In about 2 weeks, our family will be leaving Egypt and head back to U.S. Two years flew by so fast and I am struggling to wrap up our lives here without so much emotions churning in me.
During the past two years here in Egypt, CJ passed PMP (Project Management Professional Certification), completed the last course of facilities management, and completed Air Force Staff College.
Elisha got to experience a traditional school for a year. CJ and I wanted to give Elisha a chance to see for herself what school life is like, so that, down the road, she won't have any resentment or regrets about not being given the opportunity to explore the other option. Early on during the one-year journey, Elisha decided she prefers homeschooling and she hasn't changed her mind since then. So here we are preparing to go back to homeschool.
For me, I completed the doctoral program for Audiology through University of Florida. I am still not sure how God is going to intervene to use or not to use this degree, but, regardless, I am preparing to get Texas State license for audiology. Whatever lies ahead, I don't want to have any regrets of not doing my best.
Despite all the accomplishments and wonderful experiences we have had in Egypt, the best thing we have experienced is God's protection over us. Last Summer, on the 4th of July, little Deborah had a seizure which was followed by a cardiac arrest. Thankfully, she came out of it without any damage, but I still have a hard time talking about it without my body getting tense.
Yes, it sure feels great to have this Exodus with so much gains, but in the face of that experience of almost losing my child, all those glories fade. Everyday here on earth is a miracle and I live with that realization even more so now.
Showing posts with label Testimony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Testimony. Show all posts
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Yes, We Got the Visas!
Yesterday (7/28/2017) we heard from DC office that our visas arrived from Egypt Embassy. When CJ called me to share the news, kids and I sang a song of praise dancing around in our hotel living room.
God is so amazing: Our new home in Egypt will be ready next Monday and we will arrive in Egypt on Thursday, which means we do not have to stay at a temporary housing when we arrive in Egypt. By the time we leave Winchester, VA, I will have seen the massage therapist 4 times and CJ will have seen him 3 times. The therapist has done a great job diagnosing and treating my & CJ's chronic pains. We are so thankful that the delay in our visa processing, which at times seemed to be too hard to bear, actually gave us a chance to find healing in our physical pains.
We had a lot of rain last night, and today, the air was so cool and fresh. Rain is something we will rarely see in Egypt. As we took a walk at the Museum of Shenandoah Valley garden, I tried to soak in all that after-the-rain freshness. I am extremely thankful that we are finally going to have a place to call our home, but I also know that we will miss the mountains and green space we have enjoyed here in Winchester for the past 8 weeks.
Everyday is a Miracle
God is so amazing: Our new home in Egypt will be ready next Monday and we will arrive in Egypt on Thursday, which means we do not have to stay at a temporary housing when we arrive in Egypt. By the time we leave Winchester, VA, I will have seen the massage therapist 4 times and CJ will have seen him 3 times. The therapist has done a great job diagnosing and treating my & CJ's chronic pains. We are so thankful that the delay in our visa processing, which at times seemed to be too hard to bear, actually gave us a chance to find healing in our physical pains.
We had a lot of rain last night, and today, the air was so cool and fresh. Rain is something we will rarely see in Egypt. As we took a walk at the Museum of Shenandoah Valley garden, I tried to soak in all that after-the-rain freshness. I am extremely thankful that we are finally going to have a place to call our home, but I also know that we will miss the mountains and green space we have enjoyed here in Winchester for the past 8 weeks.
Everyday is a Miracle
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Tracking His Handiwork
As I am putting final touches on this post, we are in Winchester, VA. As you will find more below, we are in the middle of moving overseas, and I wanted to share how God has been leading us thus far in this journey of another trans-continental move. I don't know why, but, early on, God laid on my heart to track this. Here we go:
January 9, 2017
My husband, CJ, received a tentative job offer for a position in Cairo, Egypt. There was an initial honeymoon period filled with excitement. However, soon doubts, anxieties and all kinds of worries (aka the reality) hit me and I started pouting, snapping and sulking....in an attempt to make CJ give up this once-in-a-life-time career move.
January 25, 2017
CJ received an e-mail that due to POTUS executive order of federal hiring freeze, CJ's job offer is on hold...Ha! Did my wish come true? Was I overjoyed? Believe or not, I didn't feel peace. My heart must have known before my head figured it out.
January 30, 2017
It was Monday morning. Elisha was in the Classical Conversations weekly meeting and I was walking outside her classroom building for twins' nap time stroll. To be 'productive', I was praying while I was pushing the double stroller around the block. That's when God told me to support CJ and to be on the same page with him. It was too clear to doubt and immediately I texted CJ 'God wants us to be on the same page'. I guess it would have been much nicer if I added some apology for having been so grouchy, but I was such a proud coward. Anyways, this is when God prompted me to start tracking this journey.
February 20, 2017
Still hiring freeze with no updates regarding CJ's position. Limbo. We are anxious to have some kind of closure for this job so that we can make plans accordingly. On this particular day, through Elisha, God told me 'everything will be ok, because you've been praying and I hear your prayer'.
