Galloping to New Year of Horse

At first, we didn’t plan to return to Jakarta for Chinese New Year this year. Our second child had just started at a new school, and the attendance policy is quite strict, so we thought it would be best to stay in Singapore.

However, when our close friends invited us to their baby gender reveal, we simply couldn’t say no. After checking the school schedule and speaking with his teacher, we decided to make it work. Just two weeks before Chinese New Year, we booked our tickets.

The flights weren’t cheap, but they weren’t unreasonable either. In the end, every dollar was worth it.

We spent three nights in Jakarta — short, but deeply meaningful. It was enough time to reconnect with friends, embrace our family, and celebrate Chinese New Year together.

We arrived on Saturday night and checked into the hotel quite late, exhausted but excited.

On Sunday, we attended the gender reveal party at our friend’s house. It was a joyful and intimate celebration, filled with laughter, anticipation, and love.

Monday was slower and more personal. In the afternoon, the kids and I had our haircuts — a small but familiar ritual whenever we return home. In the evening, we gathered with our parents, brother, and sister-in-law for our reunion dinner. Sitting around the same table, sharing stories and food, reminded us how precious these moments truly are.

On Tuesday, we went to our parents’ house, where relatives gathered as they always do during Chinese New Year. The house was alive with conversation, warmth, and togetherness. I even managed to squeeze in a quick massage before heading to the airport that night.

Our flight was delayed by almost two hours, and we finally reached home around 3:30am — exhausted beyond words.

But our hearts were full.

Tired, yet deeply happy.

Thank You, Lord, for this precious time with our family. We are grateful that both our parents are still healthy, strong, and surrounded by love. These are the moments we hold onto — the ones that remind us where we belong.

God is gracious

I wrote this for Richie so that one day he will remember these days and see how great God has been—so gracious and merciful to him.

On 3rd February, he received his placement results and got into the course he wanted, Media and Art, at Singapore Polytechnic.

While waiting for school to start, he began working part-time at an F&B outlet three times a week. The pay is quite good for a student, and it has been a meaningful experience for him.

Some time ago, when I picked him up from work, we had a deep conversation. He shared how the staff—both full-time and part-time—treat him kindly, and even the owner personally shared his vision with him. I could see how encouraged he felt.

As we were about to reach home, I told him, “Do you see how great God is?”

He has given you good results, opened the door to the course you desired, and blessed you with a part-time job in such a positive environment.

He replied, “Yeah… I think God has answered my prayers.”

I gently told him, “It’s not only about prayers being answered. Your attitude—towards Mama and Papa, yourself, your brothers, and your friends—matters too. God has been merciful and generous to you because of who you are becoming.”

I hope that one day, when he faces obstacles in life, he will remember this season and hold on to the truth that God is always faithful and gracious.

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