Montreux again!

My parents and sis came 2 weeks ago. We planned a short 4 day stay in Montreux as we heard a lot about the Christmas markets there. Here was our itinery.

Day 1: Chateau Chillon (on the weekends in the month of Dec, the chateau has people dressed up in old times and performances around the castle, an oldern canteen with mulled wine etc, a small petting zoo, on top of the usual castle visit)
Day 2: Took a train to Gruyeres to see the famous cheese factory and then to the Cailler chocolate factory (the choco factory is amazing!!! We had so much choco samples and it was so delicious, the whole factory visit about the history of chocolate etc was so delightful!)
Day 3: Montreux Christmas markets (this was ok, but not as fun as Colmar, we finished walking all 170 stalls in 2 hours. Good thing it was near the lake, so it was nice. There are child friendly activities and a nice performance of flying Santa across the lake.)
Day 4: Train to Rochers De Naye (we did this so E cld see Mr Santa- turns out he's a heavy smoker with bad breath 😫. I quickly took the picture and left. E got to see some snow and we had a mini snowball fight too, that was fun!)

Some pics... (Rochers De Naye, then Montreux from far)

First snow!

2 weeks ago, we finally had our first snowfall. Think it only lasted about an hour and then it stopped and never happened again. 😒 We were so excited for that hour though. E had just fallen asleep and then we got a text from our SG friend about the snow- we dashed out in our pajamas and kept snapping pictures. Haha true singaporeans 😆. M kept asking if we could wake E up to catch the first snowfall and i was like "NO WAY!!!"

Now its back to rain rain rain... 😔 disappointed coz my parents are here and we can't go out much.

Christmas markets weekend...

We went to Annecy again one afternoon when M's sister was visiting with us- Christmas in winter is really different!! Finally, i'm seeing and feeling what the Ang-moh christmas movies try to show us. They really can celebrate it - specialized Christmas-ware, real trees, lights... It's crazy. Anyways, we were there only a few hours and M decided it was not enough for the first christmas overseas, so we took off last weekend to Colmar, Strasbourg and BERN. My conclusion: the French can celebrate it better than the Swiss.

Colmar is beautiful. We spent a whole day at the Christmas markets and we did not even finish it. We had our first "vin chaude" (hot wine) and we ate churros!!! I went nuts with the crafts on sale and bought a few things for our tree. There were kiddy rides too so E was happy, he got to sit the train and i accompanied him on our first horse ride (fake horse 😄). However, M and I really struggled to carry E around 😰. He pooped after an early dinner so that was the signal to go back...

I put a pic of the hotel room here, can you believe it?? The bathroom and the bedroom are combined. Maybe they ran out of money to finish the wall. Hahaha...

The next day we went to Strasbourg. It was not as nice as Colmar but we did enjoy the food and crafts. The last day we were supposed to go back to Geneva and it was a 4 hour plus drive so we broke it up and stopped by Bern. We only saw one Christmas market but it was kinda sad. Expensive and no crafts. However, we bought our Christmas tree on the way home! M insists on having a real one as it's our first Christmas overseas... zzz... It is beautiful but our friend did not realise how much water it guzzles 😭, not to mention the falling leaves i have to sweep EACH DAY.

It's a little bare still but we will spruce it up... Now we have to start planning its funeral and burial...

E's first masterpiece

Here’s E’s first artwork!! I’m gonna keep it forever (hahaha probably won’t happen). We went for term review with his school teacher recently and she asked for feedback. I told her that i notice he doesn't seem to like doing artwork as i see other kids bringing paintings home but not E. The next day, she brought me into the classroom and showed me some stuff he made 😆... 

He's growing so fast... He even can request for his favourite food now- he kept asking me if i cooked chicken macaroni and if i could do it, so i made that for lunch for him today. He even reminded before he left the house to cook for him. 😏 

Treasuring the changing seasons, falling leaves... 💗

Rations!!

Got this nice package from home!! So happy! Really thank God for family support esp in the last 2 weeks when M was overseas. I’ve been calling my parents and sis every lunch time to help me entertain E (read him books he left behind and show him around their home) while I feed him lunch. It’s always hard coz school drains him and he’s so tired and cranky when he gets home. So they’ve been such lifesavers to me at lunch. 😅

Then M’s Sister came the second week so it was nice to have some adult company (not to mention more help with E 😁). We also got down to buying the induction cooker so we could eat hotpot together - perfect for cold weather!

