More of London

Sarah still talks about London and how she wants all of her extended family to go with her. Well,perhaps we would head there again...It was truly a great trip and here are some reasons why we all love London.

Of course, we did the touristy things and visited the National Gallery, the Science Museum, Trafalgar Square, Bath, Stonehenge etc. But our holiday only begun when we travelled down South and we visited quaint little towns, devoid of tourists in the South. Mevagissey was special with all its unique bric-a-brac. 

Bosinver was our base as we explored the South. It was an award winning farm stay that had everything to make a family holiday relaxing for the parents and fun for the kids. A playroom that never closes, animal feeding and huge pasture and many climbing structures. www.bosinver.co.uk

We drove to Plymouth to visit the site where the Pilgrims set forth on the Mayflower towards America. It was a surprisingly beautiful and developed place that held much historical significance in the development of Christianity. 

A stopover at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen on Mother's Day was refreshing. The restaurant overlooked Newquay beach and it was a lovely and comfortable place to dine. 

We had a chance to visit Dan's Auntie at Mapperton and her garden was teeming with many wild bluebells.

Sarah playing dress up at the Museum.

The magical part of our trip has got to our stay at Lyme Regis. I have never heard of Lyme Regis before this trip and we only went there because a beautiful beach fronting apartment was available due to a last minute cancellation at half the price:) It turned out to be the coolest place on our itinerary - magical, I would say. It was inspirational to know that Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy travelled to Lyme Regis to get inspiration to write their novels. It was thrilling to hear names like Sir David Attenborough [ I was a documentary fan] because Lyme Regis is well known as a fossil site. For the kids, seeing the endless beach was a welcoming site for them and they hit the beach in their winter wear at least thrice a day. Everyone had a whale of a time, eating ice cream, rockpooling, visiting the award winning museum and our climax there has got to the the 2.5 hour fossil walk where we met unassuming geologist Paddy Howe. I didn't realize that he is quite a big name in paleontology till I googled him back in Singapore. The kids had a great time with teacher Paddy, especially Sarah. 

Orphanage at Ashley Down

As we moved to Webbington (our final stop in the South), we went in search of people who were instrumental in shaping the history of Christianity. We drove to Bristol and tracked down George Muller's Orphanage at Ashley Down. The building was already an integral part of the architecture there and it has been converted into a university. We were glad to see the building. We headed the next day to George Muller's House. Daniel wrote in to the person in charge and he was kind to take us around the house. 

Next day, we headed to the heart of Bristol to visit the world's oldest Wesley Chapel. These sights left us with much thought about the perservance of the saints and God who brought all these to past. 

Our trip ended with a drive to South Wales where we saw the ruins of Tintern Abbey. I never thought much of ruins but being confronted with Tintern Abbey, I was awestruck. The place was so serene and peaceful and the air was filled with floating dandelions. I have perhaps used the word beautiful many times in my description of UK..but it is indeed beautiful. I love the overexposed shots of Sarah blowing the dandelions:)

As we bid farewell to South London and headed back to London, we drove through Cheddar Gorge at Mendip Hills. It was a deliberate drive because Cheddar Gorge was legended to be the inspiration for the hymn "Rock of Ages". As we drove through the towering Gorge, Daniel blasted "Rock of Ages" in the car. I enjoyed that drive very much, especially since Rock of Ages is one of our favorite hymn. 

We left London with much to remember and reflect. Truly our God has been faithful in this great nation!

Our Dear Samuel - Our Tiny Tim

Samuel is a special one - that's how he is made to be, since his conception, to his delivery and to his existence. Many times, I feel like I am just a custodian who stands afar, and watches God unfold His grace in this boy's life. As many people look at Samuel and comment on his long eyelashes, his handsome looks and his cheeky demeanour, I can only nod readily not because I nor Daniel gave him his good looks...but we know surely that Samuel is God's special creation and thus His honor and glory alone. 

Looking at Samuel reminds me poignantly of the words that Tiny Tim uttered in the Christmas Carol. Tiny Tim had hoped that when the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, Who made lame the walk and the blind to see. The very same way, it seems that God has placed a reminder through Samuel to all, those who know Him and those who don't, that there is a Divine Being, greater than all His creatures. God is the one who shielded this little boy from the effects of chemotherapy and God is the one who formed his inner parts. Sammy is my reminder of a God who is real and a God who is sovereign and a God who is loving and a God who is powerful. What a wonderful God we serve!

