I was looking forward to this trip even before I left Singapore for the US the first time. Just did not get enough time to pack stuff properly and get the house cleaned properly. While I was there, my second daughter had to do 6 papers in 4 days and my oldest hit the busiest time in her term at university year 2! I felt better being there physically with them even though there isn't much else I could do other then pray. Her first paper was a killer! Heard that students from another JC cried after taking it. I am glad to see that she had grown stronger and was not badly affected.
Thank God for the strength to do all the physical work. In fact I was feeling sick with fever and muscle ache all over my body. I was thinking, what a time to get sick! I have lots to do here. Took vitamin C and 2 paracetamol, lie down half an hour, got up and cleaned again then lie down another 15 mins then got up to continue... and amazingly, the fever and ache just disappeared in half a day! Thank you Lord! Really felt satisfied when I left the house neat and clean after working through the night on the day of departure.
This time we were more ready to rent the rooms out. Having explored various possibilities, it was still difficult to make a decision. I knew it will be a step of faith; the kind of tenants that would be suitable. My well meaning friends would advised me not to rent out to certain groups of people who are not known to be good tenants but ultimately God had his strange ways of working. It was a struggle but I do sense God's leading in the situation. I will share more when things are finalised.
I am so proud of my husband in managing the kids while working during my 2 weeks absence. It was hard work but they did well! So happy to hear that Daniel was in the Principal's honor roll for straight 'A's and good conduct in that short few weeks in 3rd Grade! In fact he took a mock FCAT and passed 3rd grade well!
Davy initiated doing more by signing up for the Virtual School to study Geometry and possibly other subjects later. That would help qualify him to take advanced placement classes next year to earn college credits while in High School.
Joycelyn is doing well and will be performing in the School band Christmas concert. I am looking forward to see her in a gown and playing some solo parts on the bells.
Our concern was that JoyAnn would be emotionally disturbed after I leave. But she is learning to trust God and stay strong to finish up her exams on 2 December.
Jayne is taking her university exams now and preparing to go on a mission trip with Barker Road Methodist Church to Cambodia in December. BRMC subsidized 50% of this trip and she is trusting God to provide the other half. She participated in an exercise at school where they study human behavior/response. They evaluated her for risk taking and somehow compensated $120 for her involvement. ( while others have $60 ) We see God providing for her!
What an interesting journey we have in life when God is the One who holds our hands!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It's Fall.
The weather is getting cooler and chilly at times. We are enjoying the change from the blasting heat of Summer!
It had been a busy, busy 2 months since we left our home country on August 13. Apart from the physical aspect of the relocation were the many emotional "roller coaster rides" in adjustments to culture, systems, processes ... yes, practically everything!
We are glad to have completed yet another major aspect: accommodation. It was September 3 that I shared about the bank's verbal acceptance of our offer and we only managed to officially signed the papers on October 11. In between was a major ride of stress!
Someone informed us that there had been a change in the HDB rules about owning property overseas. I find it totally UNBELIEVABLE! Fortunately after checking with our good friend in real estate, he directed us to HDB website and assured us that since we had been staying at Aljunied for more than 5 years, it does not apply to us!
Then we were kept waiting because they needed to check with the estate management for outstanding bills incurred by previous owner. More issues were uncovered. The amount was more than what the bank had budgeted for, management refused to reduce the figure and the deadline for the offer is closing in. To move things forward, we offered to pitch in and the bank accepted the offer and covered one third of the difference. Our bank in Singapore told us over the phone it would take 3-5 days to move the funds over! Another possible delay? We are getting quite used to it! But we were pleasantly surprised to hear from the lawyer that they received it the next day. Then it was bank holiday in US on October 11 and we were again surprised that we could do the paperwork on that day!
Thank God for His peace that reigns in our hearts and the confident assurance that our faithful God will see us through. We are grateful.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thanks for praying!
Daniel said his goodbyes to Miss Larson and 2nd Grade classmates. A child actually cried because he will miss Daniel! Can't believe that the ties are so strong after just 4 weeks together.
