Hope

(Daphne adjusting the ornaments on the Christmas tree inside the DCUC sanctuary)

It was the first Sunday in Advent, and we lighted the Hope candle during the service. So the message was on Hope. What I took away from today's message was "God is the source of all things new". It's very meaningful for me, and significant as I head back to Singapore to begin what I believe is a new season. It reminded me that even as I begin another chapter (ha, can think of it as another learning journey), God is at the heart of it. Strength for the journey comes from Him, and He recreates beauty, goodness and purpose all the time. So we have hope.

I'm happy that I finished my time here with a Sunday, being in church. Was given more hugs than I can count, and gifts too... On my first Sunday here in Ottawa, I had a church lunch - I still recall, it was burgers and hot dogs. So it's fitting that on my final Sunday, we had Christmas lunch - turkey and the works. Got a ride back from Manny & Genny, and been packing since afternoon... sigh, luggage is super overweight. Jiat lak, better go to the airport earlier and see if I get lucky...

(Ice cream log cake - huge! I put the salt and pepper shakers beside it just so that it's easier to see how huge the slice of cake was - it filled up the whole plate!)




(Daisy and I. She's the sprightly 88-year old who bakes muffins for us every Sunday morning for Bible study class. She has an amazing mind too - she asks the most interesting and thought-provoking questions!)