He is turning two in a week's time and we are still praying for the Lord to preserve him from childhood diseases. 

A Very Belated Post

Some of you are probably wondering if this birthday party mommy forgot to celebrate Sarah's birthday. Well,we did but in a small scale this year as it was just 2 weeks before we flew off to London. Sarah would not allow mommy to forget this important occasion. It was a small family celebration at Triple Three [no pun intended] and we are thankful for the thoughtful staff who gave us a private room and even doubled up as my event manager for the day. 

Sarah and her balloons which she specifically requested are a must-have at her party.

The cake that she couldn't stop nibbling at.

Ah Gong, Ahma, Duayi, Uncle Henry and Cousin Belle Belle.

Grandpa, Grandma, Shu Shu David, Auntie Chiao Chyi, Shu Shu Darrell and Cousin Hannah and Cousin Josiah.

Grand Auntie Fung, Grand Uncle Mark, Natalie and Emily

Dear friends, Josh and Jan and Jojo.

Grand Godpa Chua and Family.

More surprises that evening with the Ikea Kitchen which Auntie CC took hours to fix

Shu Shu Darrell and his gift of roller skates to Sarah.

Duayi and Uncle Henry's Birthday Bicycle to Sarah.

*Our Heart Melt Moment*

This happened a couple of weeks ago when we returned from UK.

Daddy: "So Sarah, would you like to go to London again or stay in Singapore?"
Sarah: "I want to be with Daddy and Mommy." 

For Sarah to be able to communicate with us is a joy. For her to communicate to us with such sweet and honest words are truly a blessing.

As I busy this week with some camp preparation and the daily responsibilities, I continue to return to www.sheepdogger.blogspot.com and it was more tearful reading as I am directed to http://www.theelishafoundation.org/blog/ which tells more stories about parents who are 'bestowed' with special needs children. Many of these kids cannot and never will be able to tell their Daddies or Mommies, "I love you" but the parents plough on in this mostly unreciprocated relationship. This reading always puts my feet on the ground even as I get carried away with lofty ideals for my children. This reading also always directs my gratitude to the Lord for my kids. God glorifying words dispels discontentment, strife and unhappiness but encourages gratitude, brokenness and humility in the Lord. 

A most fitting song as we think of children, abled or disabled:

Jesus loves the children

ALL the children of the world.

Let the Children Play!

Will Sarah and Samuel ever be tired of play? Haha...I am afraid not. As children, their propensity to play is tremendous. And I thoroughly enjoy watching them play, laugh and jump with no holds barred. The simplicity and genuine-ness of their hearts and mind give way to the fullness of the joy they experienced. Let the little children play in gay abandon - till the cares of life and the complexities of mankind take over.

The Necessary Kids Travel Checklist for UK

I am constantly fine-tuning my travel packing list, particularly when it involves packing for 2 tots. This trip to London, have ranked some things high on the priority list. A pram/ double pram is great especially when you are doing extensive walking in London, through the parks or visiting museums. It was great when we visited museums because Sarah and Samuel were fast asleep during that time, and it meant some good quiet time of studying the exhibits. But did I forget to mention that the Underground in London is probably the most child unfriendly mode of transportation for families in London. Dan and my father in law did a fair amount of weight lifting as they carried the double pram with its full load over the many steps and the execution of perfect timing as we tried to bounce out of the tube in time, with kids, pram and grandparents all in tow to avoid the doors closing in on us. Haha...it was harrowing but truly memorable. 

With the erratic weather of London, cold air, chilly winds and the sudden drizzle, it can truly knock the socks off any Asian who is only too used to tropical weather. Always, always bring along a rain cover for the pram. There were times when we had to brave through the drizzle, and Sarah and Samuel would be howling because of the cold rain. The faster we push to reach to the shelter, the colder they felt as the pram pushed through the cold rain. Poor kids:(

I was glad the day before I left, I rushed to buy woolen thermal underclothes for the kids. It proved real handy. Perhaps, I should have bought 2 sets because I recycled the only one set I had for them for a full 21 days:) And of course, 2 sets of beanies, gloves, scarves and a good windbreaker [with hood] should be able to greet any sudden change in weather. 

