Christmas 2005 is Coming

Wow, it's been a long time since I last blogged.

This December has been unusually hectic. With so many outstation assignments and looming deadlines, many would be quick to congratulate us on what appears to be a season of good business fortune - and indeed, we thank God for that.

But beneath the surface, I’ve been quietly battling something else: persistent spinal pain that’s been driving me to the brink. At times, the agony in my back, shoulder, and right arm becomes so intense, I find myself wishing for some magical device that could simply cut the pain away, once and for all.

Thankfully, today has been much better. The pain has subsided significantly, and I know it's no coincidence. I'm deeply grateful for the prayers of loved ones, a high-quality health supplement a friend introduced me to (which I’ve recently started taking), and my wife’s devoted physiotherapy sessions. Together, these have been instrumental in my slow but steady path to recovery.

Just a few days ago, on 15 December, I was stranded at KLIA for six and a half hours - from 3:30pm to 10:00pm - hoping to catch an earlier flight home. The wait was long and exhausting, and the pain made it all the more unbearable. In that moment of struggle, I received a call from Serene. Her timely conversation truly helped lift my spirits and eased the pain, if only for a while. Thank you again, Serene - your kindness made a real difference.

Tomorrow, Praise Kids Church will be celebrating Christmas, and I’ve been roped in to perform an illusion as part of the program. I haven’t done one all year, so this is both a challenge and an opportunity to dust off those skills. I’m still fine-tuning the performance, but by God’s grace, I pray it will make a meaningful impact on the children - more than just entertainment, but a message they can take to heart.

By the way, since 5 December, Paul has been undergoing his industrial training at our firm’s condominium project site located just off Jalan Damai, conveniently close to our office. From what I can see, he seems to be enjoying the experience and is steadily getting a hands-on feel for the nitty-gritty of civil and structural engineering. It’s one thing to study the theories in a classroom - but quite another to witness and participate in the real-world challenges and practicalities of a construction site. I believe this exposure will serve him well in the journey ahead.