Living out Faith

As 2010 is drawing close, I reflect on 2010. Overall, it has been a really good year. There's nothing that I would like to change. Seriously! 2010 kinda started with rain. I mean metaphorically. I remember spending Christmas in Singapore in 2009 and then waving bye to Babe and everyone at the airport and heading back to HK alone. It was hard. Lots of rain. And then there was lots of flying. Babe would come once a fortnight and I would fly once a fortnight. Flying back and forth. Then rain got heavier and it was almost pouring cats and dogs in March when my social worker told me that we've got to be temporarily taken out of the adoption matching because Babe was working in Singapore. I was really upset. But there was some sunshine peeking out because when I told Babe, he told me that he was going to quit his job after summer. And I saw rainbows, God's promises. Summer came and I went to visit Sharon, Eelynn, Bruno, Jolynn, Little Leina and Eve. Had loads of fun. Didn't w...

This Christmas is turning out to be one of the best Christmases ever! So, got my eyes zapped yesterday and voila!!! Perfect eyesight! Before doing the Lasik, of course, there were tons of apprehension and fear but on the day itself, Babe and I prayed and I put my eyes in the hands of the Lord. Thank God for Danna and Angela who were with me as Babe was busy at work. This morning perfect eyesight! Anyway, Bless Christmas to everyone! Am so reminded of God's blessings upon us.

The move is finally over and we're all unpacked and settled in. Thank God! So we started packing about 3 weeks ago. This time we decided to call in the movers. And we started to pack and packed. Never knew I had so so much clothes, shoes and stuff! And yes, bags! Totally madness. Yes, these are some of the boxes that contained my stuff. And there were couple more boxes and not forgetting the suitcases too. Moved to the new place and that's where the real fun started. The boxes and the clothes and the shoes and just stuff and more stuff. The unpacking never seemed to end! After like 3 hours of unpacking, there's still boxes!!! Unbelievable! And that's when it hit. How much stuff do I really have? And Happy looked confused in the midst of the mess . Finally, all cleaned and unpacked! Thanks Babe for stepping up to it. Even though he was really overwhelmed by the mess, he did a great job. Last night after everything, I had time to bake a cake for my colleagues. Keeping fin...

This is probably one of my busiest months in a long time. I've been up to my neck with preparing for my informal lesson observation which is over, thank God!, and tomorrow, we're having a parents' day for p1. Parents are coming to watch their kids in class and in turn, watch me teach. Well, this happens every year so it's really nothing new. And this Sat, we're packing and moving. On Sun night, we're having a farewell dinner to friends who are moving back to Canada. On Mon, my social worker is coming for an inspection and in the evening, I've got to do a short presentation to the parents for the school trip to Singapore. And in the midst of the craziness, I'mm coordinating with Mazzy, my ex-colleague a school visit to his school. Finally, on the 23rd of this month, I'm getting LASIK done to my eyes. And yes, I need to pause and catch my breath! Packing is still ongoing. Boxes in the apartment, things are in a mess but we're still functioning to a...

Dear Grandpa, Last night as I was leaving my apartment, I heard the security guard hum, 'What a Friend we have in Jesus,' and my immediately my thoughts were led to you. For some reason, I seem to believe that this is your favourite hymn. And last night I was thinking, what do I know? Why would I think this is your fav hymn? You went to heaven when I was barely 10 and still this thought resided in you. So grandpa, how's heaven like? It is really what it's been described? I'm sure it's even better. Well, grandma is kinda fine, I guess. She's lost some of her short term memory. We tell her stuff and in 2 mins, she can't remember what she said. However, she has lots of happy memories from the past. She told me how you and her holidayed in England and she showed me photos. Those photos were beautiful by the way. On, before I forget, we're going to try to bring grandma back to Singapore. Although I'm in Hong Kong, mummy doesn't feel too happy abou...

