Of all the things I've experienced in life, I never thought I would ever be experiencing a miscarriage. 

After having our first child (he's 5y6m now), we took a long time to finally have the 'peace' to have a second one end of last year. Due to work commitments and both our energy levels, we thought we'd not be ready to go through the 'newborn' phase again. But somehow after seeking God, we both felt the readiness to go ahead and try. After 6 - 7 months, we were gifted with a positive test! I would say there was  almost no effort on our side to try for the 2nd one. We did not specifically checked on ovulation dates whatsoever - we just went with the flow. So to find out that we were expecting was a surprise.

It was on 20th June 2026 at 9pm when I did the test and it came back positive. I decided not to inform the husband until the next day as he was preparing for his Father's Day sermon on Sunday. And when I shared the news with him on Sunday, he was shocked and in disbelief but he was glad and happy as I was. Both sides of our family also found out on the same week! Everyone was overjoyed. Our son even said "Jesus gave me a dream .. The baby is a girl" the day after we broke the news to him! 

The items we placed in a box to surprise our son & family

A week later, we decided to share the news with our Life Group and quite a number of people. We decided not to "wait until 1st trimester is over" to make the announcement. We were intentional because we believe that even if anything happens, all the more our church family can journey with us. We made the right move, read on to see why. 

The announcement we did for our Life Group :)

Let's go back to my toilet on 20th June 2026 at 9pm - when I saw the 2 lines on the test stick, my immediate prayer was "God, thank you for this gift. You give and You take away, but I will always choose to bless Your name. I will always choose to give thanks" as if I knew that He was taking it away 3 weeks later... 

You know when something like this happens, people would usually say "No one ever prepares you for this..." 

But oh boy, when you're connected to the Holy Spirit, He sure will prepare you. On the 11th July 2026, I came across an Instagram post (which I shared on my Insta story) that touched me deeply. And when I shared it, I had thought that I may lose the baby... I believe it was the Holy Spirit's prompting. 

It says: 

"No matter the season, Christ does not change in his faithfulness and steadfastness to us. In sunshine and winter, in springtime and harvest, in the deepest valley and the darkest night, he is still working to accomplish his good purposes and plan in our lives and also in the world. For those who are in Christ, God has promised in Romans 8:28 that He will work ALL THINGS for the good of those who love Him and for His own glory. If we really believe in this then we must know that trials - not just joys - are certainty included in 'all things'. There is blessing in seasons of hardship and trial just as there are blessings in seasons that are calm and easier. Trials can push us towards the solid rock of Christ that we can stand on. The only thing that changes in each season is our attitude and response to each one. We are too prone to engrave our trials in marble and our blessings in sand - Charles Spurgeon"

3 days after sharing this post, I had my first bleeding occurrence. Like I said, I sorta knew something was going to happen, so I went to my OBGYN the next morning and true enough, he told us that the growth of the baby did not look good and had asked us to be ready to lose it. He spoke about letting it go naturally and also educated us a little about D&C (flushing it out). I left the clinic in a lot of tears.

But I was so sure that there was not a single hint of blame nor anger. It was pure sadness. 

Hubs and son laid hands on me praying for a miracle every night after the news.

I was scheduled to lead worship on 19th July 2026, and had been requested to lead "Same God by Elevation Worship" on the day of my first bleeding. Before it happened, I was worshipping God with the song and was ministered to by God. Another 'prep' by the Holy Spirit, I really believe so.. The song focuses on God's faithfulness just like what the Instagram post mentioned. 

I have really good support around - my family and my family in Christ. Upon finding out the news, they sent me food, snacks, notes, prayers and some even came to my house just to hang out. A very dear friend even helped to arrange the worship leading so I could just soak in His presence on Sunday rather than leading the worship session. At first I thought I would be ok to still lead but turns out, the hormones won, I was practically covered in tears those few days. 

I really was overwhelmed by the care and love poured on me. This is church! 

