Journeying together

I seem to always be writing an update as soon as I get off the phone with my parents and I don't suppose there is a good reason to stop now.

 

Firstly and fore mostly, I want to begin by praising God for He is God! I was reading Exodus 6 on Tuesday morning. Well, actually I started from chapter 3 but it was at chapter 6 that God really spoke to me. I believe it was a turning point. From all the previous blogs, it wouldn't take a genius to figure out how difficult I've been finding this time of my life. I have to admit that though I have tried to stay positive and am thankful to the Lord for many good things during this time, it was still a humongous struggle and going to school each morning had been quite a painful process. In some respects, I felt a little bit like the Israelites who were in despair, and perhaps a little like Moses, who was more self-conscious and fearful of his limitations. I too could think up a list of excuse to quit. Even with so many amazingly faithful and dear friends encouraging me, I believe it was much like the Israelites in verse 9 who could not be comforted.

 

But Moses had been assured. In chapter 5 he was still complaining. Even after he obeyed God's voice, the results weren't proving to be good. Then verse 1 of chapter 6 begins. "Now" When we realise that it is not because of our obedience that things work out, it is easier to see that God has a plan and more than that, He has planned the timing. He is not a sadist who asks us to do something in order to let us down but as He repeats over and over again, it is for us, that we may KNOW Him. He wanted to reveal another aspect of His character which had not been revealed before. What a privilege! I remember back to Psalm 9:10. It is in discovering who God is in His fullness that we can confidently entrust all that we have and all that we are to Him. Of course, all this is nothing you and though you may have heard it all before, I pray you don't roll your eyes at me for there is so much more for any person to discover about God and all that He is. Just as Moses was reassured in order to face the Israelites because of that encounter with the Lord, I also felt lifted in spirit to face Tuesday's school day... and even till now. Not that none of your words encouraged me, but that God's Word has a more lasting and powerful effect. I argue therefore that your prayers for me in that respect have been far more effective than your trying to console me with words. Praise God for His Word and for His Spirit that reveals to us, Himself.

 

On a more "physical" note perhaps, there is yet more praiseworthy news. My dad's eye surgery on Monday was successful and though they aren't able to fly tomorrow (for rather obvious reasons that he needs time to recover and rebook flights), they are hoping to be able to return to London next week. The doctors gave the all clear this morning as his eye is healing nicely. Praise God. Don't stop praying though as he still needs to put weight back on, still needs to recover and still needs to focus on "the other stuff". Also, please do pray for my mum. She was not well on Monday night. This has not been an easy time for her and the pressure may be affecting her health also. She will be going for a check-up probably in June when we return to Singapore together. Other than this, they both seem to be coping well. It was such a blessing to hear them over the phone enjoying the company of good friends. I know I say this all the time, but we really are grateful for God's great mercy and grace He has shown us through the love of brothers and sisters in Christ from all over the world. It is truly an honour.

Please pray that the eye surgery on Monday will be a success and that his inferior retina won't get detached again, as they've been told there is a small chance that could happen. Please also pray for a speedy recovery as both my parents are still itching to be back in London but of course, this surgery will undoubtedly postpone this. I think my dad will be warded in the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) for two days post-surgery, under observation and then will be required to rest at home for about 2 weeks depending on how quickly his eyes are able to recover. 

As of now, their immediate itinerary is tentative but I will post any changes. I appreciate your patience in this area and your prayers. As I was talking to my mum earlier this morning, she was very encouraged by how quick people were to respond to my last blog in calling her to see how everything was. Please not that they will be in hospital a bit and though your calls are very much appreciated, do try keep them to a minimum in the next few days.

I just got off the phone with my parents not too long ago and wanted to share the latest with you as an item for prayer. As you may or may not know, my parents were due to come back to London at the end of next week (Friday, 30 April 2010). As of this morning, in Singapore time, my dad felt that he needed to see an eye specialist since he has recently been having more difficulty with his vision. It was discovered that he has inferior retinal detachment. He is therefore going to the A&E tomorrow in the hopes that they'll be able to either do the eye surgery straight away or arrange for it to be done very soon. Lord willing, he can just get this surgery done and over with though it is also likely that the recovery period will be between 2-3 weeks which means my parents will probably remain in Singapore instead of returning to the UK.

