Thanks to Friends Who are Supporting Us in Our Adoption Journey

We want to shout a loud thanks to all our friends who are so supportive in our adoption journey. We've handed in our papers and the adoption department called to let us know that a couple more supporting documents are needed which we'll hand in as soon as we get a letter from them. At this point of time, we're going into the adoption issue with an open mind. If God deems that He wants to adopt a child, it'll happen. But if He thinks that it's not His will then, we'll trust Him. I have to say that after submitting the forms, I did feel great!

There's a couple of friends that we really want to thank. I want to thank Stanley for agreeing readily to being our referee. I've been friends with Stanley for probably 25 years or more. He's my best male friend. Thanks Stan! Thanks for your prayers as well. Would have loved to include my 2 other best friends but...we wouldn't. Couldn't use Monster because, she's family and Eve, I know that she's very busy with work and she's in a different time zone and it'll be hard for the adoption unit to get in contact with her.

Poh Sung is probably Babe's best friend. Babe and me decided that we'll choose one overseas referee each and he chose Poh Sung. We've known him for more 20 years. He's a very true friend. He is one of those, tell it as it is kinda person, very blunt and yet brutally truthful. We love him for this trait of his. He has been there for Babe and me.

Simon is someone that we really have to thank. Simon is our local referee and even though we've known him for about a year and half, he agreed to being our local referee without hesitation. Simon was the first friend that I met in HK. He used to work in my school and even before meeting him face to face, he was already helping in to settle to my school by giving me hints online. When I moved to HK, he's my constant coffee companion and my dinner date as well. Simon and babe get along pretty well. Well, both of them love soccer but they don't support the same teams. Simon is a Derby fan and Babe, Man U fan. Simon, thanks heaps for agreeing, we owe you a dinner and drinks.

Of course, there are others that we want to thank as well. Babe's cousin, Kum Hoong has been very supportive and encouraging. Iris, deserves special mention. I told her some of my feelings when she popped over to HK awhile ago and she was very supportive and it was nice to hear words of encouragement from her. Even though, I hardly meet Christine or have time to sit and chat with her, it was nice to meet her in church in Nov and it was very encouraging to talk to her. There are lots more that have been very supportive. We truly feel blessed by our friends in HK and some people from church. Friends in HK have readily offered help to us even though we haven't even started our home study. It's really touching to know that friends that we just got to know have already reach out their hands to us. Friends in church in HK have been really supportive as well. It is nice to know that there are a couple of families in church that have adopted kids and are always willing to lend a helping hand and provide the support. We really couldn't ask for more.

We're really leaving everything to God's hands. He'll be the one guiding us along. At this stage, we can't be more thankful and grateful for everything that He has done thus far.

Pics from Lombok

Enjoy the pics. Not very many though. Lombok is a nice place. But a little too quiet for us though. 2 nights and 3 days were just enough for us. Anymore, we might kill each other!

Time is a Hard Pressed Commodity

Had a great time in Lombok. A good time to get away from people, no phones ringing, no emails to check and simply....no one to bother us! Peace....blissful peace. We hardly ever get it these days.

Got back to Spore late on Sat night. Went to church yesterday. This trip, I didn't bother to let many people know that we're back. I guess, primarily, too little time to meet everyone that I want to meet. Sharon didn't know I was back and she texted me to wish me Happy Easter and I texted her to tell her that I'm actually in town. Caught up with her for a short time. Went to her place to watch her wedding video. It was really nice to see her glowing in wedded bliss. So happy that she found her man. And for the first time, Sharon was in the driver's seat instead of me. And she did a great job!

Met Amy today for lunch. It's always nice to see Amy. We've always this keep in touch and lost touch kinda friendship. Honestly, think it's more of me than Amy. I'm always too caught up with my life! But we always pick up where we left off. After lunch, it suddenly hit me that we're been friends more than 10 years! How time flies! She's still the same person as she's always been. Love her for being her. It's always great to meet up with her. Girl, remember to start looking around what you want me to get from States....Send me pics of those stuff, okay?

After lunch with Amy, came back to Woodlands and had coffee with Yati. I'm always touched by people who really make the time and effort despite of their tight schedule for me. Yati did just that. We spent time chatting and laughing, just like the old times. Nothing seemed to have changed. I'm very happy to see Yati in much brighter spirits and she seems a little happier. Glad to see that in her. Yati, remember don't work too hard....and come, come and see me and Happy. Stay with me. Will bring you bag shopping! You'll love it!

Each time I come back to Spore, I tend to get worried about coming back and fitting right back again. On the flight back to Spore from Lombok, I read Straits Times and something hit me and got me fretting. Apparently, youth crimes, gangs and bullying are on the rise. I worry, how is my 'to be adopted' child going to grow up? Will my child be subjected to peer influences? How about my job? Will I be willing to be paid a lot less than in HK with more than double the work load? Reality is, no point worrying. I'm learning to leave things into God's hands and that when the time comes, He will provide. Yes, I am still learning....

