WORK
My current employment started off as 2 six month contracts. The third was surprisingly 1 year in duration. Later, I came to know it was actually an administrative error on the expiry date to end Jun 2012 instead of Dec 2011. But nothing is accidental. God graciously “allowed” it. And I know the reason, on hindsight.
The department which I almost got the job had a vacancy in Oct 2011 and the staff asked for my availability. If my current contract had ended in Dec 2011, the timing would be perfectly ideal. Since it runs till Jun 2012 and I have a commitment to fulfill the contract, my hands are tight. Moreover, the boss was not inclined to transfer someone from within. So it seems that this vacancy which I was denied thrice was not meant for me.
My current employment started off as 2 six month contracts. The third was surprisingly 1 year in duration. Later, I came to know it was actually an administrative error on the expiry date to end Jun 2012 instead of Dec 2011. But nothing is accidental. God graciously “allowed” it. And I know the reason, on hindsight.
The department which I almost got the job had a vacancy in Oct 2011 and the staff asked for my availability. If my current contract had ended in Dec 2011, the timing would be perfectly ideal. Since it runs till Jun 2012 and I have a commitment to fulfill the contract, my hands are tight. Moreover, the boss was not inclined to transfer someone from within. So it seems that this vacancy which I was denied thrice was not meant for me.
RENTAL
My Malaysian tenants who are my friends and whom I had for 5 years decided to move out in Jan 2011 as they desired me to rent at market rate. Many came to view and there were a few offers too. Yet none of these were closed. Those whom I liked did not reciprocate and those who liked the place were outside my ideal tenant profile ie single non-smoking professionals excluding PRCs because they tend to be smokers and Indians because their cooking tend to leave a strong aroma and a layer of grease.
My Malaysian tenants who are my friends and whom I had for 5 years decided to move out in Jan 2011 as they desired me to rent at market rate. Many came to view and there were a few offers too. Yet none of these were closed. Those whom I liked did not reciprocate and those who liked the place were outside my ideal tenant profile ie single non-smoking professionals excluding PRCs because they tend to be smokers and Indians because their cooking tend to leave a strong aroma and a layer of grease.
After 2 months of searching and praying, I was happy to
rent it to a black American couple with a kid.
On hindsight, I should have taken the subtle hints of a probable difficult tenant but was blinded by my own prejudice for the ideal tenant. Firstly, I allowed them to pay the booking deposit in 4 instalments and delay 1st month rental on move in date rather than on date of signing of agreement. While the man was always in a foul mood, the woman speaks only a few words. Communication or rather miscommunication was the order of the day. We already started on a poor footing.
On hindsight, I should have taken the subtle hints of a probable difficult tenant but was blinded by my own prejudice for the ideal tenant. Firstly, I allowed them to pay the booking deposit in 4 instalments and delay 1st month rental on move in date rather than on date of signing of agreement. While the man was always in a foul mood, the woman speaks only a few words. Communication or rather miscommunication was the order of the day. We already started on a poor footing.
During their 9 month stay, they delayed payment on 3 occasions,
jammed the toilet bowls with wet wipes and busted the electrical system causing
power failures twice in a month. I can only deduce they were extremely high
energy users or abusers. But they blamed it on my old flat with poor electrical
fittings and the malfunction flushing system. When the bill came to a hefty 470
dollars, it was the last straw for I could not allow any more abuses to my
flat, the haughty attitude, high handed bullying tactics and unlimited funding
for their misuse.
In the recent searches, there were many Indian families who
responded of which one was particularly eager to place a booking deposit but I
was not so keen. My preference was for either the Filipino couples or the
Indonesian singles which were amongst those who visited for viewing, even
though they could afford lesser than my ask price. As I told God of my heart’s
desire, I acknowledged my biasness and my limited vision and committed it into
His hands.
In my QT, God assured me that:
1. He is the Creator of the Universe
Ps107:29 He stilled the storm to a whisper. The waves of the sea were hushed.
2. He is the Provider of all needs
Ps 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs.
3. He is the Giver of all blessings
Ps107:38 He blessed them and their numbers greatly increased and He did not let their herds diminish.
Ps107:29 He stilled the storm to a whisper. The waves of the sea were hushed.
2. He is the Provider of all needs
Ps 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs.
3. He is the Giver of all blessings
Ps107:38 He blessed them and their numbers greatly increased and He did not let their herds diminish.
It was comforting that He knows my heart and provided the right words to
administer to me. It is always amazing to experience His ways, be embraced by
His provision and protection and be overwhelmed by the influx of His divine
blessings when I laid my fears and took the step outside my own boundaries.
Travelling enhances our experience with God and His creations.
Taipei was hot with a wide variety of exotic street snacks and cold with icy breezy wind churning at the mountains.
Penang was a breeze to travel with its extensive network of public transport and the iconic blue mansion.
From the hotel balcony at Kundasang, we were treated to the majestic and mysterious façade of Mt Kota Kinabalu and witnessed its changing landscape. It was the most relaxed trip I ever had, listening to the sounds of insects, watching the butterflies, birds and inhaling the cool crisp air.
At Cherating, we survived the stinging bites of sandflies and the close itchy brushes with a mass of harmless jelly like creatures called sea petals during our snorkeling trip. Though famous for its white powdery sandy beaches, we preferred to laze in the swimming pool which was conveniently located just outside our hotel rooms.
We were intrigued by the intimate “hand to hand” firefly
experience. It was not the usual firefly tour where you watch them from afar.
As the guides waved a special ultra-light beam to draw them out of the woods
towards our boat, we were able to “catch” them with our hands and cup them to
see their illuminated bodies. God’s creation is just beyond imagination. But we
were disappointed that we missed the episode of turtle laying eggs which
happened the previous day.
At Kuala Terengganu, we had a satisfying durian feast beside the “longkang” when we chanced upon it during our visit to the weekend farmers’ market. A memorable discovery was Cowboy and Super Cowboy which were fascinating names for their local mega departmental stores. We spent several happy hours checking them out!
At Kuala Terengganu, we had a satisfying durian feast beside the “longkang” when we chanced upon it during our visit to the weekend farmers’ market. A memorable discovery was Cowboy and Super Cowboy which were fascinating names for their local mega departmental stores. We spent several happy hours checking them out!
Alexjoshua
28 Dec 2011
28 Dec 2011
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