School Phobia

First day: he ate 3/4 of the bread
Second day: he ate 1/2 of the bread
Third day: he ate 3 bites and refused to eat anymore

My son, Isaac has just changed to a new school and he feared the new teacher, especially a man teacher that reprimanded him for crying. Isaac's eating habit changed. He used to finish a piece of bread for breakfast but not anymore. The fear of going to school has caused him to lose his appetite and what's more, he has turned from a happy child to a worried one. 

Yesterday, I confronted the male teacher that Isaac mentioned. Trying to be friendly, I said, "Teacher, Isaac is scared of you." The teacher looked at Isaac and smiled. Another teacher who looked on said, "There's no need to be scared. We all love you, Isaac." 

I continued, "Isaac said you scolded him." The teacher looked away, embarrassed. Then, I smiled and took Isaac away. When I went to take Isaac home from school, he told me, "Today the man teacher didn't scold me." I was happy that it worked. Isaac also told me he likes his new teacher, "the thin thin one". I was happy for him that he finally found someone he could count on and I hope things would improve. 

Nevertheless, this child of mine always "brings past to the future, and the future to the present." He couldn't enjoy playing with his toys anymore. Whenever he thinks of his school, he would run to me and says, "I don't want to go to school. I am scared," and pats his chests to show me his fear. When I looked into his eyes, I saw myself. He is so much like me, a worrier. He knew that today everything went fine, but tomorrow might be the repeat of what happened yesterday. Then he worries today what will happen tomorrow. 

Today, I gave him some sweets and told him, "I have to go back and cook for lunch. Otherwise, you have to stay longer in school to have lunch in the school since I don't manage to cook." He understood and let me go. 

God, please take away Isaac's fear and give him peace and joy. Let him befriend his friends and let him learn from his teachers. God provides peace. I trust in You, my Saviour. 

Here I am, 7 months pregnant!

Hello everyone there. I am back - with a bigger stomach to get my tiny Gabriel in it. 

Back in December 2012, I had wanted a baby very much. After all, Isaac was very lonely and kept telling me that his school mates have siblings while he didn't. So, we prayed every night, asking God to give us a baby which we can name her "Gabriel". When I read the book of Matthew in the Bible, I liked the name "Gabriel" instantly. In Chinese, Gabriel is named as "the angel that brings good news." We wanted another angel in the family, especially one who brings good news to us. 

Isaac was serious. He prayed for me and kept asking impatiently when would God grant us our wish. I said, we have to wait.

On  my side, I did UNUSUAL thing. I don't usually go to the dentist but I did to check on my teeth and made sure I don't have any cavities. I went to the gynae to do my pap smear and breasts check. I went to our family doctor to have my blood tested. And when everything was done and the results were out, I was pregnant with Gabriel. 

Everyone in the family was elated. I was at the moment when I saw double lines on my pregnancy strip. But things were not always smooth sailing. The coming week, I started to have serious morning sickness. Isaac had to stop schooling because I couldn't get up from bed and drive him to school. The house was turned into a rubbish dump, with everything here and there. Floor and things were dusty. I was extremely down. I didn't take bath, didn't comb my hair and hoped that I don't have to eat either. 

Fast forward six months later, here I am! Thank God, big and healthy I am. Moms have to go through morning sickness and labour pain to have "the little bundle of joy" later on. 

Bravo Mommies out there! Let us brave ourselves to face the challenge.