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In A Nutshell

I highly doubt that I can put all that has happened over the last 2 months "in a nutshell". I'll try.
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A. BYE JO

In my last entry, I wrote about Jo who left for BKK to do her Masters. Never in my wildest dream would I thought I would actually have to pay my tributes to her 1 month later. In a way that I so least expected.

Barely 2 weeks after sending her off, she came down with a brain infection that left her unconscious for a whole month and on the fateful 25th of October, she left us to be with the Lord. This came after receiving very optimistic reports from the doctors the night before - she was transferred out of ICU to the high-dependency ward after being given the clearance by the medical team. I was rejoicing and musing about how I was planning to "irritate" her as she returns onto the path of recovery. Alas, I was to receive the heartbreaking news early morning of the 25th October 2011.

Throughout the period of visiting her in ICU, I did not shed a single tear but my heart was heavy. I willed myself not to cry. Somehow I felt I was to release my dear friend when the time came. I hung on to the hope that she would come out of this ordeal by the grace of God nevertheless.

At Jo's wake, the 'floodgates' flung open. When I saw her lying in the casket, I knew it was that final. I broke down. I could not reconcile the lifeless Jo with the Jo I've known for however many number of years. For 2 days, the tear ducts were real active. When I gave my tribute (I was already more calm then), I choked several times hence taking longer than I should. I had to do it even though it was emotionally challenging. For my friend, I had to.

It has been a month. I still miss her. I check her FB wall occasionally, which is now full of tributes from the many lives she has touched in her 25 years and browse through her pictures. I also read her updates when she was in Chiangmai serving her internship...again and again. I suppose this is part and parcel of grieving.

But I know in all these, God has been our Comforter and Sustenance. Her family will continue to serve in the mission field fearlessly and tirelessly. This was how Jo lived her life; loving God and committed to His will. I too will want to follow in her footsteps.

So in a (BIG) nutshell, this pretty much summed up my October.


B. TRIPS GALORE

Jetsetter Grace has started her jet-setting a month ago. First trip being a school exchange program in Indonesia. Not as though minding 25 pupils was not challenging enough, we had to battle with a stomach flu virus that slained us one by one from Day 3 onwards of the trip. I came down with a bout of diarrhoea (for the record, I visited the loo 13 times. My unbroken record was 22 times!), fever and body aches. Subsequently, students and fellow teachers got struck by the invisible enemy too. Physically and emotionally draining. We (the 4 teachers) just could not wait to return to homey Singapore and hand the kids back to their parents!

Sickness aside it was still a memorable trip. I was truly humbled by the gracious hospitality that the hosts lavished on us. From having a policeman to clear the road for us upon arrival (typical scene when a VIP arrives) to the requesting for a batik shop to open at 5.30am just so we can patronize and do last minute shopping were enough to put me to shame. Just recounting their many gestures of kindness and graciousness alone has made this trip unforgettable. I was glad we could teach our kids the life value of unconditional giving in a real-life situation. I hope they will never forget the extent of kindness that has been showered upon them. I will never.

Next up will be my trip to Nanjing to visit Ben, a personal friend who is serving in China. Together with 5 of my church friends, we will be spending time with him and the team, checking out the city that will be hosting the 2014 YOG and just having quality time with one another. It is heartwarming to have a community that relishes in relationships and will make time for one another. I am looking forward to the next 1 week in full anticipation.

To top it all will be the Turkey trip (13th-19th Dec) that was fraught with (mis)adventures even before the trip happens. Background story has too many nitty-gritties that I shall choose to omit. In a nutshell, issue has been resolved and we (Nan, Ros and myself) can't wait to get ourselves to the Land of Kebabs and Turkish Delights (not referring to the men though!).


C. WEDDING BELLS

Its ringing again. 2010 saw me attending 5 almost consecutive weddings from July onwards. Bank account definitely saw a decline. 2011 is slightly better with just three. Two of which is my colleagues (Bernard - 8th Dec & Michelle - 10th Dec) and then William's on the 17th Dec. Damage to the wallet is still pretty significant.

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I think I have been quite successful in "nut-shelling" my Sept-Nov updates.

I will try to be punctual in logging in my entries. I will try yet again. :)



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