Ah, home comforts... sad... my pig ears are running out 😟 and they only arrived yesterday afternoon!!!

Persistence

On school days, i push E in a pram. It's easy going to school due to the downhill journey- the pram practically pulls me. However, the return journey is TOUGH. As he grows, i can't carry him for long as i used to be able to. The pram helps but to push both the pram and E up the hill to get home- it makes my heart pound so hard and my lungs feel emptied of air. I have to tell E to stop talking to me because i am not sure if i can make it home. 😵

Makes me think of what i have been reading in a book recently:
"The righteousness God seeks is a persistent righteousness, a commitment to continue making the right decision even when, perhaps hourly, you feel being pulled in the opposite direction. Holiness is far more than an inclination toward occasional acts of kindness and charity; it is a commitment to persistently surrender to God." (Gary Thomas, Sacred Marriage)

It's a tough call, but we just have to keep walking... keep trying... and eventually make it home. 👣

New discoveries!

Yesterday, we went with E's classmate and her parents to discover a new place called a ludotheque. It's a toy library where kids can play for free or rent games to bring home for 30 CHF a year. Another mom told me she brings her daughter there on Wednesdays when there is no school so i was keen to check it out. It's amazing!! There was like a little people's kitchen with all the normal household things, even an ironing board, iron, broom, vacuum cleaner... E and J were so happy! That's them in the kitchen cooking.

There's also a small post office with fake letters, parcels and a cash register. E played and played, he even forgot his mid morning teabreak. 😄

There were librarians keeping the toys as the kids messed them up. We went quite early so it was pleasant with few kids for the first hour. By 11am, the place was mad... Crazy toddlers fighting over the toys and throwing things around. So we took off for lunch! Our friends took us to the Palace of Nations - you need a special pass to enter and as diplomats, they were allowed to bring guests. It was ASEAN week so the cafeteria was selling Nasi Lemak!! 😋

Of course, it was not original original, but for me, close enough!! I enjoyed it. E came home and crashed! I think this idea of Ludotheques are pretty cool!! They'll probably be seeing more of E and i in the coming days... 😉😆

Beep Beep!

Finally! The 🚗 came this week. We purchased it 3 weeks back and was hoping to get it the same week. How our hearts sank when the dealer told us the traffic police could not accept the vehicle registration as our home address was wrong. Disappointed, we had to run to the canton office to get it changed and it took 2 weeks!! Yes, just to change the address. 

However, we are glad to finally have it, and just nice, with M on leave to collect it. It is our first car and so we are really excited about it. It's nice to finally be able to do groceries in France without killing my cartilages walking across the Swiss-French border (to save money). And to go to church on time, without having to check the Sunday bus schedules (bus intervals are half hourly on Sundays). 😊

Valleys vs Mountains

After the weekend trip, I asked M which he liked better. Was it the valleys (Lauterbrunnen) or mountaintops (Jungfrau)? Personally, I felt the valleys were way more beautiful- it was warmer, the vegetation more luscious and colourful, the majestic waterfalls... Up on the mountains, there is less oxygen, everything is white and covered in snow.

It made me think of the valleys of life, how sometimes, it's only when we hit rockbottom that we see God and draw near to Him. The beauty of His presence there abounds. I've been reading this book "the promise is His presence- why God is always enough" by Glenna Marshall. An excerpt that really sums up what valleys mean for us...

"Was God good in allowing Israel to circle the wilderness for four decades? How was His purpose both sovereign and good when He closed the door pf the promised land to an entire generation? Though their disbelief came with long term repercussions, God was still good to them, and He demonstrated this in many ways. In the desert of discipline, Israel harvested the fruit of His regular prescence: their clothes never wore out, their shoes withstood four decades of walking, and they always had the food they needed. During the anguish of waiting, God was teaching them to trust Him. There was reason for them to praise Him in the wilderness- for His preservation, His provision, His presence... Every painful piece of our lives on earth is an opportunity for us to love Him and be loved by Him- to know He is with us and to enjoy His nearness even in sorrow."

Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch and Grindelwald

M managed to take leave on Friday and we brought his parents to the Berner Highlands. It’s the Swiss alps and I must say it’s amazing. Probably the perfect holiday destination. I told M and my in laws many times that I cannot believe we have not ever thought of coming to these ‘Ricola places’ (It really looks like it came out of the Ricola commercials) I think they are best seen in summer and winter, most people go during those times.

