Not One But Two On the Same Day!

As many of you know, the Chinese Lunar New Year happens in February this year. In Singapore, it is actually a public holiday with workers getting two days off from work to celebrate. The Chinese population of Singapore goes all out with traditional observances like huge family reunion dinners, visiting family and friends, and decorating streets, homes, and businesses with all kinds of good wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.The celebration actually last about 14 days.

At the condo complex we live in, I woke up to the beating of drums and gongs as the complex celebrated with a troupe of lion dancers coming to the complex to wish all a happy new year. It was quite something. Living in Texas for almost the last 30 years, we had forgotten how much Chinese New Year is celebrated. The government does not allow the burning of firecrackers as it is a fire hazard, but there was plenty of noise to welcome in the New Year.

On Sunday, February 7^th, we welcomed two more grandsons into our family. Elena and Rodney are the proud parents of Micah Rudy and Lisa and Mike are the proud parents of Ryan Christopher. Micah came around 3 a.m. and Ryan around 11 a.m. Parents and babies are doing very well. For those who are still counting, that makes 11 grandchildren total – 10 grandsons and 1 grand daughter. We praise the Lord for His blessings upon everyone and look forward to watching them grow in the years to come.

Baby Ryan (above)

Baby Micah (below)

Effie was able to go to help Elena and Lisa with the new babies. She is spending two weeks in Chicago and then another 2 weeks in Dallas, respectively. It has been a great joy for her to not only see and hold the new babies, but also to catch up with their older siblings, Reuben, Nathan, and Brandon. The plan is for her to return to Singapore on March 12^th.

In late January, Arnold’s older brother, Dick, went home to be with the Lord. Arnold was able to fly back to minister to the family and to conduct the funeral service. Thankfully, Effie was able to change her ticket to join him in the San Francisco Bay area a day after he arrived – just in time for the funeral on Tuesday & Wednesday. On Thursday, Arnold had to fly back to Singapore for meetings, to preach, and to help conduct a wedding. To say the least, it was the prayers of many that helped get everyone through this time.

We praise the Lord for His goodness to us. We are still in awe of His grace and mercies to us and to our whole family. The challenges have been great, but the Lord has been greater.

Over the next few months we look forward to having some visitors from home. Various ones on vacation will be coming through Singapore on their way to various parts of Asia. It will be a great joy to see each and everyone. If you happen to be in this part of the world, please let us know and maybe we can get together for a great visit.

Our home address is: Block 46B, Toh Tuck Road, Unit #05-07, Signature Park, Singapore 596748

Our home phone is: 65.6693.0247 and my cell phone is: 65.9181.8227.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Arnold and Effie