Last Year Today...

How many times did I use this to begin a post - "time really flies"?

It's been a year since Mom last came back from Hong Kong - her last goodbye to her home land.  The doctors gave her the green light sending her back to Canada after almost two years of treatments and battles with a few close calls.  They arrived September 26, 2012.  Everyone was so excited for her and I'm sure she was also super excited to come back to her second home, for her grandchildren, her family and friends, especially for whoever prayed for her nonstop from church.  Oh, of course, she was the most excited to see me and Gloria, hahaha.  

The flight wasn't too pleasant according to her facial expression when I first saw her at Uncle Ed's place.  It was my first time seeing her since I left HK with Jake a few months before.  She did look a bit more pale and weaker but it's quite normal for a Leukemia patient.  I was worried but at the same time, I was happy to see her back.  She complained that her legs were not feeling well.  Poor Daddy needed to keep massaging nonstop the whole flight.  However, her super strong spirit once again overcame all her physical pain and she got back to her active routines in no time.  

She wasted no time to have lots of fun with the boys.  I know she missed the boys so much especially Jonah cuz' the last time she saw him was when she left Canada end of 2011 (before she found out about her sickness) when Jonah was not even one year old.  Thinking back, she never got to celebrate Jonah's birthday.  I'm sure I have mentioned about how impatient I was holding the phone with her on the other side at Jonah's birthday.  If I only knew, Mom - sorry.

Other than FaceTime, Jonah and Mom didn't really get to see each other a lot.  And too bad I could only handle Jake the time when we visited HK in 2012 April.  But thank God for our sweetest Jonah.  He made Mom really really happy always.  Sometimes I do wish that God allowed more time for them, but of course I know He has His plan.  Thanks to the technology, Jonah will have lots of pictures and videos of Mah Mah.  Jonah, Daddy really hope that you remember Mah Mah.  She loves you so very much, just that God took her a little bit sooner than us.  She loves buying books and toys for you and your brother.  She also loves making lots of yummy food for us.  Your Daddy misses her a lot a lot!!!

She got to meet up with her friends and a lot of seniors for dim sum at restaurants, churches, in houses, shops, etc.  She was one of those who couldn't sit still for more than one minute, other than when she's sleeping, hahaha.  Once she's up, she won't stop.  Even if she's sitting down, her head was spinning and thinking what's next (or what to ask Dad to do next, haha).  Fian also came back with them and the two of us were kinda worried and wanted her to slow down, especially when she's still so weak and "recovering".  It made us more like her parents, asking her not to do this and that, not to go here and there, not to see too too many ppl, etc.  But as per my sharing in the "Caring Retreat", since I'm so "useless" on healing her and I'm so not in control, I would want to let other ppl to love her for me.  I trust that God will take care of her and have the best plan for her.  Plus, I know her too too well as she would be jumping off her chair like there are bugs biting her butt anyways, haha.  So yeah, she got invited to do a lot of sharing talking about her battle in the past one and half year and how she fought with God holding her hands.  

I'm so proud to be the son of such faithful lady.  She never cried, not even a drop of tear when Daddy and I were balling like little babies.  To me, crying doesn't mean I'm not faithful but it only means that I am weak and I need Him big time and of course, I don't want to say goodbye to my one and only Mom who raised me, who hit me the most with anything she could reach (chopsticks, hangers, chicken feather brush, bamboo stick, brooms, rulers, her bare hand, etc.), who spent great amount of time on me with not my academic but only my attitude and my emotional quality.  Mom, I have to admit that I'm not doing a very good job still when it comes to things that it's not fair to my eyes.  Thankfully, Gloria is my wife who's always cool dealing with these things.  No worries though, with Jake and Jonah around, their presence will hopefully slow me down a bit, haha.  Just to give you a very real example when shopping at TNT two weeks back.  