February 28, 2017
This 'on hold' situation seems to bother CJ a lot. I sense that CJ really wants this job and he is almost gripped with fear. Aha! I see what God is doing - He is teaching CJ lessons: that it is possible to wait in peace, that He knows what he needs. I texted CJ 'God wants you to let go of gravels, so that you can hold the diamond God wants to give you'.
March 7, 2017
While looking through her old workbook, Elisha found a note she wrote a few years ago. It said, 'Don't worry. I will take care of you.' I got it from her and taped in on my kitchen cabinet.
March 10, 2017
Not consistent nor really serious, but Elisha plays with the Arabic language learning app CJ installed in January. I feel so sad to put her in this uncertainty.
March 14, 2017
CJ sent me a text: he will have a job interview with Minneapolis office this week. I found out this position does not pay for PCS cost and that's a clear sign for NO.
March 19, 2017
I read about Abraham's servant's quest to find Isaac's bride. Everything went so smooth, so seamlessly. It reminded of our trip to Korea in 2015 to try IVF. Things were planned and executed at the last minute, in such a hurry, but God put all things together in such a manner that all the details worked out so well. Also, it reminded me of how I got my work permit after Northwestern University. I was literally on pins and needles...the permit did not arrive until the day before I had to leave the dorm. BUT it did. It did arrive. Why? Why on earth did God have to make it so hard? Did he want me to wait in peace? How could I wait it peace when the due date was fast-approaching? How could I be still when the clock is ticking?
March 20, 2017
While driving to CC this morning, I continued the conversation with God from where I left off last night: Why did God put me in such a scary wait in 2002?...All of a sudden, it became very clear that what happened at the end of 2002 was to prepare me for this time, this wait in 2017. What does that mean? A precedent. Something that will guide me during this uncertain, blindfolded journey. He wants me to know that He WAS faithful in the past, He IS faithful now, and He WILL be faithful
in the future.
March 22, 2017
Early morning, I checked emails and found an email from his supervisor Dr. Masoud regarding CJ's job....they submitted exemption request for CJ's position in Egypt and he is expecting a positive result!
March 22, 2017
CJ texted me...CJ's position is approved for exemption from hiring freeze!
April 3, 2017
Unlike we've been assuming all along, we won't be authorized to ship our POV to Egypt. Originally, our plan was to ship Camry to CJ's parents in Chicago and take Odyssey with us. Disappointed, but thankful that we are not completely unprepared for this. Just to test the water and out of curiosity, last Friday, CJ took Odyssey to a few dealers and we were able to get an idea of how much this car is worth, if we decide to sell. So, tonight, CJ spent a few hours to take pictures of the car and listed it on a few websites for sale. We've done our part: maintaining the car in excellent condition, doing enough research, taking a prompt action, praying. Now, we will see how God's going to work this out. If CJ agrees, I plan to post here how much we paid for the car and how much we sold it at.
April 9, 2017
It's Psalm Sunday, and early in the morning, I read news that two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt were bombed by ISIS. One of the churches is located in Alexandria, which is considered a 'relaxed, expat-favored, Mediterranean beach city'. It's not far from Maadi where we will be living. My knees shook and I just wanted to sit down and cry. Not wanting to ruin this day, I made it to church with CJ and kids, but my mind was wandering: will we be able to come back in one piece? will we be able to go to church on Sundays? will every day be spent in fear? will we be able to lead 'normal' life? One may think I am morbid, but I am just being realistic.
April 11, 2017
It's twin's birthday. Later in the evening, we received PCS order via email. PTL! A few weeks ago, CJ was told that POV shipment is not authorized, but PCS order showed POV shipment is authorized, which is an answer to our prayer!
April 12, 2017
CJ emailed to verify POV situation, and yes, POV shipment is authorized! We decided to ask CJ's parents to take care of Camry and take minivan with us. We will take care of the van, but would not 'use' it daily. CJ will be provided with a SUV for personal use, and, from what I have read so far, I do not think I will ever want to drive in Egypt. So, we will use the SUV and when CJ's out of town, I will use taxi.
June 4, 2017
A lot of things have happened. Mostly logistics related to moving. I started packing in January, but I guess it was not early enough. Every night, after we put twins to bed, I would organize, pack, throw away, organize, pack, throw away.....If I didn't see the acupuncturist and massage therapist every week, I would not have survived the past two labor-intensive months. We moved into a hotel on Memorial Day and movers came to pack and load our household goods last week. We cleaned the house squeaky clean, and left it much cleaner than when we first moved in two and a half years ago. I did not have a minute to sit down and relish the thought of moving to Egypt.
As I sat at the church today, I had a brief panic at the thought of what's really happening...the 'reality-kicking-in-moment'.
June 8, 2017
We left San Antonio and arrived in Virginia.
June 11, 2017
After spending a few days touring DC area, we arrived in Winchester, VA. As soon as our visas are processed, we will leave for Egypt.
