Due to my role and responsibilities at work as an educator, the amount of workload is relatively heavier compared to a schoolteacher. When Estella was born, I had to balance my time and energy between family, work, ministry and spiritual life. Life was really challenging and I felt that I had lost my freedom.

I became very tensed up with every little thing that I was doing and I became unhappy with work and kept complaining about the workload. As a result of the stress and my uptight personality during this challenging time, I often quarreled with my husband, Vincent.

My main focus was only my child and work. I did not give much attention to Vincent, and neglected him and his feelings. I was also very rude to his family and relatives when they came to visit us during Chinese New Year, thus causing my relationship with his family to turn sour. As a result, Vincent was totally hapless over my attitude and behavior.

He soon decided to seek help from our leaders.  When I first got to know about his decision, I was very angry. At that point of time, I had just transited from another team to be under Susan Dunn, my new team leader. I was not close to her at all, and I was reluctant to share with her. I just wanted to be alone and let things be.

However, there was this small voice that kept encouraging me to open up and share with Susan. I knew that God speaking to me. Though I was still unwilling, I decided to give it a try and contacted Susan. Susan sat down with me, and listened to me. She did not try to preach to me or tell me what to do. She simply listened, encouraged me, and ministered to me.

I remember she did ask me if I had any fears or bad experiences with Vincent’s family. My answer was NO. However, I admitted that my relationship with my grandmother was bad. Because of that, it has slowly caused fear and resistance in my relationship with the elderly and people who are more senior than me. Susan encouraged me to forgive my grandmother and give myself an opportunity to get to know this new family and welcoming them into my own family.

Despite her busy schedule, Susan will still arrange to meet Vincent and myself at least once a month to ask about our progress. Vincent and I soon understood that no matter what challenges we face, we should always protect our relationship.

We should not allow anyone or any situation to break up our relationship. We should always stand together as one. Indeed, when two has become one flesh, nothing can separate them.  I learn to appreciate Vincent’s family and even initiated some regular activities and events that would build our relationships. We also learnt that we should always come to a common agreement before making any decision.

Not only that, Susan taught me from the book of Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct my paths”.
Be it in the areas of my work, my family, ministry, etc. I should always allow God to be my Guide. I should not allow other people to determine my schedule.
That verse became the anchor of my life, and though life is still as busy as before, I am much happier and I even found time to do what I’ve always wanted to do.

Recently, during my appraisal, I told my superior that life is still busy but I am happy doing what I am doing. She was shocked, but pleased.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Susan. Thank you so much for being so approachable and always willing to set aside time to listen to us. Thank you so much for all the great wisdom you have shared with Vincent and myself. We always look forward to fellowshipping with you.

We thank God for having you as our mentor and friend.