Thy Will Be Done

Finally, all the papers have been lodged into the Social and Welfare Department of Hong Kong for the processing of our adoption. We're very excited of what's going to happen next. But I'm not going to be overtly excited about it because we're going to live it in God's hands. If He thinks that we're suited to be parents to a child that need a family, we'll be glad to be the chosen ones. But if He thinks that we are not suited or that its not time yet, that's fine by us too. Ultimately, God is in charged of everything and He has the world in His hands!

In His time, in His time,
He makes all thing beautiful in His time.
Lord, my life to You I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to You a lovely thing, in Your time.

In Your time, in Your time,
You make all thing beautiful in Your time.
Lord, my life to You I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to You a lovely thing, in Your time.

When I left the building after dropping off the forms, this song rang in my head. The forms took longer than expected for us to fill in, the medical examinations took a long time and things got slowed down. Initially, I was upset with myself and then I realised that...I'm not in control, God is. In the grand scheme of things, I'm just a little pawn, doing His will. The time delayed, gave me time to read and research, hang out with a mum, understand a lot more things about myself and the dynamics of having a child, convince more family of our stand and a whole lot more. We watched Juno too and had the opportunity to see the perspective of a teenage mother who decided to give up a child for the child to have a better future. And that made me to think and be sure that I can give that child that's place in our hands really a better future.

Over the years, God has shown us so much. He has really help me to develop patience. Babe and me took ten years to get married. Bringing a child into our lives is a huge decision and that's why it took us such a long time as well. Please do not misunderstand that we can't have a child and that's why we're turning into adoption. The reality is that, I sincerely feel it in the gut of my tummy that this is what we are called to do. Maybe after the adoption goes through then I may have a biological child. But that's for later. I cannot guarantee that we will be the best parents on Earth but we will try our best. Sure, it scares us that we don't have family in HK to help us but we are blessed with wonderful friends who have already offered to help and chip in. I thank God for these wonderful people that I've met. Friends, you know who you are, thanks and love you.

After today, my shoulders feel lighter, a couple of burdens have been lifted. One of them is the adoption and the other, maybe, I may talk about it some other day or maybe never. In His Time, that song rings so much in my head all the time because it is time and time again that God shows me that In His Time, He shows me so much and I learn so much. It is His time that He decides for the people to come into our lives and it is again in His time that He decides to bring people away and replace them with others. Whatever it is, it is always God's timing over mine. I realised that in all these things, all I need, God, Babe and lots of trust and faith in God and everything else will fall into place.

Had lunch with Susan and we talked about something that stuck with me as we said bye. I love Susan. She really someone that I connect with and makes me think. She said that we have so much in terms of materials and emotions and what is it to us to share or give back a little of what we have to the community, charity or whatever. That struck me and I thought and mulled over it. Yes, God has given me so much and what's it to me to share a little of my money, a little of my time or a little of whatever God has so richly blessed me with. What's is it to me to buy a friend a lunch or dinner once in a while? What is it to me to share a little of my time with some of my friends? Time for change and time for giving back.

Lord, I pray that I will be a better person and do your will.

Just Another Busy Weekend

We had another busy weekend. Babe's 2 aunties and cousin came to HK for a visit. We spent the weekend with them. It's always nice to have family around. But this time, I was a little apprehensive. They are Babe's family and I was afraid that with such a small living area, friction might arise. But no, it was nice because I got to know May, his cousin a little better and his aunties too. I was also worried that Happy might drive them mad but they loved Happy!

On Saturday, we spent some time with Babe's family and then we went to Susan's surprise party. This week was also filled with choices. I had to choose between Susan's surprise birthday party and Colleen's party. But hate to say, Susan's party won over because Eric (Susan's partner) impressed me with his efforts in planning for the nice surprise. Colleen, sorry, girl, will meet you soon and buy you a nice lunch or dinner. Susan is a great person. She loves dogs very much....more than me! We had a good time.

On Sunday, we went to church with Babe's family and then we spent the day shopping and walking around with them. Babe and me were invited to Henrik's birthday party but we had to turn it down to spend time with Babe's family. We also had some good news too. Babe's cousin, Kum Hoong, is moving to Shenzhen as the country manager for Silk Air. It's nice to have family just across the border. He'll be moving in a couple of weeks. Can't wait.

Babe's heading to Spore tomorrow and I'll meet him on Thur at Changi Airport to fly to Lombok. We're looking forward to this holiday. It's a good time to wind down. After Lombok, we'll be back in Spore to spend a couple of days and then back to HK again. Hopefully, it won't turn into a crazy and busy holiday.