July 21, 2017
My back pain got worse and I saw a local massage therapist. He used a very unique method called Capstone and during and even right after the treatment, I wasn't quite sure if it worked or not. He was very knowledgeable and was able to pinpoint the source of my chronic pain.
July 22, 2017
I had a lot of soreness last night after the treatment. However, today I feel much better overall. I thanked God that due to the delay in visa situation allowed me to see the therapist. I plan to see him again early next week.
July 23, 2017
We have been here in Virginia for 6 weeks now, and we are still waiting for visas to fly out to Egypt. We have been feeling discouraged and often sad missing home. It has been hard for me to see Elisha crying homesick. Nonetheless, some good things have happened as well: Elisha made a few good friends during our stay at Capon Springs and Farms; twins got their table manners down and eat very well by themselves; we got to enjoy a long, very long summer vacation that we had never dreamed of!
I had a dream last night: we were all hiking on a mountain. Elisha and I arrived on the top first, and we were hugging and crying so excited. CJ was right behind us pushing a double stroller with twins. During lunch today, I got to talk to Elisha about this dream and asked what she thought of it. Elisha said the dream meant we will be receiving our visas soon and will go to Egypt.
Everyday is a Miracle
January 9, 2017
My husband, CJ, received a tentative job offer for a position in Cairo, Egypt. There was an initial honeymoon period filled with excitement. However, soon doubts, anxieties and all kinds of worries (aka the reality) hit me and I started pouting, snapping and sulking....in an attempt to make CJ give up this once-in-a-life-time career move.
January 25, 2017
CJ received an e-mail that due to POTUS executive order of federal hiring freeze, CJ's job offer is on hold...Ha! Did my wish come true? Was I overjoyed? Believe or not, I didn't feel peace. My heart must have known before my head figured it out.
January 30, 2017
It was Monday morning. Elisha was in the Classical Conversations weekly meeting and I was walking outside her classroom building for twins' nap time stroll. To be 'productive', I was praying while I was pushing the double stroller around the block. That's when God told me to support CJ and to be on the same page with him. It was too clear to doubt and immediately I texted CJ 'God wants us to be on the same page'. I guess it would have been much nicer if I added some apology for having been so grouchy, but I was such a proud coward. Anyways, this is when God prompted me to start tracking this journey.
February 20, 2017
Still hiring freeze with no updates regarding CJ's position. Limbo. We are anxious to have some kind of closure for this job so that we can make plans accordingly. On this particular day, through Elisha, God told me 'everything will be ok, because you've been praying and I hear your prayer'.
February 28, 2017
This 'on hold' situation seems to bother CJ a lot. I sense that CJ really wants this job and he is almost gripped with fear. Aha! I see what God is doing - He is teaching CJ lessons: that it is possible to wait in peace, that He knows what he needs. I texted CJ 'God wants you to let go of gravels, so that you can hold the diamond God wants to give you'.
March 7, 2017
While looking through her old workbook, Elisha found a note she wrote a few years ago. It said, 'Don't worry. I will take care of you.' I got it from her and taped in on my kitchen cabinet.
March 10, 2017
Not consistent nor really serious, but Elisha plays with the Arabic language learning app CJ installed in January. I feel so sad to put her in this uncertainty.
March 14, 2017
CJ sent me a text: he will have a job interview with Minneapolis office this week. I found out this position does not pay for PCS cost and that's a clear sign for NO.
March 19, 2017
I read about Abraham's servant's quest to find Isaac's bride. Everything went so smooth, so seamlessly. It reminded of our trip to Korea in 2015 to try IVF. Things were planned and executed at the last minute, in such a hurry, but God put all things together in such a manner that all the details worked out so well. Also, it reminded me of how I got my work permit after Northwestern University. I was literally on pins and needles...the permit did not arrive until the day before I had to leave the dorm. BUT it did. It did arrive. Why? Why on earth did God have to make it so hard? Did he want me to wait in peace? How could I wait it peace when the due date was fast-approaching? How could I be still when the clock is ticking?
March 20, 2017
While driving to CC this morning, I continued the conversation with God from where I left off last night: Why did God put me in such a scary wait in 2002?...All of a sudden, it became very clear that what happened at the end of 2002 was to prepare me for this time, this wait in 2017. What does that mean? A precedent. Something that will guide me during this uncertain, blindfolded journey. He wants me to know that He WAS faithful in the past, He IS faithful now, and He WILL be faithful
in the future.
March 22, 2017
Early morning, I checked emails and found an email from his supervisor Dr. Masoud regarding CJ's job....they submitted exemption request for CJ's position in Egypt and he is expecting a positive result!
March 22, 2017
CJ texted me...CJ's position is approved for exemption from hiring freeze!