We stayed in an Airbnb for 2 nights in Interlaken. Below is a picture taken near the place. 

The first day, we did Lauterbrunnen, which is a beautiful valley with beautiful waterfalls. We saw the Staubbach and Trummelbach falls. We went to the small village Wengen and took the aerial cable car up to Mannlichen. Amazing views... The whole place is so tranquil and quiet, only the melodious chimes of the cow bells 💗

Second day, we went to Jungfraujoch. It’s so high up it took us forever (like 3 hours each way) to get there. We covered it in under 2 hours. We spent a lot of time at lunch coz the service was ultra slow... 😠. Saw the TOP of Europe, Lindt Choco factory, alpine sensation and ice palace. Very nice but I think once is enough. I have no desire to sit another 3 hours of train just to see it again. It was also filled with tourists...

Last day we did Grindelwald. We just spent time at First to do the Tissot Walk. I think the more fun part is riding the cable car up (E loved it) and then for M and I- riding the mountain cart down!! The mountain cart was good fun! Here's a pic of the view you get from mountain-carting:

Had a great weekend though it was crazy riding the trains around. 😊 Now back to reality... 😅

Crazy week...

It's been a crazy week for us. M's dad came, then our classmate. I was tour guide and thank God everything flowed nicely. Though the house was full to the brim, the company was so nice. Our friend left yesterday and today, MIL and FIL went to Zurich for a short trip. So suddenly, the house is quiet. Also just realised next week is school holiday for E (yeah i've been too blur- there was a notice on the school door and i totally missed it. I only found out thru talking with the other mommies at the Harvest Supper 😱). This means it's me and him alone!! Thrown in the deep end.  Yay. Haha... tbc...

Remember

Time really flies, it's been a month since we came. So many things happened and there was much scrambling to get settled down. Only in the last week, when E started school, did some kind of routine got established. I am starting to get used to it. However, each time I think i'm managing it well and that i can make it, I start to hear another voice telling me it's because my MIL is here with me. That voice starts to ask me if I can manage without her, if I can do this all by myself- keep the house, manage E, study, everything. Amidst that doubt and self talk, I need to choose to hear the Voice of Truth. The only way is keep walking on is to know who God is and to remember what He has done and can do. It reminded me of a song the pastor shared a few weeks back- Remember by Bryan and Katie Torwalt.

How quickly we forget the God
Who lives in everyday
How easy to lose sight that You
Reside in the mundane
How quickly we forget the power
That's running through our veins
The kind of power that empties graves

And oh my soul
Remember who you're talking to
The only One who death bows to
That's the God who walks with you

And oh my soul
You know that if He did it then
He can do it all again
His power can still raise the dead
Don't tell me that He's finished yet

Let's we not forget the voice
That's holding back the waves
Was once the voice that told the skies
To pour them into place
Let us join the endless song of everlasting praise
The only God who empties graves

He did it!

E made it through the full session today!! It's been slightly over a week since he started school and he seems to be ok with the whole idea. Today, the teacher said he could join the walk and finish the full programme. I went to pick him and managed to catch the whole bunch of them walking back to school! 😍 They are all so cute!! The teacher makes them wear this yellow vest that connects them in a line.

On the side, our shipping finally came. Finally we can be civilised, my MIL says. 😆

E goes to school

Yesterday was E's first day at school. The teacher recommended I stay with him for half an hour and then take him home, and over the next 2 weeks, we can try to ease him in depending on his response. I've been worried since he's never been to school before. Also because he seemed to become very reluctant to go to Sunday school in the last few weeks when we were back in SG. However, at our second visit to church in Geneva, he actually went into the cry room to play toys on his own! So I took heart and prayed school will be ok.

I took him there and he was the first kid. I think it is a blessing in disguise we haven't received our shipping- there are not many toys at home and he is so bored! So when he saw the toys in the room, he was delighted and started playing with them while waiting for the others to arrive.😂 There were farm toys, cars and tracks, and his favourite- kitchen set. He kept going there and he hardly looked up to see if I was there. I stayed in the corner and he ended up staying for an hour. Then we took him back.

Tomorrow will be the second day (Wednesdays no school #genevalife). We are supposed to try and leave him after staying for 10 mins then coming back in half hour to pick him. Our shipment is supposed to come too so my MIL will take him instead of me. Will see how it goes... to be continued...

