Good harvest - bottled 7 April 2001

Easily the happiest days of 2008. Coming back to Singapore, seeing the familiar faces, tasting the street foods and walking the roads that seem to be constantly changing.

Had dinner with the Xueyan's parents, my parents and aunt as part of an "exploratory discussion" on things to happen over the next eight months. Having dated for more than seven years, I think most people are yearning for a interim conclusion. But most importantly, it is between me and Xueyan. It is about time, we too concluded.

Sharing the ice-cream along the banks of Singapore River, watching people tossed into the air over at Clarke Quay reminded me of your birthday dinner at London Bridge. We shivered in the wintry cold as we strolled along River Thames, admiring the lighted Tower Bridge in the night. Time has withered us and we have certainly aged. Whether in London or Singapore, I am so thankful that God kept this relationship and how other relationships may have gone cold after such a long time, our love has only aged like fine wine. Because He has been faithful and merciful to us.

From window-shopping and slacking at Coffee Club, the topic has slowly changed to buying a place and hunting for hotels. But that should not take away the focus of the impending event - that God should be honoured in everything and first coming to God for counsel BEFORE deciding on a particular decision and asking God to bless that decision.

I used to think that LDR is difficult but the past four months have been relatively manageable, in fact it actually rekindled a greater appreciation of Ms Wee when I see her. No more British subtlety, it is actually amazing. Pak-tor has taken a different role. Remember how over 30 months in London, we have never met for lunch during the work week, yet over the last four days we enjoyed three good one-to-one over simple meals and desserts. An infinite improvement!

So as I prepare to depart Singapore shores in three days, please know that you will not leave my heart. This love was not built on past memories but great expectations of the future, the binding of the hearts not with aesthetically pretty laces but with carefully woven threads directed by the Master and, prayerfully, hearts that resonate with that of the Maker.