April 3, 2017
Unlike we've been assuming all along, we won't be authorized to ship our POV to Egypt. Originally, our plan was to ship Camry to CJ's parents in Chicago and take Odyssey with us. Disappointed, but thankful that we are not completely unprepared for this. Just to test the water and out of curiosity, last Friday, CJ took Odyssey to a few dealers and we were able to get an idea of how much this car is worth, if we decide to sell. So, tonight, CJ spent a few hours to take pictures of the car and listed it on a few websites for sale. We've done our part: maintaining the car in excellent condition, doing enough research, taking a prompt action, praying. Now, we will see how God's going to work this out. If CJ agrees, I plan to post here how much we paid for the car and how much we sold it at.
April 9, 2017
It's Psalm Sunday, and early in the morning, I read news that two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt were bombed by ISIS. One of the churches is located in Alexandria, which is considered a 'relaxed, expat-favored, Mediterranean beach city'. It's not far from Maadi where we will be living. My knees shook and I just wanted to sit down and cry. Not wanting to ruin this day, I made it to church with CJ and kids, but my mind was wandering: will we be able to come back in one piece? will we be able to go to church on Sundays? will every day be spent in fear? will we be able to lead 'normal' life? One may think I am morbid, but I am just being realistic.
April 11, 2017
It's twin's birthday. Later in the evening, we received PCS order via email. PTL! A few weeks ago, CJ was told that POV shipment is not authorized, but PCS order showed POV shipment is authorized, which is an answer to our prayer!
April 12, 2017
CJ emailed to verify POV situation, and yes, POV shipment is authorized! We decided to ask CJ's parents to take care of Camry and take minivan with us. We will take care of the van, but would not 'use' it daily. CJ will be provided with a SUV for personal use, and, from what I have read so far, I do not think I will ever want to drive in Egypt. So, we will use the SUV and when CJ's out of town, I will use taxi.
June 4, 2017
A lot of things have happened. Mostly logistics related to moving. I started packing in January, but I guess it was not early enough. Every night, after we put twins to bed, I would organize, pack, throw away, organize, pack, throw away.....If I didn't see the acupuncturist and massage therapist every week, I would not have survived the past two labor-intensive months. We moved into a hotel on Memorial Day and movers came to pack and load our household goods last week. We cleaned the house squeaky clean, and left it much cleaner than when we first moved in two and a half years ago. I did not have a minute to sit down and relish the thought of moving to Egypt.
As I sat at the church today, I had a brief panic at the thought of what's really happening...the 'reality-kicking-in-moment'.
June 8, 2017
We left San Antonio and arrived in Virginia.
June 11, 2017
After spending a few days touring DC area, we arrived in Winchester, VA. As soon as our visas are processed, we will leave for Egypt.
July 21, 2017
My back pain got worse and I saw a local massage therapist. He used a very unique method called Capstone and during and even right after the treatment, I wasn't quite sure if it worked or not. He was very knowledgeable and was able to pinpoint the source of my chronic pain.
July 22, 2017
I had a lot of soreness last night after the treatment. However, today I feel much better overall. I thanked God that due to the delay in visa situation allowed me to see the therapist. I plan to see him again early next week.
July 23, 2017
We have been here in Virginia for 6 weeks now, and we are still waiting for visas to fly out to Egypt. We have been feeling discouraged and often sad missing home. It has been hard for me to see Elisha crying homesick. Nonetheless, some good things have happened as well: Elisha made a few good friends during our stay at Capon Springs and Farms; twins got their table manners down and eat very well by themselves; we got to enjoy a long, very long summer vacation that we had never dreamed of!
I had a dream last night: we were all hiking on a mountain. Elisha and I arrived on the top first, and we were hugging and crying so excited. CJ was right behind us pushing a double stroller with twins. During lunch today, I got to talk to Elisha about this dream and asked what she thought of it. Elisha said the dream meant we will be receiving our visas soon and will go to Egypt.
Everyday is a Miracle
Monday, February 20, 2017
Childlike Faith
Elisha and I were on our way home from our weekly Classical Conversations gathering. There was an unusually heavy traffic on 1604 South. We saw 'Road Work Ahead' sign, and, instead of complaining about the delay, we enjoyed our mommy-daughter date which we have not had for a very long time. Around halfway home, all cars started moving to the right lane, and that's when we saw a small passenger car wrecked in an accident.
It looked like the car span and crashed into a boulder or something. Its front was totaled and airbags were in full display. I gasped and sighed. Elisha blurted out, "Mama, let's pray", and she began to pray out loud: "Dear God, I pray that no one is seriously injured. I pray that nobody needs surgery. I pray that everyone will be healed quickly. In Jesus name we pray, Amen." What she said next stunned me: "Everything will be OK now. We prayed and God hears our prayer." The simple faith...this must be what 'childlike faith' actually looks like. It was so powerful and beautiful that it made my eyes twinkle with some liquid.
Why do I worry and live in fear while praying? Why do I still carry the heavy burden after I said I lay it all down at His feet in my prayer? I needed to hear that...that everything will be alright, that my heavenly father will take care of everything, that I need to rest knowing that My DAD is in control.