My Monster

My monster was my first best friend. She's part of my family. Well, she's my cousin. We obviously met when we were babies. Love her to bits! So why am I blogging about her today? Well, for some strange reason, I dreamt about her 2 nights in a row. I guess it must be my sub conscious telling me that I miss her, I've not been keeping touch with her and haven't seen her enough.

When I was a kid, she was my confidante. She was the person I leaned on her when I was growing up. She is probably the one person that really truly understands me and know my childhood and know why am I the way I am. She accepts the fact that I am me because of the child and teen hood that I've been through. She accepts me for me without judgement. She loves me without having me to change. She is one person that if I call her now and tell her that my life is crumbling, she'll know what to say and know what to do. For this, I love her. I guess, having a somewhat similar and yet different childhood and being in the family watching and understanding each other's nuclear family make this friendship unique and special.

For the longest time and I guess till now, I admire Monster for being brave enough to pursue her dream. She gave up her successful journalist career to pursue in what she has always wanted ever since she was a kid. She gave it up knowing that her dream may not bring in lots of bacon and ham but she didn't care. She wanted her dream even though if it just brings her bread everyday. But thankfully, so far, it has been okay. Don't think she's doing terrible. I admire her for having a dream. I don't even know what my dream is. I don't know what I truly want in life? Maybe my life is too clouded and crowded for me to want a dream or know my dream.

Anyway, Monster, this is for you. I love you heaps! Apologies for not seeing you enough. Apologies for not keeping in touch enough. But you know that I love you right? Miss ya heaps too!

Out of Proportion

Some of my family and friends in Singapore have asked if the flu situation is really bad in Hong Kong. Apparently the media in Singapore has probably blew it out of proportion. Nothing to be alarmed about. Kindergartens and primary schools are closed for 2 weeks but it's no big deal. The Education Department and Health Department decided to close the schools 2 or 3 days earlier for Easter holidays as the kids were catching the flu bug. There are about 3 kids that have died from flu like symptoms. The school that I work in, I don't think there are kids that are sick. The government is just taking precautions just in class the flu epidemic gets worse. Other than that, not a big deal. Life is going on as per norm. I'm praying that it's just a case of flu and that's it!

When The Going Gets Tough.....

I've been back to reading again. It started with CNY hols in Singapore that I sat in the sun to read and started reading and getting into the book that I didn't realised that I was getting sunburnt! I was reading Kite Runner and after reading it, I just had to get Khaled Hosseini's other book, A Thousand Splendid Suns. Both books touched me deeply and I started to ponder and wonder about human nature. To me, these two books in a way was similar to William Golding's Lord of the Flies. It goes to show true human nature in times of adversity.

With Kite Runner, the main character betrayed his best friend in times of adversity but when he wanted to repay, it was hard. He had to pay back for his sins. I wonder, how many would gladly give up their best friend in times of shit? But it was sad that his best friend in protecting him, had to endure several punishments later from his tormenter and even his son was not spared. It really broke my heart reading how humans can stoop that low.

A Thousand Splendid Suns, brought a little ray of sunshine after reading. This book was a little different as it showed in times of adversity, the two ladies stood by each other. And when the going was really going tough, the older lady laid down her life for her best friend so that she'll have a better life.

Adversity really brings out the true human nature in a person. In my opinion, in adversity, a truly strong character will shine through, however, a weak character will crumble down. I know a friend who I thought was a really strong person. Or, she gave that facade that she is a very strong person or she would like others to think that she's strong, independent and whatever. But when shit happens, she crumbles like an apple crumble. She becomes a blame shifter, a finger pointer, and becomes a weak person. To me, it's funny because she pokes fun at people who crumble in adversity and give a load of advices to others when they crumble. But when shit happens to her, she's like this weakling! At the same time, I've met ladies who at first glance, I'm like what a lady, so weak, so demure and whatever. But it is these ladies with a quiet deposition, demure character that shine in times of adversity. They walk out from the adverse, hard and difficult situations with their heads high in the head and coming out stronger.

But I guess, people are different. We're made up differently. And it is this difference that make us interesting. I wonder as well, how many of my best friends will really lay down his or her life for me? And would I do the same?

Stole From Gwyneth's Blog

I stole this from Gwyneth's Blog and thought....hmmmm....very apt. Things sometimes happen and we move along.

psalm 119:71

earthly friends may prove untrue
doubts and fears assail
One still loves and cares for you
One who will not fail...

Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails
heaven and earth may pass away
but Jesus never fails.

earthly friends may prove untrue...but One still loves and cares for me...and Jesus never fails.

Thanks Gwyneth for the timely reminder!

A Life I Left Behind

I started thinking about the life that I left behind in Singapore when an ex-student and her mum wrote me an email. Then last week, I started to think more about it when ex-colleague told me that she had enough and she's really going to leave MOE. I started to think more about what I left behind.

