1 Swede, 1 Singaporean.
Both our worlds collided in 2004, and merged in 2009.
Our base is now Sweden, and our centre always Him.
Propelling towards an insanely exciting future!
These have been the 2 things on my mind recently (in a good way :)). Now that I'm a (temporary) housewife till I start school in August, I've had the space to think and muse on these 2 areas close to my heart.
Ministry
I think I've been involved in formal ministry (i.e. serving in church) for about 13 years now. Having left my comfort zone of Singapore to come to Sweden, to go do what God has placed on my heart to do in an entirely new place, I've found that what ministry means to me has changed quite dramatically.
From a collective society where people as a rule come together to do things together, hence a schedule constantly filled with activities, to a individualistic society where people treasure their space and alone time, hence a schedule rather free and the need to take the initiative on organising activities to get to know people and build bonds. I feel a lot more self-driven here, where everyday I wake up, asking God and thinking about how to reach the people here. And yet often I feel so uncertain as to how to proceed in this culture. I don't want to scare people away by being too pushy, but I really believe that everyone, no matter where they are from, desire true and sincere relationships, built on a love that has no strings attached. How that's manifested, is more an art than a science.
All I know is I desire to draw people into true fellowship, to see who God truly is, in all His majesty and love, not by being on a pedestal, but by being real... and step by step looking out for opportunities to share the Gospel that is truth and light and abundant life!
My heart is burning. And I'm really excited just thinking of how God will use us to fulfil His awesome purposes that will make an eternal impact. I really want to just do that - make an impact on people that will last, for His glory.
Marriage
I've been married for close to 3 months now, and it's even better than I thought it'll be :) Feels like we're falling more and more in love with each other as each day passes and we get to know each other better. And it's a wonderful feeling to start and end each day with my best friend by my side :)
Sometimes I think about how life has changed since I've gotten married. It's a bit hard to compare with my single life, since that was mainly based in Singapore, and now I'm in Sweden, so a lot of the changes may simply be cultural and environmental.
I think though, that there's a certain strength when couples pursue a common goal together, because where one lacks, the other fills in. Emil and I are so different in our approaches and personalities, and yet so alike in our passions and our desire to do God's will. Like I told a friend, it's a symbiotic relationship of sorts :) Emil helps me see things I miss out, and vice versa. He helps me relax; I help him keep on going. We spar well together too, and Emil has this ability to correct me gently and lovingly when I'm heading the wrong way.
In the past, independent me thought that I worked well alone, especially since I'm such a perfectionist who wants to do things myself to ensure perfection :P But now, as a married woman, I'm enjoying life so much more working together with my best friend on the same things, and handling life's challenges hand in hand.
As for the practical aspects, like HOUSEWORK! Haha... I was a bit fearful of that initially actually. Can I keep my apartment clean, and enjoy doing it? Well, one thing good about Sweden is that there are no ants scurrying to your crumbs and spills, and no cockroaches (!). So I can afford to vacuum the apartment about once/twice a week to keep it nice and clean hehe :) And washing / drying clothes is such a pleasure, cos we have our own washing machine and dryer! In fact, I find it kinda therapeutic to do the washing ... nothing like taking freshly washed clothes out of the dryer :)
And so I've come to realise that I actually really enjoy maintaining a nice home for me and my hubby to come home to :) Quite an unexpected realisation for 'un-housewifey', 'powerwoman' me... haha. Perhaps it's built into my DNA ;)
One thing though - I have still yet to learn to cook. Emil is like the master Swedish chef - he makes a mean broccoli pie, he can make homemade pizza from scratch (including the dough), he can even make fresh bread (without the bread machine mind you!).
And me?
Ok lah, I've been picking up recipes here and there. So far, my repertoire includes: - Greek salad - Ham, mushroom & cheese omelette - Egg mayonnaise salad - Roasted chicken fillet - Grilled panini sandwiches
And I'm fortunate that Emil isn't a fussy eater :) So we get by pretty well with our range of food choices hehe.