And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3, NIV)
Everyday is a Miracle
It looked like the car span and crashed into a boulder or something. Its front was totaled and airbags were in full display. I gasped and sighed. Elisha blurted out, "Mama, let's pray", and she began to pray out loud: "Dear God, I pray that no one is seriously injured. I pray that nobody needs surgery. I pray that everyone will be healed quickly. In Jesus name we pray, Amen." What she said next stunned me: "Everything will be OK now. We prayed and God hears our prayer." The simple faith...this must be what 'childlike faith' actually looks like. It was so powerful and beautiful that it made my eyes twinkle with some liquid.
Why do I worry and live in fear while praying? Why do I still carry the heavy burden after I said I lay it all down at His feet in my prayer? I needed to hear that...that everything will be alright, that my heavenly father will take care of everything, that I need to rest knowing that My DAD is in control.
And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3, NIV)
Everyday is a Miracle
Friday, February 17, 2017
Garage Door Grace
Today, I need something to remind me of how blessed I am to be married to a man who always accepts me with so much grace which I do not deserve. If you are a good mind-reader, you might have already figured out that I am a judgemental, feisty, insecure human being.
Last year, I was on my way home from my physical therapy session and I was listening to a radio station while driving. When I got to our driveway, I tried to adjust the driver seat so that it would be ready for CJ. I was multi-tasking: listening to radio and adjusting the seat...and the car was on Drive mode! Guess what happened. Yes, I drove into our garage door and made a dent. I panicked and could not believe that I did what I did.
If CJ drove into the garage door, I would have made sure that he knew what a bitch I am. If CJ got angry at my stupidity and stomped around the house for weeks, I would have thought I deserve it. However, the first thing that came out of his mouth was, 'Are you Ok? I am glad you are not hurt.'. You see, God really wants to teach me something: to show grace towards all those imperfections around me.
Our car insurance covered the repair cost, and I believe it did not affect our insurance premium for the new year, which was a big relief. This accident really made me realize that I need to work on showing grace towards my husband, my children, and even myself.
Everyday is a miracle.
Last year, I was on my way home from my physical therapy session and I was listening to a radio station while driving. When I got to our driveway, I tried to adjust the driver seat so that it would be ready for CJ. I was multi-tasking: listening to radio and adjusting the seat...and the car was on Drive mode! Guess what happened. Yes, I drove into our garage door and made a dent. I panicked and could not believe that I did what I did.
If CJ drove into the garage door, I would have made sure that he knew what a bitch I am. If CJ got angry at my stupidity and stomped around the house for weeks, I would have thought I deserve it. However, the first thing that came out of his mouth was, 'Are you Ok? I am glad you are not hurt.'. You see, God really wants to teach me something: to show grace towards all those imperfections around me.
Our car insurance covered the repair cost, and I believe it did not affect our insurance premium for the new year, which was a big relief. This accident really made me realize that I need to work on showing grace towards my husband, my children, and even myself.
Everyday is a miracle.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
How much did I make by raising questions?
When you receive bills from your doctor, what do you do? Do you ever suspect there could be a mistake? Believe or not, a lot of times, the amount on the bills that you receive from your medical service providers are incorrect.
We do have a very good health insurance called Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP). We became eligible for this insurance when my husband was working overseas as a part of DoD system. We used to have BCBS for a long time, but FSBP is much more superior than BCBS and other insurance plans we are eligible for as a federal employee.
As y'all know, I gave birth to twins last year, which means lots of doctor visits. For each bill, I compared what the bill states with what I see on the EOB (Explanation of Benefits) on FSBP website. Believe or not, for most of those bills, I found the provider charged me much more than what the EOB states as 'member responsibility'. Why couldn't they figure out correctly how much I owe them? Are they hoping that I would be naive enough to succumb to their fancy bill and 'just' pay whatever they charge me?
Frustrated and annoyed, but I picked up the phone to call my insurance company. To my relief, the customer service representative agreed with me that I owed $0 instead of $1,130, $5.80 instead of $90.79, etc. Then it took another few weeks or sometimes several months for FSBP to talk to/resolve the issue with the provider.
Do you want to know how much I saved last year by being me, the TAPO mama? $1562.94
Ha! The morale of this story is ' NEVER, EVER pay your medical bills before checking your EOB'. You don't want to bother? Well, let me do the work for you and you pay me 20% of what I save for you. Just shoot me an email.
TAPO
We do have a very good health insurance called Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP). We became eligible for this insurance when my husband was working overseas as a part of DoD system. We used to have BCBS for a long time, but FSBP is much more superior than BCBS and other insurance plans we are eligible for as a federal employee.
As y'all know, I gave birth to twins last year, which means lots of doctor visits. For each bill, I compared what the bill states with what I see on the EOB (Explanation of Benefits) on FSBP website. Believe or not, for most of those bills, I found the provider charged me much more than what the EOB states as 'member responsibility'. Why couldn't they figure out correctly how much I owe them? Are they hoping that I would be naive enough to succumb to their fancy bill and 'just' pay whatever they charge me?
