Blessing

I was so tired after the workshop at temple last Friday but still I logged on to my yahoo mail around 10.30pm because I had to send out a few emails for the coming colloquium. Then I came across a Chinese name in my mailbox with an email address that is unfamiliar to me. I clicked on the email and it read:

Dear Ms. Ma,

On behalf of the organizing committee for the 2009 IFCB International Training Program in Cell and Molecular Biology (ITPCMB) to be held at National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) in Taiwan, We are pleased to inform you that your application for attending the program has been approved by the Selection and Organizing Committees.

In the attachment please find the invitation letter from the Organizing Committee. This letter is also for your visa application. We need your response by email within 5 days (i.e., before April 13) as to whether you will be able to accept the scholarship provided in the letter to attend the training program.

I couldn't explain how delighted I was when I saw the email. I'll be going to Taiwan! Although not 100% free, the scholarship covers part of my air ticket, and all my training fees, accommodation and meals, insurance as well as tours during the training period there. A dream comes true. A blessing for me! Finally I have the chance to attend at least an international event during my PhD. I'm very grateful.