sweet "chocolaty" sixteen

we went to Changi Village for a very local birthday lunch - the birthday boy ordered his all time favorites chicken rice and bandung and the rest of us have our usual too : carrot cake and wanton mee with extra fried wantons. i baked the deep dark chocolate cake again as it seems like a foolproof recipe and it turned out perfectly!

in memory of george w bushytail

three no and a yes

my eighteen year old completed his Army Corporal course and is now attending a 3 month course to be certified as an Army Fitness Specialist. His desire is to be a Physical Training Instructor (PTI). He was inspired by his PTI during his first nine weeks in the boot camp. It was very encouraging to hear him shared how the Lord made the way for him to get into this course.

First, he found out that his name was not on the list.
Then he found out that there was a swimming proficiency test for those who are interested in the course. He needed permission from his Platoon Commander and it was a "No." But the training ended early that day and he made it in time for the test! He had an interview after that but was told he has little chance to get into the course.

(He came home rather dejected, and told me it will take a miracle to get in.)

Guess WHO was on his side?! Yes, and he was the only one from his platoon to get into the course. He was one of only four from his company of 200 attending this course.

but by the grace of God!

carefree children

i wonder how it is like growing up on an island?

back from Tioman

and here's a few of my favorite pictures!