From #216 to #1913

Today is our 5th day here in Houston. Within the last 5 days we have visited at least 15 apartments and we have finally found "the one"! We are quite exhausted but so excited! The apartment we decided to go with is surrounded by a beautiful scenery of greenery and tranquility. I await to sit on our sofa in the early morning while the sunlight falls on the leaves of the trees outside our living room. So much will take place in this new little home of ours. I eagerly await to see what is to come...

ML

Here are some pictures of our temporary little home at the Stay Bridge...

Our mini little kitchen :)

Our living room :)

My Mr. Tan's work/brain station :)

Our well made bed thanks to our sweet Salvadoran housekeepers :)

Our neat organized closet/storage area in our BR :)

My Great Departure

We are here! The 20th of November has finally arrived. Seemed to far away and frozen in time. I still can't believe we have relocated to Houston. This morning's departure was not as emotional and difficult as I thought it would be. Having seen my brother move out of town and how sad and emotional were all were about his move had me expecting a difficult departure. Though there were tears, there was pleasant conversation, laughter, and prayer. I was able to hand my mother a letter I had written the night before, visit with my grand mother, and have my father lead prayer over our new journey. I was then able visit quickly with one of my dearest friends and cry with her, hear messages from other dear friends, receive encouraging text messages from friends expressing their best for us. As I was following closely behind Shaun's car on the express way there was an accident up ahead of us. That quickly drove away sadness and compelled me to focus on my defensive driving. This also reminded me of God's safety and provision over our lives. The sky was gloomy and rainy, the temperature was dropping as we drove north. I know I'm a totally melancholic! But despite what the day was looking out to be like, I knew Shaun and I were driving into His perfect will. What peace comes from knowing we are being led by our God. Because I have become so accustomed to my Mr Tan driving during our road trips , I had not been used to driving for so long and alone. Though, it was a bit lonely at times, it was nice to have some time to reflect during my drive. As I was driving into Houston I couldn't help but become a bit nervous. Shaun was so great in reassuring me of my gradual adjustment to this new life. Currently we are residing at a Stay Bridge Hotel, courtesy of SBM :) to give us some time to find ourselves a cozy and warm little apartment to call home. That's about it for today...

ML

With my grandma and the "chinito"

At the door way of our little home...

With my sweet Terrence-J...

His Grace Is Enough

This will be my first real move. Aside from moving away 60 miles for college, I have never really been away from home. Family and friends were always near. My dad was always around to fix my flat, my mom was always near to get in her car and drive to the local supermarket and drop off the spare key to my car because I had locked my keys in the car. Family and friends were in abundance, as well as comfort and familiarity. As I have shared from the beginning, surprising to even me, I have embraced the consideration of Shaun and I relocating and all the drama that comes with it. I'm so thankful that the Lord has turned my heart towards this and that I'm not fighting this deep inside and yet trying to be a supportive and encouraging wife on the outside. I know that is all God and none of me, because 6 months ago I would have reminded Shaun of "our" plan to stay in Brownsville for a couple of years, start our family here with my family and friends close by, etc. I am again reminded that God's grace truly truly is enough for me. I have always loved what grace has meant. Though, I have a feeling I will truly learn more and more about grace and it's meaning in this new season of ours.

ML

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9.8

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor 12.9

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Ephesians 4.7

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God Ephesians 2.8

Farewell Brownsville

Below are some of our visits with loved ones prior to our great departure. Our last couple of weeks have not been as busy as we were expecting. Despite all of the packing, sorting, trashing, and cleaning, we were able to spend some treasured time with those we love. Although I failed to pull out my camera many times and capture a lot of precious moments, I did manage to take a few snap shots. Shaun is so much better at this than I am.

Mickey & Minnie

One year already??? With our 2 weddings (US & Singapore), our travels (Chicago, NYC, DC, Baltimore, and Arizona), not to mention adjusting to our new lives together, our first year of being husband and wife has flown by so fast! With all the packing for our move coming up mid-November, Shaun and I were not able to take a trip as we had originally planned. Our plans went from Florence to San Antonio, to Houston to good old Brownsville, Texas. We started out our weekend by heading to the park with our blanket on a beautiful late Friday afternoon..to a nice lunch on Saturday and then to a simple yet very meaningful pancake breakfast on Sunday morning at South Padre Island. After our pancakes and eggs we had planned to take a nice little walk on on the sand and read our anniversary cards to one another. Our plan was quickly altered due to the light rain that began to fall. We then decided to park near the beach and sit in our car to exchanged cards. I went first of course! Shaun's card to me was so beautiful..so meaningful..so heartfelt..so everything! It wasn't long at all before I was crying over the heart of my husband towards me. His card expressed so many beautiful things..but there was one unforgettable statement: "I am committed to you". I felt like I was back at the altar :) This very "local" and simple anniversary was far more precious foreign beauty and exquisite food.

ML