December 2009

December 2009

Every time we have reflected on this past year, our reaction has been one of surprise, and then dismay. Where did it go? What were our milestones (not that it is always necessary to have tangible ones to speak of)? 2008 had plenty of milestones. While 2009 was one big blur of life as it is, it was definitely a full and fulfilling one.

Some highlights of this past year were...
- Kieran turned one on May 1st, which also meant surviving, and thoroughly enjoying, our first year of parenthood. He is now an almost 20-month toddler who loves hearing the sound of his own voice and uses every opportunity to showcase that. He loves books, music and 'boy' toys (trucks, trains, cars, etc). He fixates on words until he perfects them; at the moment, one of his favourites is "umbella", which is his code for Mandela. It's nice to see him already taking on role models. He can be easily described as assertive and independent. Perhaps the 'terrible twos' are already upon us; if it only gets worse, don't tell us!

- We made a couple of vacation trips this past year. Together with Hwok-Aun's mom, we went to Toronto and Montreal (with a brief stop in Ottawa) in April. Travelling with a little toddler (not yet one then) meant we had to reserve the nightlife for another time/decade. In late summer, we sampled the various coasts in the northeast of America. We beat our personal record of camping 8 nights, this time with a toddler, in Acadia National Park (Maine), Prince Edward Island National Park (PEI), and Fundy National Park (New Brunswick). It was lots of fun in spite of the ferocious mosquitoes that buzzed and bit us unmercifully in a few places. We were awed by the beautiful landscapes and marvelled at the exquisite work of the Creator God. If you're wondering, we won't recommend camping with an active 1.5 year old toddler unless you're up for A LOT of adventure.

- We reconnected with some dear friends from Australia, Canada and Malaysia. In Toronto and Ottawa, we reunited with some of Hwok-Aun's friends from college/university. In New York City, we met up with Jacqui's former housemates in Malaysia and an old friend from Australia. Back in Amherst, we had the pleasure of hosting two friends from Australia.

- Jacqui continues work as a speech language pathologist with a small private agency. Since the summer, she has been working 4 days a week and enjoys spending longer weekends at home with Kieran.

- Hwok-Aun continues to burn the midnight oil to complete his dissertation. The light is appearing a little brighter at the end of a long, long tunnel. He is now fueled to deliver this long awaited baby (the final draft) by May 2010 in time for...

- Another baby, that will have been gestating for for less time than Hwok-Aun's dissertation (~40 weeks as opposed to almost 6 years). We will welcome Kieran's new sibling in May next year. We foresee a really busy summer tending to an infant and toddler while preparing to defend Hwok-Aun's dissertation and take care of transitional matters (packing, shipping, giving, sharing, selling, etc). We are gritting our teeth and bracing ourselves for the challenges ahead!

We're planning to return to Malaysia in August 2010, which will mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We covet your thoughts and prayers for all the challenges that lie ahead.

We wish you a joyous Christmas and stellar New Year.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light...In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

~ Isaiah 9:2; John 1:3-5

Immanuel (God with us)!

Much love and fondness,

Hwok-Aun, Jacqui, Kieran and "Bibi"