remember winter is the season you like the most... Snow will soon arrive and accompany with you for entire winter... I am sure they will bring you much lucky and cheer you up.... As long as you stay positive and upbeat, I believe things will eventually resolved....
¸.•´¸.•* ♫ I wish you the best always Teisuka-san.... Thanks for sharing your latest and may god always stay by your side... Have a cheerful season my friend....
Hello, Shawn-san.
DeleteThank you for visiting and for your kind comment. How have you been, my friend? I hope all is well with you. But as we both know, life is fickle and nothing is self-evident here... Yes, I'm okay now (at least I feel so) and things seems better. For my part, I do believe that faith, hope and love keep us on the course.
Thanks for your good wishes and prayers, dear friend of mine. I will remember you and your family in my prayers as well. Let's keep our positive attitude, ok? Oh yes, my favorite season is behind the corner. Haha. Well, thus far, we haven't got the snow in my area in Western Finland, but next Saturday seems good... if the weatherman was right. :)
All the best and blessings to you and your loved ones, Shawn-san!
Teisuka
hi Teisuka^^/ im so glad to hear that your health is going up. keep it up please!
ReplyDeletei liked this article. we all your friends love reading your blog. i hope you'll be more likely to please us with your lovely articles^^
all the best to my friend!
and sorry for my eng
Nika
Hi Nikushka! ^^/
DeleteThank you for being here today, and also thanks for your kind words. ^^ In the future, I'll try make more articles on my blog. But sometimes I'm just too busy - or lazy... Or then my life is too boring to share. Haha. :D All the best to YOU, my angel! See ya! ^^/
Teisuka