I have not posted blog for quite a while. It is the last day of Year 2014. It is needed to come up with something as the wrap up of the year.
Forgive me for typing in English. This computer does not have Chinese input.
I have read all the posts of mine back since the beginning of my internship. I was deeply touched. It was God's blessing which led me and Linlin through the whole process.
Think back of 2014, my life has been changed dramatically. I would not be able to imagine that I am sitting at my desk of Travelers insurance company with Ph.D. degree and expecting my first child at the beginning of 2014!!!! Back then I was a PhD candidate struggling with the hopeless dissertation, and working in the Grad college with the minimal paycheck.
Again, it is God's abundant grace and blessings, not my efforts. His plan is superior of our plan. What we need to do is one thing only: Be humble to follow His words. Let me summarize my year in a chronological order.
Jan-mid May, 2014: I was working at Grad college as a stats consultant. But I knew I would go for the internship over summer. Dr. Di Pierro was with me to find my replacement. We conducted interviews and training for the new person. Grad college staff had a farewell party to me. I knew that they appreciated my service very much. And moreover, the chair of Dept. of Education asked me the possibility to be a term faculty. Even though it was not coming through in the end. It was a praise from God for my commitment to glory Him in working, at least in my mind.
I really appreciated the help from Dr. Di Pierro. She was an angle that God put in my life. She hired me when I was in a devastating situation, which saved me. That was a miracle from God to respond to my prayer. Along the course of 6 years, she continuously trusted me, built me and recognized me. I really thank her for all the help.
Mid May - mid Aug: Linlin and I sold most of our stuff, moved out of the apartment, preparing for the internship. We felt scared later about this decision because we will have no place to live if Travelers did not hire me.
We came to Hartford, visited new church and met new people. For the internship, my manager was very helpful and he recommended me to meet different people and kept me posted to all different people. I used all my learning from working in Grad College in the new company, and the final presentation was good too.
In the weekend, Linlin and I rented cars to visited many places. This summer was the best one for Linlin and me. It was like our second honeymoon, with enough money.
Mid Aug- late Oct: Since we did not have apartment to live, Linlin and I stayed in Auntie Grace's house. We are so thankful that she accommodated us. Otherwise, we will sleep in the street.
We were hanging in the air and waiting for Travelers' decision. During the last couple of weeks of the internship, I had a feeling to put all my faith on this job because we thought this job is God's will and we wanted to experience God Himself in this case. This feeling got stronger and stronger over the prayers and many little small things happened to echo my feeling. It was like a gamble. But gambling for God, it's worthy. It turned out that God is faithful. He respond to our prayer and feeling with the offer from Travelers with very good salary. And now I can tell you this job is exactly what I have been dreaming of. Our faith on God boosted a lot from this experience.
We received the job offer and the news of Linlin was pregnant on the same day!!! We were so shocked first and then became nervous. Linlin's morning sickness was kind of severe and her mood was not too good. This child was not in our plan, even though we did not use any birth control. It was God's gift. His plan is higher than our plan. His giving is more than what we see and what we expected.
I was once so hopeless and thought I would never be able to accomplish my dissertation. But my adviser pushed me a little bit. I finally made it!!!! Until now I still cannot believe it even though I have the diploma on my table!! It was a miracle from God. And it was His blessing. I thank my adviser, brother JC for his patience and continuous support. I was such a lazy student.
Late Oct - end Dec: We moved to Hartford, found a nice apartment and started working. I really loved my work and I cannot wait to get up to work in the morning. I was swimming in all the new knowledge and trying to learn as much as possible.
Linlin's pregnancy was going well. We now have insurance to cover all the tests and checks. I really appreciate my wife for living with me and bearing with me. She is the most wonderful woman I can marry with.
We resided in a new fellowship called Agape. We are getting used to the new church. Pastor's sermon was boring but we are praying for changing ourselves.
And now we are hunting a house!!! This is another blessings from God! We never dare to think of our own house coming so close! Thanks to my parents in-law. They gave us the most supports.
Summary:
This year, 2014, is Linlin and my most important year. Our lives were totally upgraded. It was God's grace. Even we often turn away from Him, he never abandon us. He loves us.
I pray that God please reveal yourself more and more to us. Let us love you more and more. Do not let us be distracted by cars, houses or any other mundane things, but only focus on YOU. You are the creator. Please keep our hearts close to you. Empty us, use us. Let our marriage glory your name!
Thank you Lord!