My mother-in-law was wise enough to pack a bag of instant oats and marmite which became a rather regular meal for the kids in UK. Potatoes, chips, pies and pasty just doesn't seem to go too well as their dinner. A food thermos flask is especially useful to keep food warm in the cold weather. 

Wellingtons, many pairs of socks and a good handy pair of crocs proved to be all the footwear they need for play, fossil hunting, rock-pooling and horsing around. 

For Samuel, his little pillow was packed all the way from Singapore and it was definitely a life saver during those long road trips and for him to adjust into a new holiday home and a new bed everytime we moved. 

Notwithstanding the long list of things to bring, I would bring an empty luggage the next time to pack in all the wonderfully inexpensive organic food and snacks and toys from ELC UK.

The Best Comfort of Being Overseas...

is being able to catch up with Family and Friends. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was being able to meet up with friends and family, albeit physically or virtually. We met up with Rachel and had a sumptuous crepe dinner with her. We met up with the kids' Godpa and Godma, Uncle Jonathan and Auntie Karen at least 4 out of 7 days we were in Central London and we enjoyed every minute of it. We met up with Auntie Ching and her family in her home and that was also very priceless. Family and friends are truly God's comfort to every individual - whether we return home from a friendly or a hostile environment. 

This picture of Sarah and Samuel, obviously enjoying their google chat with Hannah, Auntie CC, Shu Shu David and Shu Shu Darrell sums it all up.

Welcome to London!

Not intentionally, but we started our first day walking across Kensington Park, which was a couple of streets away from where we stayed and found ourselves at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. I read about this in Rick Stein's guide but really had no idea where it was. But we are glad to stumble upon it. And so was Sarah and Samuel. 

Watching Sarah systematically conquer the playground was, well...educational. 'Playground' is one subject that she has no fear of. Anything inanimate to her is conquerable. I can't say the same for animate objects:) As she approached this drawbridge, she realized that the only way across to her favorite part of the playground - the slide, was to cross it. But it was not level ground. It was made up of logs of wood chained together. And it was definitely built with older kids in mind. Initially, she avoided it altogether so she could head to her slide fast. But interestingly, she returned to the bridge and placed her foot cautiously onto one log, then another and then another. Slowly but surely, Sarah made it through the series of logs and she was as pleased as a chesire cat. Sarah then returned quickly to the starting point and attempted it again and again and again. 

This 33 year old can do much to learn from the never-say-die attitude of a 3 year old. Her dexterity amazes me, but more so, her determination has never failed to make me reflect on how I could similarly confront and conquer my own fears.

Our time at the playground was so extended that we never made it to Buckingham Palace - which was the first attraction on our itinerary.

Jetlagged Kids, A Frazzled Mother and A Clear Headed Husband

This week has been a challenging week as we struggled to put to bed 2 very jet lagged kids, and more so, to put them to sleep together on the same bed. Sarah and Samuel were very awake because of the 7 hour difference and more so because they seldom sleep together in the same room much since my illness. They are excited at the prospect of having each other in the same room and normally, that means play. They would jump and play with each other, try to sleep and then pop back up on the bed, playing with each other again. 

The first night, Samuel and Sarah simultaneously woke up at 1:30 am, just when I stepped back into the house after fetching Rubi from the airport. They looked like they were not going to sleep anytime soon. So off we trod to the nearby dim sum place at 2:00 am and ate our "dinner" there. I think we must have been a rather disapproving sight to the other late night diners. Which other family would have young toddlers awake at this time and in the middle of Geylang? *tsk tsk* Haha...but the sight of ravenous Sammy gobbling up fried carrot cake and Sarah eating her 'har kow' was a sight to behold. Well, the kiddos did finally fall asleep at 6:00 am and never woke up till 3 pm the next day. 