The school actually planned to review his case after the first school exams and inform us in November. I was really uncomfortable with the plan and had to make several calls to different offices before it was decided that Daniel takes an assessment on reading and math. During the official meeting with the school to discuss his promotion, we were informed that he passed 5th Grade in Reading and full score for the 3rd Grade Math ( After some coaching from his teacher concerning US currency. ) We are happy that he can move on rather that having to do 2nd grade because he did not finish his final quarter in Singapore!
Anyway the 3rd Grade classes are too full and the school decided to gather 2-3 students from each class to form a new class with a new teacher. So Daniel will not be the only one who is new. Thank God for this special arrangement!
The class met on Friday and Daniel is sure that he likes his new teacher because she gives out candy! Sweet =)
The school actually planned to review his case after the first school exams and inform us in November. I was really uncomfortable with the plan and had to make several calls to different offices before it was decided that Daniel takes an assessment on reading and math. During the official meeting with the school to discuss his promotion, we were informed that he passed 5th Grade in Reading and full score for the 3rd Grade Math ( After some coaching from his teacher concerning US currency. ) We are happy that he can move on rather that having to do 2nd grade because he did not finish his final quarter in Singapore!
Anyway the 3rd Grade classes are too full and the school decided to gather 2-3 students from each class to form a new class with a new teacher. So Daniel will not be the only one who is new. Thank God for this special arrangement!
The class met on Friday and Daniel is sure that he likes his new teacher because she gives out candy! Sweet =)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
1st fun trip
by Catherine Lim on Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 10:31am
Invited by Roger and Maggie for a boat ride down St John River. Enjoyed the wind when we speed up, watching out for gators, tortises, manatee and birds along the way, great lunch treat and a time to be with our friends. Daniel loved this trip because of a dog named Winston. He really enjoyed it even though he was rather apprehensive when they first met!Before our car pulled out of their compound, Daniel requested that we should come back soon to visit with them again!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Arrived in USA- Part 3 Accomodation
As we take this step of faith in obeying God's leading to relocate, it had been amazing to experience God's faithfulness and love through God's people! We had been serving by faith in Campus Crusade (30 years for me) and God never fails to provide. As we did our sums for the relocation, we were impressed to use our personal funds to purchase a house in Orlando instead of raising funds for our rental. We even thought of "helping God out" by selling our 5 room flat! (What little faith we have!) As it turns out, it's buyers' market with many foreclosure units available. However, it is risky because paper work could take a long time. We decided to just trust God for His provision. No need to sell our house; just wait for this town house that was worth 250K that is going for 110K. We put in an offer to the bank for 100K back in July.
Upon arrival, still no news. Stayed at a rented apartment which is a blessing in disguise! We had a nice place to rest and just focus on getting our 3 kids into the school system. After the kids had started school, I even had time to attend our office ladies' meeting, read books and blog!
On the 12th day since our arrival, our agent asked if we would like to accept a smaller unit which we first booked. Although it was tempting to accept (tired of waiting!) I was not comfortable with a few issues; That unit is being rented out and I do not know the condition after the tenants moved out! The kids will not have enough living space and there's no wow factor, just a house. We decided to wait some more...
In less than a week, the bank finally approved the sale for the bigger unit! We are so relief and thankful! ( Heard that the bank fired the guy working on our case because of his inefficiency and put a new guy on the job. This new guy just accepted our offer without counter offer! )
We are looking forward to complete this purchase and settle in. (2 more weeks?) Meanwhile, we are grateful to enjoy our current rented apartment at a super good rate. Remember us in prayer as we go through this new purchasing process and settling in. More work ahead but I am looking forward to it!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Arrived in USA- Part 2 Transportation
We really missed Singapore's transportation network!
Drove around in a rental car for 2 weeks even though we had bought the 10 year old car because of the procedure required in this land. My husband had to get tested for his local driver's license to qualify for insurance then registration of the number plate. Each step presented its own set of challenges! He had so much trouble studying the high way code, feeling the frustrations that even if he can give the correct answer, say 30 feet, he does know how to guage that distance. But he dutifully pressed on and had perfect score and passed his driving test too. Having seen the trouble he went thru makes me panic! I had not driven for nearly 20 years! Pray for me to overcome my fear.