I'm so grateful that I get to experience this care that I read about. Because more often, we are the ones giving it. And receiving it felt really warm. 

Then Sunday came. To be honest, I thought of not going to church because I did not want to look like a wreck in front of everyone. That morning, I felt a little unwell, I was feeling weak and having some chills (Even more so I had 'reason' not to go).  But.. I went anyway. I looked really pale. One of my dear friend came and spoke to me (she knew what had happen) and then offered to pray for me. I was so blessed and was so encouraged because it was like a role switch! And I get to experience it. 

Another dear friend took up leading the worship session and chose this song, "To You" by Hillsong Worship. There you go, the "well" cracked and I was covered in tears again. Because I was feeling so blessed to be found in His presence and among my family of Christ. Verse 2 touched me deeply just knowing that God placed me in this church family, to care and to be cared for. 

[Verse 2]
I am Yours, surrendered wholly to You
You set me in Your family
Calling me Your own

Right after the service ended, another person came up to me - she asked if I was doing okay (she did not know). She said she didn't know why but just felt like checking in on me. And to give some context, she rarely reaches out to anyone (and just seldom opens up to anyone). So I shared with her what happened. She was in tears and immediately opened up about what she was going through this year and we managed to encourage each other. She said that the message my husband shared earlier touched her deeply. After speaking to her, some aunties saw me and asked if anything was wrong with me, and I shared with them, they gathered and prayed for me and encouraged me. I really felt so, so loved. Again, I was in awe with what God can do through a 'painful' time. Reminder: "He works all things for good". 

Had I have not gone to church, I would have not experience how a church family loves and cares for us during this time. This is a reminder to anyone who feels the need to isolate when something bad happens - GO TO CHURCH ANYWAY. 

Because God is good - period. 

Then Monday came. Because I had a fever on Sunday, I decided to go and get checked as the embryo was still in my womb. To cut the long story short, I had 2 tests done to find out why I was having a fever. Those tests came back negative. Thank God! 

And after seeing the doctor, I felt it was finally like a closure for my husband. Prior to this doctor's appointment, he was hopeful that there would be a miracle - that the baby would still be okay. 

We went to pick our son up from school and we went to watch Moana in the cinema. When I entered the hall, I felt a little uneasy in my stomach. I was experiencing cramps and it felt like contractions. Halfway through the movie, I went to the toilet thinking I was going to 'pass out' the embryo. I prayed that it can wait till we got home... 

The contractions felt more and more intense as we were on our way home and at one point it was too painful to bear so I thought it was time to just sit on the bowl and wait. 2 minutes later, I felt a blop gushed out.. And slowly the contractions reduced to very minor cramp. 

I prayed as I surrendered the baby back to God. He gave and took away, but my heart is here to say blessed be His name. I thanked Him for everything that happened in the last month and for the great timing when it happened. 

And today before writing this, I was reading Jeremiah 31:25 as it's the 'verse of the day' on my YouVersion app.  It says, "Those who are tired and worn out will find new life and energy" - CEV

("For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”) - NLT 

Wow! He was and still is so near to me. He truly did not despise the broken and contrite heart. I experienced something so great in the midst of pain and this I will not ever forget. 

Thank you, Jesus! 

Thank you for reading and I pray that you will be encouraged that even in your deepest valley, God is still there. 

Love, 
Sheryn 

Lee Ean Teng
28 April 1930 - 16 November 2022

My Kung Kung and I shared a special bond, one that went beyond being simply grandfather and grandchild. We were born in the same Lunar year—the Year of the Horse—and he often reminded me of how similar we were in character. We were both spontaneous, adventurous, and had an unshakeable love for life. He was the kind of person who did first, thought later, loved to laugh, and never turned down a good meal or a spontaneous trip.

