I was supposed to reflect on 2017 on the last day of December. Due to unexpected events, situations and circumstances, no reflection was done. (This is like doing my record book during my teaching years !!! :-} ) Well, while I am in the mood of doing so, let us get on with it.
2017 was a year of new beginnings. Ikram's invitation for a holiday to Manchester, UK, courtesy of Hanee, an ex-student from KL ...made me feel that in my thirty one years of teaching, I had done something right during my professional life. Although the invitation was for me, she was graciously generous to extend it to my family. It was an unexpected, once in a lifetime opportunity and although initially reluctant, Ikram was glad he went. He made many good, new friends and a bonding with Hanee and her twin sister, Sherry.
Moving into our new house was an experience unto itself. The hassle with the contractors and getting the furniture and curtains, packing and repacking, simple decorating and setting up a new home was faced with much patience and resilient. After twenty six years of living and making a home at our old house, leaving it was emotional and melancholic. We spent our last few days recalling the first day we stepped into the house, the birth of the three boys, the many gatherings we had, the floods, the monkeys, huge monitor lizards and the various species and colours of snakes ... the tears, the laughter and the love. Thus, we moved into our new house and hoping to make more memories and welcome more guests to grace our home. Insya Allah.
2017 also saw the completion of Ikram's and Syafiq's tertiary education. Ikram received the offer for SL1M training programme with Sime Darby while Syafiq was still looking for a job. He wanted a job near home after being in the Klang Valley for seven years. Akmal had another year to complete his master's programme. Allah had been very kind to me. He let one son go at one time. Ikram left and Syafiq came home. Thus, I had company until Allah decided it was time to let him go. I am grateful and blessed.
Healthwise was challenging where old aches and pains decided to manifest themselves. I even had to undergo nebulizing to clear phlegm out of my lungs before the cough turned into bronchitis. My knees had taken too many falls over the years that osteoarthritis finally got the better of me. My endometrium had settled down ( I hope!! ) although the effects of it after almost three years were still felt at times. Yet, I am grateful and blessed as I could still walk, perform my prayers and fulfill my obligations and responsibilities.
Financially, I am thankful that I had more than enough that I could share with others especially my charity work. Being a simple person, I felt I did not want much anymore. Thus, I was able to foster poor kids through our #breakthecycle programme (GDees Learning Centre / Gooddeeds Kedah) with free tuition. I believed that as an ex-educator, poverty could only be broken through education. Thus, by empowering these under privileged kids with what their better peers had, lifted their self-esteem and self confidence. All they needed was an opportunity and Alhamdulillah, after a year, it worked. I hoped to see our first "kid" go to college or university. You can read all about our charity programme in my previous posts. Check out Gooddeeds and Gdees Learning Centre facebooks.
2017 also saw me being involved in the setting up of GDees17 Learning Centre. A spin off of Gooddeeds Kedah. We managed to get a place to rent and made it as our base for the free tuition classes for the chosen underprivileged and low achievers conducted by our volunteers. It was also the base for Gooddeeds to organise and execute their charity programmes like foodbox and free market. As I did not want any full time commitment, I was the unofficial advisor relating to education and whatever experiences I had I shared with these dedicated volunteers. Hence, I was still indirectly involved with education.
Although it is late yet it is not too late to wish a lovely, memorable and blessed new year to all the reviewers. This year, it is time I move out of my comfort zone and embrace what Allah has graced the world for us to see, observe and learn from the wonders He has created. Insya Allah.
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