What should I do?

Hai.. 2 of my team members argued over some work matters today and both were unwilling to take on a piece of work. I feel so vexed. Why is it like that le? I can sense the bitterness in both of them. I want to think of a fair way to deal with this issue. But I feel so helpless and inadequate.

God, please continue to guide me through this tough time. Give me courage and wisdom to handle this please.

What more could I ask for...

This week has been a challenging one. Going back to IRAS after having been away for 4 years is definitely not easy. New people. New systems. New duties. My new appointment and new job scope means new difficulties and challenges. But this is my choice and indeed, I choose to open myself to these challenges because I want to grow in these areas. I know the trainings are going to be tough but I will be brave coz I know God is with me...

Things weren't going very smoothly though. I still have not gotten my phone line, my internet email and my access rights for the HR systems... and I also encounter problems with my staff...

In fact, I was very discouraged on Fri, when one of my staff kicked up a fuss over some small matters. I felt wronged, angry, upset at the same time. And guess what, at the very moment when I feel discouraged, God sent a timely assurance and encouragement.

I received a phone call from LSE informing me that I have done very well in my exams and have been awarded the Herbert Smith prize (awarded to the student with the best performance overall for the course MSc Law and Accounting)! I could not believe my ears!

I mean, there I was, feeling defeated and depressed and God sent a message telling me that He grace has never left me. He grace is always sufficient for me. And even though things are not easy now, He will carry me through. Coz He has ALWAYS been showering me with grace and love!

And I just could not thank God enough! The past 1 year has been the most rewarding and fruitful time of my life. I have resolved from the beginning that I will make the 1 year meaningful. Indeed, I have no regrets. As I wrote on this blog before, although I played alot (heehee.. need to take the opportunity to travel and see the world mah!), I tried my best to fulfil my responsibility as a student. At the same time, I made use of the opportunity to spend more time with my dad during the holidays and also grow in my walk with God. And God, being faithful as He is, honoured my work. Oh! What more can I ask for...

I am really really touched by how much God loves me. And I thank Him for putting people in my life who have always supported me and encouraged me. He has given me so much. What can I do for Him?

Back.

I am back. Finally. :)

Actually, it doesn't really feel like I am home. Although it's been 16 years and although I like Singapore, I still cannot say I feel entirely at home here. I guess, home is where your family/loved ones are... and for the time being, we are still in 3 places - Hong Kong, Singapore and Scotland.

Coming back to Singapore means coming back to an empty house.. at least until Dec when Gordon is back. And this makes me feel a bit lonely.

Nonetheless, there are still things to look forward to. :) I am glad to be with my friends again. I can't wait to see my students again. And I am eager to start work as an acting manager at Corporate Tax division. There are new people to meet, new things to learn and most importantly, new experiences with God. I know, He will be with me.

My Safe Harbour

I am back in HK. To me, HK has always been my safe harbour. A place where I will go to seek comfort, a time of rest, a short escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Maybe because it is my birth place. Or maybe because Daddy and William (my 2 protectors) are here. :)

The weather is terribly hot compared to that in London. I am trying to adjust to both the time zone and the weather. So far so good. :)

The Last 10 hours

I will be leaving London behind in 10 hours.

The past 2 weeks have been a bit of a whirl with Gordon around - packing up, settling bills, helping Gordon to settle in (even though he is going to Edinburgh for exchange, not London), bringing him around London... we managed to squeeze in a 2-day trip to Paris and went for one theatre works (Boeing Boeing) and one musical (Chicago) together.

In the midst of all these hustle and bustle, I see God's loving hands guiding His 2 playful children. The weather has been fabulous, we have had safe trips, we managed to do quite a bit of sightseeing in London, I managed to settle the unfinished business from my previous rented place... indeed, God is with us not only in the toughest challenges and also in our daily lives. It is impossible to list down the countless blessings that we have received from God. I can only say that His grace is indeed sufficient for us.

It's been close to 1 year. I can still remember the nervousness and the apprehension I feel when I first arrived in London. I can still recall the targets I have set for myself for this 1 year. Yes, I have grown closer to God, because He has never left me from the beginning till the end. He is "my comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength". Yes, I have grown stronger, because I have learnt to find strength in Christ and I know He is with me every step of the way.

Now, another set of challenges await. But I know who holds my future and my tomorrow. :) Home sweet Home! I am coming BACK! :)

The Important Man

Who is he? ha ha, Gordon of course. :P

Have been looking forward to the arrival of this important figure. Really adored this little bro of mine a lot. :)

I have been busy taking care of him and bringing him around these few days. Trying to tell him everything about London.. ha ha.. though he is actually going to Edinburgh for studies.

Anyway, I will miss him when he leaves for Edinburgh next week...

More photos. :)

1) Vienna - St Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, The Wiener Hofburg Orchester, the Prater

2) Salzburg - Mondsee

3) Vienna - The Prater, River Danube, Shopping at Manner

4) Zurich - Grossmunster, St Peter's Church, University of Zurich, Arts Museum

5) Mt Titlis, Lucerne

6) Zurich - Rhine Falls

Trip A to Z

Some say, we should save the best for the last. Indeed, this trip to Vienna and Zurich with MG is our last trip together and is the best trip we have had so far. We made the bookings right after the exams and I have little expectations for the trip. I just hope to rest and relax and see more of Europe. It turned out that in sharp contrast to the hectic and tiring Greece trip, this trip is amazingly relaxing and enjoyable, and I must say that Austria and Switzerland (especially) are truly lovely. I have actually fallen in love with Switzerland.

We went to the Alps, we went to see the waterfalls, we visited villages and grasslands of Salzburg, we walked through the peaceful and scenic city of Vienna and Zurich. We had great food, great deal of fun and we bought lots of chocolates!

And I took 764 photos in total! Till my memory card is full. :P It's impossible for me to upload each and every good shot. Let me just show you 5 of my favourite...(upload more when I have the time).

Switzerland and Austria, wait for me, I WILL BE BACK!

Blue and White

The colour of my primary school uniform. The colour of my secondary school uniform. My favourite colour combination. The colour of Greece.

Went with MG, Gwen, Rebecca and Yileng to Athens for 5 days - with 2 days on Santorini, a Greek island. It was an amazing trip. The weather was hot. up to 41 degrees. We climbed volcanos, trekked mountains, chased by donkeys... very tiring indeed. But the sights were breath-taking. And we watched the most beatiful sunset on Santorini.

Thank God for keeping us safe and healthy once again. :)

Day 1: London - Athens

Day 2: Athens - Acropolis, Filopappou Hill, Olympic Stadium

Day 3: Santorini - Volcano Island, Hot Springs, Sunset

Day 4: Santorini - Catholic Church, Black Beach at Kamari

Day 5: Athens - Archeaological Museum