Then the insurance.
We found a record of the vehicle that it went thru 21 crashes in 9 years! The first company refused to cover this vehicle. Had to source all over again to find a company that is willing! Happily my husband put on the number plate and behold, the battery is flat. We are getting to know the car better day by day and am glad to report that this relationship is working out well with some extra care and loving touches! ( engine oil, brakes, tyres...)
Bicycle.
The drop off / pick up queue takes too long at Daniel's school. We bought 2 bicycles; one for me and one for Daniel on the 1st day of school. Daniel had not riden on a 2 wheel bike before. When he got home from school, daddy taught him and he learnt it in less than 30 minutes! The next morning, we ventured out to school. We had to go slowly and I realised we do not know how to cross the roads. So we had to go a longer route just to avoid crossing any road.
While we are getting familar with biking to and from school, we need to handle the challenge of cycling in the rain. There is no shelter along the way...So looks like I really need to drive.
School bus
The 2 teenagers go to school by school bus. On the day that my husband was away taking his driving test, Joycelyn missed the school bus coming home! After fetching Daniel (which is later than Middle school timing), I had to cycle to our office to get help. Finally, reached her 2 hours after her dismissal!
We still have some way to go before we iron out our transportation issues. Remember us the next time you are on the road!
Drove around in a rental car for 2 weeks even though we had bought the 10 year old car because of the procedure required in this land. My husband had to get tested for his local driver's license to qualify for insurance then registration of the number plate. Each step presented its own set of challenges! He had so much trouble studying the high way code, feeling the frustrations that even if he can give the correct answer, say 30 feet, he does know how to guage that distance. But he dutifully pressed on and had perfect score and passed his driving test too. Having seen the trouble he went thru makes me panic! I had not driven for nearly 20 years! Pray for me to overcome my fear.
Then the insurance.
We found a record of the vehicle that it went thru 21 crashes in 9 years! The first company refused to cover this vehicle. Had to source all over again to find a company that is willing! Happily my husband put on the number plate and behold, the battery is flat. We are getting to know the car better day by day and am glad to report that this relationship is working out well with some extra care and loving touches! ( engine oil, brakes, tyres...)
Bicycle.
The drop off / pick up queue takes too long at Daniel's school. We bought 2 bicycles; one for me and one for Daniel on the 1st day of school. Daniel had not riden on a 2 wheel bike before. When he got home from school, daddy taught him and he learnt it in less than 30 minutes! The next morning, we ventured out to school. We had to go slowly and I realised we do not know how to cross the roads. So we had to go a longer route just to avoid crossing any road.
While we are getting familar with biking to and from school, we need to handle the challenge of cycling in the rain. There is no shelter along the way...So looks like I really need to drive.
School bus
The 2 teenagers go to school by school bus. On the day that my husband was away taking his driving test, Joycelyn missed the school bus coming home! After fetching Daniel (which is later than Middle school timing), I had to cycle to our office to get help. Finally, reached her 2 hours after her dismissal!
We still have some way to go before we iron out our transportation issues. Remember us the next time you are on the road!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Arrived in USA- Part 1 School
So much had happened since we arrived!
Thank God for this time for me to count His blessings. Thank God for GPS! We needed to go places to get proof of residence, health records, physical check up, driver's licence as well as grocery and stationery. The GPS is quite reliable and we could even check an estimated time of arrival at our destination.
Enrolment for school is tedious. Some immunisations done back home was not acceptable and had to be done again plus other compulsory jabs required for school here. Joycelyn had 4, Daniel 3 and Davy 1. Ouch! (When Davy had chicken pok at 6 months of age, I was upset wondering why he contracted it while still being breastfed. Now, I am grateful as Davy hates needles and he was spared from the chicken pox vaccine this time round!) We know that medical cost is very high here and thus were pleasantly surprised that my kids jabs are FREE!
