People carry different values, different manners, and different levels of self-awareness. That's simply part of life—and not something I can control.
What I can control is how I respond.
I'll choose patience whenever I can. I'll choose kindness where it's deserved. But kindness should never be mistaken for weakness, and patience should never be seen as permission to disrespect me.
Protecting my peace doesn't mean I've become cold. It means I've learned that healthy boundaries are a form of self-respect.
Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do—for yourself and for others—is to know where those boundaries begin.
Maybe the lesson isn't to expect better from everyone. Maybe it's to stop expecting everyone to be like us.
May we all have the wisdom to choose kindness, the courage to set boundaries, and the peace to walk away when they're not respected.
Little pieces of love, ready to travel across the miles. #Handmade bookmarks and birthday cards for my sponsored children. 💛
This year, I’m sending my sponsored children handmade bookmarks along with birthday cards. They may be small, but each one is made with a lot of love and thought.
With birthdays spread out throughout the year, I make time to prepare these little gifts because they’re my way of showing how much I care. Even though the gifts are simple, I hope they bring a smile and let them know they are thought of, remembered, and celebrated.
Making these bookmarks has become a special part of my routine. It’s not something rushed or done out of obligation. It’s something I genuinely look forward to. Sitting down with some quiet time, choosing the colours, thinking about each child as I craft their bookmark, these small moments fill me with a sense of connection, even across the distance.
Each time I put a card and bookmark together, I’m reminded of how precious they are and how grateful I am to be part of their lives, even in this small way. Being able to support and encourage them, even from afar, is something I never take for granted.
It may not be anything grand or expensive, but it’s meaningful, not just to them, I hope, but also to me. These little gifts are my way of sending love, encouragement, and a small reminder that someone out there is cheering them on.
If you’ve ever thought about creating something handmade for someone you care about, I really encourage you to give it a try. Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean more than we realise.
Thanks for reading. If you have any simple gift ideas you love to share with others, I’d love to hear them too.
The recent earthquake in Myanmar has left many families struggling to rebuild their lives. Homes have been destroyed, communities devastated, and countless children and families are in urgent need of support. In times like these, swift action is crucial to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they need to survive and recover.
Relief Efforts on the Ground
World Vision Singapore is working together with local teams in Myanmar and has already mobilised resources to provide emergency aid. Their teams assess the damage and deliver essential supplies such as food, clean water, shelter, and hygiene kits. These basic necessities are critical to helping affected communities cope with the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
Similarly, organisations like UNICEF Malaysia and World Vision Malaysia are stepping up to support relief efforts. Every contribution made goes directly towards providing life-saving aid, ensuring that children and families receive the care and protection they desperately need.
How You Can Help
In times of crisis, every donation counts. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of those struggling to rebuild. If you’d like to contribute, here are some trusted organisations currently providing emergency relief:
If you would like to support other organisations, please ensure that you donate through their official websites or verified fundraising pages to avoid scams. Unfortunately, disasters often attract fraudulent appeals, so always double-check before making a contribution.
Your generosity can help provide food, clean water, medical care, and shelter to those in desperate need. Even a small donation can go a long way in bringing relief to the affected communities.
Let’s stand together in this time of crisis and extend a helping hand to the people of Myanmar.
Water is essential to life, yet its availability and quality are not the same for everyone.
The river that runs through the community I recently visited.
When I worked in a water company, I saw water through numbers—costs, processes, and efficiency. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity behind clean water, from treatment to distribution. It’s not as simple as turning on a tap. Ensuring safe water requires expertise, infrastructure, and constant monitoring—something many of us rarely think about.
The water piping system provides clean water to the community. Part of the essential infrastructure I witnessed during my trip.
But through child sponsorship, I saw another side of water. In many communities, clean water isn’t easily accessible. Children and families walk long distances just to fetch water—sometimes from unsafe sources. The impact goes beyond thirst; it affects health, education, and opportunities for a better future.
World Water Day is a reminder that clean water is a basic human right, yet millions still struggle to access it. While many organisations are working to change this, there is still more to be done.
Small efforts—whether through awareness, support, or action—can make a difference. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the clean water we have and do our part to help ensure safe water for all.
The day of the trip finally arrived! I flew directly from Bangkok, arriving in Phnom Penh a day earlier. That extra day gave me time to enjoy some local meals, explore a little, and, of course, do some last-minute shopping for my sponsored children. No matter how much I plan, there's always something more I feel like getting! 😆 Thankfully, SC was there to accompany me, so I didn't have to explore alone.
