Confined by taboos even before confinement days

It was great being able to go back home (Penang) after such a long time. What’s more with the excitement of a new baby (my niece) in the family. But being very Chinese, my family wasted no time to pounce on us the do’s and don’t of pregnancy and confinement until we were so overwhelmed. I for one was stubborn, and Sean was ignorant that such rules even exist! Being modernized and christian, we try not to be tied down by all these superstitions. But being Chinese, it’s hard to ignore them. Even though my medical mind told me there are no scientific nor clinical evidence to believe such myths and taboos, my chinese upbringing stirs up uncertainty and anxiety. After all there are a lot of wisdom in old sayings. But which stands true still in this modern developed world? Can somebody tells me stop being silly and live freely? No matter, by the end of the trip I am touched by my family’s concern for our baby and my health. Thank you.

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1 Timothy 4:7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”

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I do miss them especially my next trip will be at least 4-6 months away. Part of me wish that they can be here to see when the baby is born…

Travelling

We’re in Jakarta at the moment, witnessing our two friends getting married.

Reminds us of our own journey towards married bliss.

After that a short trip to Penang to visit family.

Can’t wait!

Bun in the oven

It’s officially 8 months since we got married and already i can proudly announce the following:

Come November our little family unit is about to have a new member! :D

That’s right, Hooi Yin’s pregnant and we’re both terribly excited about it.  Hello, trips to the gynae, looking at baby clothes and wondering whether it’s a boy or girl, sweating over the thought of late nights and the endless feedings and diaper changes… goodbye young and reckless days of youth!

I must add that it’s been my dream for a while now to be a dad and now it’s finally happening.

so far we’ve been to the gynae twice and i must say i find ‘that blob on the tv-screen’ very very adorable.  You don’t know how cute it is to see your own baby kick his/her leg until you’ve seen it on an ultrasound.  We were nearly overjoyed!

So far Hooi Yin’s health has been good and she’s managing with her work.  Her recent exam was a bit of a strain on her as she had to study every night after work but thankfully she and baby are doing just fine.  (another bit of good news: she passed her exam!)

Prayer points:

1. Please pray that God will protect Hooi Yin and baby’s health.
2. Please pray that He will mould us into God fearing and honoring parents who will raise a child in a likewise God fearing and honoring way.
3. Pray for us as we adjust to the changes in our life and prepare for our life ahead!

thank you

Christmas this year

I always have conflicting feelings about Christmas. On one hand, it is a  joyous occasion as we remember that God, in humility, came to earth as a baby, and granted humankind salvation and citizenship in heaven. But on the other hand, it is painful that baby Jesus fate when grown up was to suffer, be flogged and persecuted on the cross for our sins. On one hand, we christians are able to still joyfully celebrate it as one spirutual family, as God’s family, because we are now God’s children. But on the other hand, Christmas is lonely and not much of a celebration, when I am the only christian in my own family.

However, Christmas this year is different. In fact, it is precious. For this is my first christmas with my new family. Even though it can be difficult as I am slowly learning about Sean’s family christmas traditions and getting to know his extended families, it is at the same time heart warming to be celebrating it with people whom I can call my family. But it is still my deepest hope that one day I will  be able to celebrate God on this day with ALL my families from both sides. Then it will be complete. 

What a great way to end the year with!

Have a blessed Christmas everyone. And a joyous wonderful year ahead discovering God’s purpose and plan for us.

traveling again

we’re in Penang now visiting our home away from home.

it’s nice to get away from Singapore now and then and be with our other family.

Penang feels a little hotter than Singapore no matter what people say though the company is good and the food even better!

Back to Singapore on the 14th.