Learning from home

The world as we know it, was turned upside down by a virus. Not a particularly lethal virus but nevertheless, a pandemic unprecedented in the modern times. 

I wondered what life will be like in 6 months? We are the lucky ones, life is pretty normal apart from home schooling our kids for now and all the social restrictions. And speaking of home schooling, I'm so so proud of my kid, what great story telling!

My heart aches for the thousands, if not millions who have, by absolutely no fault of their own, lost their jobs overnight. For the 3rd time in my 40 odd years of existence, my body is telling me subconsciously I'm stressed. 

Lives versus livelihood. 

Science versus perceptions.

Democracy versus autocracy.

Love versus hate.

In time of crisis things are often being viewed in extreme. 

If everyone follows James 1:19, myself included, the effect on the world will be ten times bigger than COVID-19. : "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"

COVID19

Almost all the conversations these days are related to COVID19 one way or the other. It's a bit depressing, really. From the empty cinemas, cancelled travels, supermarket closing early to restock.. everything is unprecedented. I'm no expert but I have a feeling that COVID19 is unlikely to "die out" - unlike SARS, anytime soon. This thing is highly contagious and just as well it's not as bad as measles. We live with viruses, it's a new one, and hence the fear, irrational fear.

An event like this, exposes the strength and fragility of society, more so the latter. Just what are people thinking when they stock up a whole trolley full of toilet paper or hand sanitiser?  We are so interconnected that we have a responsibility as individuals, to look out for each other. What's the point of you having all the toilet paper, surgical masks, mince, when the guy who maintains your power line doesn't have toilet paper to wipe his bottom thanks to all you hoarders out there? 

2020 will be remembered for many things. Since it's only March, more dramatic things may yet to happen but COVID19 will go down in the history books as something for future generations to reflect on.

Wuhan 2019

It's February 2020 and we are in the middle of the 2019-n-CoV outbreak. I can't help but to reflect how polarised our society has become, or at least the HK pubic at large.

I guess it is easy to point the finger to the person next to you. It's hard to imagine us, ourselves, being the problem. Yet. That might just be the case. 

I'm no saint, in fact some would find I lack empathy. Acknowledging the problem is one thing, actively addressing it is another. 

May be Pope Francis hit it on the nail, again. When he said fear is the core of all this. Fear of the unknown, fear of the other, fear.

“The contemporary world, with its open wounds which affect so many of our brothers and sisters, demands that we confront every form of polarization…. We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place.”

“The enemy within” is nothing more than our age-old nemesis: fear. We are afraid. All of us. And that’s good news too, because it means that we all have something else in common and an additional means of relating anew to each other, by the grace of God. To do that we simply need to do what God, through the risen Christ, is always urging us to do anyway: “Be not afraid.” 

Much to reflect on. What a heavy start to 2020! 

Welcome 2020

It's the start of a new decade - after 2.5 weeks in Auckland over the Christmas/New Year break life is slowly and gradually returning to normal. I long for holidays now, may be it is an age thing. I treasure holiday much more than in my younger years. 

I started this blog in 2006, centuries ago by today's measure of things. With kids, you're forced to be grounded, and to have a sense of reality instilled in you, like it or not. By next decade, I'll truely be "middle age", and my kids will be well into high school. The passage of time is real - we must find joy in all that we do, everyday! For nothing in life is given, wealth, health and even the mere ability to be living. Andy Stanley, the American Pastor I have taken a liking to, remains us that ungratefulness is rampant and may well be the root cause of any ills of today's society.

August - September - October

A lot has happened in the last few months since the Lion King Production.. Milestone-wise Elisha can now ride a "proper" bike, and had her first "accident" yesterday - fallen off the bike at the kerb... "I couldn't turn..." she says.. Well, it's better to learn the lessons early! She was a real trooper - biking at 4.5 years old with confidence. Elisha also started her prep orientation program, today. She is so ready for it.

My uncle got himself a bike too, so two of us went biking from Williamstown to Altona beach. A beautiful part of town. I wish I can do it more often. 

Two more months to go till our last trip for the year - it's going to go, real fast!

Oh.. and of course, Jonathan turned 6 over the weekend! 

Lion King Junior - school production

What's the chance of Disney releasing the new Lion King, and your son's school production being "The Lion King" Junior all happening in the same year?

The little guy is a preppy this year, and all the preppies get to be meerkat. So proud of him, and so proud of the school too. All the teachers and staff in the school went way above and beyond the call of duty to make it a wonderful experience for everyone involved. 

Very to the point.

"There is a sort of a culture war going on within the Christian community ... between those who believe that the heart of the Christian way ... is to continue the way of life pioneered by Jesus - inclusion, reconciliation, care for your neighbour, building a society good for everyone - against those who say it's about adherence to some rules that were laid down for another age."

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/112619131/former-methodist-leader-keith-rowe-says-church-groups-havent-gone-far-enough-in-accepting-islam

Elisha's 4th Birthday!

Was it just not long ago Jonathan had his PJ Masks 4th birthday?

So it is so true when they say the days are long but the years are short. With a blink of an eye, Elisha turned 4! We are so blessed to have these two little ones. In those moments when I can see past the routines of daily life, there are enormous joy. "Living the moment" is so easy to say and preach, but so hard to practice. Well, practice, practice, practice!

Korea 2019

Sam's wedding, in the middle of Jonathan's first school holiday, provided an unique opportunity to take the kids for a proper long-haul flight. Even then, it was MEL to HKG first rather than MEL to ICN direct. 

We had a blast. Period. I have never came back from a holiday feeling so refreshed, that I truely wondered why I'm back at work. Never. The trip has all the feel good factor: kids first Korea trip, epic holiday with mother-in-law's side of family, throw in a wedding, it was perfect. 

In 2010, I truely thought HKIA is a far better airport than Incheon. Not anymore. 9 years is a long time and while little has changed in HK, the rest of the world, including the Koreans, have definitely up their game. The facilities are faultless - kids play area, food, space. Further, there is clearly an emerging, strong middle class in Korea. It is somewhat sad to see the contrast, in my opinion, a shrinking middle class and lack of social mobility in HK. 

Where are we going next?

Another milestone

Dani's PhD is supported by 3 different scholarships, an amazing achievement. It always amazes me how capable she is.

BHB, MBChB, FRACP, FRCPC and soon, PhD. 

I'm humble and grateful to be her husband, and father to our two kids. 10th year anniversary this year!!