12 reasons we thank God today

Today we sat down and thought about the entire process of our moving to Paris. Of course, not matter how much people have told us it was such an exciting and fun thing to do, it was not an easy choice for us from Day One.

And our thoughts drifted to all the “compromises” we have had to make since we came. Mainly lifestyle and cultural changes. The truth is, we were very comfortable in Singapore. And coming to Paris, we had to exchange a lot of these things for an experience we were not 100% sure of, but we knew would probably never come by again.

And we thought of the house we gave up, the friends we said goodbye to, etc. And we wondered for a while if we would ever regret it.

Then we decided that given the choice, really, we would do this all over again. So we took our eyes off the life that we can see so clearly around us so that we can look at this life that we cannot see, but know will remain and grow with the both of us the rest of our days. And we will choose to thank God for this life and choice that we are living in right now. Today.

1. We have an apartment that is the size of what used to be our bedroom. Thank God that because there are no rooms (excluding the bathroom and kitchen counter) to divide us, we are forced to be totally involved in each other’s lives. And what would have previously driven us nuts, is actually becoming quite a joy.

2. We have no washing machine or dryer at home like we used to have. Thank God for providing one just across the street and now, Kar Wai does all the laundry, not Jodie! (no guesses on who gave thanks for this! Ha.)

3. Our kitchen is really tiny and there is only enough standing space for one person (with the fridge door open). Thank God that we can easily resist the temptation to buy any new gadget appliances coz there is just no space!

4. Thank God that even though this is a small apartment, we still have a bathtub! (Oh thank You, thank You!)

5. We have to travel 5 metro stations just to get to the internet café every day to check our emails coz we are still not yet able to get the phone line up at our house. Thank God that this keeps us going out every day to experience this city instead of staying in and getting bored.

6. We are not too familiar with where is the best place to get things and are still figuring our way here. Thank God for people He has placed in our paths that drop us really good hints! Thank God also that where we live, it’s like a Holland Village that has everything at our doorstep! And yesterday, we found megastores in Chinatown that sells everything we have at home, from dough fritters to Japanese curry to belachan to salted vegetables. You name it, they’ve got it!

7. We have to wait for things to happen most of the time and it usually takes really long. Thank God for this time because it has taught us much patience.

8. We have few friends here to call out for tea and to hang out with. Thank God coz time with whomever we spend now is real quality time.

9. We miss our family. Thank God for MSN with the video!

10. We do not speak or understand the language of people here well. Thank God for using this as a means of sharpening our intuition when it comes to understanding others beyond words.

11. Jo misses serving in church through dance. Thank God that He is using this to show her what it truly means to dance solely for Him.

12. With the long administrative paperwork process, Kar Wai has not been able to start work yet. Thank God because we know God is using this precious time to sharpen his mind and his eye and to most importantly show him what it truly means to be working with God.