Friends for Life

There are plenty of wise sayings and timeless truths that we often take for granted. In today's world of constant handphone messaging, it's easy to become desensitized to the depth and meaning behind some of these familiar phrases.

One such saying: "If you find one "true" friend in your life time, you have been truly blessed" came vividly to life for me when I heard this story.

There were two girls, Choy Min and Penny who had been good friends since childhood. They attended the same school and were inseparable in class. One came from a well-off family while the other struggled financially. When they completed their A Level, both girls dreamed of studying in university. For Choy Min, finances were not a concern - but for Penny, it seemed an impossible hurdle. 

Determined to help,  Choy Min went to her father and pleaded with him to fund Penny's university's education as well. Moved by his daughter's compassion, her father agreed without hesitation. In the end, Choy Min was accepted into university - and by what they both saw as God's grace, Penny was awarded a scholarship, allowing her to enroll as well.

Remarkably, Penny never knew about the father's generous offer - not until many years later on 26 April 2018 when both women were in their sixties. When I heard this story, I was deeply moved and I found myself holding back tears.

The two girls - Friends for life.

Bountiful harvest of olives from tree just
outside Choy Min's house in Perth.

The two girls were both blessed with their
better halves.