Annecy

Went to visit Annecy over the weekend. It's a really beautiful place in France with its own lake- filled with water from the mountains. The old town is really nice and looks a little like Venice with a small river flowing through. Both sides of the river have many shops - restaurants, crafts, ice cream, bakeries... We had lunch at Le Raymond Savoyard -we had the famous local tartiflette and finished it off with ice cream from Glacier Des Alpes. E was happy to finish almost a whole raisin pastry for his lunch. 😋

M's birthday!

Been practicing for 3 weeks before I came how to make hokkien mee for M's bday (recipe from the burning kitchen). He has been craving this since the day he came to Geneva and it's the dish he misses most. I was quite proud of my attempts as everyone commented it tasted quite original! So with confidence, I came to Geneva thinking I would wing it and surprise him on his birthday.

Unfortunately, after hunting around and hiking to the Asian grocer in France, I still could not get the right yellow noodles and vermicelli. Seafood is crazily expensive too! And more bad news... I forgot to bring the sambal chilli 😫!! NOOOOOO!!! So the end product is above- substandard hokkien mee. 😔

M was quite sweet though and still said it was good. 

HOME FLOOD!!

It happened... the first home emergency. We were having tea on a quiet Sunday afternoon when the kitchen floor started flooding. 😱😱😱 It must be every tenant's worse nightmare- something breaking down and you aren't sure if it's your fault. I was so nervous also because it was Sunday- how will we find a plumber if we needed one?

Thankfully, M found the cause- a loose connection in the pipes, and fixed it. There was a crazy mess to clean up after but I am thankful we did not have to call a plumber.

It's only been a week in Geneva but it has been busy. Our landlord sent her helper to come and grab some things she left behind just now. The helper asked if I was looking for some part time help and the cheapskate side of me quickly replied "no". However, when she left, I was wondering maybe I should not have been so quick to reject and instead ask how much she charges, to keep my options open. 😩 Oh well, time will tell if I survive... 😐

New home

Got to Geneva in a piece! Yay! Was worried how E would handle the flight but he was ok- slept through most of it and did not ask to walk around the plane! 😁 phew!!

The last 5 days have been super tiring. Moving into a new place and our things from SG aren't here yet (kitchen ware, E's toys, our mattress...) is rather inconvenient. So many new kitchen/laundry appliances we have to learn how to use, even opening our doors and windows needs special lessons! There is cleaning up too... 😓 We've been eating out of plastic containers and using disposable cutlery- until we realised that it was melting when we used it to cook 😝. However, I am thankful for God's provision of this place and also my MIL who is with me. I am surviving week 1 and it is getting better. I catch myself getting worried about what I will do when she leaves and if I can handle everything on my own (I had flashbacks of the time when my confinement nanny left and I cried my eyeballs out worrying about how to handle E on my own when M goes to work). However, as a trusted mentor shared, that there is no use worrying, eventually I will get the hang of it, and the pain of the stresses endured will be forgotten. Only the beautiful and fond memories will stay. And I shall be able to look back and laugh at it all - like how I can laugh at myself worrying about how to care for an infant. 😁

*E's new caravan home that is keeping him entertained and providing us a source of relief while we rush about the household chores. Heehee- #iloveikea. He even stole a plastic sheet from the kitchen to use as a doormat for his humble abode. 😂

Bittersweet...

My bitter yet sweet thoughts on leaving in a few days.... 😩😊

- Happy because we will reunite with M, sad because we are leaving our families/friends

- Adventurous because it will be a new life/environment, apprehensive because much unknown lies ahead and no routine yet

- Peaceful because we have seen God provide for us and we know we can call on Him, yet anxious at times

- Full of faith sometimes, yet faithless

- Full of ideas, yet worried i cannot do them

Thankfully, knowing God and who He has been to me sweetens most of my bitter thoughts (except the first about leaving other loved ones behind). It seems that when i look at God, i can only taste my sweet thoughts. 

House Hunting

House hunting was truly a lesson in faith for both M and I. We came to Geneva early to look at a few places. It was rather nerve wrecking at times as we recalled the many experiences recounted by previous people who have gone before us - vacancy rate is low, throw in whatever application you need because you don't know what you can get...

There were also barriers - agents who don't reply, agents who only spoke french, everybody only works mon-fri 9am-5pm... Time was also limited and we were desperate. The time spent waiting in between of things happening was really 😰.