 

The four of us were grocery shopping after church.  As usual, I'm pushing the boys in the cart while Gloria was trying to get some fishes.  She was trying to get help from those fish market workers behind.  The guy asked what she wants when it's her turn.  Everything looked normal until all of a sudden a well dressed lady with make up and a sunglasses stepped in from no where saying that she was in the line.  She actually said that Gloria bud the line.  Gloria calmly explained that she wasn't aware about it and would be willing to let her go first if she wanted to - what a perfect way to learn but of course it's not the end of my story.  There's another lady there also said that that lady WAS waiting in the line but even the worker was not aware.  Honestly, I didn't really hear the whole thing but my "protective" big man character somehow just kept over floating and got myself stepped forward from the cart a few steps behind to right in front of that lady.  I said, "If you walked away, you are NOT lining up.  I don't think lining up outside of TNT will count.  So, my wife did NOT bud the line." (All in Chinese btw, in my super "firm" tone of voice of course, haha).  Yes, a very good example of standing up for what I think is right without thinking twice and without bother if I'm living an example of God.  According to Dr. Denise Ngien, I was being "reactive" not "responsive".  Sure I have my points: if you walked away, you are not lining up, period and if you really were in a hurry, you can always explained and ask if you can go first nicely.  Wrongly blaming someone line budding then said you didn't mind letting us go first just wasn't very nice. But I couldn't have done it in a nicer way and I could've showed more love not showing too much emotions (now I think of Rev. Lou, haha).  So yeah, what a great example to remind myself that I still have lots to learn.  Jake asked right away what's going on.  My first reaction was really "speechless" but it's a good reminder from God that I need to keep my cool.  I only said, "Daddy just want to stand up for what's right."  Good thing we bumped into Joyce and Wilson and Jake got distracted, hahaha.  I'm sure if Mom was around, she would give me that "look" again, haha.  Not sure if I have scared that lady or if she really understands my point, Gloria and that lady actually were being nice to each other and tried to let one another go first, haha.  

Back to Mom, her plan last year was to stay for two weeks before going back to Hong Kong to continue her treatment.  However, that wasn't God's plan.  He made her stay here in Canada and let her friends and family here to take care of her and to love her.  She got admitted back to the hospital at the end of the trip and she actually got discharged for another two weeks before going back in again.  Everything was noted down in blog when she first started going back to the hospital and yes, it's been almost a year.  Once again, I really want to thank you for reading.  Thanks for all the prayers, greeting cards, visits, soups, and all your love and care.  Mom lived her life fully, actually maybe a bit more than full.  The whole coming back to Canada, going to the hospital and battle with her chemo, being discharged and getting readmitted and passing away, etc. reminded me of Joseph - Jocob's little son.  From how he was Jacob's favorite to being sold by his brothers, from he was a slave to become a trust worthy servant, from being wrongly blamed by his master's wife to getting into jail, and from interpreting dreams for King Pharaoh to forgiving his brothers, etc. all these ups and downs but yet, both Joseph and Mom were still faithful and courageous, being a living example of His at all times.   

We finished our last trip of this summer going to Muskoka for our first Englsih Retreat.  It was fruitful studying on discernment.  According to Pastor Steve, option A and option B may both be good options.  God still loves us even if we live a life with not as good choices made.  We are really thankful for joining.  Thanks to the Houser family for taking care of Jake and Jonah for us while we can fully focus on the speaker.  Thanks especially to Shawn who gave us a room at the end of the hallway where no one is staying across, beside and above us, haha.  Thank God that Jakie and Jonah were very well behaved, with not much crazy moments.  Even though it was rainy and a bit chillly, we had a very fun time.  Maybe I'll share a bit more next time.

Mom, happy mid-autumn festival.  I'm still eating the moon cake you bought me from last year.  Yeah, I know we had a lot last year and I was too busy to finish them.  But they are still very good (from freezer of course).  And sadly, I'm on the last one but for sure everything will be in my hearts forever.  Miss you alawys!!!  I'll keep staying strong and faithful, muah.

Genesis 37-50 - Joseph

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13)

"你 們 務 要 儆 醒 ， 在 真 道 上 站 立 得 穩 ， 要 作 大 丈 夫 ， 要 剛 強 。" (歌 林 多 前 書 16:13)

 

Summer Trips

Summer is my favorite season of the year.  I love wearing t-shirts, shorts, my sandals or Toms.  I guess I'm not a dressy kinda guy (even though I know I have my stylish side, haha).  I just don't like wearing ties and belts so how could I dress up properly, haha.  Back to summer, both Gloria and I love to be outdoor and that's why summer is always easier (that's right, we will still stay out in the winter time but we just need to wear a lot more, haha).  In summer, we get to feel the warm shine from the sun, we can lie down on the grass and walking on it with out bare foot.  We can have our yummy meals at the backyard patio and admiring God's creations.  Jake for sure got our genes but too bad his eczema made his skin not too friendly to strong sunlight.  However, whenever we have a chance we would be out.  