This is just yet another "bump in the road" as they say. It has been a year wrought with various challenges for all of us, as a family. Yet, though there have been times where we have been really discouraged (or for me at least), it has also been a time of great joy as we experience God's overwhelming love through the prayers and support of His faithful people and through His abiding Word in our lives. I am in no way saying that I'm finding these days any easier, and I doubt my parents are finding it any more manageable than before but praise God that we can be confident in His sovereignty over each and every circumstance and situation. Praise God, not because we have experienced miraculous physical healing, but because He is who He is and that He is worthy of all praise, glory and honor! He is good and His mercy endures forever!

A Psalm I recently re-read on one of those painful early mornings where it was near impossible to drag myself to school...

I think it was one of my dad's last blogs that mentioned how easy it is to "dwell in [those] dark places", to mull over those negative thoughts. It has become increasingly easy for me to do so with the increase of "bad news" and yet, His good news must certainly override all of that. Even when I know this will not be forever and just as I was reading Genesis 29 a few mornings ago, even seven years is "but a few days" when the focus is on something worth living for, worth working for and worth waiting for. I guess I am discovering more about God's true worth for I know it in my head and no doubt have sung it on countless occasions but it is something else to know it with all my strength and all my heart. May He continue to teach me the way in which I should walk, to do His will for His sake and for His kingdom where I am His douloi.

Thank you for your continued prayers, for your timely words of encouragement. May you also experience His amazing grace in all areas of your own life. Indeed, when the oceans rise and thunders roar, we can soar with Him above the storm. He is King over the floods. Let us be still and know that He is God.

I had arrived in Singapore (up), with lack of sleep and energy (down) managed to celebrate the most joyous 25 wedding anniversary of my parents (major up). We then flew to Penang and then later a coach to KL(up). Though my dad had difficulties with voice projection and food (down), it was a wonderful time of catching with friends as well as an encouraging time of ministry (UP UP).

The remainder of my short time (down) in Singapore was slightly more relaxing (up) where we were able to spend more time together (up up up) and just enjoy the small joys of being back in Singapore (up). Then I had to come back to London (DOWN).

It was terribly painful dragging myself back to school even though it was actually a good day. I even had some road workers sing to me on my way home from school which was surprising. Anyway... going back to school is a complicated emotion so we'll not dwell on that. I'm guessing that the majority of people reading this are more concerned about how my dad is doing.

The last time I talked to them, I think we were all a little discouraged because all the weight that my dad had worked so hard to put on in the last couple of weeks had been lost. More supplements and not-so-nice-to-eat stuff are pouring in from friends and doctors and non-doctors which is a little daunting. My parents were telling me about how much some of these things costs and I dare not repeat. It has been overwhelming in a good as well as a bad way I suppose. On one hand, we are so grateful for the endless support of friends during this time and on the other hand, there is a lot to take in and weigh in terms of what should be eaten and not. With advice coming from all directions and what feels like a constant stream, I think my mum would especially appreciate prayer for wisdom in knowing what advice to accept and what advice to disregard.

For my dad, you may have heard that it was confirmed on the morning of the anniversary party that he has hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis. I believe I wrote a short update on that in my last blog. The doctors are a little concerned about his recent weight loss, especially if it is the cancer that is eating into him. We can't do a proper scan until June though as the radio therapy must still be given time to have full effect. Please do continue to pray for this. Pray especially for his strength as both my parents will be returning to the UK at the end of the month. I believe it is terribly selfish of me to wish them here, especially if the long flight takes its toll on them, but I am missing them terribly and am ready give up living on my own.

My dad is still planning to fly to Canada in May also to do some training sessions. Plans are also being made for the summer and even, I believe, some meetings in Egypt in November. Of course, we're leaving all these things to the Lord so please do pray with us for this year's uncertain itinerary. I would appreciate particular prayer as I continue to struggle towards the end of this teacher training. Lord willing, I will finish in June at which time I will follow my parents back to Singapore and Manila. After that, however, is still in the Lord's hands and out of my logical mind.