However, during those first 2 weeks, even though we were far away from home, living in a hotel room and frantically scrolling the housing site, emailing or texting the agents, waiting, etc, God came to me in my devotional lessons. I was reading Ezra 5-6 on temple rebuilding. The governor of Trans-Euphrates came and questioned the Israelites about who allowed them to rebuild the temple. However, a search was made and indeed it was proven that King Cyrus had indeed approved this temple to be rebuilt. In fact, King Darius further decreed that whatever they needed shall be given to them to assist them to complete this work they started. God is amazing. Because His hand was on the Israelites, though they faced oppositions, they were able to overcome it and usually got more than what they hoped for.

A few days later, i read Nehemiah 3-5. Nehemiah also faced many problems rebuilding the city of Judah. He was taunted and ridiculed by Sanballat, his labourers were tiring out from the work, his own people were afraid of being attacked by others... Yet, he chose the best thing to do- continue to pray and strategise. He refused to let fear destroy or stop them. It reminded me that the only person who knows and can make a difference in any circumstance is God. He is the only one i can and should be calling upon. God can do what no man can. So we prayed.

We found a beautiful place that was near M's work and E's school. It was a nice quiet neighbourhood and near a pharmacy and grocery place. It was fully furnished too. The only problem was that it exceeded the rental ceiling given by M's company. There was another cheaper place but much further down the road, not furnished, no ceiling lights. We considered it still as it was near Lake Geneva and a beautiful park. We made applications for both. The fully furnished place we saw replied real quickly and accepted us!! We were confused because frankly, we did not dare pin our hopes too high. It was unbelievable that she responded within half a day and made us an offer. We decided we would pray some more as it may mean forking out the excess rental each month since it was over the budget. M decided he would write to his company too to give them a heads up. We waited for another few days and talked over the 2 places alot, comparing the pros and cons. Then M's company replied to say that they would raise the rental ceiling!! It was clear as day- we should choose the first place. God is indeed good. He not only provided a house, He provided the furnishings, good location, a landlady who lives near by...

There were many other hitches in between like getting the bank account, paying the bills that were rolling in even before the bank account could be opened, etc. However, in the past 3 weeks, i also see God's hand at work in our small insignificant lives.

Indeed, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

Nyon

Thought i'd better put this in before i forget. Went to Nyon over the weekend. It's a small town just about half an hour by train from Geneva. It's beautiful!!

They have quite a collection of museums over there- we paid 12 CHF for a full year pass to see 8 museums (some in Coppet, the next town). It's one time entry but i still think it is quite worth it. M and i covered 3 museums that day- the Chateau de Nyon, Roman museum and the Musee du Leman. They were pretty small but enough. It happens that the weekend we were there, there was an antique fair also! There were tents set up in the street and we enjoyed browsing the stuff on sale. We used to watch "Antiques Road Trip" together so we always wanted to go antique shopping ourselves. #signsofaging

What i liked about this place was that it was small and quaint. It is perfect for a day trip, unlike Lausanne- which is big, walked around too much and had so much free time with nothing much to see/do.

My new favourite thing to do

Since last Thursday, M has been going to work. We got me a weekly pass on the public transport so I would not have to be cooped up at the hotel. I went to explore a few museums on Geneva- the red cross, Ariana, art and history museum. However, everything is always opened only after 10am and most museums (maybe all), closed on Mondays (life here is good- for the Swiss). That does not work so well for me, since I am a morning person. So, I take the bus with M to his work place, say bye, then take another bus to my now favourite place in Geneva- Le Jardin Botanique.

The botanic gardens open at 8am and in summer, this place is beautiful. Not only the flowers are in full bloom, the weather - breezy and a touch of the sun rays on the skin- parfaite! There is hardly anyone at this time so it is super serene. I find my usual bench and start devouring my A.C crime novels. I have not read fictional books for a long time and did not realise what a luxury this is. Therefore, this has come to be my favourite thing to do. Then I hit the museums once it starts warming up and the kids all come into the botanical gardens to destroy its peace. 😒

I realised, in Geneva/Switzerland, you need to have a good book/kindle at hand, everywhere you go. Everything happens so slowly here, there is so much waiting in between. It is very frustrating, coming from Singapore, where efficiency is our pride. Starting a swiss bank account takes 8 days for activation??! 😲 Not to mention, talking to the banker to start the account took us almost 2 hours 😱. He got our names/surnames mixed up, printed them wrong, then changed on the computer, said he had to call some central line to get it changed also, printed the forms again, … argh, you get it. 