This pattern went on for the next couple of days with them eventually sleeping at 5:30 am. I was exhausted. Perhaps, I was made more exhausted because I wanted very much for them to return to their usual schedule 'fast'. My self pity did not help the situation either. I started to make excuses in my mind and wanted to put them in their separate rooms because I believed it would hasten the recovery process as well as maintain my sanity. I wanted to systematically eradicate factors which would aggravate their jetlag and reinforce others which would expedite their recovery. But each time, these attempts were rejected by Daniel. Much to my frustration, he challenged the notion of convenient motherhood that I had and made me question the lies of motherhood that are idealized and oversimplified by motherhood books. Much of motherhood that I knew was really not divinely inspired but rather humanly motivated.

Everytime I gave up, Daniel [who has a myriad of things to do - sermon preparation, camp preparation and other family preparations] took over. He showed me through his example that non sleeping kids are not something to fret about. "Cherish the moment", he urged me. He switched off the lights, grabbed 2 of his book torches and started to engage the kiddos a question and answer game. The kids stopped jumping and whining and soon they were seated right in front of him, fighting to answer his questions. Who is Sarah's brother? Who is Samuel's sister? Who is Daddy's wife? Who is Mommy's husband? Who is Daddy's mommy? Sarah was really listening and she answered most accurately. Sammy was busy playing with his torch light and swinging it around. They were intrigued at the game and marvelously, they were learning at the same time. 

Sigh...Why do I always fail to see these moments when I am in it? Why do I always look back wistfully at these moments and wish I had responded differently? I believe...the answer to this lies in [believe it or not] "theology" as well as a right view of life. A right theology would mean that many things in life do not have a cause-and-effect relationship, as much as we human beings wish it to be. God's sovereign act of grace and mercy is at work more than we can ever imagine. We humans are so used to manipulating our situations to achieve our desired effects that we think that that is how the world is run. God transcends all of the above and many things in this world cannot be explained without a cognition of a greater divine power. A right view of life  - one of the greater lessons I took back from London is that real life is a hard life. Life is not neatly packaged, trimmed nor presented on a silver platter. Life in many parts of the world is fought with much blood and sweat. That 'life is hard and difficult' is a way of life rather than a sign of extraordinary circumstance. I have much to learn....

This lesson of real life is reinforced as I read a blog that was forwarded to me by a friend who manages a Christian bookshop. He says that it is his favorite blog, www.sheepdogger.blogspot.com , and I can clearly see why. As I sat at a wedding dinner tonight and read this blog, I must say, it was a most beautiful evening of interacting with good food and the words on this blog [the time saving wonders of the iphone]. It was a most sobering read of a father who chronicles his struggles and learnings as he takes care of his special needs child with the strength and grace of his heavenly Father. As I read of how this boy would only sleep for 5 hours in the night, and during this time, grunting and kicking through the night, as well as the difficult bath times and the constant scare they have when this boy goes missing..Throughout the wedding dinner, amidst the playing band, the merry making and the hearty conversations, I felt all my complaints muted, my frustrations dissipated, my heart and mind drawn towards the Light [that is what Christ centred writing do to our hearts], I was most moved and very humbled...ashamed at the exasperation I had with my almost 'ideal' circumstance. 

Thank you God, for the people that You have placed in this world, who would not have otherwise be considered as 'heroes', but who are faithful in what You have placed under their charge. These people truly are 'witnesses' for you as they encourage other Christians in the life you have given them to live - for your Glory alone. Thank you God for Daniel, who walks so close to me, that many times, I fail to see the witness he is for You. 

We Did Go to London and Made It Back

To many who may be wondering at my absence in blogging, or emails or even smses...yup, we made the trip to London!

• I have never been more exhausted [cos Rubi was back in Philippines]
• I have never felt sleepier [kids were jetlagged during the 1st 3 days and woke up at 4:30 am each day]
• I have never been busier [washing, feeding, helping out with dishes and food etc]
• I have never been colder [it was perhaps the coldest May in UK]
• I have never felt dirtier [clothes were recycled again and again]
• We never made it to Scotland or even Lake District.

But I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed this trip to UK - there was so much, so much of life to relearn, to imbibe and reflect upon...and perhaps, even some changes to make now that I have returned.

We thank God for keeping us safe during our flights and long drives in UK. I think we will definitely go back to UK again - if time and energy and resources permit. 

We will see you soon - the land of wild bluebells!