Thank you all for praying. I was particularly moved by your support at the anniversary party. It was difficult to hold the tears back as you shared of God's unfailing faithfulness, mercy and love through the years. Praise the Lord! Though the road be hard and everyday I am tempted to turn back, there is comfort in the knowledge of the hope that is in Christ. Thank you for constantly reminding me and pushing onwards and upwards. The Lord, my God is good and His mercies endure forever. (UP)

I had arrived in Singapore (up), with lack of sleep and energy (down) managed to celebrate the most joyous 25 wedding anniversary of my parents (major up). We then flew to Penang and then later a coach to KL(up). Though my dad had difficulties with voice projection and food (down), it was a wonderful time of catching with friends as well as an encouraging time of ministry (UP UP).

The remainder of my short time (down) in Singapore was slightly more relaxing (up) where we were able to spend more time together (up up up) and just enjoy the small joys of being back in Singapore (up). Then I had to come back to London (DOWN).

It was terribly painful dragging myself back to school even though it was actually a good day. I even had some road workers sing to me on my way home from school which was surprising. Anyway... going back to school is a complicated emotion so we'll not dwell on that. I'm guessing that the majority of people reading this are more concerned about how my dad is doing.

The last time I talked to them, I think we were all a little discouraged because all the weight that my dad had worked so hard to put on in the last couple of weeks had been lost. More supplements and not-so-nice-to-eat stuff are pouring in from friends and doctors and non-doctors which is a little daunting. My parents were telling me about how much some of these things costs and I dare not repeat. It has been overwhelming in a good as well as a bad way I suppose. On one hand, we are so grateful for the endless support of friends during this time and on the other hand, there is a lot to take in and weigh in terms of what should be eaten and not. With advice coming from all directions and what feels like a constant stream, I think my mum would especially appreciate prayer for wisdom in knowing what advice to accept and what advice to disregard.

For my dad, you may have heard that it was confirmed on the morning of the anniversary party that he has hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis. I believe I wrote a short update on that in my last blog. The doctors are a little concerned about his recent weight loss, especially if it is the cancer that is eating into him. We can't do a proper scan until June though as the radio therapy must still be given time to have full effect. Please do continue to pray for this. Pray especially for his strength as both my parents will be returning to the UK at the end of the month. I believe it is terribly selfish of me to wish them here, especially if the long flight takes its toll on them, but I am missing them terribly and am ready give up living on my own.

My dad is still planning to fly to Canada in May also to do some training sessions. Plans are also being made for the summer and even, I believe, some meetings in Egypt in November. Of course, we're leaving all these things to the Lord so please do pray with us for this year's uncertain itinerary. I would appreciate particular prayer as I continue to struggle towards the end of this teacher training. Lord willing, I will finish in June at which time I will follow my parents back to Singapore and Manila. After that, however, is still in the Lord's hands and out of my logical mind.

Thank you all for praying. I was particularly moved by your support at the anniversary party. It was difficult to hold the tears back as you shared of God's unfailing faithfulness, mercy and love through the years. Praise the Lord! Though the road be hard and everyday I am tempted to turn back, there is comfort in the knowledge of the hope that is in Christ. Thank you for constantly reminding me and pushing onwards and upwards. The Lord, my God is good and His mercies endure forever.(UP)

Well, at this moment, I'm with my parents in a comfortable hotel room waiting to leave for the airport. The next 3 days will be spent in Penang as my dad is speaking at an Easter conference sort of thing. More about that as we get there.

I just wanted to use this space to thank the many people who came to my parent's surprise Silver Wedding Anniversary party on Tuesday (30th March). It was such a precious time and though I told myself I would not cry, I couldn't help myself once my parents started. To be able to be with such great friends and family who have stood with them, with us, in support and prayer all these years was just a bit overwhelming and we certainly do give God all the praise and glory.

In the end, I realise a lot of people could not make it. I think there were about 85 people present. However, I also wanted to thank those who wrote messages for the scrap book. My dad sat down to read all the messages in it yesterday and I think it was especially touching to read those notes with personal stories and testimonies of God's faithfulness. My mum will read them when we get back from Malaysia. The photos are now up on facebook and I'll try to put a few up on the blog reasonably soon but you'll have to bear with me. I'll also try to put the video up for those who didn't get to see it at the party.

Indeed, it has been a difficult year, as I've repeated SO many times, but these times where we are able to gather together in remembrance of God's grace, mercy and faithfulness was just wonderful. Again, thank you for joining with us through laughter and tears.