With all the extra shopping, I'm thankful to SC because some of it went into her luggage, some into my small suitcase, and we managed to shift things around. Problem solved!
In the morning, we met up with the rest of the trippers at the airport as they arrived from Singapore. Seeing familiar faces from past trips and meeting new ones was such a great feeling. There's something special about being surrounded by people who share the same passion for making a difference.
Cheers to the great company, meaningful moments, and the journey ahead!
After everyone settled in, got SIM cards, and exchanged money, we hit the road in a comfortable van, heading from Phnom Penh to Sambour. If there's one thing I've learned from trips like these, it's that getting to the AP isn't a quick journey. It took about six hours, with stopovers for toilet breaks, lunch, and, of course, the very last minute of buying gifts. The road conditions were so much better than last time—no more back-breaking, bumpy rides! That alone felt like a win. Although the drive was long, I didn't mind at all. It gave me time to reflect on my last visit and everything I was looking forward to. Would the girls recognise me? How much had they grown?
After checking in at the hotel, we gathered for a trip briefing led by Piseth. I have so much respect for him—his dedication to the community is truly inspiring. His team has done an incredible job over the years, and hearing about their ongoing work made me even more excited for the days ahead. He walked us through what to expect, such as the living conditions, challenges, and, most importantly, the achievements made possible through sponsorship and community support.
Gaining insights into the journey ahead. His passion and dedication are contagious.
We wrapped up the day with dinner, resting up for what was to come. We will be heading deep into the villages tomorrow—and I couldn't wait.
This place wasn't just a name on a map anymore. It was a community I cared deeply about, a place that now felt like a second home.
Stay tuned because the real adventure is just about to begin. 🫰🏻
When I received the email notification in November 2024 about the trip to Sambour, I didn't hesitate—I clicked and registered right away. Maybe I was the first to sign up, who knows? 😆
Sambour is one of the Area Programmes I've been most excited to revisit after two years. A little background to my story: I had just one sponsored child in this AP two years ago. After my last visit, I returned with 10. So, Sambour holds a very special place in my heart because most of my sponsored children are there. I couldn't wait to reconnect with them!
But it's not just about seeing them again; I was also eager to witness the incredible progress the community has made over the past two years. I feel so fortunate to be part of something so meaningful, especially knowing we have a committed AP Manager and his dedicated team working tirelessly on the ground.
From my previous visit, I knew that shopping locally could be tricky due to the limited time and travel distance to the AP. So, I started planning early— figuring out what gifts they might need. (Trust me, I won't go into the details, but it just shows how excited I was! 😂). Once I had everything sorted, I had a new challenge on my hands. How on earth was I going to pack and bring all these gifts for 10 children? The struggle was real, and even then, I still felt like I could have brought more. There's always that urge to add a little more…
But here's the twist: I realised I would have a whole day in Phnom Penh after finalising my flights. Since I wasn't flying in with the other trippers (they were coming from Singapore), I decided to fly in a day earlier to avoid any travel hiccups. This gave me the perfect opportunity for some local shopping, and I was able to pick up some essential items: the Khmer-English Dictionary (a must-have for all my sponsored children), toothbrush and toothpaste sets, and bar soap. As for the rest of the gifts were already packed from Bangkok, so I felt well-prepared.
Touching down a day earlier in Phnom Penh. I am ready for some peaceful local shopping before the adventure begins!
All the gifts were well packed in the box, and I only bought a small suitcase!
With everything in place, I'm ready for the exciting days ahead—reconnecting with my sponsored children and seeing all the wonderful things that have been happening in the community.
Stay tuned for more updates! This is just the start of my journey to Sambour, and I can't wait to share more with you along the way.
Exactly one year ago, I had the privilege of taking part in my first Chosenexperience, and it’s been a journey I’ll never forget. Today, I’m incredibly honoured to be chosen by M, my fourth sponsored child through World Vision’s Chosen programme. This connection means so much to me, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside her on this journey.
Why did I choose to be Chosen?
Chosen is such a beautiful and empowering programme. It gives children the incredible power to make a choice—the choice of who will stand by them and support them. Instead of waiting to be chosen, they are in control of their futures, allowing them to decide who will walk with them. This small but powerful act gives them dignity and confidence in a world where they often feel powerless.
