Saying Our (Mini) Goodbyes

ZAI JIAN
Someone recently reminded me that Goodbye in Chinese (Zai Jian) really means "See you again". That really puts things in perspective. Life after all is made up of a series of hellos and goodbyes and in that way, we move on to new adventures.

....TO OUR SUPPORT GROUP
Last Fri, when our cell group leader asked what we would like them to pray about, I shared the thought that had come to me enroute to the meeting, viz. that we would be salt and light in our new community and a blessing to our neighbours.

Our cell group prayed specifically for journey mercies, a smooth transition to life in Melbourne, a safe pregnancy and delivery for me, a suitable job for hubby, a good home and school for Beth etc. Until they actually laid hands on us in prayer, I had not felt like we were actually going away, but as they prayed, it suddenly struck me with force that we were leaving behind people who had borne with us, encouraged us and walked us through some of the most significant phases and events of our lives. It was then that the sobs came - and wouldn't stop. Felt rather mortified afterwards; I had hoped to maintain some semblance of dignity and composure (which I'm really bad at; I weep at sad movies, beautiful music, other people's personal tragedies...).

...TO VOP
Last night, we visited the Voices of Praise, the inter-church choir that we've been a part of since 2000, when we sang Handel's Messiah to raise funds for the building of Sengkang Methodist Church. Rev Ho Chee Sin led the members in prayer for our family. It's lovely to know there are so many people who will be thinking of us and praying for us when we're away. We hope to do the same for them. Isn't that what community is all about?

...TO CHURCH CHOIR
We've been asked to mark our final performance with the church choir by singing a duet for next Sun's anthem (The Summons). Hubby and I are to sing the first 2 verses while the choir hums along. Hubby would have no problem; he's an excellent soloist. I have stage fright and a wobbly alto, plus the poignancy of the occasion may get to me. Oh dear.

...TO FRIENDS
Last week has been a busy time of catching up with friends. Had lunch with glam SAHM J and adorable, almost-3 y.o. Jaime at Carl's Jr, Marina Square on Thu. J passed me some lovely sleepers for bb - more $ savings - yay! Was inspired to learn of her continued involvement in Sunday School, her concerns about her son's recent behavioural issues, and her family's commitment to BSF International, a bible study group with representation in USA and throughout the world. Members commit to studying the Bible through a period of 7 years!

On Sun, had tea at home with my friend R. It was so nice to see our kids play together so naturally, even though they haven't seen each other in months and Beth is a year younger. The adults enjoyed masala tea, kopi and an array of bite-sized cakes and pastries beautifully presented on a 2-tiered cake stand. The afternoon ended with a bit of mystery; hubby's shoes (which he'd left outside the door) disappeared! He had to borrow a pair off R's hubby D, as we were off to a birthday party. R suggested that the person who took the shoes must have really needed them, which lent an alternative perspective to what might otherwise have been a major annoyance. Was moved to utter a short prayer last night that the person who had taken hubby's shoes would be blessed by them.

This Fri is hubby's last day at work (thank goodness I'd already said my farewells a year ago!) and Beth's last day at school. Am thinking of baking a batch of muffins/cupcakes/cookies for her to share with her friends and teachers.

...TO COMFORT FOOD
Bought 500g of round bak kwa a few days ago as we'll probably not see the stuff for 2 years at least. Then yest at church, a sister handed us a red Bee Cheng Hiang bag of sliced bak kwa! Think we'll share the bounty with our next-door neighbours; they have a large family and could put it to better use.

Have been indulging in suppers of prata, teh halia and the like with our regular makan kaki Cat & Sam. This Thu we'll be meeting for durian at 717 Upp S'goon Rd with another couple who loves suppers, Aunty D and Uncle KH. Beth gets on famously with all of them, which is lovely. She needs the influence of godly elders to help her grow into the kind of person God would be proud of.