Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

 
Anya officially graduated from Grade 9 today and her Senior High School days will begin in July 2020.

Everything was done online with us sitting in front of a computer: the calling of each graduate’s name, performances and speeches.

Indeed it was a different kind of graduation ceremony that we ever imagined, but it was still something that we truly are grateful for.
 

 
Seeing how our eldest blooms into a young lady in front of our very eyes, feeling grateful that her hard work – by God’s grace – was appreciated and recognised as she finished with an overall best score in her year, and getting all emotional as I watched videos of her friends and teachers. Treasured memories indeed.
 

 
The journey ahead is still very long and I feel privileged to have been able to be a part of it with Wilson.

I know the future will be filled with many challenges, tears, joy and laughters, as well as God’s mercy and grace.
 

 
To our eldest,
we love you very much.
May you grow to bless others and reflect your Redeemer more and more each day.

…
 

 
PS: The video was of Anya’s drawing, … conceptualised, taken and edited by her. It’s her way of saying:

“Life is not limited to the tower where I have gained – and will continue to gain – my education over the years. Teachers and students whose knowledge and faith are based on the Truth, the Word of God, will also be part of the world.

Each and everyone has an important role to play in becoming light and salt, not just in Indonesia, but also in the world.”

Amen to that, I say.

Am reminded today by Facebook how we have allowed our kids to be involved in the kitchen since they were little.

The youngest, 9yo, can now bake yummy banana cakes, cook vegetables for our family lunch on her own, etc. 💕

…

Here’s something we share with the kids over the years:

If you love baking or cooking, it’s great. But if you don’t ‘LOVE’ cooking, it is okay, too.

You simply have to know how to do basic cooking, be involved at home, help prepare meals for the family, wash the dishes, etc.

It is about learning to be a responsible, an involved member of the family.

The day will come when we are not with you day to day, and you would need to know how to do these basis skills.

Instead of being a burden to others or relying on others to serve you, help and serve others.

…

PS:
In reality, the process of teaching the above is far from instant. Not easy. Lots of repetitions, voice being raised, refusals, impatience, etc.

Am glad though that these days things are MUCH, MUCH better.

I genuinely think it is because we now stay at home EVERY DAY (due to the government’s semi lockdown decisions).

Daily ‘training’ and building of habits are gradually showing results… YAY!😍💕)

Today, May 25th, according to our initial plans, we would be up on a mountain already, followed by some crazy water rafting two days later.

Something that we all look forward to since January 2020.

But.

We can all make plans, but God will decide what’s best for us.

The day will hopefully come again soon. Where we can personally be with other people again.

Perhaps next year.

…

In the mean time, … stay safe, everyone.

During World War 1 & 2, people used weapons and bombs to attack and defeat their enemies.

Today, in the 21st century, … technology, invention and weapons of war are amazingly advanced. Including medical discoveries.

People boast and feel (over)confident and empowered.

The world is ‘in their hands’, so they say.

…

No professor, no top medical professionals dare to say ‘I’ll face the enemy! I know what to do! I have what it takes to bring it down.’ Ironically, today’s ‘enemy’ can’t even be seen.

They can’t be defeated even by the most advanced missiles / technology man has created and invented.

Today’s enemy that the whole world has to face can in fact be everywhere.

No professor, no top medical professionals dare to say ‘I’ll face the enemy! I know what to do! I have what it takes to bring it down.’

To avoid the enemy, is to stay home.

Even then, I sadly read about the case of Kevin Harris in the USA where he stayed home, met no one for more than a week, was told that he had flu, but in the end, the test revealed he’s down with Covid-19.

…

Perhaps it is time for us to acknowledge that we have no power whatsoever to boast about anything? Perhaps, this is the new, unexpected World War 3?
Where the whole world is fighting the same battle today, against the same common enemy, and the whole world is falling on its knees.

Perhaps it is time for us to acknowledge that we have no power whatsoever to boast about anything?

Perhaps it is time for us to bend our knees and return to the One, the Creator, the Saviour, the Redeemer?

Perhaps.

…

May vaccines be found soon.

May we all be humbled.

May God have mercy on us all.

…

Food for thought.

Brie moved to Jakarta when she was 10 months old.

And this practically means she ‘missed out’ on the kinds of daily outdoor activities and exposures her older siblings had when we’re back in Singapore.

Things like, going around the neighbourhood on their bikes / scooters, climbing up and down nearby playgrounds (nearly every day!), etc.

Yes. Brie’s ‘gross motor skills’ are not exercised much.

Anyway.

The good news is, Brie finally managed to learn how to ride her bike WITHOUT the training wheels!

She was reluctant about it at first.

What if I fall?

What if I can’t balance?

It’s so hard!

“Just keep going. You can do it!”, I repeatedly said to her while accompanying her around the apartment complex.

…

And.

Within only THREE days, she managed to cycle and balance herself.

Really happy girl indeed!

The reward of NOT giving up!

Well done, Brie!

…

Did Mom record the process on videos?

OF COURSE!

Here they are =D

 
[‘These moments’: An attempt to capture moments within the week. No words. Simple. Special. Moments I wish to treasure and remember.]

 
[‘These moments’: An attempt to capture moments within the week. No words. Simple. Special. Moments I wish to treasure and remember.]

 
[‘These moments’: An attempt to capture moments within the week. No words. Simple. Special. Moments I wish to treasure and remember.]