Birthday Reflections

10 years - a lot of things can happen in 10 years.

My birthday passed me by this week, and I thought about the last decade of my life. 

I found some then and now photos... it is a collection of thanksgiving, and as I recollect, I noticed... that whatever I write - these things are the most important to me in my life. 

It has been 10 years since Japan and N432.

9 years since I joined SkillsFuture (then-WDA).

8 years since I decided I will live life the best I can in all areas - serving God and loving people.

7 years since I got married; since church saga. 

6 years since Kenji came into our lives.

5 years since the journey of restoration, trust and believing again. 

4 years since my dad passed away. 

3 years since the pain of Dubai. 

2 years since "No toil, Rest in God; everything you need has already been given to you."

1 year since "Step-by-Step" journey; understanding I am really fallible. 

0 year since "Behold All things have become New".

How much have I grown and matured in my thinking and walk with God?

I recall how a long time ago... I was standing in JW auditorium and I heard the words spoken audibly to me - Source of Wisdom, Bridge of Understanding. 

Have I lived this out in my life? While birthdays are special days worth celebrating, this year it brought me on my journey of the last 10 years. 

Where has time gone?

Have I been wise in my decisions?

Have I lived well?

How am I now?

Where am I heading towards for the next 10 years?

Life is worth celebrating and living. Yet pain is also evident in life's journey. Victor Frankl's book - Man's search for meaning - touched me quite a fair bit. He wrote:
"If there is a purpose in life at all, there must be a purpose in suffering and in dying."
In XC's words, I paraphrase -  "if life is worth living at all, then there must be meaning in suffering".

Few days back, I was actually feeling some moments of anguish. The mixture of pain and grief, yet trusting God for an abundant life, is not so easy after all. But the respite is always in a good run and in quiet moments. I found a new corner at home that I really like. I sat out at the balcony, and Kenji just came and sat close by. I am thinking that I should get a nice chair. I can do my readings and reflections out there. :)

I am thankful for the week passed. 

I had a good lunch and office exploration with Wilson. We chatted a lot and he's like a kind fatherly figure. I said - He's got da boss de(4) seh (3). Thank you for dim sum lunch.


I had early experiences at work, waking up at 3.30am for several Zoom Conferences with Singapore and US partners. SJ said the skyline looks like Seattle. :))


My awesome work team (yes, it is a super small team) telling me I have to get online for a meeting, only to be greeted by creative drawings of fast car, flower, rainbow and.... sexy men. Laugh Die Me.


I enjoyed my time with Kenji and the kids. Such curiosity, amazement and the questions. They do love a doge.


A beautiful rainbow just right on 5 March. The evening was just beautiful. :)) I hope I can always enjoy the outdoors.


Fellowship and Praying together with Maki, over the web. :)) What an unbelievable journey for her as well.


We played some tennis. Sometimes, we are so lousy. But this is "work in progress". Thanks to Ernest for always helping us with the courts.


He celebrated my birthday with a good meal at Westin. :))


We strolled to the private yatch area, and saw some folks enjoy their time in the cosy cabins.


As the week draws to an end here, once again, I am grateful for the week passed.
It is once again time to look forward to the new week ahead.

Beautiful night with Sim

I am so happy and thankful tonight.
Attended Home Group here, and was encouraged by all the sharing.
God is indeed present everywhere. As long as the heart is open to receive.

It was a special night for me, as Sim and I continued the night at our place.
We just chatted. We talked about our faith journey, our struggles, the books we read, how good God has been to us, and we prayed for each other.

The faith journey is made alive and real because of such connections. 

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

CNY Celebrations in Abu Dhabi

Back for a week, and last night was the 15th day of CNY - 元宵节, which is also known as the Lantern Festival day, where lanterns and oranges are a part of the celebrations. The Singapore Embassy here had a CNY gathering last night and so we went. 

Basically, it was a time to get-together and see some friends (most of whom we would only say hi to at these SG gatherings and events). But of course, there were a few closer ones, like the tennis kakis, Lily, the ATC friends. etc. The evening was pleasant and cooling, with quite some funny moments and laughter. 

Tennis Kakis - lotsa laughter talking about younger days, basketball, vampire cat, ghoulish things, and lou-hei together with some other SG people we met for the first time. 

With Samuel, the ambassador. Thankful that somehow, we got connected in Church, and then WorldSkills.  

2 more SG ATCs joined the force in Abu Dhabi with their families. :)

Heard that there will be more coming. It is good to know that our skills are valuable around the world.

Lily and her hospitality and generosity. As always, loving a great party. She actually tried to get me a cheongsam. SQ Girls all know how to pose and look good. 

The end of CNY also means that 2018 has started proper. In Singapore, one of those things would be - oh, when is the next holiday? Easter seems so far off. :-p. 

For me here, there is not much difference. One thing is for sure though - the weather is now gradually becoming warmer. Spring is here. :))