In the age of digitization, finding a physical photo album or prints are hard to find. Photos are burn onto CDs, uploaded on Facebook, shared on Trip Advisor and emailed to friends. Whilst this digital phenomenon has made destinations more ‘accessible’ and it has also allowed friends to digitally travel with other friends without leaving our seats – it has also rid us of the nostalgia of flipping through physical photo albums and cleaning dusty albums whilst having a good laugh or cry over memorable milestones.

Since technology is moving so rapidly, we figured that one day, photo albums will not exist and we better create an option before its to late! We still want to have the assurance that pictures and physical memories can be accessible in the event our nation’s power source goes kaput or if our hard disk crashes.

So we decided to continue our meticulous efforts in creating scrapbooks! We’ve spent hours sorting through colours papers, choosing borders, buying embellishments, sticking, stamping and stenciling – it’s what we do with our free time, our together time – reliving our trip once again through the creation of our 4th photo book.

We’ve reached yet another milestone in our marriage, though our wedding was 2 years ago, the celebration continues (everyday). It’s been an incredible adventure thus far. Sure we have our squabbles, rifts and not-so-great-days, but conflicts only makes us a better person, a stronger couple – if we choose to work through it. One of the things that amaze me most about Terence is his passion and sincerity to work this marriage. Honeymoon years are great, feeling all fuzzy and warmth in the new found union – time passes quickly too but for a marriage to last, it takes lots of work and effort to prepare for turbulent times. I’m ever grateful to have a husband which sure foresight to challenge us to greater depth and heights.

Over the last 2 years, we’ve reached our lifelong dream to travel to 2 continents, made a new list of destinations to conquer, created our own set of rules at No.8 (for example, if Terence cooks, Deb doesn’t enter the kitchen, if she does she’d end up complaining at how messy it is) and learned which buttons to push and which to stay clear of.

We’ve learned that loving without holding back makes us vulnerable to each other but almost always, it opens an opportunity for us to receive more than we can ever give. How true when the Bible says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). I love the Maker and Author of marriages! My deepest desire is for this marriage to be a reflection of Him – His love and character.

My grandmother turned 89 on Monday thirtieth November two thousand and nine. We didn’t throw a big party inviting friends and family – it was just an intimate affair. About two and a half weeks ago, Mama was readmitted into the hospital for blood transfusion and extra care for the bed sores she developed from the lack of mobility after her hip operation.

On Monday, we visited mama at the hospital with a surprise birthday cake. She had no clue it was her birthday (signs of dementia). It has been two and a half weeks since I saw her and I was already starting to miss her. We gently opened the door to her room and peeked in, the minute her eyes caught us, she beamed from ear to ear and sprung upright on the bed… I would give the world to have those few seconds replayed.

We stuck eight big candles and nine small ones into the petite cake and sang the birthday song. Mama blew the candles heartily until all the flames went out and we prayed for her… It was a great privilege to be praying for Mama because she has been my prayer warrior since young. Day after day she would converse with God and each time she would meticulously mention her children and grandchildren’s names. That was her ministry… and she faithfully continued in that steadfastness and persevering faith.

And although she her memory is somewhat fading away (and her conversations with God may come in repetitions), I know that God is still her best friend and He is never bored of listening. Every now and then I would ask her, “Mama, do you talk to Jesus?”She will confidently answer, “Of course I pray. I always talk to Jesus”.

She will always be my prayer warrior despite her old age and frail frame – her spirit speaks strength and tenacity.

In retrospect, God has been so good. Time and again I see His wisdom & strength steering the RR ship through Terence. There’s been incredible favour and camaraderie amongst the leaders and rangers – surely if you have been in ministry long enough, you would know that the latter cannot be bought instead it’s earned and often unmerited.

The AR girls growth is another milestone to shout about. In the short 10 months, I see timid personalities crawl out of their shells, new friendships made, trust established to be able to talk about  pertinent youth and of course… crazy girly fun. All this would not be possible without the help of my fantastic commanders that care as much for the girls as I do. So I continue to dream big and prayer harder for an even better year in 2010…

Snapshots from the anniversary (courtesy of Josh)

Sunday: Mama admitted to hospital. We visited her with dinner and loads of smiles.

Monday: Mama checked my cardiologists to ensure that her heart condition is stable for surgery. She had a triple bypass at 70 in Australia and now a hip bone surgery at 89?! What a fighter! Needless to say we were all worried sick but trusted that God is in control.

Tuesday
730am: Mama got wheeled into the operation theatre. Doc told us that it’ll be a 1hr surgery. She was calm but also had a lot running through her mind. The night before she dreamt of king crabs attacking her and some other nasty dream and even accidentally pulled the blood filled tubes connecting to her veins out. We prayed for her before she went into the operation theatre, kissed her and exchanged “I love you’s”. The sliding doors slammed shut leaving us in a cold waiting room.

930am: Anxiously waiting as nurses pushed other patients out of the theatre. The feeling is unnerving, like knots in your stomach and the ability to only breathe shallow breaths.

1130am: Still no signs of her…

1230noon: Finally out!  Drifting in and out of sleep for the first few hours after surgery. We came back in the evening to find her propped up in bed looking much better than before the op. She smiled as we walked in, ate 2 bowls of porridge and drank loads of water. What a relieve! Her recovery was already in progress.

Wed – Friday: Every morning the Chan brood brings her favourite peanut butter and kaya bread for breakfast. She rests the other good half of the day with constant monitoring from doctors and nurses. We return in the evening with dinner and spends time talking with her.

Doctor has given us the good news that she can be discharged soon! Praise God… It’s now coping with a few changes at home. Mama will need vigilant care and physiotherapy to get her back on her feet. It’s been a whirlwind week but God has kept us at the eye of the storm – His peace truly transcends all understanding.