The High School needed some document and fixed an appointment with an office downtown for Tuesday after school had started. We wanted the kids to start school with everyone else on Monday. God uses my husband gift of being very meticulous to spot the mistake. We do not need that Tuesday appointment instead went to another place and got the document done on the spot without prior appointment in less than 30 minutes!
Our children needed a physical done within a month after school starts. Like a true blue Singaporean we rushed down to a school clinic before it closes for the day. But it was too late and the staff were leaving. We stopped them and inquired about the procedure to get an appointment and was told that the slots available are in September but could pay US$40 for a walk in clinic. Anyway, we called back the next day and was surprised that we were given an appointment for the following day! And so we saved some money, got it done and out of our to-do list and know that are kids are very healthy and fit for school! Because Davy and Joycelyn are interested in doing sports, those certificates came in handy to qualify them for sports tryouts too!
Daniel came back from school the first day and declared that he loved school! I asked him why and he said,
" We get to eat snack in class and they served us Hotdog for lunch!"
Well, while he is enjoying his current situation, I am busy fighting to put him into Grade 3! Because he did not complete his P2, the school had to put him back in Grade 2. They did not want to see his report book nor his Mid year exams script for English and Maths but assured us that he will get promoted to 3rd grade if he do well for his exams in October. I really wanted him to settle down with his class as quickly as possible instead of moving him later. We had spoken with the Principal, Vice Princpal as well as authorities outside the school. The teacher will help gather the data and advise us accordingly. Trust God to grant us favor with the school.
The teens are still figuring their way around in this new system and environment. Pray that they will find good friendships that will build and edify.
Thank God for this time for me to count His blessings. Thank God for GPS! We needed to go places to get proof of residence, health records, physical check up, driver's licence as well as grocery and stationery. The GPS is quite reliable and we could even check an estimated time of arrival at our destination.
Enrolment for school is tedious. Some immunisations done back home was not acceptable and had to be done again plus other compulsory jabs required for school here. Joycelyn had 4, Daniel 3 and Davy 1. Ouch! (When Davy had chicken pok at 6 months of age, I was upset wondering why he contracted it while still being breastfed. Now, I am grateful as Davy hates needles and he was spared from the chicken pox vaccine this time round!) We know that medical cost is very high here and thus were pleasantly surprised that my kids jabs are FREE!
The High School needed some document and fixed an appointment with an office downtown for Tuesday after school had started. We wanted the kids to start school with everyone else on Monday. God uses my husband gift of being very meticulous to spot the mistake. We do not need that Tuesday appointment instead went to another place and got the document done on the spot without prior appointment in less than 30 minutes!
Our children needed a physical done within a month after school starts. Like a true blue Singaporean we rushed down to a school clinic before it closes for the day. But it was too late and the staff were leaving. We stopped them and inquired about the procedure to get an appointment and was told that the slots available are in September but could pay US$40 for a walk in clinic. Anyway, we called back the next day and was surprised that we were given an appointment for the following day! And so we saved some money, got it done and out of our to-do list and know that are kids are very healthy and fit for school! Because Davy and Joycelyn are interested in doing sports, those certificates came in handy to qualify them for sports tryouts too!
Daniel came back from school the first day and declared that he loved school! I asked him why and he said,
" We get to eat snack in class and they served us Hotdog for lunch!"
Well, while he is enjoying his current situation, I am busy fighting to put him into Grade 3! Because he did not complete his P2, the school had to put him back in Grade 2. They did not want to see his report book nor his Mid year exams script for English and Maths but assured us that he will get promoted to 3rd grade if he do well for his exams in October. I really wanted him to settle down with his class as quickly as possible instead of moving him later. We had spoken with the Principal, Vice Princpal as well as authorities outside the school. The teacher will help gather the data and advise us accordingly. Trust God to grant us favor with the school.
The teens are still figuring their way around in this new system and environment. Pray that they will find good friendships that will build and edify.
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