Exciting times coming! Woo Hoo… after months of hard work, we received a PO from a customer in Hong Kong. Thank God for answer my prayers. May he continue to bless me and watch over me as we kick start the project. May we complete the project in a timely manner and the customer satisfied. More business to coming! Glory to God!

Today I learned and am reminded, there are times when we face difficulties or problems that leave us helpless. It may be the loss of a job, difficult family or work situation, or health struggles. Behold we have a powerful God to whom we can bring our concerns. So before we do anything else, remember ASAP – Always Say a Prayer – C. P. Hia

Something happens when we pray
Powers of evil lose their sway
We gain strength, and fear gives way
Therefore let us pray – Anon

Remember, prayer should be our first response rather than our last resort!

I am starting this series of words for reflection. Have a read. If God is ministering to you. Knock and you shall find, seek and it will be given! May God Bless you!

He gives me work that I may seek His rest;
He gives me strength to meet the hardest test;
And as I walk in providential grace;
I find that joy goes with me, at God’s pace – Gustafson

If we are suffering remember:

“suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us:. Rom 5: 3b – 5. Shalom!

We embarked on an amazing journey to Shanghai, China. Dad and Mum had earlier gone to Shanghai to stay with Jessie for a month. Our mission was to fly to Shanghai and escort the folks back – of course R&R. Arriving on the 18th May morning at 0640H, I was impressed with the expressway, brand new, clean and efficient. Pudong the commercial district has been landscaped with modern skyscrapers. Street were generally clean (was told that they have cleaning trucks patrol the streets 24 x 7 and cleaners clearing garbage twice a day) in the name of the ongoing EXPO!

The hotel room was fabulous (thanks Jessie), and we had a fair relaxed itinerary – guess this was one of the rare trip that I did so much shopping. What you need to do to survive Shanghai:

1. Speak LOUDLY (preferred if you speak and look hostile :-))
2. You need to be prepared for unglamorous events:
– fighting for taxi;
– fighting for dining tables at restaurant;
– telling someone off;
3. Learn to bargain at shopping centers. (Warning: if the merchant finally give in to the price you ask for, you better buy it else you will be cursed and swear at – unless you are very thick skinned).

OK. We visited Zhou Zhuang, EXPO (horrible), Tai Kang, Xin Tian Di, Yu Garden. But we did not visit the Bund! Next trip. Dad, mum, sis, bro-in-law, Jessica and Valerie tailor made suits and cheong sum thought. They all looked lovely and dashing.

Will probably plan another trip again to Shanghai. In all, good experience and most “shiok” nice weather. Thank God though the weatherman said it would rain whole week, by God’s grace, it rained first day and last day when we were there.

Now back to reality! WORK HARD! Check out the gallery for some of the photos taken!

Valerie having a great time with her friends … a picture tells a thousand words.

It is the 3rd of May.  Time flies and much activities have come and gone!  Past weeks, I have been reminded that in everything I do, trust that HE is in me and with me all this while.  I of little faith, we often then to give up but he never gives up on me.  This picture tells of how HIS great light will overcome the “darkness”.  “The many tasks we face each day can burden and oppress.  But spending time with God each day can bring  relief from stress” – Sper.  So to keep your life balanced, lean not on yourself BUT on HIM!

Shot this by the swimming pool!  Beauty.

Simply amazing!
Enjoy!

Time flies Valerie celebrated her 6th Birthday last week.  5 celebrations she requested.  1 in school, 1 with Dad and Mum, 1 with Grand dad and Granny, 1 with Victory Kids’ teachers, 1 with her good friend (pool side party).  Boy, it was a busy week for mom, who organised her cakes.

Started with … a Princess Belle Cake,

Then her own creation.

and the Cup Cakes.

Happy Birthday Valerie.  Hope you had a wonderful time.  The best kept secret was this Princess Belle gown we bought sometime last year.  We hid it till last week.  Thank God it still fit well :-).  She was really surprised and overjoyed!

Radio Silence for 2 months.  Been busy since returning from Naperville.  Chinese New Year, couple of short business trips and pre-occupied with preparing several presentation and creating documents.  Seems to have settled down and getting the routine to working from home.  Well I seem to be working longer hours compared to standard office hours.  But the greatest gift was flexibility.

Valerie seems really happy till today that we get to spend a lot of time together.  Jessica said that I seemed less stressed and also seemed to be enjoying my work!  Well, she is right.  The folks in Naperville are a great bunch!  Friendly, open and willing to share.  They have been very helpful in getting me up to speed.  Great Team!

This is the day.  This is it! I bid my friends farewell after working with them; some for as long as 13+ years.  It is heart warming to receive the well wishes from everyone.  Indeed I will remember those days in M1 and all the friends whom I have known.

Thank you M1, now the beginning of a new chapter!  Gear up and Go for it “with Christ in mind”.