The night ended with Ash and Nat telling me to sleep in - the next morning. Hmm, isn't that nice to hear and seems rare when one has kids...and to hear it from kids themselves to their mum. Reason was they wanted to arise earlier than me to prepare breakfast. Oh, so sweet. It warmed my heart to know they, as young as they are also seek to be a blessing by serving others.

I was reminded of the words of the psalmist, "...children a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

The simple invite to stay in bed longer somehow ease the anxiety of the rush in the morning; trying to beat the clock. I had every reason to take my time as I was told not to be found in the kitchen or for that matter, up from bed!

True to their words, they arose earlier than usual. I was greeted with smiles and eager faces, "Mum, you are just in time. Breakfast ready." There laid toasted bread and my instant coffee and their own portions. Another portion ready in the oven for dad whose still in bed :)

It was a pleasant kick off for the day. A sense of accomplishment was in them as they got the day started instead of mum. For me, it was a celebration of motherhood.

Nat's birthday is coming!!! Everyone in the house is so excited for her as she is going to turn 8. Some of us were visiting shops and outlets spending time to pick out something nice for her. Monday morning is here, just one more day to go. Whoops were let out around the house. As ee ee came to work we decided to go to Roller Sports World (A skating rink at QueensbayMall) to celebrate her birthday. We were thirilled. We were so excited so we did our schoolwork and took a nap. After our nap we set off to the mall to have great fun. We skated for at least 3 whole hours there. I was very tired. When I came out I figured that I had some blisters on my foot. That hurt a lot. I could not walk very well, still it was worth it. My ee ee, koo koo, and I gave her a watch set that can change straps and rings(or rims if you prefer it that way). My ah ma and kong kong gave her a fairy stenciling book and a set of hairclips. My parents gave her a pink leather dairy. My litte sister,Chrisalynn gave her a football pen. My grandpa and Aunty Lily gave her a tiara and a beaded bracelet. I am very sure that Nat enjoyed opening all her wonderful gifts. The next day was her real birthday, but because of the skating my mum let us sleep longer. But I think Nat was too excited that she woke me up as well. I went downstairs very sleepily, I thought that mum had asked her to wake me up; but when I came downstairs mum's reply was I thought you wanted to sleep longer. I said,"But I thought that you sent Nat to wake me up." "You can go back sleep if you want" she replied. I went upstairs but could not go back to sleep anymore, even though I was still tired. I lay on my bed and tossed and turned. I was very angry with Nat that time, I felt like sceaming at her but I told myself not to spoil her special day. Well, even though I sometimes get really angry at her I think she is a MIRACLE to me and the whole family. NAT, I LOVE YOU.


-Ashlynn

All that we had planned the beginning of the year, the Lord has gone before us to prepare and endorsed. Everything thus far is on schedule as planned. We are still overwhelmed by His creative wisdom.

What a luxury this moment is to a homeschooling mum! I am sitting in a bus and blogging….heading for Singapore. Had an invitation to attend the 3rd Gateway Cities Youth Convention by Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC). Isn’t it interesting too that Penang is a VERY important city in our time?
This is another opportunity to network for Asia region and cover the cities in prayers. We are excited to be part of this event as we recognized the crucial time we are living in. I remember two years ago at the first convention, how my tears flowed for my homeland as I stood in the presence of God. Preparing our hearts to be connected…

Two hours ago, at the bus station, the kids wouldn’t let us go as this will be a long week for them. Six days without mummy is loooooong. No doubt it is a good break from kids but a mum is a mum…..it is hard to leave the kids and especially with all the tears as departure gift. The separation is always hard. As I sit here in the bus past midnight, thinking of my lil’ darlings, I thank God for children - and also for my parents. They are ever willing to babysit and do it with the greatest care. Mum used to say, “Life is never the same when one have their own kids.” The last 9 years had taught me so much. I entered a school that has no graduation and no degrees. It is called the School of Motherhood. Just this morning I thought about what I would be doing daily if I am childless. Nine years – I would have finished my degree, done my masters and pursuing my doctorate. Yet I asked myself if it is worth it for the exchange of 3 beautiful princesses? Of course, the answer is an absolute YES! I would be crazy to think otherwise. In my hands are being entrusted great responsibilities. But it is a divine exchange - joy and fulfillment. Love, oh yes, they adore their mummy. I wake up to be hugged and kissed. I retire at night to see the peace of their innocent faces soundly asleep. In a world of materialism and fights of equality of gender, I stay contented to know my design of womanhood is to fulfill my call as a helpmeet and a mother. Right beside me now is the man I married a decade ago. I cannot think and thank God for the kids without giving thanks for their father – a man of vision and passion; the making of a legend. He is the ever stern-faced leader but to his kids, he is their hero. They think he is smart, handsome and very “can”.