Last year, with Jonah just started walking, we had a lot of one day surprises for the boys, like Wonderland, Toronto Zoo, Wasaga beach, Circus, Lion Safari, CNE, etc.  This summer is no difference, we had a lot of surprises for them too but we extended them from one day into a few days, haha.  Let's call them surprise TRIPS!!!  Correct, they are all overnight!!!  I guess things are getting easier when both of them are becoming a little more independent, haha.

Let's have a "little" recap, not including our HK (Week 1 and Week 2) and Vancouver trips, haha:

1.  We "tested the water" a little by going for our YLD (Young Life Division) Retreat.  It was just a overnight event from our church at Jackson Point which was only about 45mins drive.  It gave us a feeling how the boys are like sleeping on a strength bed (together, haha).  It also gave them the chance to "practice" a little having a new routine so that they can be more prepared for more this summer, haha.  They had lots of fun experiencing something new.  I guess God gave me a easier life having two boys.  One great thing about this little trip (other than being able to spend time with the team of course) was that all meals are included so we didn't need to think about what to eat, haha.  As usual, the boys (especially Jake) love staying outside at the park, the beach, and even just a open field, they can have lots of fun just simply rolling down the slope, haha - too silly, haha.

2.  Camping was one of them I talked about it last time.  It was more "hardcore" for them sleeping in the tent but both of them seemed to enjoy every single bit of it, especially when they got company (KK, JJ as usual and this time they have Nora and Aren too).  I guess only the parents would have concerns about the mosquito bites, the thunderstorm, the tornado warning, the super strong winds, how strong Simon's tent is, if it's leaking water anywhere, the muddy ground, the cleanliness of the facilities, where to shower, what to eat, etc., hahaha.  Honestly, I wasn't able to sleep well that two nights with so many concerns in my mind, haha.  It's all good though cuz' it was a great experience for all of us!!!

3.  We also got to spend some time in the a resort get away within our fellowship group using Mom's vacation points.  As mentioned in my  Vancouver post, Mom bought us this points that we can use for vacation but since we were busy in the past year with her sickness, we do have a lot of point to finish using before they expire.  So getting away with them was the greatest thing to do, especially in a long weekend (Civic Holiday) and especially at the end of the Lau's two weeks vacation.  The Tang's didn't arrive until the second day due to Kaki's sickness but thank God that they joined at the end.  The Shum's was there without Ava again (their younger girl).  I kinda know the reason behind it but I don't really understand, haha.  Honestly, I was a little disappointed but I also know Ray Ray and I never have anything in common anyways, hahaha.  I'm still thinking why we can get along so well and how did I become your best man still, haha.  Seriously, I hardly know baby Ava just because we don't get to spend time with each other.  It feels like that she's still a few month but she's actually more than a year old, haha.  I guess I just want to spend more time with this little girl, haha.  Pray that God's works are always within this fellowship and that we can grow together.

 

 

4.  My Uncle's trailer park trip was for sure Jake's favorite cuz' he cried when he learnt that we were leaving!!!  I don't think he has ever done it before, haha.  Jakie, you were so cute!  The trailer park was about an hour and half away from the City.  Uncle Ed has been having a trailer there for the longest time (maybe almost 30 years?).  He started from a older and small trailer to a much much nicer and bigger trailer (38') this year!!!  There is a room, a washroom, kitchen, eating area, living space, family room/guest room area, all fully equipped.   

My cousin Derek and Uncle Ed even built a deck right beside it with shades, fan, lights, power, etc. to make it more like a resort to us, haha.  Too bad the boat he used to have died earlier this summer, or we could have gone there much earlier.  

