Phoebs Up

Who knew that the month of October would have been such an eventful one for me. My mother-in-law came and stayed with us for 10 days. I have forgotten the luxury of having a parent around. Someone just being there for you. Some one to coy and talk to you. She was so wonderful. The only thing was , she spoke only in Mandarin.

As  most of you recall i do speak and understand Mandarin but in the last few months or even year i have not  really used it. It really wasn’t that bad. For someone that used to get " ji dan" for Chinese spelling, i surprised myself by speaking quite well with her. Perhaps its David’s good influence?   

But really i managed to get to know my mother-in- law much better. I knew she came from a very humble back ground and had always wanted to give her 2 sons the best. For her this trip had been many a first. Her first time playing mini-golf, first time go-carting, going to on-sen ( seeing her daughter -in law naked ) , seeing David in his own apartment and car. She looked overjoyed to see her son and helped me in many ways.

I truly feel blessed to have a wonderful mom-in-law in her..had so much fun learning " See the sunrise"  song with her, the way she helped in cleaning Copper and sneaking to take a peak at him each morning. When she stood at the departure gate with tears flowing down her face, i looked at her and realized that for once i learned where David got his kind and gentle spirit and that you can say love even without saying a word.

Honestly, I cried on Sunday in church. I was feeling very sorry for myself, my selfish self. Had been feeling lots of disappointment and hopelessly homesick. Yesterday we (David and myself) had a long talk and i started to pray to God. I realize that both David and myself need to have a deeper relationship with God and that i should be a better role model for David too. A couple should lift one another up and God showed me through my Bible study homework.

" In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."-Ephesians 3:12

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."-Colossians 2:2

Hebrews 13:21

"…Our Lord Jesus Christ,the great shepherd of the sheep. Equip you with everything good for doing his will and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever …."

In Bible study we are studying the book of Romans in the Bible and the questions have been very challenging and encouraging at the same time. Who would knew that we could understand Grace much more through knowing the nature of mankind.

 

Mark and Huiyi came to japan too. We meet Mark’s eldest brother Chris and his lovely family too. Isn’t Huiyi pretty too….its in the genes man the genes…                           

But really it was wonderful to see Huiyi. I wished we could have had more time to talk more. In my eyes she is still the quiet little girl that is close to my sis, but now that i have seen her i realized that she had grown into a wonderful woman that her parents can be proud of. Intelligent , witty , kind and loving i can only tell Mark how blessed he is to be with her.   

 

Boo Hoo had to say goodbye to Cooper. Jerm finally came back, while he was away i hated cleaning the poo and urine that Cooper greeted me with . Yet that innocent face nd adoring eyes are so haunting . i shall tell Jerm that i can walk Cooper sometimes.

 

We also welcomed the arrival of my French Friend, Marie’s Baby "Illie" (ellilie)She is such an angel dark hair and blue eyes, born on 3rd Nov. My friend Minnie also gave birth on 30th Oct after 25 grueling hours.

Here’s Illie.Cutie ’s sleeping.

Lastly a story about the tax collector and me:

" Please hold while we connect you…." I stared into the receiver with disbelief, it had been 20mins since i heard that.

I trembled with anticipation of speaking with someone who would understand me, perhaps a lady with a sweet voice might help me? Frustration was beginning to build.

Finally there was a click.

" Err Helo, what is it?" came the male voice on the other end.

" Oh finally ..i wanted to call with to check and clarify some items with you." I spoke.

"So you have been filing well the last few years. What happened?"
He asked.

" Oh i am now staying overseas for a while……" I managed to answer.

 

At the end He said:

" No problem we will waive your penalty and send you the form to fill"

 

Nice guy, really…moral of the story file your taxes even if you have stopped working…scary….

Over all that last month and the beginning of this month had been a rewarding and exciting one . Ain’t it ;P