My First Easter, away from home...

Last Sunday was Easter Sunday, and it was always one of the best time of the year as we rejoice in the happy occasion of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

This year, I have been actively participating in all the masses leading to this joyous occasion and even rushed for Holy Thursday mass and Good Friday service after work.
One thing was different though this year; which was evident when Holy Saturday came.

I always travel home after Good Friday service every year without fail; ever since I stayed away from home starting from university days.
Perhaps there was one Easter where I was still in uni which I also could not make it home in time, and ended up celebrating Easter with my friends on campus.

However, since I have started working, I have never missed a single Easter celebration back at home, attending my favorite Easter vigil mass with my family on Holy Saturday.

This year, I had to hold back my plans as I was scheduled to travel the following weekend after Easter (which was this weekend) and therefore, my parents advised me not to travel twice as it was tiring and also not cost-effective.
I thought so too, as work has been tedious and tough and I had to endure long hours at the computer, working everything out and therefore, I could not afford to weaken my body immunity system.
Funnily, I often fall sick each time I travel back home and when I get back here.

Anyway, I did not feel the impact of the celebration away from home as I was attending all the mass and service and the loneliness only hit me after the Good Friday service as I knew that come Holy Saturday, I would have to attend mass alone with the candle in my hand.

It was sad, to realize that I could not be with my family and also the meeting up with friends at the church after the mass

When I was at the church here attending the Holy Easter Vigil mass with a good companion (thank you very much), I looked around forlornly and realized that I am not going to see familiar faces popping out and waving at me, nor am I gonna be surprised by pats on my shoulder or back after mass by old friends who used to attend Sunday school or masses with me.

Anyway, pushing those loneliness and missing the family aside, Easter mass was indeed a blast here in the Holy Spirit Cathedral and somehow, I guess God just wanted to make me feel happy as well (I always find God's actions displayed in one way or another to associate with how he answers my prayers, which made me feel truly comforted by his presence).
The choir was great, the songs were good and best of all, it even rained that night (though not so great when the whole bonfire had to carried out at the main entrance of the church and we do not get to participate in it)

On Easter Sunday itself, I had a day where I was treated like a princess and it even felt like it was my birthday celebration as well.

I don't feel lonely or upset anymore, as I know the Lord reigns in me and I am happy because of that!
Furthermore, I have a happy occasion to look forward to, this coming weekend and I am going home! =)

Happy Easter everyone, and it's still Easter, so I am still in the celebrating and festive mood =D