2016 was such a rollercoaster of emotions!! But overall, it was great!!
2016, filled with such a mixed bag of emotions. But my most memorable highlights are:
Welcoming my baby nephew Asher!! He’s becoming such a humpty dumpty.
Taking the brave step to apply for No Pay Leave and spending the time to volunteer for an organisation that helps women and children who are exploited.
Visiting the agency’s work in Cambodia with a group of folks from the church that contributed a portion of the seed money to start the work. God’s presence and peace was so evident and it was such an uplifting and refreshing trip.
Spending my birthday with the BFF who brought me to a delectable lunch intricately prepared by an amazing chef. I will never quite forget the oyster leaves. Every item was a delicious treat.
Started the year with a heavy heart filled with a great deal of uncertainty. The time at Phuket with daily devotions granted me peace to embark on a quest that I have never quite dared to entertain. I’ve learnt that God doesn’t give answers to my questions in the shouting loud voice, “YES!” or “NOT AT ALL!” Sometimes I think we do that so we can shift the responsibility to God when it fails, “God you brought me to it, why did you let it fail?” Rather, with the peace of mind, we step out and make a decision trusting that He will continue to lead me, and even if it fails, it’s alright. It was always a journey of learning. So there isn’t quite much of a “failure” cuz I learn to rely on Him. We spent morning to evening in the pool, taking our lunches and smoothies in the pool bar! I enjoyed that tremendously.
God’s favour poured in the office and I got a promotion. Finally got the peace of mind to apply for No Pay Leave and it was approved. Grateful for my wonderful bosses and team members and even the more distant colleagues. They made my time fun even though the work stretched me to no end. Playing with their kids in the evening as they picked them from childcare was also a daily highlight and de-stresser. You all rock!!
The second half started with a volunteer stint with Hagar where I would have to exercise a lesser used muscle. There was quite a lot of fear and uncertainty and yet I was eager and looking forward to July with much joy. It was a a battling rollercoaster of emotions.
First major project was the charity golf, which I did mostly administrative work. But oh my, the volume!! It was super intense those 2 weeks leading up to the actual event!!
Got to visit the work that Hagar does in Cambodia with the church. That trip was extremely uplifting and refreshed my spirit and desire to continue because God’s presence and peace was just so evident you simply couldn’t ignore it. And yet, the fears continued holding me back. I felt like my wings were being clipped.
Looking back now, through this time, all my fears were unfounded. What I was anxious about did not even come close to materialising. Rather, I enjoyed the time spent labouring in joy. I know that I held on to a spirit of joy and excellence. So, God has once again proven Himself - as long as I carry a spirit to glorify God, He will make things work out somehow.
One of the more direct “payback” from this volunteer stint was that I get to meet the women who are actually here in Singapore. Hearing their stories and the atrocities that they encountered fuelled my desire to do more for them and I continued doing more and more.
Saved the BFF in the wave pool when I pulled her up from under the water. It's like a Spirit-led moment where my radar was on full alert when I saw her go under and my instincts kicked in when she didn't come up for a very long time. Thankful for the love and acceptance from the BFF’s family. Always most concerned about the children and I’m glad that they’re comfortable with me too. Time spent playing Bohnanza, Cluedo (in mandarin!!) and Monopoly Deal is quite hilarious. Especially with the add ons like Ji Tui, Cottonbud, BC, Ai Kwun and Ye Ai Kwun. Hahahahaha!!
And of cuz, the best for the last. Am very grateful for my family who is always supportive of my decisions and encouraging me to do what my heart’s desire is. Mom and my sisters - Lu and Syl and Eric with the 3 kiddos, thankful to God for each of you. Lucius and Jedd are absolutely adorable. Lucius is so shy and always expresses his love in not-so-direct ways while Jedd is smothering you with kisses. They are so different but yet equally lovable.
Thank you Jesus for 2016 and reminding me that it wasn’t all that bad, that there was much laughter and joy and many memorable moments. There’s more but this is all I decided to write. For what has happened, thank you for being faithful and for sustaining us. I’m looking forward to 2017 with a lot less fear as I place my hope in you, trusting you for what is to come.