Growing up, I spent countless hours at their house. Kung Kung had a knack for sneaking me out, taking me on little adventures. I’ll never forget the times we’d hop on the bus and travel all the way to Island Plaza, just to have our favorite lamb shoulder with mint sauce. We didn’t do it often, but every trip felt like an adventure, and those memories have stayed with me for years.

But it wasn’t just about the food or the trips. It was about the little things that shaped who I am today. My love for music, for instance, I truly believe I owe to him. He would play Celine Dion and Spice Girls concerts on tape, and we’d sit together, singing along, lost in the joy of those moments.

When I was 10, he made me a promise. If I did well on my exams, he’d buy me any cassette I wanted. I scored well, and he kept his word. The cassette he bought me became my treasure. I’d listen to it on repeat, and every time the music played, it felt like a small piece of Kung Kung was with me.

Finding out about his passing while I was miles away from home was gut-wrenching. There’s no way to fully capture the sorrow of being so far when the world you love feels like it’s falling apart. But Kung Kung, I’ll be back on Sunday to see you for the last time.

I can’t say goodbye yet. I’ll carry you with me in every laugh, in every spontaneous adventure, in every song that plays. I’ll make sure your spirit lives on in everything I do, until we meet again.

I actually had the privilege of growing up with all four of my grandparents. Not just two.

And por por… she was the first of them to fall sick — but the last to leave us. That really shows just how strong she was.

I don’t remember this myself, but my mum told me por por took care of me from birth until I turned two.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always felt a special closeness to her… and to kung kung.

Growing up, I followed her everywhere. I’d tag along to the pondok where she hung out with her friends. Maybe that’s where my heart for older folks grew. Just watching her — how she spoke, how she gave, how she laughed — I learned she was a very generous person.

She was also strict and stern… but somehow, I always managed to slip through her fingers.

That’s why, I tear up whenever I think of her.

Her mind was sharp — and her comebacks were always quick and funny.

I still remember how, whenever she tried to call one of us cousins, she’d go through four names before getting to the right one.

“Ah Bit, Ah Dear, Ah Fin, Ah Yen… ah, Ah Wen!(That's me)"

It never failed to make us laugh.

I also have these small, everyday memories that I really treasure.

Like going with her to the mini mart below the apartment. Because of her bad knee, she’d sit on a stool and ask me to grab whatever she needed. And I’d happily squeeze through the aisles to do that. 

There are two things that will always remind me of her:

One is that brown glass bottle of sea coconut cough syrup — which she always had at home.

And the other is Enchanteur talcum powder. That scent… even now, it brings me back to her.

At home, when we watched TV together, I would always sit between her legs. And my mum used to joke that I liked the smell of her sarong. Maybe I did — because to me, that smell meant comfort. It meant por por.

And of course… por por was the best cook.

She used to sell nasi lemak, laksa, and more — though I never got to try those.

But I did get to taste her bak chang and sambal belacan when she was still making and selling them. And honestly… they were the best.

I miss her cooking so much. I think we all do.

I hope I inherited even a little bit of her skill in the kitchen.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned — it’s this:

Treasure your loved ones while you still can.

Spend time with them. Laugh with them. And most importantly, Learn from them.

Because time goes quickly… and we won’t always realise how much they meant to us until they’re gone. 

Love,
Sheryn

This year (July 2024), we were graced with the invitation of a good friend to celebrate his wedding in a truly enchanting destination – BALI. After much contemplation over the expenses, we ultimately felt compelled to attend and bear witness to this significant chapter in his life, especially when he generously offered us accommodation for the first two nights. Next, we turned our focus to booking flights! We spent RM2,100 for the three of us, opting for separate flights to save every precious penny. This will be how we plan for our family holidays #fromnowwong HAHA!

I must confess, I have long regarded Bali as an overrated place. I believed I would find little joy in its bustling crowds. As we prepared for our journey, numerous YouTube videos confirmed my suspicions about the notorious traffic. Yet, to my surprise, my experience would unfold quite differently.

This was also the first time where we travelled with our another good friend, Rachel. 

