2018 has gone and 2019 is here. I’ve been wanting to give thanks for specific things before the brand new year and it actually took me awhile to recall what God has done in 2018 (yikes). So i thought i better journal it down.

One biggest checklist was the live aboard diving trip in Cairns. I was freaking out before the trip and thank God for the protection. So many things could have gone wrong srsly. I’m glad I had neither symptoms and illnesses and God blessed me with an amazing buddy I met on the boat. 

The second was the solo trip to Osaka. I remember stepping out of the Kansai airport and into the train feeling very uncomfortable and alittle regret that I couldnt rely and depend on anyone for help or just having someone to talk things out with. But God was faithful and He made the trip so enjoyable. Blessed with good weather, good plans, and of course safety. The last day of the trip when I nearly lost my phone hours before the flight, I was considering if it was worth going back for it or for the flight instead. Thank God for planning the time perfectly and phone was back in my hands. Also the flight that I missed cause I went to Osaka airport instead of Kansai airport was an expensive lesson learnt, but thankful for financial ability and ability to communicate to rectify the fault. God was good even in the situation.

One specific prayer I asked for in 2018 was favour among people - colleagues, students, parents. And i really feel more than blessed I had exceedingly abundantly more than I expected. Through the tough, frustrating times when I had to manage poor behaviours, God was outpouring so much love so I could overflow it to the people around. I thank Him every day for it and definitely not something I would ever take for granted because He gave when I asked. 

One of the most memorable event that happened was also the passing of grandma (my last living grandparent). I remember dreading the visit on some Sunday evenings after 2 long days at work but telling myself every Sunday could be the last as we saw her getting weaker each week. God was good to bless her with more days than we expected and she passed so peacefully. She was the most sacrificial, loving, skillful woman I’ve come to know. Especially as I grow older, I know these did not come easy, the work put into raising 8 children while being loving and skillful in many aspects is so respectable. 

Another thanksgiving is the financial provision from Jesus. I remember really hoping that one day I would be able to pay for parents and work towards bringing them up so they are able to retire. Would have been a struggle if I were still in previous job but God blessed me with this job so I could have savings and extra for my own and family.