When Joy and her mum wrote to me, I felt very touched. Duane's mum still keeps in contact with me. Some of my older ex-students still send me emails and get in touch with me through Facebook too. I miss them quite a bit. I guess, I do miss Joy and the last batch of kids that I taught before I left WDP. Every year, I tell myself, that this is the best kids that I've taught. But honestly, the last batch of kids were truly the best kids that I've taught. Even when I went to WDP over CNY hols, some of them still remembered me and they came running towards me. I really felt touched and I really miss them heaps! I miss some of my ex-colleagues too. But reality, I miss my students more than them.

But when my ex-colleague told me that she's really throwing in the towel, I truly understand how she feels and know what's she's going through. She's going through such a hard time and she's struggling to stay afloat. She only feels happy when she's with her students. That was how I felt too. She told me that she would go to bed crying herself to sleep. I didn't go through that but I had problems sleeping. But the irony was that I couldn't sleep because I hated the management and all the redundant stuff that I had to do just for the sake of doing and not because of the kids. I'd rather be spending my time with the kids in class. Everyday was filled with so much dread that I knew that I had to walk away before it truly ate me up and my precious students suffer from my hatred of work. It was sad that I had to leave not because of them but the system that created an unfriendly environment for the teachers.

Now, looking back, I do wish sometimes I didn't leave that behind as I really miss those little cute and adorable kids. But then again, I have no regrets of leaving the professional work behind. I have no qualms in saying that I truly need that break from teaching in Spore or else, I would turn into one of those hateful and spiteful teachers. Friend, I will be praying for you. You know, I'll always be supportive of you, no matter what decision you make. And my ex-students, I really miss you kids. You have taught me more than I can ever teach you kids! Love you all!

Home Alone

I've been home alone these couple of days with Happy. I'm getting used to these periods of home alone and being a single mum to Happy at times. Babe is getting busy and he's been on work trips more frequently. He's going to be travelling a lot more in the next couple of months. Well, to a certain extent, I'm glad as I've got time to myself and I get to see and spend time with some friends. But at the same time, as I'll be starting classes this week, every Wednesday and Friday, I guess, I'll be spending a lot lesser time with Babe.

To be honest, I enjoy the time when Babe is away on work trips as it gives me a chance to miss him and allows me to realise how nice it is to have him around. It is these trips that makes me glad and excited to see him again when he heads home. I guess the saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder, is pretty much true for me. Babe is going to be home tomorrow and in about 2 weeks, he'll be travelling again. It was sweet of him to sit down to tell me that he'll be busy with work for the next few months and he may not have time for me. I appreciate him for doing that as it shows that he really cares and love me.

I'll be starting classes tomorrow. It's back to school again for me. Usually, I get all excited about going to study but not this time. I'm studying to collect another piece of paper qualification just for the sake of it. To me, it's so meaningless to spend so much time on doing something that I feel that I already have the knowledge. But I know that I'm going in with the wrong attitude and I've to be more open minded to ensure that the classes will have benefits for me. At the same time, it's taking my time away from Babe. I'm not happy about it as he's travelling quite a bit and time with him is going to be very precious from now on. But thank God that there's going to be a couple of long weekends coming up. At least I know that I'll have time with Babe. Miss ya, Babe!

Finally, I'm Settling In

As the title of the post suggests, I think, I'm finally getting settled into HK. That dawned upon me yesterday when I was at the school Sports' Day. I had to do discipline duty with a colleague that I've never worked together before and we had a great time chatting. The kids chatted with me and I actually had fun! After sports' day, I had lunch with my colleagues and it was a nice time talking and getting to know the rest of them.

After lunch, had a rest and then went to Paula's place foe dinner. It was a nice cosy get together. On the way back from dinner, I met a kid from school and his mother. We had a good time chatting. While walking home, I was thinking and I realised that, yes, I've finally settled in. I no longer feel at lost with my colleagues, especially with those that I don't work with. Parents actually bother to chat with me. And I do have some friends here as well. Life is pretty much settled to a certain extent.

This morning at church, I truly felt rejuvenated by God's presence. I feel so settled in church too. And I wonder, am I truly home now? Don't get me wrong, I've always liked HK but I've always wondered if I would feel at ease or at home. I guess, I do feel that I'm finally settled here. Well, I guess for another two years or so till God leads us somewhere else again. I'm truly learning day by day that my life is in God's control and I'm learning not to fight Him. Pastor's message today was very apt for me. To live or die is for Christ. There was a kid that mentioned in church that we do not know when will our light be blown out. Throughout the message, I pondered, my life has to be Christ driven and it is true that I don't know when will my life be blown out. And when I'm done with life, would I have led a Christ driven life? And would my friends be able to see Christ in me.

So in my settled life in HK, I'm going to try to make an effort to make my life a Christ driven life and will leave the future in His Hands.