christmas joy

I don't remember what Ramansh looked like nor understand him much on the phone because of his accent. but i guess there isn't much to understand cos he calls me every year at the same time for the same thing:wishing me a merry christmas.

Ramansh was barely 18 when i first met him in a press conference in 2005. He's a asylum seeker fleeing persecution from his home country in South Asia.
besides his annual christmas wish,Ramansh once rang last year and told me he was arrested by police for not having valid identification and overstaying. Silly Ramansh thought a young reporter might be able to help him out of the situation but he had no idea how influential-less i am.all i could do was to refer him a social worker.

today, i received my usual simple and neat christmas phone call from ramansh. only this time, there's a sense of joy attached to his greeting.
Ramansh's refugees' claim has finally been approved by the United Nation Higher Commissioner for Refugees in Hong Kong. In about three weeks' time, he would be able to find out where his new home will be.
I am overjoyed and yet, was put in shame by him.

Despite of Ramansh's shortcomings as an asylum seeker in Hong Kong, his self-less soul is not restrained by the situation he's in. Most would think Ramansh's daily struggle for the most fundamental human rights to survive would leave him nothing much to offer others.But Ramansh has demonstrated a precious side of humanity.

His untiring christmas greetings, despite being short and hard to understand at times, are more sincere than many spam greetings I got from a lot of my non-refugees friends. The simple act of his has brightened up my lonely winter holiday. I can't help but wonder how come a man like man would still have energy to spread the extra love. On the other side, me, is sitting at home watching dvds all day and whin about my own situation. He really puts me in shame!

I would just like to take this chance and make my stranger-friend Ramansh a toast of the new year: To a new life ahead,Ramansh, all the best!