We were delighted to be invited when they got another boat.  It was really relaxing and enjoyable.  We had our camp fire with marshmallow arriving at night, stayed over night in the nice trailer, had a simple breakfast in the morning, went out for a walk while the boys were playing in the lakeside playground, went for a boat ride and caught some fishes before coming back for lunch with our catches.  Dad and Grandma also joined that day for lunch (they didn't stay overnight).  When the boys were napping in the afternoon, we were just spending quality time talking and laughing at the deck.  I even felt asleep in a few parts cuz' it was just simply too relaxing.  We had fun playing around the trailer when the boys were up.  Jakie and Jonah have learned a lot how to live with each other lately and I have to say that they are getting better and better.  They have developed some special chemistry that only they know what to laugh at, when to do silly things and how to make each other happy/mad/smile/cry/etc.  It's fun observing them grow yet, as parents, we always want them to stop growing, hehehe.  Thank God for the boys always!  We left after dinner as Uncle Ed and family had a wedding to attend the next day, so they got to pack up too.  The boys love the boat ride for sure, even though Jonah was a bit scared at the beginning.  Being able to catch two fishes was my highlight for sure and Gloria enjoys the fresh fishes the most.  We even started thinking if we should find ourselves a trailer park space, haha.  I guess we'll take advantage of Uncle Ed's new trailer for now until we have spare money, hahaha.  Kau Fu, thanks for having once again.  It was really memorable.

5.  Alice (Gloria's sister) came back last week for a visit and guess what we did right off the bat, haha.  We went to Montreal, hahaha!!!  She is from McGill and is still very familiar with the City.  All the French speaking, Old Montreal, Mount Royal, smoke meat, fresh bagels, lots of French restaurants, brunches, wines, shopping, coffee, the pebble stone roads, etc. are just so different from Toronto.  I love Montreal so much somehow.  It gave me the Europe feeling I guess.  The last time we went to Montreal was probably before Gloria and I got married.  I still remember giving her a few surprises and I actually thought of proposing there, hahaha.  Yes, I even brought my ring but I didn't do it until that winter after, hahaha.  I guess Montreal is always gonna be special to us.  The only concern I had was the drive.  Five hours was actually the longest for the boys and somehow they only slept less than two hours on the way to but thank God that they were in pretty good moods.  Of course, there were constant "fighting" for a few toys, books, drinks, snacks, mommy's attentions, etc but everything was quite smooth.  

Free WiFi PEOPLE, hahaha

6.  That's right, even though it's already September and the summer is pretty much gone, there's still Number 6!  We are expecting to have another trip end of the month.  Looking forward to our first English Division Retreat at Muskoka!!!  Having the five hours Montreal experience, I'm sure the kids will survive a three hour ride, hahaha.  Tell you guys more later.

I was gonna end this post but guess what?  I have a few more things to say cuz' there is no way that I can skip talking a few visitors Catherine and Tanya (and Tony) this summer.  Catherine is Gloria's cousin who is also from Canada.  She is still a member of MCBC I'm sure, haha.  Her girl Tanya is 7 and she's the most innocent kid I have ever met.  They came back for a month and they loved Canada so much that they are planning to come back for good, hahaha.  We'll for sure keep them in prayers.  Jake and Jonah love to hang around Tanya Biu Jeh, especially Jonah.  He was just so attached to her somehow, it was the cutest thing to see.  They have done a lot in a month and I'm not sure what else they can do next time, hahaha, Wonderland, CNE, Toronto Zoo, ROM, Casa Loma, etc. you name it, haha.  Need to praise Jason, another cousin of Gloria who is from here.   He actually took a whole month off for his sister and niece.  Big time salute buddy!!!  

Guess who is Catherine and who is Tanya, haha?

I'm really thankful for such jammed packed summer.  Daddy is adapting to our schedule very well at the same time.  Whenever we are too busy, he would start his diet meals that last for days or a whole week, hahaha.  I think he lost at least 10+lbs, haha, just not sure when he'll gain it back, hahaha.  He also booked his flight back to HK (November to January).  So, he'll be busy there for about two months with Fian and all his friends and family back there before coming back for his mission trip.  Yup, he's going to another mission trip during the Chinese New Year Holidays, hehehe.  Very exciting for him.  No matter where we go, what we do, who we are with, there's just one thing we need to remember, "to finish the race and complete the task He has given me."  Mom has finished her race on earth, I guess I should work even harder and enjoy what's ahead of me, hahaha...

"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." (Acts 20:23-24)

" 只知道在各城裡聖靈向我鄭重地做見證說，有捆鎖和患難等著我。但是我不把自己的生命看為寶貴，為要跑盡我該跑的路程，完成從主耶穌所領受的服事工作，為神恩典的福音鄭重地做見證" (使徒行傳 20:23-24)