Bible verse

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1‭-‬2 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.5.1-2.NIV

Bible verses

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jos.1.9.NIV

Vancouver/ Seattle

Finally some time to pen my thoughts before my next appt. Been wanting to blog abt so many things but always end up with opening paragraphs and then got distracted.

~ The trip ~

The trip was good. It was my first time to Canada and Seattle, and boy did I enjoy myself! The food was soooooo good, definitely better than the typical European countries that I've visited thus far.

Welcome dinner

Dim sum breakfast 

Omakase

And their extensive Asian cuisine made this Chinese girl so comfortable. I was happy to have dim sum, Chinese zicha, and even Japanese soba and sushi! I could come here again if I have the chance coz this was the first time I didnt need open my cup noodles! Also the first time I gain weight after coming back from an ang moh country. 

The extension to Seattle was good too! It was an adventure that the typical me won't consider usually. A client of mine happened to be studying in Vancouver and offered to host us during our extension. I didnt think much before accepting coz the thought of having a local guide was too good to reject. I'm glad I didnt. We had a great time! (despite the initial awkwardness) coz after all, we weren't exactly friends to begin with. But I'm glad that we got to know each other better during this trip. 

Me and my 2 lovely hosts!

Our nice house!

I also got to stay in a nice HOUSE with a fireplace! How cool is that, for a Singaporean city girl! I'm glad I didnt do my extensions at the expensive Fairmont but at cosy affordable air bnb.

I was very fascinated by the automated fireplace but my friends say nowadays all the houses use this. Hahaha..

I'm so glad I tried this while I was in Vancouver! It's so nice and most importantly no q! 

Sitting on the floor of Walmart coz I was too tired from all the walking but mr choo wasn't done yet.. #super unglam but dont care

The unit of the air bnb we stayed on the last night is our wedding anniversary! Oh my 天!

And the 8 days ended faster before I realized. The kids were good with my mama. Told William that perhaps we could do a longer trip next year, now that they are older..

so we came back with 3 full luggage coz uncle pig did ALOT of shopping.. hahahah

Also gave uncle pig a surprise by changing our flights on the trip back. I thought it was a good treat since it was our wedding anniversary.. I slept throughout the 2 flights but he clearly enjoyed the experience.. hahahah

Obedience

Went for an appt today. Client referred his student to me who said she wanted to get hospitalization plans for her parents. I went down to their place at Jurong west. It was a panel meeting, with 3 siblings. 2 were nice simple folks but the eldest son was the stuck up kind. All 3 were below 30. Budget was a constraint so I recommended a lower tier plan. The appt lasted for 2 hrs. I explained all their queries. The 2 sisters were appreciative and thanked me at the end of the appt. The bro wanted to consider. I told them that I could come back again should they decide to get it from me.

I left the appt. I was light hearted. I wasnt complaining or upset. (I could if I wanted to) but The word God gave me was obedience. To obey and do my best in serving others. To not look to man but to Him and fulfil His plans for me. I decided to give thanks coz: 1)At least I had an appt. 2)At least my client thought well of me to refer. 3)Even if they dont get from me, I hope they would get it soon. 4) I manage to educate someone today. 5) count my blessings.

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/php.2.13.NIV

Sweet memories

"如果这份工作这么容易，早就大把人排队做这行了。就是以为这份工作不是每个人都明白它的意义和重要，所以直有我们在做啊!"

I recall a senior comforting me when I was in between sobs. I was disappointed then, having joined this industry with the purpose of helping others. But certainly not everyone sees the same as me. Just kena rejected by a referral call and being "scolded" by my mentor for my (poor) telephone skills. I was disheartened. I wasnt even intending to sell anything to anyone. I just wanted to tell everyone the importance financial planning is!

为什么这么难呢? 难道进这行是错的吗?

Thoughts of leaving? Yes! (All the time, in fact). But I'm reminded by her words this morning as I make my way for my appt. Precisely bcoz few see the importance, thus we need to educate. Bcoz not all are informed, that's why we must 敲锣打鼓 to notify!

Thankful that she shared those encouraging words to me when i was young.

Indeed, even after being here for >16yrs, it can be tough at times. But yes, let's reflect on my initial beginnings and 如果我的热忱还在， 相信的观念依然，那我们就奋斗吧!

#感恩

Devotion

Starting a 1 month devotion for myself. Today's read is on how as mothers, sometimes we yearn to have some quiet time by ourselves, to enjoy our coffee by ourselves but more often than not, even before the coffee is ready, the kids are yelling for our attention/help. Praying for God to be my caffeine, to refresh me, to awaken me every morning. Renew me, as I embark on today's challenges.

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.40.31.NIV

Having a cuppa sinful hot chocolate; planning to make some appts before heading home. If anything, I'm trying hard not to think or worry. There are times when I doubt my self worth, especially in moments like this when I don't have much work. There are times when I think of V, how she must have struggled and how I should have been more aware and reach out to her. Won't things have changed, if we all had..  

Maybe I should go take up some classes, to take the mind away. J probably felt it coming and comforted me when I came in today. I'm ever so thankful for her, who has always been an encourager in my life. If not, I probably wont have lasted that long. 

Maybe I should go back to swimming too.. so that it clears my mind. 

Surrendering to the Lord, for His wisdom n guidance, that in His perfect timing, all will come in place. 

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/col.4.2.NIV

P/S: I went for a swim this morning and it felt so good.. I've forgotten how good it was to swim. Thankful ! Today is a brand new day! Happy weekend !