I was thinking about writing when I stole this pic from my cousin's facebook photos but never got around to doing it till I read my other cousin's blog and she mentioned celebrating Christmas with my family. And then, ding, I had to write. So this picture above was taken some many, many years ago in my home at Pandan Gardens when we were living there. From the looks of this picture, I must have been around six or seven years old. I remember the Christmas parties with my family and my cousins. It was always filled with loads of fun. So, I think it's how you celebrate Christmas and who you celebrate it with that matters, and not what you get or don't. Presents can never be as memorable as the people who spend the day with you. This was taken off my cousin's blog. Thanks Monster for sharing that. I truly believe that. Looking back, I don't even remember what I got when I was a kid. Oh yes, a Barbie doll and rest, I can't remember. But what stayed on was the mem...

I like celebrating Thanksgiving. I think Hong Kong and Singapore should adopt this American festival rather than the mindless (in my opinion) Halloween. Why celebrate scaring each other and scoffing down loads of candies? I just don't see it. Okay, maybe there's a bigger picture to Halloween but seriously, I don't really care. So coming back to Thanksgiving. I'm glad that even my family in Singapore is taking time to celebrate Thanksgiving. I was speaking to mum last night and she was telling me that she's planning a Thanksgiving dinner. The first in our home. Bummer that we can't head home for Thanksgiving. Well, food might be a little different, it was too late for her to score a turkey but who cares. Babe and me normally have dinner together and last year was extra special that my family was here. This Thanksgiving, we're spending with our cell group tonight and tomorrow, we're having dinner with some of our Canadian and American friends and friends f...

I remember 8 years ago waking up and getting washed up, dressed and made up and then realizing, shit! Where's my contact lens? Then the mini madness ensued. Me yelling at mum that I've lost my contact lens. Then dad shouting asking why didn't I have a spare pair. Then the call to Babe, errr.....going to late. Lost my contact lens. Then, next scene, me sitting at the dining table with Lina, errmmmm....so how? We both broke into giggles. Mum frantically calling various people finding out where to get contacts at 10 in the morning. And finally, go to Lucky Plaza, she shouted. So off to the car we went. Lina was telling me in the car, wow, there's a flower on your ring finger. And I stared at her, what did you just say? Flower? Then I let out a yell, flowers!!! I forgot my flowers! Then called Jacqui, flowers! Next, got to Lucky Plaza in my wedding dress, getting fitted for my contact lens and people staring at us. I laughed it off with Lina. To me, it was like a fun advent...

I must admit that I don't always check my gmail email account. I'd check it once every couple of days. So last Thursday, I decided that it's time to check my gmail account and I did and boy did I get a rude shock. My landlord has decided that since our lease has ended, he's going to raise our rent by thirty percent. My initial reaction, thirty percent? Which industry had a thirty percent of salary increment? Madness! Without even bothering to check out any apartments, I texted Babe and told him that we're moving. So replied the email and told him that we're moving. Almost added, do you think we are idiots? But thought, look, he can do whatever he wants to and I'll just move. I've got nothing to lose but rather's he got more to lose than me. So on Friday after work and running errands, part 1 of apartment hunting started. I went to look at five apartments without Babe as he was still at work. Out of the five, I liked two. Then part 2 of apartment hunt...

The word 'roots' has been in my mind for a couple of days. Actually, since my cell group leader asked me to lead in bible sharing and thereafter she texted and asked if I wanted to serve in kids' ministry. She's the children's pastor in the church that we're attending. The truth of the matter, our lives in HK has been always measured in terms of two years. I keep telling myself, I'm just going to be here for two years, then the two years almost passed and then, ya, maybe just another two years. And I've never really sought out actively to serve in any church that we've been attending. About a year and half ago, we started to attend a cell group and that's when bits of roots started taking place. This cell group became my prayer support. And the support became more apparent when Babe moved back to Singapore for work and now that Babe is back, they are my prayer support with our adoption. I've never really participated in any other church build...