Well, but the good thing is that there is no lack of gardens and parks, so you can pop in and read while waiting. Or at the bus stop. Waiting is hard, but yet, sometimes I think it is good. It helps us realise some things are not as important as they seem to be, and that we worry over silly things. I have no garden in the apartment we hope to stay, but I know that patience is something I should start growing in the private garden of my heart. 💗

Singing in trials...

The thought of going to a new church really scared me. Not having any friends, standing out in the crowd, or having to raise hands when the pastor asks "who's new in church?". Those were my worries last week. However, I realised that they don't exist because we go to church for God. We went to CFC for the second time today and I wanted to share what the pastor preached as it really sounded like something I need.

Psalms 137:4 "How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?" 

In Exodus 14, the Israelites were free, they left Egypt, left the life of slavery and abuse. They went into the desert, only to realise the Egyptians were hot on their heels- they could hear the armies closing in. Desperate and frightened, they turned to Moses and asked “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” However, Moses simply replied “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” And what follows is the epic miracle - God parts the Red Sea, lets Israel pass through, and drowns their enemies.

Many of us have been shaped into the thinking of this world. When trials come, we jump to finding solutions, panic, go crazy... We do everything, but be still. Being still and letting God fight is a foreign concept. We cannot sing to God or praise Him when we are in the thick of mess. Our songs stop.

I don't know about others, but I am ashamed to admit I think like the Israelites. Something comes, I have to step out of my comfy boat and make a change. Seems like a good idea at first, but then the change brings about problems/difficulties (yes, like finding a house, relocating, buying home insurance- what is this?? I have never even heard of it, house security etc). In the midst of this madness, finding out there's more to relocating than just getting my butt to Geneva, I have thoughts of turning back, of rewinding to the time we could have rejected this change, of that we would be better of at home. But, that's not the way He wants it.

The pastor shares that God is changing the way we think. Trials are used by God to break up the patterns of thinking that are not in line with His thoughts. Romans 12: 2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." The pastor said this and I quote "The devil has deadlines, but God has lifelines!" If we do everything God's way, then the battle is the Lord's. God told Moses to stand still and wait in the Lord. He is telling me the very same thing today, I believe. And to all His children. We can sing songs in this foreign land. Yes, Lord, I will try my best to do that.

Lausanne

M and I took the train to Lausanne yesterday. Nice little place but nothing much to do- a lot of walking up and down hills though!! My poor feet ached so badly at the end of the day 😔

It was only about an hour via train from Gare Cornavin. We got there pretty early so as not to miss the Saturday markets that close by 2pm. Went to see the Cathedrale de Lausanne, then a museum, which was free. Then we walked around the markets and had lunch - empanadas, pitta and ice cream. The markets were selling mainly fresh produce so we did not buy anything but it was still fun to look.

We went to Aquatis, which is a huge aquarium and I can't wait to bring E there when he comes! I think he will like it. We ended that around 3pm and headed to Ouchy to look around the lake and had some nutella crepe. 😋 There's a merry go round and a nice playground- another reason to bring E.

I realised, after awhile, all the places to visit start to look the same and there's nothing left to do till dinner time. So, we have learnt to bring reading materials out so we can find a park and sit down to read...

Dinner was at La Pinte Besson, a small pub with nice fondue. It was my first time with cheese fondue and it's nice but a little too rich. Went home after being "recharged". So glad to be able to rest my aching feet at last...

Montreux et Yvoire

M and I had a little free time so we took some day trips out. We visited a place called Montreux the day before. It was a pretty long drive from where we stayed at Ferney but it was worth it. We visited the Chateau de Chillon- not the best castle I've been to but I still loved it. Then M took me up the Alps on a rickety old train. It was Les Rochers-de-Naye. There we visited the Alpin Garden, which only opens in summer I think. The view was breath-taking. This is a panorama taken by him:

Today, we went to Yvoire to look. The weather turned rainy so we did not spend long but I must say- it's beautiful!!! It's a small French town but it's so pretty, totally my kind of ideal holiday destination. So medieval and quaint. I would have loved to sit there sipping a coffee and watch the world go by. Unfortunately, due to the bad weather, we only rushed through the Le Jardin des Cinq Sens (garden of 5 senses) and grabbed an ice cream on the way back to the car. Will definitely have to find an excuse to go back there!!

