Proud to Be Canadian! :)

Canada Day! A day to celebrate what this great nation is all about. A nation that prides itself in hockey, maple syrup, our double double and Timbits. A country only 144 years young, yet has advanced so much to make its presence known on the world stage. Since the day Sir John A McDonald took the rein as the leader of the Dominion of Canada on July 1st, 1967, this nation has grown from a small, insignificant former British colony to be the little guy amongst the big players in the world.
When the First World War rolled along, Canada, though small, showed that we are tough and belong in this world, defining itself as an independent nation, developing international recognition, united, having won a significant battle at Vimy Ridge. Canada proved itself again almost 20 years later in the Second World War with significant gains on D-Day in Normandy as well as the liberation of Holland. Today, Canada remains a small country, dwarfed by countries with bigger population and power. But we continue to show that we are a resilient bunch of people, a country that has made international presence through its peacekeeping missions, its contribution to technological and scientific advancements. Most of all, this country has shown its kind-hearted spirit and hospitality, a unique trait not duplicated by others.

Canada is a country full of natural beauty, and it is the towering mountains, the rolling prairies, the gentle lakes, the rocky coasts that reminds us of the splendor of our Creator's art. A country blessed with rich soils, majestic forests, plentiful fish, graceful birds, and wonderful animals.

But what Canada means especially to the 34 million plus that call it home is its multiculutralism and diversity. While coming home on the subway the other day, I couldn't help but notice the incredible experience. That got me thinking,  in what other country in the world would I, a Chinese-Canadian be able to ride a subway with British, Persians, Pakistanis, Indians, Chinese, Koreans, Brazillians, Mexicans, Africans and Greeks so peacefully and in complete harmony! Indeed, Canada is a welcoming country that offers rights and freedoms that many can only dream of elsewhere. Above all, we are a democratic nation, founded by the people, for the people, governed by the people. Now don't get me wrong: Canada is not a utopia. There is no perfect life on earth. When darkness fell upon this world, it has become impossible for us to be perfect people. But Canada is a world leader on human rights, havuing developed a constitution called the Charter of Rights and Freedom that offers fundamental rights such as equality, freedom of expression and freedom of religion, to name a few.

On this Canada Day, let's think about how blessed we are to live in the True North Strong and Free. We have food, water, shelter, and opportunities that some can only hope can become a reality for them one day. Let us take time to give thanks for His blessing, and celebrate what this great nation is all about.

Canada: 9,984,670 km² of land, 34 503 000 people, 180+ ethnicities, 308 federal ridings, TEN provinces, THREE territories, TWO official languages, ONE great country.

"May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth!" Psalm 72:8

Happy 144th Birthday to this nation! I can't wait until you turn 150! :)

God bless Canada!

Kids!!!

There's something special about kids. Something that brings joy into your life. Maybe it's their radiant smiles and bright gleaming eyes, of which a brief glance at them can only bring about a smile on your  face, even at the saddest of times.  Kids are just adorable, no questions about that! Hearing them talk and play, I realize I miss a huge part of what childhood's all about: innocence. At that age, children are just children! They're able to be more or less carefree; no stress, no worries and minimal exposure to the evils of the world. Sometimes I wish life can be simple again and I can be a child once more, enjoying the life of playtime, naptime and mealtime.  The simple life of a kid, right?

Kids are such fascinating beings! They are cute and intelligent, and probably better people than a lot of adults. The older I get (well i mean im not that old!), the more I love working with kids. Having the opportunity to work with children in Canada and China various times in the past two years, I think it would be awesome to work with them. I enjoy working and playing with kids.

As I got to think about this, I feel God's always put a heart and passion in me to teach. To educate the next generation. No...I know what you're thinking. You're still young! What are you talking about, educating the "next generation" ?