Last weekend, mummy, Joanne, Jacqui and little JC flew in for a visit. We had a great time. So thankful that they flew in since we've not been able to fly home for a visit recently. It was really good to spend time with little JC. I've not seen her in person for about 2 months and was concerned that she might forget me and start crying when she sees me. But well, my fears were laid to rest real fast. When she saw me, she quickly warmed up and wanted me to cuddle and carry her. I miss her heaps. We met up with Adrian and Cindy for lunches. We've probably know Adrian for more than 25 years. They recently have a baby too. When we were out having lunch, Adrian brought up the issue of support. He said that Joanne has lots of support with little JC and that's important as a family. And he and Cindy on the other hand is lacking that. I could see where he's coming from. Being in Hong Kong without family, can be quite isolating at times. Even me, without kids, sometimes when...

Yesterday in church, Pastor Andrew Gardner preached on Jude 1: 24 and 25. At the end of his sermon, he asked us to write our doxology. So I wrote mine. This is it My God is able to walk with me every day. My God is able to bring a child to us a real soon. For God, my saviour through Jesus, is my light in my darkness. Now and forever, Amen. When I wrote this in church, I wanted God to lead me as I wrote it. When I read it again, the phrase Jesus is my light in my darkness, became a little glaring to me, pardon the pun. I've to admit that I am a little afraid of the darkness because simply, I can't see what's beyond. And another thing which I admit, there are times in my life that darkness seem to surround me and things overwhelm me. I'm glad to say that this does not happen as often but I know that darkness is just lurking around the corner and it can just pop out anytime. I believe that God always works in marvelous ways. We woke up late for church and ended at 4pm serv...

Dear Lord Jesus, There's so many things that I would like to thank you for. I'll start first with the abundant and bountiful blessings that you have showered upon me for the last 35 and 364 days. Yes, I said it, I'm one day away from turning 36. Last night during Plus (care group), we were asked to share about our most difficult period of our lives and what came out of it. I started to think real hard, Lord. It dawned upon me that those times that I perceived it as difficult and dark, were actually not that bad when I look back and reflect. I started to search in me my most difficult time that I had to question my faith in you. And it came. Two Mays ago when we were matched with a child. Yes, Lord, it was the single most difficult decision that I had to make. While making that decision I felt that darkness and sadness engulfed me and I felt totally alone. The person I love the most was not on the same page as me and deep down in me, I knew I hate to submit. I wanted to be J...

I know that by now, almost eight years of marriage and ten years of dating prior to getting married, I should be used to Babe not being around sometimes. Well, as I type this post, Babe is on the plane on his way back from Jakarta to Hong Kong. I miss him heaps. Well, it's a laugh when I think about it. Babe was in Singapore working for about eight months before moving back to Hong Kong and I was living alone. And yes, those days in Sydney and my endless travels without Babe too. Not forgetting the numerous business trips that Babe has been on and I've been home. But this time is different. One might ask, how is it different? Well, no matter where Babe is or where I am, we never fail to speak to each other every day, doesn't matter day or night or which continent I am or he is, we always speak to each other. Almost all the time. There were times that we couldn't and this is one of those times. Yes, I miss him, miss his voice and generally, just miss speaking to him. I d...

An ex-colleague wrote this on her status on Facebook, My pal in school told me, "I wanna excel & survive. Dun wanna skive & survive. Dun wanna excel & die. But the system dun allow, thus I choose to leave". I read her status and I told her that I left because of what she wrote. And then I wrote on her status saying that if I stayed on, my sanity, health, marriage and everything would have taken a toll. And later on, I wrote telling her about a women's conference that I attended. The speaker was a working mum. She shared this with us. When she got married and was still working, she wanted to excel in being a wife, mother and yes, interestingly, she was a teacher too. But she couldn't. So she asked herself, what is important to her. And she prioritized. She wanted an excellent wife and mother and so, being a teacher, she'll settle for a good or fair. When I heard that, I thought how true. What is important to me? My husband is above all else and I will...