Frustrated and annoyed, but I picked up the phone to call my insurance company. To my relief, the customer service representative agreed with me that I owed $0 instead of $1,130, $5.80 instead of $90.79, etc. Then it took another few weeks or sometimes several months for FSBP to talk to/resolve the issue with the provider.
Do you want to know how much I saved last year by being me, the TAPO mama? $1562.94
Ha! The morale of this story is ' NEVER, EVER pay your medical bills before checking your EOB'. You don't want to bother? Well, let me do the work for you and you pay me 20% of what I save for you. Just shoot me an email.
TAPO
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
From 3 to 5
We just welcomed twins into our family! They came out about 3-4 weeks early, but, thankfully, both are healthy. I had hyperemesis for 8 months just like 6 years ago when I was pregnant with Elisha, and it was very tough time, especially with another child to take care of.
However, there is a small testimony I would like to share. Being so not functional for such a long time, many days and many times I doubted if the pregnancy was right decision or not. Being unable to take care of Elisha as I used to made me feel very frustrated and, often, depressed. CJ and I had decided to have more children for the sake of Elisha, but many days during the pregnancy, I felt like we made a wrong decision. As she saw me throwing up day and night for 8 months, Elisha often covered her ears and cried she didn't want me to be pregnant, that she didn't want any brother or sister. I had asked God if we made the right choice, if we were doing good to Elisha...it was not even a prayer. I was just venting out.
Then 5 days before the C-section, Elisha came up to me and said 'Mommy, at CC (Classical Conversation) last time, all my friends were holding hands with their brothers and sisters but I didn't have anyone to hold hands with'. I asked Elisha how she had felt about it, and she said she had felt very lonely. Oh, the joy and tears! Just 5 days before we welcomed twins into our family, God made it very very clear that we had made the right decision for Elisha. It released me from all the doubts and burdens I had been carrying all along the pregnancy and...5 days later, our family became from 3 of us to 5 of us. Isn't God awesome?
TAPO
However, there is a small testimony I would like to share. Being so not functional for such a long time, many days and many times I doubted if the pregnancy was right decision or not. Being unable to take care of Elisha as I used to made me feel very frustrated and, often, depressed. CJ and I had decided to have more children for the sake of Elisha, but many days during the pregnancy, I felt like we made a wrong decision. As she saw me throwing up day and night for 8 months, Elisha often covered her ears and cried she didn't want me to be pregnant, that she didn't want any brother or sister. I had asked God if we made the right choice, if we were doing good to Elisha...it was not even a prayer. I was just venting out.
Then 5 days before the C-section, Elisha came up to me and said 'Mommy, at CC (Classical Conversation) last time, all my friends were holding hands with their brothers and sisters but I didn't have anyone to hold hands with'. I asked Elisha how she had felt about it, and she said she had felt very lonely. Oh, the joy and tears! Just 5 days before we welcomed twins into our family, God made it very very clear that we had made the right decision for Elisha. It released me from all the doubts and burdens I had been carrying all along the pregnancy and...5 days later, our family became from 3 of us to 5 of us. Isn't God awesome?
TAPO
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Debt Tolerance
Ha, Obama government did it. They raised national debt ceiling. And I loathe it.They found an easy way out - easy for them....which is heavy on the back of honest, hard-working people and the future generation. Now Mr. Obama will be remembered as "the president who got us into deeper debt".
Obviously, S&P is not as debt-tolerant as Mr. Obama, since they lowered U.S. credit rating right after the debt ceiling was raised.
If I can't afford to buy a new car, I would buy a used car. If I can't afford to buy a used car, I would take a bus until I save enough money to buy a car. All because my debt tolerance is very, extremely low. I might have allergy to debt.
Both in America and here in Korea, I see many young people taking out loans with no second thoughts, just to get a new car or to live in a bigger house. By the way, here in Korea, right now the interest rate for a loan is around 7-8%.
I have a friend who once had $30,000 debt in college. It was not a school loan. It was a credit card debt. She loved shopping, eating out, traveling - all done with a few credit cards in hands. When she accepted Jesus into her life, one of the first things she wanted was to become financially clean and responsible.
After talking to our pastor, she moved out of her apartment and moved in with an old lady, who hired my friend as her caregiver. Salary and free housing - she was already able to cut huge part of her monthly expenses. Then she stopped eating out. Between classes and her new job as a caregiver, she didn't have time to go out any longer.
She paid off the $30,000 debt in two years.
What is your debt tolerance? Does the word 'debt' make you cringe? Would you take out a loan or would you downgrade your life style?
Any government, like any family, can for a year spend a little more than it earns. But you and I know that a continuance of that habit means the poorhouse. Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1932
TAPO
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Don't Mess With TAPO-man!
Don't we too often minimize what a simple 'asking' can do?
Last week, we made a flub with our finance! Of course, we fail once in a while, just like everyone else. However, one thing that we do which most people don't do is we try hard, very very hard to minimize the damage.