Welcoming my baby nephew Asher!! He’s becoming such a humpty dumpty.
Taking the brave step to apply for No Pay Leave and spending the time to volunteer for an organisation that helps women and children who are exploited.
Visiting the agency’s work in Cambodia with a group of folks from the church that contributed a portion of the seed money to start the work. God’s presence and peace was so evident and it was such an uplifting and refreshing trip.
Spending my birthday with the BFF who brought me to a delectable lunch intricately prepared by an amazing chef. I will never quite forget the oyster leaves. Every item was a delicious treat.
Started the year with a heavy heart filled with a great deal of uncertainty. The time at Phuket with daily devotions granted me peace to embark on a quest that I have never quite dared to entertain. I’ve learnt that God doesn’t give answers to my questions in the shouting loud voice, “YES!” or “NOT AT ALL!” Sometimes I think we do that so we can shift the responsibility to God when it fails, “God you brought me to it, why did you let it fail?” Rather, with the peace of mind, we step out and make a decision trusting that He will continue to lead me, and even if it fails, it’s alright. It was always a journey of learning. So there isn’t quite much of a “failure” cuz I learn to rely on Him. We spent morning to evening in the pool, taking our lunches and smoothies in the pool bar! I enjoyed that tremendously.
God’s favour poured in the office and I got a promotion. Finally got the peace of mind to apply for No Pay Leave and it was approved. Grateful for my wonderful bosses and team members and even the more distant colleagues. They made my time fun even though the work stretched me to no end. Playing with their kids in the evening as they picked them from childcare was also a daily highlight and de-stresser. You all rock!!
The second half started with a volunteer stint with Hagar where I would have to exercise a lesser used muscle. There was quite a lot of fear and uncertainty and yet I was eager and looking forward to July with much joy. It was a a battling rollercoaster of emotions.
First major project was the charity golf, which I did mostly administrative work. But oh my, the volume!! It was super intense those 2 weeks leading up to the actual event!!
Got to visit the work that Hagar does in Cambodia with the church. That trip was extremely uplifting and refreshed my spirit and desire to continue because God’s presence and peace was just so evident you simply couldn’t ignore it. And yet, the fears continued holding me back. I felt like my wings were being clipped.
Looking back now, through this time, all my fears were unfounded. What I was anxious about did not even come close to materialising. Rather, I enjoyed the time spent labouring in joy. I know that I held on to a spirit of joy and excellence. So, God has once again proven Himself - as long as I carry a spirit to glorify God, He will make things work out somehow.
One of the more direct “payback” from this volunteer stint was that I get to meet the women who are actually here in Singapore. Hearing their stories and the atrocities that they encountered fuelled my desire to do more for them and I continued doing more and more.
Saved the BFF in the wave pool when I pulled her up from under the water. It's like a Spirit-led moment where my radar was on full alert when I saw her go under and my instincts kicked in when she didn't come up for a very long time. Thankful for the love and acceptance from the BFF’s family. Always most concerned about the children and I’m glad that they’re comfortable with me too. Time spent playing Bohnanza, Cluedo (in mandarin!!) and Monopoly Deal is quite hilarious. Especially with the add ons like Ji Tui, Cottonbud, BC, Ai Kwun and Ye Ai Kwun. Hahahahaha!!
And of cuz, the best for the last. Am very grateful for my family who is always supportive of my decisions and encouraging me to do what my heart’s desire is. Mom and my sisters - Lu and Syl and Eric with the 3 kiddos, thankful to God for each of you. Lucius and Jedd are absolutely adorable. Lucius is so shy and always expresses his love in not-so-direct ways while Jedd is smothering you with kisses. They are so different but yet equally lovable.
Thank you Jesus for 2016 and reminding me that it wasn’t all that bad, that there was much laughter and joy and many memorable moments. There’s more but this is all I decided to write. For what has happened, thank you for being faithful and for sustaining us. I’m looking forward to 2017 with a lot less fear as I place my hope in you, trusting you for what is to come.