How ironic that my last post was about love, till death do us part and this post is on Spitsville. This morning I went to work and as usual after reading Daily Bread, I read my dose of tabloid news. So today's top tabloid news was the separation of a famous Hollywood actress and her husband. So well, not a prob, they are not related to me so not affected. Then I read my dose of blogs. There's someone who's really close to me and dear to me, love her heaps and I've known her forever too. When I read her blog, I was taken aback. She and her significant other parted ways. I didn't see that happening and when we met up over summer, she didn't mention anything. I felt bad because I took her friendship for granted and didn't seem to have time or make the effort to keep in contact with her and it's only through her blog that I found out. I do not judge or despise her. But rather I admire her. Why do I admire her? She fell in love and over time, sure, they had t...

I resisted for the longest time to write about a certain person that died in Singapore. But then again after watching Channelsnewsasia last night, I could not longer resist. To see a grown man or rather a man into his late eighties speaking at his wife's funeral with tears streaming down, barely holding himself and giving her kisses as he looked at her for the final time, really touched my heart. Here is a love story that spanned more than 60 years. I'm sure they had their ups and downs and issues that they had to work through. And yes, the cynical me wonder, was she that great of a woman? But while looking further, yes, she was in her own ways. Babe has started work and getting dinner ready is left to me now. Two days in a row, dinner was not ready by the time be got home. No, no, he didn't throw a tantrum or demand his dinner. But inside me, I wanted dinner to be ready by the time he rang the doorbell. I wanted the apartment to be somewhat clean and tidy by the time he ge...

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom is the latest book that I've read. I've read almost all of Mitch Albom's books. Each of his book has left a deep impression on me. When this book came out, I hesitated a little not knowing if I should read. I seriously don't want some author to shake my faith. Excuse the pun. So last Saturday while waiting for Babe at a shopping mall, I came across this book in a bookstore and it was screaming out, buy me! Plus, it was 20 percent off. Who can resist a good deal. So well, I bought and read it. A writer asked to write his rabbi's eulogy and his experiences with a inner city church in Detroit and the pastor of the church. I don't care what people say but I do look at Judaism with respect not putting down Jews or persecuting them because it is written in the bible that they are the chosen people, God's people. So when I read the book, I read it carefully understanding what the rabbi and I was almost in awe of this man. He put s...

The interesting bit about living in Hong Kong is that there are days that one can go shopping or have a meal and go past a singer, actor or actress. I've seen a couple of them when I was out shopping and more recently, a couple of them in church. Well, no no.....I didn't pull out my little book and ask for an autograph. Number 1, sometimes, I don't really know who they are until someone mentions them to me. Number 2, I'm seldom starstruck. Quite seldom except for a couple of celebrities. There are probably only 2 cantopop singers that I actually like and would buy their CDs. Well, one of them decided to jump down and end his life. And the other, was someone that was seated behind me in church yesterday. I didn't notice her until I turn around to pass her the offering pot. And when the service ended, I turned around again to stretch, and it was then that it hit, oh yes, it's her. No, I didn't shout, scream or stare at her in awe or anything like that. I won...

Yes, you read it correctly, it's Issac and Goliath and not David and Goliath. A couple days ago, Josiah, a childhood friend of mine from my home church in Singapore wrote this on his facebook's status,' Before you ask God to help slay your Goliaths, sacrifice your Issacs on the alter.' I mulled over what he wrote for a couple of days and I was almost blown away. Isn't that true? We want God to take away our tests, trials and tribulations which are our Goliaths but at the same time are we willing to sacrifice our Issacs? I always love the story of Isaac. Abraham and Sarah prayed for years and years for a child and it was when the both of them were past 100 years old that Isaac was born. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, he brought Isaac to the alter. I'm sure on the way to the alter, Abraham must have fought an internal battle with himself. But when it came to the crunch, he was willing to put Isaac on the alter. His only son and God promised him that he...

When I grow up, I want to be a someone that who would be able to stand up for the weak, poor and defenseless. I want to fight for the rights of the children because they are young and defenseless in many ways. I hate to see them abused by others in power and not having an education because they cannot afford it. I want to fight for the rights of women because I strongly believe that women have an equal right to education and also to employment. They have a right to be trained to have skills so that they can feed themselves and not be dependent on their husbands who sometimes beat the crap out of them. Those were my thoughts when I was growing up. I wrote a composition when I was maybe in secondary 1 and won a prize and in that composition, I wrote that I wanted to be a lawyer to fight for the rights of women. But somewhere along the way, my aspirations to be a feminist lawyer kinda disappeared. Don't ask me why. Recently, I started reading a book, Women Hold Up Half the Sky, and it...

