The Beginning of an End

It's so hard to let them go fend the world for themselves...

"It's like seeing a child coming off their training wheels to finally riding the bike on their own for the very first time..."

Tonight was officially the last night of YGII for good after 2yrs of going to their place every Wed nights to teach them bible lessons, to counsel them in all areas of life & of course to catch up with them in general!

Gosh, I've watched the two of them grow literally since they were little primary school kids. Then through to high school and now....uni.

So tonight, I decided to spend our very last lesson by reflecting through all the books we've read this year: From Genesis (the story of Isaac/Jacob/Joseph), Exodus (the story of Moses), to Ecclesiastes (the wisdom and learnings from King Solomon), Daniel, through to Acts (entire book > the stories of Peter, Stephen, Saul who became Paul etc etc.)

I was so proud to see that both of them (who are usually very very forgetful to the point where I've gone to their place about 40% of the time only to find out that they've totally forgotten about Youth Group even though we've had it every single WED nights for the past 2yrs!) had remembered so much of the stories learned. I hope they will apply the lessons learned to their life especially in the years to come....

After praying for each of them, it was off to Hoa Tran in Springvale to end the year with a celebration feast! Before I went out of the house, Audrey was so sweet to hand me a thank you/birthday present. It was some very sexy chemisoles/nighties for me to take to Singapore. Gosh I so love them!

Next surprise of the night which absolutely MELTED MY HEART!

I didn't even see it coming either! Andrew (who's a very quiet & shy guy who doesn't express much of his feelings) came up to me to give me this HUGE gift bag with a very heavy present inside it. As soon as I felt the weight of the present, I knew exactly what it was! You see, 3wks ago when we had YGII at Andrew's room, I noticed that he got this new funky clock hung on his wall. Now, this wasn't your avg clock, it was a TYRE cos Andrew, being a typical guy, LOVES cars! In the middle of the tyre (ie. where the hubcap is supposed to be) lies the clock face! Such a smart concept. So being the 'very-easy-to-get-me-excited' self, I told him how much I loved the clock & his taste in general! Now fast fwding to tonight at the parking lot, I quickly teared up the beautifully wrapped paper into pieces and whoalla... my guess was correct! ANDREW heard how much I loved his clock & decided to get me one too (except mine is apparently better than his cos it's also got neon lights! cool hey?!). Despite the fact that it weighs about 5kg, I told Andrew that 'the clock is definitely coming with me to Singers!'.

When I got home, I finally read the card that he gave me. It said:

"Dear Vicky,
I would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' for your commitment in us and our Youth Group. It must've been hard for you to organise all this. We apologise for the times that we've disappointed you (ie. coming all the way to their place only to drive back home again cos they're not home!). It has been a good and fun year with you and the youth. We wish you all the best in Singapore. Be safe & have lots of fun. God Bless, Andrew"

I was so close to tears. Every prayer, every drive to their place, every hour sacrifced on my Wed nights for the past 2yrs was sooooo worth it! Just to watch them grow to who they are today is invaluable in itself, but to also receive the appreciation that I had tonight is beyond words!

Even though YGII had officially ended tonight, I pray that their journeys from hereon will be the beginning of reaching new heights with God. 2007 will be a year that Andrew & Audrey meet God for themselves. Every single testimonies where God has met my needs will too, be evident in their lives. I know God will not disappoint, after all He has said 'My word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (extracted from Isaiah 55:11)

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven..."