But whether they're young or old, I love teaching and leaving a legacy for the future generation, because it is this future generation that will continue to prosper and keep this world once we leave. Through teaching DECA, and leading the Wildlife Conservationist Council, as well as teaching at english camps, I've found joy and reward in teaching and seeing the growth of the children as they grow in knowledge and mature. I certainly believe there is more to working with children than society views them sometimes. They are bright and far more capable than we sometimes give them credit for, and I agree with a lot of Piaget's theories on child development. All kids have so much potential in life that, with proper foster, education and care, they can achieve so much!

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12


Jesus loved children a lot too! In the bible, Jesus often spent a lot of time with children and he loved and cared for them. We too should follow his example, and welcome the children. To bring them to Jesus and let him touch their lives and bless the little ones!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:14

Such a lovely verse ain't it? I can only imagine what heaven would look like, a kingdom full of children of God, full of love, peace and joy, what it means to be a kid :)

Now, I admit, even as a kid, I've always strived to act mature and more serious than my age suggests at times. But working with kids put the kid back in me quite often, and allows my creativity and energy to flourish. Granted I am still learning to work with kids, and it often requires a lot of love and patience. But I am sure I will get more opportunity in the future. In a few years, if it is in His will, I think I would love to have kids of my own! A girl and a boy! (That probably would be enough, even if people say I'm Father Abraham!) I would love them and nurture them and care for them, and raise them with the love that Christ's shown to me. In turn, I hope they will become the man and woman of God that my Heavenly Father will call them to be.

Having spent 17 years of my life in school already, I probably did not picture myself having to do with anything in the education field. Now I'm not sure what this means for my future, but education is something that I am developing a passion for. Wherever my future leads, whether as an optometrist, an educator, or something else, I know the LORD will be the light of my path! :)

Sola Gratia.

Forgiven.

Even the most pro Waterloo Mathies cannot deny that this is the best math equation ever written.

Love You Forever.

One of the greatest children book ever written. I can't help but let out a tear or two when reading this book. 

I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
as long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.”

More to Life than it seems.

It is because sin entered the world that death exists. But let me tell you, life doesn't stop there.There's is so much more than living on earth.

 Death has been conquered! Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour had died and has risen from the dead for our sins. And as John 3:16 so famously says:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Though as humans, we are confined to our limits and sinful nature; our God, with his abundance of love, pours out his love on us and gives us His son in place of us on that cross that if we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we will also be given new life.

At times like these, we focus on the mourning of death, but the tears shall be temporary, as I am confident that my friend is up there, free from worldly pleasures and evil.

Everyone will depart this world one day. For those who believe in Christ, they will receive eternal life.

Until then, live life with the joy and peace that the Father has blessed us with.

For life is short in this world.

Cherish every moment.

Sola Gratia.

Life is Like a Flower.

Matthew Loo (right) and I, 12 years ago.


Life is a short journey, whether it is a day, a hundred days or a hundred years, it is indeed brief, but also a sure reality that our lives on earth will come to an end one day. No matter how much you want to accomplish, or you want to do, or have left to try out, earthly living is finite and can come to an end as swiftly and surely as a flower, here today and gone tomorrow.


Two weeks ago, with a brief access to internet, I was informed that a friend that I've known since 12 years ago was in ICU in the hospital. I haven't been as close with him in recent years, but the news was quite unexpected and he was in my prayers and thoughts.


It is with great sadness that upon my return to Canada, I was greeted with the news of his sudden passing, at the age of nineteen. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this time.


But he is now with my Father, free of suffering in this sinful world. One day, I will see him again.

Back Home.

Arriving in Hong Kong is bittersweet. Bussing from airport to Yau Ma Tei, I realize how much I'm in love with my hometown. Place of my birth. Place of my people. Walking around seems so natural. And I kinda know my way around now....

Seeing majestic green mountains spans across the horizon over the deep aqua sea on Lantau Island was stunning!

 Oh how beautiful our God has made this world!

It's kinda unreal right now, being in HK....like Starbs happy hour is Buy one get one FREE!!! A green tea frapp is $33 HKD though!

Anyways, I will head into battle zone tmw. Please pray for me to have an open heart and to serve with humility.

Thanks, y'all!

God Bless!

Abby