Galloping to New Year of Horse

At first, we didn’t plan to return to Jakarta for Chinese New Year this year. Our second child had just started at a new school, and the attendance policy is quite strict, so we thought it would be best to stay in Singapore.

However, when our close friends invited us to their baby gender reveal, we simply couldn’t say no. After checking the school schedule and speaking with his teacher, we decided to make it work. Just two weeks before Chinese New Year, we booked our tickets.

The flights weren’t cheap, but they weren’t unreasonable either. In the end, every dollar was worth it.

We spent three nights in Jakarta — short, but deeply meaningful. It was enough time to reconnect with friends, embrace our family, and celebrate Chinese New Year together.

We arrived on Saturday night and checked into the hotel quite late, exhausted but excited.

On Sunday, we attended the gender reveal party at our friend’s house. It was a joyful and intimate celebration, filled with laughter, anticipation, and love.

Monday was slower and more personal. In the afternoon, the kids and I had our haircuts — a small but familiar ritual whenever we return home. In the evening, we gathered with our parents, brother, and sister-in-law for our reunion dinner. Sitting around the same table, sharing stories and food, reminded us how precious these moments truly are.

On Tuesday, we went to our parents’ house, where relatives gathered as they always do during Chinese New Year. The house was alive with conversation, warmth, and togetherness. I even managed to squeeze in a quick massage before heading to the airport that night.

Our flight was delayed by almost two hours, and we finally reached home around 3:30am — exhausted beyond words.

But our hearts were full.

Tired, yet deeply happy.

Thank You, Lord, for this precious time with our family. We are grateful that both our parents are still healthy, strong, and surrounded by love. These are the moments we hold onto — the ones that remind us where we belong.

By The Grace of God

Mama wrote this story so Tromson will always remember that God is with him and has done great things in his life.

Tromson was never the sporty type. Given the choice between exercising or watching TV, he would always choose the latter.

In his CCA, he only switched to volleyball in Primary 5, and he had never been part of the school team.

But one day in January this year, Mama received a WhatsApp message from his coach. The coach said he wanted Tromson to join the school team and asked for our permission to train him twice a week and even in the mornings before school.

We were quite surprised, but we agreed — thinking it would simply be a good chance for him to exercise, without any big expectations.

That decision turned out to change his life.

Even though he only sat on the bench during NSG, he was still officially part of the QIFA volleyball team. And because of that, he became eligible for DSA.

Long story short, Tromson was selected for trials and interviews at three schools, all well-known for their volleyball programs. This week, the results came in: he got one “waiting list” and  “confirmed” offers.

Even though his dream school only put him on the waiting list, there is still hope.

Mama reminded him that all of this is purely by God’s grace. If he gets into the school he really wants, it will be nothing short of a miracle — because we have no control over the outcome.

What I want Tromson to always remember is this: everything he has achieved so far is not just his own effort, but truly by the grace of God.

Happy 12th Birthday, Tromson !

We celebrated Tromson’s birthday in the midst of PSLE preparation — and despite the busy season, we had a truly meaningful and joyful day together.

The day began with back-to-back Sunday Masses, as Mama needed to attend the Commissioning Mass for the Communion Ministry. Afterwards, we treated ourselves to a late lunch at Yakiniku Like — it’s been a while since we enjoyed something a little more "special" in Singapore, hehe…

For dinner, Tromson had a McDonald's treat — a rare occasion, as we usually reserve fast food for special celebrations. We ended the day with a simple candle-blowing moment at home and a family movie night watching The Book of Daniel.

Happy blessed birthday, Tromson. May your heart always remain pure, and may God guide you with His wisdom.

We pray that God grants the desires of your heart — especially your wish to enter your dream secondary school — and that He strengthens you as you prepare for PSLE.

Papa and Mama wish you nothing but good health and the grace to become the best version of yourself.