Since 2016 I have been trying to make it a habit to post my annual gratitude list on my birthday. I just read my 2016 and 2017 posts again as I write this, and it’s interesting how long back those two years feel, and almost forgotten:
2016: Wow. Book published. Blog revamped. Baby on the way. Breakthrough (financial). Busting out fires in prayer. Read it here.
2017: It was a crazy year, indeed, and how can I forget I got held up at the Japan immigration?! Read it here.
This year, I’d summarize it to no less than a year of transitions. It started with us flying back from another lovely December-January holidays in Japan. I moved from my team of eight years to a new role, with a new team, new environment, new nature of projects, new everything. Pao went back to work after what felt like forever staying home with Noah. Noah started going to “school.”
It was a year of stretching—of growth pains—and I am beyond grateful for the what got me through it all this year:
1. God’s Unwavering Faithfulness
We usually urge one another to have unwavering faith on God, but throughout the year, I have been nothing but a recipient of God’s unwavering faithfulness. The transitions upon transitions literally felt like running day and night under water. But I was running with the current of God’s grace and a firm resolve that He who called knows what’s best.
2. Pao’s Embracing of the Seasons
There were times I needed to give extra time in the office, to work at/all night from the house, and to take extra rest. I’m very, very grateful that my husband has been so understanding, embracing with me God’s new mission for me.
3. My Mom and Dad
With everything that was happening, we frequented staying at their place more than ever just so we can breathe (you know, food on the table more than three times a day without having to cook!), and also when we needed to both be at work and Noah needed to be nursed because he was sick. From always welcoming us back home, to sending cooked meals, to suddenly paying for what I got from the shelf, to taking us with them to Malaysia and Europe, and everything else in between and beyond, I’m really grateful they’re my parents!!!
4. Friends of Old
For some time, I felt uprooted when I left my old team, but the move has proven that our bond was not just because we were workmates. Them visiting me whenever they can get the chance to were always gasps of fresh air. The physical separation forged stronger bonds and I simply so grateful. I am also very thankful for my constant, non-clingy, low-maintenance friends who have helped me weather different seasons.
5. New-Found Friends
For a while, I have been overwhelmed with everything that needed to get done and everything (and everyone) that I had to leave behind (well, they’re just at the other side of EDSA) that I have been more vocal of how difficult the adjustment was for me than how grateful I am that my new team has welcomed and trusted me since day one. I look forward to building with my new-found friends, teammates, leaders, and everyone God has yet to have me cross paths with.
2018: a year of transitions, and thanksgiving. ❤️