Whenever I'm asked what I do for a living, I say that I teach for a living. There are days that I say it with pride and there are days that I say it with my head hanging down. I say it with pride because I do love my job and I love the kids that I work with but I say it looking to the ground because there are times that I think that I could do a better job. There are kids that I've taught that I really love and felt that they have taught me things in return. One of my fav students is Rachel. I taught Rachel maybe close to 10 years ago. From her, I learnt that kids emulate and learn from their teachers. Most of you know that I love my nail polish a tad maybe too much and one day I caught Rachel colouring her nails with a highlighter and I was like, Rach! And she broke into the cutest grin. And yes, time to call her mum. She was my flower girl not because I asked her but she asked me too and I was so so honoured that a kid that I taught wanted so badly to be part of my wedding. S...

Two nights ago, Babe and me were watching Channelnewsasia in Hong Kong. What unfolded before our eyes was almost like watching a movie. But the difference was that this was real and the hostages were tourists from Hong Kong visiting Manila. They were on their last day of their tour before a guy stormed up their bus and held them as hostages. As we watched, I felt pain, sadness, anger and all sorts of emotions for the Hong Kong tourists. And what baffles me was the incompetence of the policemen. By the time the hostage taker was killed by a sniper, 8 hostages were killed. From a lay person's view, there were wasted opportunities in dealing with the hostage taker. And what made me madder was when the father of the hostage taker was crying on television saying that his son was a good man and whatever. Look, he took lives of innocent and he was a good man??? Gee!!!! Get real! When I thought of my feelings and emotions, I realized that my solidarity is with the people in Hong Kong. I...

The Sim cousins at lunch. Dinner at Phil's BBQ. The Drag Queen Show SeaWorld! Wanted to steal a dolphin home Lunch at Boiling Crabs with Eve and Jolynn The Sim Cousins The carnage Brave and cool dog The castle that we were going to visit at the top of the hill Hearst Castle And it's just Randolph Hearst's holiday home Simply magnificent Our ride and no, we didn't rent it from Vegas Near Big Sur or something like that. Love our jeans! Eelynn and her beautiful Leina And that's all the photos that I can put up. Time to hang out with little JC

I've been spending the past few Singapore's National Day in Singapore. Well, I didn't purposefully do it just to celebrate my nation's birthday or I'm a patriotic Singaporean or anything like that. It was just that, my summer holidays falls during this period and most of the time, I'm in Singapore after holidaying elsewhere. This National Day, a couple of thoughts came running through my head and guess the longer that I live away from my home country, I see things in different light and perspective. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm becoming a lot more unpatriotic. I remember 3 years ago, we were staying at The Oriental in Marina Square and we had the view of the National Day Parade. Last year, we were out for dinner with Babe's parents and his aunty and uncles. This year, we purposefully timed our dinner and shopping trip during the parade so that we would have somewhere to go. Somehow, the thrill and the enjoyment of the parade had long gone and disappeared. ...

I'm up sitting at my parents' dining table at 7 in the morning. This is rather rare that I woke up voluntarily without anyone waking me up or banging the table or yelling at me. But rather, all thanks to jet lag, I'm up bright and early. The past few days has been kinda of groggy and blur for me. Left San Diego on the 31st of July, took a road trip to San Francisco and arrived there on the 2nd August. Spent 3 days in San Francisco and left there on the 5th of August. The flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong was delayed and so I missed my connecting from Hong Kong to Singapore. So I had to stay in Hong Kong for a night but it was nice that Cathay Pacific that put me up in a hotel. Kinda can't complain but did wish I could be back earlier. I finally arrived in Singapore on the 7th of August. And now, on the 9th of August, I'm up at 7 am. And for the past 2 nights, I've been going to be before 10.30. Aren't me leading a 'sleep early and wake up early'...