Two weeks ago, we opened a new savings account and transferred most of our money from our checking account to this new savings account. Last Thursday was C.J.'s payday and our credit card payment was withdrawn on Wednesday. Even though the credit card payment was scheduled on the same date as payday, due to the time zone difference between US and Korea, it didn't work as we had planned.
So the bank charged us for the overdraft and the credit card company charged us a hefty finance charge. Now, we had two options: too tired and therefore succumb to the giants,or ask for forgiveness and see what happens.
Well, C.J. decided to be the man and fight for it. We thought if we could get at least some of the charges waived, we would be grateful. C.J. politely explained the situation to both the bank and the credit card company, and asked for a favor.........And, to our surprise, both of them waived ALL charges!
I am so proud of C.J. that he has the gut and willingness to "try", instead of giving up without trying...That's the true TAPO-man.
TAPO
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Conduit of Blessing
A few months ago, C.J. got a bonus from his work. As it was an unexpected, surprise income, I thought we were going to tithe, spend little bit to treat ourselves to a nice dinner, and save the rest of the money. However, God obviously had a different plan for that money.
C.J. suggested we support a friend who was leaving for an one-year missions trip, and he also wanted to donate to a few missions organizations including Japan Tsunami relief fund. After giving to those people/organizations, we still had some leftover from the bonus, and I was looking forward to spending and saving the money for US now. Oh well, that was not God's plan, though.
A few days later, we found out that CJ's old friend passed away from an illness, with his wife and newborn twins left behind. C.J. wanted to help out the widow raising the twins, and we decided to donate to their scholarship fund.
By that time, we gave away more than what we got from the bonus! I was about to complain to God: "God, I didn't get to touch even $1 of that bonus money!" That's when God whispered to me, "Hyuna, I gave you the money so that I could bless those people in need." God used us as the conduit of blessing, and we are more than excited to be used for His work.
TAPO
C.J. suggested we support a friend who was leaving for an one-year missions trip, and he also wanted to donate to a few missions organizations including Japan Tsunami relief fund. After giving to those people/organizations, we still had some leftover from the bonus, and I was looking forward to spending and saving the money for US now. Oh well, that was not God's plan, though.
A few days later, we found out that CJ's old friend passed away from an illness, with his wife and newborn twins left behind. C.J. wanted to help out the widow raising the twins, and we decided to donate to their scholarship fund.
By that time, we gave away more than what we got from the bonus! I was about to complain to God: "God, I didn't get to touch even $1 of that bonus money!" That's when God whispered to me, "Hyuna, I gave you the money so that I could bless those people in need." God used us as the conduit of blessing, and we are more than excited to be used for His work.
TAPO
Sunday, May 30, 2010
God on Our Side - Matthew 25:12
Morning sickness continues during this last month of pregnancy. I had to go into ER again last weekend due to non-stop coughing. Whew....I'm almost there and soon there will be no more barfing!
These past few months, I have been writing about what happened to C.J. and myself during the past 8 months, especially in financial area. Now I would like to share what we learned: AM I A GOOD MANAGER?
Again, we realized that Matthew 25:12 is so true; that God gives to those who handle His resources responsibly and faithfully. If you were the master, who would you entrust with your finance, someone who has a track record of being wise and responsible with money or someone who does not know where his money is being spent.
Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! (Matthew 25:12, NLT)
Having experienced how God has met all our needs during the past tough, very tough 9 months, C.J. and I are at peace about us becoming a one-income family as we welcome a baby into our family.
TAPO
These past few months, I have been writing about what happened to C.J. and myself during the past 8 months, especially in financial area. Now I would like to share what we learned: AM I A GOOD MANAGER?
Again, we realized that Matthew 25:12 is so true; that God gives to those who handle His resources responsibly and faithfully. If you were the master, who would you entrust with your finance, someone who has a track record of being wise and responsible with money or someone who does not know where his money is being spent.
Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! (Matthew 25:12, NLT)
Having experienced how God has met all our needs during the past tough, very tough 9 months, C.J. and I are at peace about us becoming a one-income family as we welcome a baby into our family.
TAPO
Thursday, March 4, 2010
God on Our Side - Door Opened, Door Closed
On 2009 Thanksgiving weekend, big news arrived in C.J.'s e-mail inbox. The e-mail was containing a job offer from the Department of Defense (DoD) to work in Korea for three years. Initially, we thought it was a spam mail, but after confirming over the phone with the actual HR person who sent the e-mail, it wasn't a joke any more.
C.J. had been applying for DoD jobs since early 2008, and this job he was offered was one of the many positions he had applied for in May 2008. We were excited, but I wasn't sure if the timing was right, because at that time, I was on bed rest due to severe case of morning sickness and was not sure if my body could handle the trans-pacific move. However, as it was something that we had been asking, seeking, and knocking for a long time, we decided to accept the offer.
Then, about a month later, we found out that C.J.'s then-current job would not be available from February 2010! At that time, C.J. had been working as a contractor for the City of Chicago for three yeras. However, obviously the City of Chicago union filed a complaint two years ago asserting that the work C.J. had been doing should be given to a union member, not to an outside contractor like C.J., and the union won the job. Of course, C.J. did not know this was happening all those years, so when he heard the news, it was a shock not only to him, but also to his company.