That reminds me of how I view my Heavenly Father. How much do I adore Him? He is my everything.

The long silence before we resumed writing is the evidence of our busyness since we landed home. Unbelievable. So many things and people to attend to. No wonder we had to get away and we realized how VITAL it is to observe sabbatical.

Our house is still in a mess as our bathrooms just went through a total make-over. Oh, another testimony of God's provision. For umpteen years, we've been bearing with filthy water coming through our old piping. Everyday water needed to be flushed a long while before consumption. Bathrooms leaking. Out of 3 bathrooms in the house, only 1 is functioning. Money has always been an issue as other monthly commitments has to take priority. Did God hear our pleas? Indeed, He always hears. While away in Australia, the leakage seeped into our neighbour's, so we had to move by faith and boldly ask for a heavenly transaction. Not that we never asked, but this whole year is a lesson of working out the faith; and seeing His hand moves when we move by faith. The work is done. The bill's been paid. Hallelujah!

Over the last month, we had celebrated 4 birthdays! Had a nice karaoke/buffet to remember dad's (Selina's) birthday 2 days after we landed. Dad has always love the company of family and he loves to sing. So he waited for us to be home to do this.....especially his precious grandkids. We thank our Heavenly Father for our earthly father and grandfather. What a display of God's love and generosity this man possesses! Then a week later, was Penny's.....food...and more food. Chrisa insisted we go singing again for the celebration :) Oh, how she loves to sing and dance. Penny, my one and only sister, kids' one and only Ee Ee (means 'aunt' in Hokkien; not "yikes").....and Ed's favorite target to "bully" :)p We praise God for this young lady whom we have seen how God transformed her life and still doing more.....and she's the happiest lady now with her nieces back and pouncing on her. Nat turned 8 this month. She wanted a party so much but we agreed this year "no party". But that doesn't mean no remembering of the special days and special people. She was delighted to swooshed round on the rollerblades at the relatively new attraction in town - inline skating rink in Queensbay Mall. She had a swell time. Catch the cool Nat in the rollerblades! Nathalynn means the Beautiful Gift of God. Everything about her is beautiful. Her birth was in His beautiful time...every birthday of hers remind us of God's ever faithfulness. I found out I was pregnant after my mum-in-law's funeral. The mourning has to be turned into joy. God took one dear one away from the family and He immediately gave another. She was born a 29 weeker and stayed in the hospital for 59 days, condition worsened due to infection at 23 days' old and the paediatrician told us "50/50" chance. Today she is the most active and agile in the family. She is a blooming "dancing lady".
Yesterday, Chrisa turned 4. Don't ever call her "cute" or "small girl". She is offended :) that are babyish to her. She beams with joy when people calls her "young lady". She is the most privileged. Koo Koo (uncle in Hokkien) made a choc cheese cake for her. His debut in cake making. Was yummy. We were so touched by his love for the lil' one. Have you heard of Kenny making a cake?! I haven't. As his sister over the last 30 over years...woah, syabas...adikku! All so proud of him to spend the time and effort messing my mum's kitchen...hahaha. As for Chrisa, she just loved opening gifts upon gifts no matter what they were - she is easily satisfied. Amongst her fave were her all time favourite treats - baby carrots and corn! Oh, she's quite a healthy 4 year-old. These are her munchies. She devoured her carrots this morning...even used them as "candles" on her cake! That's why she also calls herself "funny bunny"....but she decided she didn't want that name anymore. Must be babyish :) Oh, she is simply adorable. The night ended with mummy reading to her - her birth story and she gave a contented and loving smile before she closed her eyes and slept.

It feels like we woke up from a really sweet dream.....but it is a REALITY. Our trip to Australia for 70 days was an incredible testimony of God's act and favour. What else can we say but unceasing thankfulness to the Wonderful Father who always take seriously the needs and delights of His children. A crucial faith lesson. Taken to "a whole nother level"...a famous saying of Pr Ed Young.

