Greek islands - Santorini I,

17.06.2013

One of the most unforgettable summers we've had was in Greece, which will always hold a special place in our hearts. Ferrying in from Athens after our stay in Thessalonica, we arrived @ Santorini close to midnight - in darkness. Come morning, we were greeted by azure blue skies, calm caldera waters and white-washed cubiform houses by the coast. As one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean sea, Santorini's rugged landscape was caused by a volcanic eruption which took place in the 16th century. And not forgetting the many small beaches and cliffs that adorn the coast, the shores of which are laid by beautiful red and black volcanic pebbles. Nothing like a game of Gin Rummy (a great couple card game that we were hooked on) by the beach, and a refreshing dip in the waters to shake off the summer heat! (though admittedly, it was rather cold for me at times; so cold beer it is)

To get around, we rented an ATV - pretty much the main transport we used in the Greece islands. Not sure if we were meant to take it on the highways, but we did and it was exhilarating! I was slightly afraid of the downslopes at first, and we ended up trading it for a car in one day.....but we immediately switched back to an ATV the day after. 

A cosy home-stay styled apartment which we stayed in, the owners were really friendly. 

Our ride

Missing the gusts of the cool evening air blowing into our faces as we drove along the coast in our salty sea-soaked beachwear. The smell of the crisp fresh air never felt more invigorating!

♥

Another milestone,

19.06.2016 
Biel, Hokkaido

Looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my best friend and partner-in-crime, in Christ ♥ When Russell first knelt down to ask for my hand in marriage, it was a heart numbing experience, with the past 8 years shuffling before my eyes, from one memory to another.

God has indeed been gracious to us through IB, army, university and the 3-year long distance. Walking me home from ACSI, secretly holding my hand underneath the SAC tables (when the whole world could see), sneaking moments during BB/council night camps just to say hello, waking up at 5am every day during army just to steal a few good mornings and gallivanting tirelessly around White Sands/Joo Koon for your Friday book-outs (if any). Long distance was also not an easy journey, trading personal touch for intimate conversations through computer pixels, heartfelt prayers through time zones and the occasional airmail that flies over a thousand miles to land in the hands of the other. Yet these were the quiet little joys which have made us cherish our relationship more each passing day.

To Russell, the world out there is vast expanse of doubt and uncertainty. Thank you for staying by my side and encouraging me since 2008. Our love is not perfect but it has indeed cast out many shadows of ambivalence and perplexities that life brings. Each and every year that has passed us has been nothing short of the Lord's blessing and a great joy. I daresay that it has been many years of ups and downs, and that if we had to relive it all over again, I don’t think we would have done it any differently.

Thank you to my family, close friends and loved ones, who have been so encouraging and supportive through this journey. And last but not least, God who has been faithful and gracious through these humbling years.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:9-12.

We’re looking forward to spending this new stage of our lives together, in encouraging each other’s walk with the Lord - and wide-eyed at this vast, big world. While the years beyond stand ahead as tall as lions, may the beauty of our bond be made sublime in Christ.