Whew....what could have happened if C.J. did not get the job offer from DoD? What could have happened if we decided not to accept the offer? Insurance, mortgage, baby....How would we have handled all the expenses?
Realizing how perfect the timing was, C.J. and I could not stop praising God. I still remember telling CJ how overwhelmed I was by His work.
TAPO
C.J. had been applying for DoD jobs since early 2008, and this job he was offered was one of the many positions he had applied for in May 2008. We were excited, but I wasn't sure if the timing was right, because at that time, I was on bed rest due to severe case of morning sickness and was not sure if my body could handle the trans-pacific move. However, as it was something that we had been asking, seeking, and knocking for a long time, we decided to accept the offer.
Then, about a month later, we found out that C.J.'s then-current job would not be available from February 2010! At that time, C.J. had been working as a contractor for the City of Chicago for three yeras. However, obviously the City of Chicago union filed a complaint two years ago asserting that the work C.J. had been doing should be given to a union member, not to an outside contractor like C.J., and the union won the job. Of course, C.J. did not know this was happening all those years, so when he heard the news, it was a shock not only to him, but also to his company.
Whew....what could have happened if C.J. did not get the job offer from DoD? What could have happened if we decided not to accept the offer? Insurance, mortgage, baby....How would we have handled all the expenses?
Realizing how perfect the timing was, C.J. and I could not stop praising God. I still remember telling CJ how overwhelmed I was by His work.
TAPO
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
God on Our Side - Maternity Coverage
It was October of last year that God started stirring waves in our quiet lives in Chicagoland. After noticing some unsettling symptoms, we found out I was pregnant. It was amazing news! However, soon we realized we didn't have maternity coverage. Out of negligence, we were still carrying the same health insurance we had as singles and didn't purchase maternity coverage. I started having severe morning sickness which left me debilitated. However, without maternity coverage, I didn't dare to see a doctor. That was mid October.
In two weeks, C.J.'s company started accepting renewal/new applications for employee health insurance. Until then, it was our understanding that in the state of Illinois, it takes one year of waiting period for the maternity coverage to become available after enrollment. However, we found out that BCBSIL's policy changed in October 2009 to waive the waiting period for new applicants!
We enrolled for the new insurance which became effective on November 1, 2009. I saw a OB/GYN doctor on November 3, and was admitted to ER on the same day and then hospitalized for the next three days for malnutrition and dehydration. The bill for the ER visit and hospital stay came about $80,000, but most of it was covered by the new insurance and we paid only $90.
Looking back at the three weeks gives me goose bumps all over. What could have happened if we didn't have the insurance? What could have happened if BCBSIL still required the one-year waiting period for maternity coverage to become available? We could have either damaged my and baby's health or ruined our finance. God's timing couldn't have been more perfect. I may sound obnoxious, but I do see God's hands diligently working for us in BCBSIL's policy change that happened in October 2009.
TAPO
In two weeks, C.J.'s company started accepting renewal/new applications for employee health insurance. Until then, it was our understanding that in the state of Illinois, it takes one year of waiting period for the maternity coverage to become available after enrollment. However, we found out that BCBSIL's policy changed in October 2009 to waive the waiting period for new applicants!
We enrolled for the new insurance which became effective on November 1, 2009. I saw a OB/GYN doctor on November 3, and was admitted to ER on the same day and then hospitalized for the next three days for malnutrition and dehydration. The bill for the ER visit and hospital stay came about $80,000, but most of it was covered by the new insurance and we paid only $90.
Looking back at the three weeks gives me goose bumps all over. What could have happened if we didn't have the insurance? What could have happened if BCBSIL still required the one-year waiting period for maternity coverage to become available? We could have either damaged my and baby's health or ruined our finance. God's timing couldn't have been more perfect. I may sound obnoxious, but I do see God's hands diligently working for us in BCBSIL's policy change that happened in October 2009.
TAPO
It's Been a Long Time!
Hello Everyone,
I apologize for having disappeared for the past 5 months. God has been doing amazing things in our lives in such a speed, so I haven't been able to make time for anything other than taking care of our basic daily needs. It's been a crazy 5-month, but C.J. and I witnessed 'God on our side' in every step we took. For the next few postings, I plan on writing about how we experienced God's faithfulness during that period, especially in financial area. I hope our testimony will encourage you in your journey toward financial freedom.
Blessings,
TAPO
I apologize for having disappeared for the past 5 months. God has been doing amazing things in our lives in such a speed, so I haven't been able to make time for anything other than taking care of our basic daily needs. It's been a crazy 5-month, but C.J. and I witnessed 'God on our side' in every step we took. For the next few postings, I plan on writing about how we experienced God's faithfulness during that period, especially in financial area. I hope our testimony will encourage you in your journey toward financial freedom.
Blessings,
TAPO
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