Time away has been beyond words. The writings are just glimpses of the great experiences. Deep meanings are written in the hearts. Faith impressed deeply in the spirit cannot be expressed fully with mere words. It needs to be lived out and bear the evidence of God's power.

Well, returning to Penang was quite an adjustment although it was only a short period away. The weather! Oh, that is one major one - all the girls are still screaming "hot, hot"....and dreaming of the cool atmosphere and missing the enjoyment of running in the park at 12 noon! I asked Chrisa, "Do you miss Melbourne?" Without hesitation, she responded, "Of course!" Kids are thinking how nice if they could stay to witness the blooming buds of spring. We are praying for another cycle when we take our next sabbatical - kids will witness the colorful change.

Indeed sabbatical was made for man. R.E.S.T. - Rejoice, Enjoy, Sing, Trust in the Lord.

Ten days in Sydney… from the moment we left Melbourne till the time we left Sydney airport, was another adventure. The Father’s arrangement cannot be any better. All our needs were met in the most timely and precise manner.
First there was our accommodation that we mentioned in our earlier posting. Bro. Hun Por was God sent to provide accommodation for us. Then there was the issue of getting from the airport to his home. As there was five of us in the family, there was no way we could take a regular cab. And to make things a little worse, we were scheduled to arrive late in the night in Sydney thus the transportation will cost us a bomb. Well, once again God proved himself faithful in planning and orchestrating thing out for us. As it turned out, Bro. Hun Por was scheduled to be in Melbourne the very day that we were leaving. So, we managed to meet Hun Por in Melbourne the morning we were leaving to collect the keys to his car which he left at the Sydney airport for us. And so upon arriving in Sydney, we had a car to ourselves which we drove to his home. Amazing!
Hillsong Conference was the highlight of Sydney. Though the days were tiring, yet it was very refreshing and empowering in the spirit. The kids enjoyed thoroughly at Kidsong except Chrisa who refused to attend her classes. She remained with us in the main arena yet she was absorbing the sermons too. It is really thrilling to hear her talking about what was being preached. That was good enough to encourage our hearts as parents. We had thought it would be boring for her but it turned out that she enjoyed herself.
The remaining 4 days after Hillsong were rest days after a very draining week especially for the kids. They had been following the tight schedule, running after buses and trains….and walking. Went round the city a bit with Melody and Tabby, and visited the Wildlife Park which was quite a disappointment as the kids had expected to view the koalas and hopefully cuddle them. Turned out the place was dark and we could hardly see them. We also spent some very precious time catching up with Hun Por and his lovely fiancée, Soo Wei. The kids connected with them very fast and easily in that brief stay. Hillsong Conference also provided an opportunity to catch up with Pr Palan and family. Kids were delighted to have Natasha in the conference too.

Preparing to return…involved some anxiety. We hadn’t sorted out how we were going to the airport. We know deep in our hearts that God would not fail us. After all, He had seen us through so much and now it was the last lap. Held on to His promises, we claimed His blessings daily even before we saw any tangible results of our prayers. Minutes before we called the cab for our trip to the airport to head home (which would again cost a bomb), our seminary lecturer Dr Dominque Koo called and volunteered to fetch us. PTL! Even to the last minute God answered the very need of help. And the plus point was also he had a 7-seater with a baby seat. So, no worries of luggage space and all. Then at the transit in Singapore, we were treated with warm hospitality by my former classmate Mei Ying and family. She also has 3 lovely girls – almost same age with ours.

On the emotional and spiritual note, we also had to prepare for some adjustment. Though we looked forward to see our parents, siblings and friends back home, we also felt heavy hearted to leave because the Lord had granted us rest in the land of Australia and performed miracles. However much we longed to prolong the stay, we knew we had to go home. The burden and the call is still to our homeland. This passage will be one that will be talked about much in the future as the “altar” – the place we laid down our limitation and allowed God to perform the supernatural. We brought back much in the spirit and heart; and will be our reserve in the coming days, months and years – to cherish, strengthen, and passed down to the generations. The God we serve is a Faithful and Amazing God. He always makes a way when there’s no way.

We learnt a precious and important lesson – when we move our feet, He moves his hand! That is FAITH. It is also spelled O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E.