What makes this moment even more special is the story behind it. After visiting Mongolia and seeing life in Selenge firsthand, I became aware of the difficulties faced by children in different parts of the country. I heard about M’s Area Programme and the challenges she faces, and I felt an undeniable pull to act. When M selected me, it felt like fate—like it was meant to be.
To top it all off, M and I share the same initial and birthday month, which adds an even more meaningful layer to our connection. Sometimes, it’s the small details that remind us how everything is so perfectly aligned.
M, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of your journey. It’s an honour to walk alongside you and support you in whatever way I can. I’m looking forward to seeing how our paths develop together.
To all who are reading this, have you ever imagined what it would feel like to be chosen by a child? It’s an incredibly meaningful experience that can truly change lives. If you haven’t had that chance yet, maybe it’s time to see if a child chooses you.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Chosen programme or how you can get involved, I encourage you to check out World Vision’s website. It’s a wonderful way to create a lasting impact on a child’s life.
I know this post is late, but I will share my reflections anyway. 😊
As I sit down to contemplate the year that has just bid us farewell, my heart overflows with gratitude for the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped my 2023. The highs and lows, unexpected twists, and moments of sheer joy have etched an indelible mark on my heart.
In 2023, my heart found fulfilment in sponsoring more children and visiting them in different corners of the world. Witnessing the impact of these simple acts of kindness was humbling and profoundly rewarding. However, the year also presented challenges. Battling through my first encounter with COVID-19 reminded me of the fragility of health.
As the calendar flips to 2024, a renewed sense of purpose propels me forward. Learning from the past, I am determined to live healthier, reignite my passion for marathon running, and strive towards a lofty goal – completing an Ironman before I turn 50, a challenge I eagerly embrace at the age of 43.
My focus for 2024 extends beyond personal milestones. I aspire to inspire those around me to adopt healthier lifestyles. I hope to create a community dedicated to fitness and well-being through training updates, motivational stories, and encouraging words.
In the spirit of giving, I plan to initiate a fundraising effort. While the cause remains undecided, the goal is clear—making a positive impact. Additionally, visits to my sponsor child in various locations will continue, fostering the connections forged in 2023.
Looking ahead, the dream of completing all 6 major marathons takes shape. The plan is to achieve this milestone before reaching the age of 50. As the journey unfolds, it becomes not just a pursuit of medals but a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and the joy found in every step.
Join me on this expedition of self-discovery, resilience, and pursuing a healthier, more fulfilling life. Let's make 2024 a year of positive transformation—one step at a time.
My recent trip to Sindhuli East, Nepal, organised by World Vision (WV) Singapore, proved to be an eye-opening experience. I would like to thank both WV SG and WV Nepal for their incredible dedication to this community. My main motivation for embarking on this trip was to gain a deeper understanding of the initiatives that have been established in this community and, of course, to visit my sponsored child.
Sindhuli East, in Nepal's Central Development Region, is 150km east of Kathmandu. It covers 235 sq km of challenging, hilly terrain cut by river valleys, making the land largely unsuitable for farming. The area faces frequent natural disasters such as landslides, storms, floods, earthquakes, and fires, posing a continuous risk to its people.
Off-road adventure with 4WD SUVs conquering the rugged mountain terrain
The objective of this Area Programme was to empower children, families, and communities to collaborate in enhancing the quality of life for the most vulnerable group, which is the children.
The 6-day trip proved to be an incredible experience despite the many hours of travel required to reach the Area Programme. The journey was undeniably worth it. The first two days were dedicated to travelling. We embarked on an exhilarating "road trip" from Kathmandu to Sindhuli East, involving roughly 10 hours of travel via bus and jeep. The bumpy ride through the rough and undeveloped roads added an adventurous touch to the trip.
Our first visit was to a lower secondary school, where the sight of the Principal, teachers, and eager students excitedly awaiting our arrival was genuinely heartwarming. We were welcomed warmly, each of us adorned with a traditional flower garland. The school tour revealed significant efforts to enhance educational opportunities for the children, including the establishment of a library. It was inspiring to learn that some children endure hours of travel over challenging roads and weather conditions to reach their school. Their resilience is truly commendable. The school is in need of support to renovate a wooden classroom, which suffers from leaks during the monsoon season and excessive cold during winter, affecting the student's learning experience. Another issue I observed was the lack of sufficient lighting in the classrooms. I hope these issues can be addressed for the benefit of the children.
