We've known each other for slightly more than three years now I think? And I've REALLY seen you grow, both spiritually AND physically! Let's talk about the physical part first =p (Just to check, this is an all girls blog right? Oh well, if it isn't.. Too bad)
So here goes. (I hope you get the story or it won't make sense hahaha)
In the beginning, all the girls in Central C were known for having no assets. They were young, immature and undeveloped. They had nothing; all they had was an undying passion for God and His people, and strong sisterly love among one another that kept them united.
However, as time passed by, God favoured Ang and blessed her, and she grew. Even with SBs on all the time, her assets became far more visible than those of the other girls, cos somehow, theirs remained stagnant. Then one day, Ang realised God blessings were too much for her little SBs to contain! So she and Wei went down to the female section in the departmental store, and together, bought NBs. That was a significant day; it marked the emergence of her Maturity and Womanhood. The little girl had grown, and had outshone all the rest.
Even till this day, Ang's womanhood has not yet completed its work. Step by step, slowly but surely, it is teaching her to don fitted tops, bigger and longer earrings, and the sweeter smile.
Try as we might to hide, we can't deny that we are all excited to see what her womanhood has in store for us at the end of its work. After all, it has brought her a looonng way.
Alright, that was a mighty big load of crap. It's been fun watching each other grow :) Now brace yourself for the real thing..
Well, all these three years of our friendship, you've been a huge blessing to me. I remember the days we served together, the days the caregroups in our schools were still so small, and I remember our desperation - we were pioneering different schools, but we had the same heart for them. And I guess God eventually honoured us, that both our schools saw growth. In fact STC used to be bigger than Crescent, but then suddenly Crescent caught up! And we had a holy competition between us.
All the joys we went through together, loving and discipling our people and watching them grow up in God.. I guess even if we were to look back at all our past discouragements and spiritual droughts, we would still say today that it was all worth it. For all the lives we see loving and serving God now, it was definitely all worth it eh :) And you, my dear girl, deserve the applause of heaven for your perseverance and diligence all the while - your efforts that sometimes went unnoticed on earth, but which will definitely be proclaimed in heaven. Never, never give up, because your life makes a hell lot (if i may put it so bluntly) of difference. Just look at all the fruits of your labour.
And apart from companionship in ministry, thank you for the friendship I extended but which you went the extra mile to nurture. I know I've not been most faithful with my friendships and I'm definitely not the most initiative person when it comes to expressing my love for others. But you made the effort to talk to me anyway, to give me random hugs, the countless SMSes of concern, the encouragements either verbally or through a sincerely written card, and you were always the silent friend supporting me behind the scenes. For that, I can never thank you enough.
I will never forget the birthday surprise you and the pillars threw for me last year. And just from you alone, the huge balloon that made everyone think I was 50 years old, the huge handmade card, and the effort you put in to wake up early to meet me before school. I remember us all tearing after the round of affirmation, especially myself, because all along I never took the time to notice the faithful friends who were constantly by my side, and I never reciprocated the love you showed me to the same extent it was given to me. But now I know better, and though we're no longer in the same district, be assured that our friendship is still very much treasured in my heart.
The last thing I want to talk about is the night Daniel and Elise met up with the CC pillars to break the news about my transfer and.. you know what. I remember the intense fear I felt prior to that meeting - the fear of bearing all the girls' disappointment, the fear of losing the friendships, the fear of facing my sheep, the fear of being sent to somewhere 'unknown.' I cried so much when I was alone. And the night I saw you, I couldn't hold back my tears again. As we hugged and I told you how I felt, I felt such comfort in your embrace. And you probably didn't know, but through that, my fears were allayed. I remember you telling me that you wouldn't judge me, and that you'd be there for me no matter what. And honestly, that was how I pulled through that night (and of course with the support and encouragement of all the others too). There are so so so so SO many more things you have done for me that have left a deep impression in my heart, but I guess I could go on for a long long time so I'd better stop and save you the agony.
In a nutshell, you're one of the friends I know I can call according to the parable of the 10cents. Because you're 100% reliable, and because you always always give your best in loving and appreciating those around you. (Like the movie and slideshow you did for my departure) And you know what? I'm always amazed by the number of friendships you can keep and enjoy. I can tell everyone loves being around you, and I guess that's no surprise at all :)
This year, because you've been faithful with your small portion, God has blessed you with a bigger portion. He has placed you in a new unit, with new responsibilities and challenges. So, rise up and expect new breakthroughs, new growth and new adventures. It's gonna be tough, maybe even impossible. But you know what, God will always see you through. And if you ever need a listening ear or whatever, I wanna be one of those who will be there for you.
Blessed Birthday Sweetheart, you've been most wonderful. And you deserve a smashing birthday.
With more love than you ever imagined, Hannah =p
P.S. See you at the end of the race! (Let's turn this cliche into reality)
-a note
joallisonagnes is the dear UL of the loving CENTRAL C who created this page specially for her.