Uluwatu

We spent the first 2 nights here and stayed in Swiss-Belresort Pecatu. On our first night, we went out with other friends who were also attending the wedding. We had our dinner at Wahaha Pork Ribs at the Jimbaran branch, then went for Gaya Gelato - seriously the best! We also got to try Dough Darlings Donuts! I would say, it wasn't the best.. But we had the best night! 

CRISPY PORK RIBS - WE ORDERED TWICE!

PORK FRIED RICE SO ASHER COULD EAT

PORK KNUCKLE

BBQ RIBS

PORK SATAY

JACK FRUIT SALAD

Best pistachio gelato ever!

We bought every flavour there was left

This wedding setup was like a fairy tale come to life—absolutely stunning! It's a shame that I don't have many photos coz I was mom-ing. It all kicked off with a cliff-garden ceremony where Sean did his opening to the wedding, followed by a cocktail hour while they whipped up the reception magic. Then came the grand feast featuring Balinese delights, a ribs station, sio mai galore, gelato heaven, and even an Indomie stall for the late-night munchies. What a wondrous experience it was to be a wedding guest! Haha! Our friends truly have outdone themselves. The speeches and games were nothing short of magical—someone was undoubtedly slicing onions that night! Oh, and can we talk about how Bali is basically the garden wedding paradise? No sweat-drenched guests here—it was cool and cozy, unlike Malaysia! It was a blissful and comfortable evening.

 

A new found friend/roomie for my hubby - meet De Rui :)

Lemme end the wedding bit with a big bang couple's kiss!

Dreamland Beach

After that, we went for lunch at a super random cafe by the road. It's called OKU Cafe. So happen that when we were there, there was live music - oh the vibes! The food was really good too! 

After lunch, we sent Rachel off to the airport and so it began our family holidays! 

Geger Beach

Point Coffee - BEST!

Babi Guling - must try!

The rice that comes with the pork above

Local lunch spot where we had a very nice ayam panggang (roasted chicken), fried fish and fried noodles.

After visiting the waterfall, we were famished. It was also getting really dark. The drive to civilization took us almost 40 minutes, so we caved in when we saw Naughty Nuri's. We know it was gonna cost a lot more than a normal meal, but we were really tired and hungry. We ordered half slab of ribs and a bowl of mac and cheese for the smol one. 

When we got back to the hotel, we started planning for the next day, which would be our last full day in Bali. Sean wanted to try the beach clubs here so he went on researching. Both of us took a long time trying to find a suitable club to visit.. And we finally found one. It's ATLAS Beach Club - one that is good for both children and adults. I quickly got their number and contacted them, and we booked for the next day. We spent about RM420 for 3 of us. The day beds access was from 10am - 4pm at IDR1,500,000 but we can still chill in the club until it closes, just no day beds. They have plenty of places for us to hangout, but we left after 5pm coz the little one needs to sleep.

This was such a special experience for us. The fee includes everything you can order from their menu, a day bed with shade and just about any services in the club. There is a kids club and kids pool too. It was really perfect! All we did was eat and dip!

Let me show you what we ordered, again, it's all included in the fee: 
(not pictured, 1 big bottle of mineral water & 1 iced latte)

Calamari Rings - literally the best we've had!

Seafood Pizza

Mango, Banana & Strawberry Smoothie

Tuna Sushi Roll

Honey Gelato

Cheesecake

Up till this point we were already so full. But we had some more credits and the staff said we could order takeaway to use up our credits! This really doesn't happen in Malaysia. They were really sweet! So we ordered another 2 dishes to takeaway, and still have a little balance! 

Tuna Pokebowl

Wagyu Beef Burger - in my husband's words "THE BEST BURGER EVER"

Got his face painted at the kids club

We both ultimately just having a great time

This was our day bed, overlooking the beach

We really ended the trip with a big bang. I hope to be able to visit Bali again and explore other parts too. Till then, see ya!