A warm welcome from the Principal, Teachers and students of Shri Ni Ma Vi Langurdandan Lower Secondary School.
The wooden classrooms waiting for a transformation
Enthusiastic students dedicated to their studies in humble wooden classrooms.
Where knowledge begins – A cosy library
A cheerful group photograph with students, the Principal, and teachers at Shri Ni Ma Vi Langurdandan School.
The school also hosts an outreach clinic supported by World Vision under the nutrition programme. The clinic operates twice a month to monitor children's growth. It serves as a focal point for training the mother group, actively participating in Positive Deviance/Hearth sessions. These sessions aim to educate mothers on the importance of a diversified diet, preparing nutritious meals from locally available resources, monitoring children's growth for their well-being, and providing Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care.
Mother groups participating in the Positive Deviance/Hearth program
We visited one of the community's most vulnerable households, where livelihood support and business recovery assistance were extended to local families. In this initiative, families were beneficiaries of livestock support, including goats and pigs, along with comprehensive training in proper care and housing for these animals. While some families chose to keep these animals for breeding and income generation, others opted to sell them to fund their children's education.
The Livelihood Support to MV households.
Besides we also had the opportunity to visit the irrigation support site, where we met the dedicated members of the producer group and were introduced to the Savings for Transformation group, all led by dedicated women. These women met regularly to discuss cultivation practices and marketing strategies. Their commitment and progress were truly empowering. The Savings for Transformation group's ability to increase savings from 5 rupees to 50 rupees demonstrated the significance of savings and reinvestment. I was thoroughly impressed by these women's resilience and determination.
The strength and resilience of empowered women in our Producer and Saving for Transformation groups.
Our next stop was a secondary school that had been declared a Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) ward. Earning this title involved meeting stringent criteria related to child protection issues, such as addressing child marriage, child labour, dropouts, and child development. The visit was an unforgettable three-hour experience, filled with warm welcomes. We had the chance to learn about the school's initiatives and captivating performances. Witnessing the national anthem being sung left me inspired. This school has achieved significant milestones and truly deserves the CFLG recognition.
Proud students of Shree Janapremi Ma Vi Syangti Secondary School
The highlight of our visit was witnessing the dedication to creating a comfortable space for girls during menstrual discomfort, complete with beds and necessary amenities. This initiative aimed to encourage girls to continue attending school, even when faced with physical discomfort, and educate them and their parents on managing these challenges, which was an eye-opening experience.
The comfort and support resting room
However, this school also expressed the need for support to create a safer play compound. As it is located on high ground, the current activities area poses safety concerns for sports activities, and installing a proper playground and barbed wire would allow students to play and practice safely.
The current activity area which facing safety concerns for sports activities.
On the fifth day of the trip, I finally had the privilege of meeting my sponsored child. Despite the considerable distance, I am immensely grateful she made the journey to see me. Through our translator, I discovered she takes two hours daily to walk to school. Despite her shyness and unfamiliarity in conversing with strangers, I cherished the opportunity to get to know her better. I had brought some gifts for her, and we enjoyed playing games and making cards for each other, thanks to the thoughtful initiative of WV SG. What really impressed me was when I discovered her ability to read and pronounce every word I had written in English on the card I made for her. While there might have been a few words she didn't fully understand, I believe this is just the beginning of our journey toward better communication. I am so proud of her!
As the saying goes, "Time flies when you are having fun. " After our lunch date, I bid farewell to my sponsored child.
A heartwarming moment with my sponsored child
As the trip concluded on the sixth day, we left with a sense of fulfilment, knowing that our visit had made a difference. Our stopover at Bhaktapur Durbar, a beautifully restored historic site, added a touch of magic to the journey.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This trip gave me invaluable insights into the remarkable initiatives by World Vision in Sindhuli East and introduced me to new friends among the trippers who shared this unforgettable experience. It was a life-enriching experience filled with inspirational encounters and a renewed sense of hope for the community's future. Although the key challenges have not been fully overcome, the initiatives in place are making a positive difference. This effectively conveys our journey's impact, the local people's resilience, and the hope for a better future. I would like to thank WV SG, WV Nepal, and all those who support such significant work in this area programme.
Trippers Assemble! Where Friendships Thrive, and Purpose Unites Us.
I would also like to thank Christine and Shan Ying for capturing the moments and Elynn for initiating and coordinating the thoughtful goodies.