Arriving to Geneva

The ride here was not great for me 😓 I cannot sleep on planes and I cannot sit for too long (even movies give me knee aches). So by the time we got here, I was nursing a migraine. However, there was a house viewing in a few hours so had to pop painkillers and go! We were also planning to go to the supermarket to pick up some food and things for our stay. I really did not know if my body could last all the things we had planned to do.

The first housing agent could not speak English and we were worried!! We texted a restaurant owner we met here in April (she is Singaporean too!) and she kindly agreed to come with us at the last minute! When we dragged our jet lagged bodies to the house, she was already there waiting for us. She handed us a bag and said "dinner for you". All I can say is- God is so good. He who knows our needs before we even say it and He provides. 🙌 Thank You, Lord!

The sumptuous Chinese food we had before crashing at 5pm (Geneva time) and sleeping 12hrs 😛:

Hurricane

Shortly before leaving SG, after all the madness of packing, leaving our marital home and sending things to be shipped, that anxiety of leaving all that is safe and familiar suddenly becomes more obvious to us both. Many "what-ifs" flood our mind. It hit us real bad. It made us see how weak we really were inside and what false securities we were hiding ourselves in. However, it sent us running to the only One we know who never changes and is certain. He knows how insecure we really are and He also knows how to expose us and make us see that He is truly all we need. 

This song by Jimmy Needham "Hurricane" is the prayer we need:

I have built a city here
Half with pride and half with fear
Just wanted a safer place to hide
I don't want to be safe tonight

I need you like a hurricane
Thunder crashing wind and rain
To tear my walls down
I'm only yours now
I need you like a burning flame
A wild fire untamed
To burn these walls down
I'm only yours now
I'm only yours now

I am yours and you are mine
You know far better than I
And if destructions what I need
Then I'll receive it lord from thee
Yes I'll receive it lord from thee

I need you like a hurricane
Thunder crashing wind and rain
To tear my walls down
I'm only yours now
I need you like a burning flame
A wild fire untamed
To burn these walls down
I'm only yours now
I'm only yours now

And it's your eye in the storm
Watching over me
And it's your eye in the storm
Wanting only good for me
And if you are the war
Let me be the casualty
Till I'm yours alone
I am only yours
I am yours alone lord

I need you like a hurricane
Thunder crashing wind and rain
To tear my walls down
I'm only yours now
I need you like a burning flame
A wild fire untamed
To burn these walls down
I'm only yours now
I'm only yours now

Getting ready to go....

We are leaving Singapore next Tuesday! July has just really flown by. The last 2 weeks we were really packing like crazy and also meeting up with friends and family. I have been meaning to write more but just could not find the time.

I think the most fun part was buying winter clothes- because it was paid for!!

However, i could not say the same for packing. The sad realisation i am a hoarder, choosing what i can ship over to Geneva (limited to 30 boxes' space), vacating our marriage home, parting with many things that are still in good condition- 😱😱😱. The thought of parting with my neighbours made me sad too...

Next week, a whole new level of stress awaits us. But, there is no need to worry or fear, as God's word reminds us. We need only to turn to Him who is able to do all things. 😃

Getting a move on...

So it's all confirmed. M and I rented out our place in SG and we are starting to pack. It's really quite crazy and I notice we are more short tempered too. With E and each other.

Lord, please help us and keep us sane and focused on You...

Waiting...

It's hard to be waiting. With no confirmed dates, we cannot plan anything. It seems so frustrating... M and I were sharing our lessons on 1 Samuel. David had been anointed as next king. However, Saul was not dead yet. While David was on the run from Saul, who was pursuing him out of jealousy, he was presented with 2 opportunities to kill Saul and then ascend the throne. But twice, he chose not to kill the Lord's anointed. He would rather be on the run and wait for God to deal with Saul Himself. This patience and waiting on the Lord- I need to learn that! The Lord will deal with our matters.

Mother's Day...

Over this weekend as we celebrate and give thanks for mummies, I felt ashamed as I sat in church and this thought came to me. This is my 3rd mother's day, and I was expecting to have some flowers or token of appreciation from M (of course right, since E is only 2, I cannot expect anything from him). I had this same feeling last year and the year before. When nothing came, I was a little unhappy- I felt unappreciated and undermined. I realised that I often have this thought too when I think about me giving up my career to be a homemaker in Geneva. Does M think it is easy to be a stay home mom? Does he not realise that I'm the one with the short end of the stick?? In the midst of my self pity, my self righteous thoughts, another thought came... But M is shouldering most of the responsibilities of ensuring we will have enough to eat, wear and live. He will be the sole breadwinner. My job as a stay home mom will be predictable, but he will face uncertainties in this new job. Yes, being a mom is not easy, but right now, M's contribution as husband and dad is even harder. And him being the best dad and husband is enough mother's day gift for me. So, I felt ashamed for thinking that I was unappreciated and undermined. If anything, it was me who has undermined the father of E. 

