This is part of our monthly interview series in 2024. Various individuals will share spiritual reflections and insights on their past, present, and future.
Second in this series, I have Kim with me.
You might also like the interview series with pastors of various churches sharing spiritual reflections and insights.
Who is she?
Kim has a Scandinavian minimalist style from her house to her fashion – a glance at her Instagram (“IG”) account (@kim_____n) and you will see her distinct visual sense. She has recreated her beautiful home in Singapore with its airy and bright space in Australia.
Amazingly, she could still keep her place clutter-free and looking Instagrammable with two young children! She mainly stays at home to take care of her children and home, whipping delicious home-cooked meals. Yet she still manages to find time on the side for the many work collaborations for her IG account. A Proverbs 31 woman indeed.
Her family of four moved to Australia at the beginning of 2024 and it has been a big transition for them – from schooling arrangements to routines. Usually, believers lean closer to God during the uncertainties of transitions, experiencing leaps in faith and a keen hearing for God’s heartbeat. So I’m excited to hear from Kim what she has learned from this season of transition.
She is currently worshipping in Sydney, Australia.
The Past(in Singapore)
Looking back…
If given a chance to return in time, is there anything you would do differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe everything happened as it was supposed to, teaching me valuable lessons and bringing me closer to God. Every challenge and blessing has helped deepen my faith and trust in His plan.
One example is the decision to homeschool my son for at least a year in Australia. Homeschooling him had been on my mind for a while and I believed God had placed that in my heart. However, I was worried I would regret it. So I brushed the thought aside and enquired at a few preschools before our move. The schools were all full, they either turned us away or put us on a waiting list.
We didn’t pursue it further, taking these closed doors as God’s answer to homeschooling. We were also at peace with the decision because homeschooling aligns with our desire to provide him with faith-based education and strengthen our bond. Moreover, I have always felt sorry for putting him in a daycare when he was only two years old. I didn’t think I could handle his energy all day then.
Looking back, I saw how God guided us to this decision.After half a year into homeschooling, I realised it’s doable and I have the grace to handle it. It has been such a joy to see him happier with this arrangement. He enjoys learning and is always eager to explore. I am thankful that homeschooling allowed me to spend precious time with my son, witness his growth, understand him better and provide a personalised environment for his learning. Our lives are now richer, and my bond with my son is stronger.
What is the most memorable lesson or insight you had?
One memorable lesson is to remember the goodness of God– of how faithful and providing God is.
Last September, when my husband’s company announced the closure of their Singapore office, we panicked. It was a time of fear and uncertainty. We devised plans A, B, and even C. But as we calmed ourselves to pray, we remembered the blessings God had bestowed upon us during our past decade in Singapore. Upon reflection or in hindsight, things became abundantly clear – God has always been with us, blessing us beyond measure, whether in our hometown in Malaysia or living in Singapore.
This episode taught me there is no need to fear the future when we trust God’s plan for our family and know He is with us in every step of this journey.
Practical lesson/tips for shifting to another country
Preparation is key for those shifting their young families to another country. Be prepared for emotional challenges for yourself and the children. Smooth the transition for children by bringing familiar items (such as their favourite toys and books). It’s also a bonus if you can set up the new home to feel similar to the one you had. While in the new country, avoid setting unrealistic expectations for education and healthcare. Take time to respect and learn about the local culture.
However, in times of transition, we can never be fully prepared. So pray and lean on God for peace through it all. Do seek a church whose teachings align with the bible. Before we came to Australia, we asked our pastor for church recommendations.
Looking back now, is there anything that would make you say, “God has made everything in his time,”or “God works all things good?”
Many moments made me say, “God works all things good.” Before our impending move, it was a time of extreme uncertainty, yet, we saw God’s hand in every step. Now that we’ve been in Sydney for six months, the place, people, and community He has put us in have only reinforced our faith. He placed us where we should be – right place, right time. We’ve also experienced His goodness in countless ways here.
Upon reflecting on my experience here in Australia, I saw how God had been preparing me all these years. Having navigated motherhood over the years without much external help, I was well-equipped to survive in a foreign land without much support. Hence, moving far from family in Malaysia doesn’t scare me as much, but that’s also because I know God is with us like He has been with us in Singapore. This journey has been a powerful reminder that God works all things good for those who trust Him.
The Present
Looking at now…
What are the things you are doing now or going through? Are you at a mountaintop, in a valley or plains?
In many ways, it feels like we are on the plains now. We are moving forward steadily and adapting to our new environment. We’re building new routines, getting to know the community, and finding our place here to serve God.
With a less hectic schedule and fewer commitments in Sydney, it has been a great opportunity for us to establish a family devotion schedule, enjoy God’s creation, nurture our children in His word, cherish them at every stage and continue to be there for them at every milestone.
I am slowly learning to enjoy this season of life, enjoying every moment with my son and daughter as she navigates her tween years. I believe motherhood is a refining process orchestrated by God to be a better version of me. Right now, being a mom is everything to me.
In this season, what is God speaking to you about or teaching you?
Other than learning to slow down, God is teaching me a lot about patience. I used to think I was patient, but parenting showed me otherwise! This is especially so now when I spend much more time with the children. I noticed my patience thins quickly, but seeing how limited I am in this area humbled me to rely on His grace to grow in patience daily.
Through studying the Word, God showed how His relationship with His people in the Old Testament mirrors earthly parent-child relationships. Despite the flaws of the Israelites, God continues to show unwavering love and discipline to them. This understanding gave me a parenting model to follow.
I am also learning to be vulnerable and acknowledge my imperfections in front of my kids. Sharing my struggles and shortcomings made me become more aware of my sins and thus repenting over them. Hopefully, my “confessions” to my children will also help them understand that everyone is imperfect and makes mistakes, and that’s why we all need Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
What is your bible verse of the season?
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)
Do you sense any significant or interesting differences in the church community or churches in general between Singapore and Sydney?
Even though we go to the same Presbyterian denomination as in Singapore, there are still differences in church practices. For example, before the sermon starts in Sydney, children are invited to stand before the stage and share Bible verses relating to the adult’s sermon topic. Then they will head off to Sunday School. This helps children connect with the main service and engage with its teachings. This shared experience or understanding could also spark discussions between parents and children throughout the Sabbath day or even the week.
Additionally, each church attendee wears a name sticker for the church service. Perfect for people like me who are terrible with names! When everyone is being greeted by name, it fosters a friendly and intimate atmosphere.
The Future
Look forward…
Where do you think God is leading you next?
You know, I’m unsure where God is leading me next, nor do I have any big dreams or visions, but I’m confident He’s in control. I am currently focused on the present season of transitioning the family into a new environment and growing in my role as a mother. So, wherever God takes me from here, I’ll trust it’s where I’m meant to be.
Editor’s Note
We thank Kim for sharing her personal stories and valuable insights. Go with God’s flow and trust that He will take care of everything. Trust Him and everything will be made beautiful in His time. If this post speaks to you, particularly if you are moving to a new country,leave a comment or send us a message to encourage Kim on her steadfast faith and beautiful trust in God.
If you liked this, you may enjoy reading other interviews too: shema-rhema.com/blog/category/interview
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