Interested in learning how child sponsorship can make a difference? Visit World Vision Singapore 🧡:
My first Chosen experience has been something I’ll never forget. This year, I feel incredibly honoured to be part of T’s life through World Vision’s Chosen programme. T, a bright and lively 5-year-old from Bangladesh, has chosen me to walk alongside her on her journey, and I’m truly grateful for the connection we now share.
Looking back, I’ll admit I didn’t dare allow myself to be chosen before, and I was wrong to think that. It wasn’t until my trip with World Vision to Cambodia, hearing some of the trippers share about the excitement and significance of children having the power to choose, that I understood just how meaningful this experience is.
The Chosen programme isn’t just about us supporting a child—it’s about giving them the chance to take control of their own story. When a child chooses who they want to walk with, it empowers them in a way that’s so much more meaningful than I ever imagined.
T’s decision to invite me into her life has been such a humbling experience, and it continues to inspire me every day.
T, thank you for choosing me. It’s a privilege to be a part of your journey, and I’m excited to see where this path takes us.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be chosen by a child, I encourage you to look into the Chosen programme. It’s a journey you won’t forget and one that will change you in ways you can’t imagine.
Life has a way of teaching us its most profound lessons when we least expect it. One of those lessons came through witnessing my mother's journey, especially during her final moments. It was a lesson about the preciousness of family time and the deep regret I felt for not having cherished it more when I had the chance.
Life often keeps us busy, with our attention divided among numerous responsibilities, commitments, and ambitions. In pursuing our dreams, we sometimes forget the very foundation that supports us — our family. It took a wake-up call to realise the significance of spending more quality time with my family.
Image created with Microsoft Designer
My mother's impending health challenges served as a stark wake-up call. Knowing that her time with us was limited made me reevaluate my priorities. I wished I had recognised the importance of family bonding earlier without needing a reminder of life's impermanence.
Our presence, our time, is one of the most valuable gifts we can give our family. It's not about grand gestures or extravagant vacations; it's about the everyday moments we share, the conversations over dinner, the laughter during family mahjong nights, and the support we offer during challenging times.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of work, personal goals, and social activities. However, it's crucial to strike a balance and ensure our family doesn't take a back seat. Allocating dedicated family time on a regular basis is a choice we won't regret.
Family time isn't just about being physically present; it's about being emotionally present as well. These moments create lasting memories that will be cherished long after our loved ones are gone.
The lesson I learned from my mother's situation is clear: the time we spend with our family is a treasure. It's a lesson I wish I had fully grasped earlier. If I could turn back time, I would have devoted even more moments to creating memories and strengthening the bonds with my family.
With my mother's passing and the geographical distance that separates me from my siblings, staying connected has become even more crucial. Thankfully, we live in an era where technology has made it easier than ever to bridge the physical gaps that may separate us.
Let us not wait for wake-up calls. Prioritise family today and ensure our time together is filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Life is a journey filled with lessons, some learned through joyous moments and others through challenging experiences. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, we often stumble upon profound insights that shape our perspectives and priorities. The lesson I wish I had grasped earlier is the unselfish power of gratitude. This became clear to me during the passing of my beloved mother.
Growing up, like many young children, I often took the love and sacrifices of my mother for granted. I was oblivious to my mother's countless hours working tirelessly to provide for our family. She cooked, cleaned, worked, acted as our chauffeur for all our school activities, and did everything she could to ensure our needs were met and our dreams were supported. But in my youthful ignorance, I failed to appreciate her efforts.
One of the most profound lessons I learned from my mother's passing is the importance of expressing gratitude for the people and blessings we have in our lives while we still have the chance. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking a moment to express gratitude can make a world of difference in our relationships and overall well-being.
My mother was always there for us, putting our needs above her own. She led a simple life, constantly striving to make ends meet and provide for her four children. While she seemed to find some enjoyment in her work, I believe it wasn't necessarily her dream job. She remained in the same job for over 30 years, prioritising stability and a guaranteed retirement fund over pursuing her aspirations.
She carried her burdens silently. Despite her challenges, her acts of generosity and compassion made a difference in the lives of those around her. This taught me that kindness is a powerful force that can bring positivity and happiness.
I deeply regret not learning the lesson of appreciation earlier in life, before her passing. However, her legacy lives on through the profound wisdom she imparted through her sacrifices. Today, I honour her memory by expressing gratitude, finding balance in my life, embracing simplicity, and spreading kindness wherever I go.