Anyhow, I had a wonderful lunch and time with my family. Being a mom is definitely not one person's job. I could not have done it without the help of our families. 💖

Lessons over Lent...

During the month of March, I picked up a few precious lessons from my QT...

1) Leviticus 24-25

The Lord commanded the Israelites to work the land but let it rest in the 7th year. In 25:6, He says that they could eat whatever the land produced on that Sabbath year. So even in the season of rest for the land, it was still fruitful and God provided for His people. 

I have been worrying about Geneva, mainly because I would have to stop work. I was worried of being "de-skilled", worried that I have to struggle a lot to get back all that I have achieved up to now, worried of being jobless when I return... These were the things holding me back from embracing this adventure. After reading the above, I felt peace. Maybe it was time to let my land rest, and see God provide for me, and realise that He is enough.

2) Numbers 11-13

The report of the spies going to the land God wanted to give them. Only Joshua and Caleb returned confident and unafraid, sure that God would help them conquer it.

At that time, M and I were planning a recce trip to Geneva. My heart was still swimming in doubt and worried about moving to a totally new place. But reading this made me think if I could have the same eyes and faith as Joshua and Caleb? 

3) Luke 1:26-56
Mary's attitude, when the angel brought her the message, was what I need. She did not care what others thought about her (unwedded mother, etc) or the consequences she may face (Joseph calling off the marriage etc). She immediately obeyed.

If this is God's assignment for me, in this season, I need to embrace it with same enthusiasm Mary did. It's a time to serve M and E, to rely on God and a great opportunity to walk closer with Him and experience change.

4) Numbers 28:16-29:40
These parts can get a bit mundane reading as they write out the many feasts and holidays the Israelites had to observe. However, I came to realise that time away from their routine was seen as giving God their dedication.

So, maybe, Geneva is the same for me... Time to come back, time to reflect, time to change and experience new things...

Adventure is out there!

So concludes our ‘business trip’ as M calls it... we went to explore Geneva and the possible neighbourhoods we might want to stay. And we met a lot of Singaporeans who gave helpful advice. Found a potential playmate for E also! It was a short 3 days and I must say I felt worried initially. I could not feel the same faith Caleb and Joshua had when they went to spy the land. However, after listening to the other ladies tell their stories, I am convinced that the decision could be harder to make. There are many other things to look forward to also- 4 Seasons, quiet life... it’s gonna be an adventure! I find myself looking forward to it 😊

The thing about Mr E...

Being able to watch E grow is one of the greatest blessings. He is at such a beautiful age now and i know i will miss all his antics and quirks.

Things i always want to remember:
- how each time he comes with my dad to pick me from the station after work and go 'SURPRISE MAMA!! How are you?'
- how he asks me 'mama are you ok?' when i put my eye drops or 'mama are you sick? are you better?' when i am having a flu
- how he includes his surname when he is talking about himself
- when he gives thanks or prays

These are just some of things that make him so cute. Wish he could be this little always...

Le premier post!

It feels weird writing a post, considering that i am a very private and introverted person. I stopped using FB a long time ago and i don't have any other social media also. I started joking about being a blogger when we knew we were very likely going to move to Geneva. But after meeting a mentor, who went through similar experiences, and is still maintaining a blog now, i felt inspired to do the same. And so here we are!

I think it's going to be good, for me and for the loved ones... Just so we can keep up with each other, and i can share my thoughts and lessons, esp if we are not going to be able to meet or talk often. 😢 Life is too short, we should connect more... If not, the days are just going to pass us by.

We are still waiting for Geneva to confirm the move. M and i will be going by over our anniversary- he says i should check the place out once before i actually move there and have to handle E at the same time. There are so many things to be done and we have no clue where to start. So we are praying for wisdom and patience. It's scary but exciting. And we are really stepping out of the boat for this one. But i look forward to the changes it will bring in me, the precious spiritual lessons and transformations to come.

Lord, lead us, as you led the Israelites with a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night...