Unbelievably, my wife and I got to meet Singapore’s newly elected president, Tony Tan and his wife, Mary Chee during his visit to Vietnam in April.
Not only did we exchange a firm handshake, but we also had a considerably lengthy conversation before posing for the camera. I think if I was in Singapore, I can ‘tan gu gu’ (wait long long in dialect) to meet him. But I did, in Vietnam. Haha…
It may be a surprise to many, but my decision to live and work in Vietnam was not a recent one.
In fact, my plans to relocate to this country started as earlier as 2005. That was when I first visited Ho Chi Minh City.
It was during that visit that I fell in love with the people, culture and food.
Apart from that, it was apparent that there were plenty to do in socially transforming this country. Equally ample were the opportunities for economic growth that were just waiting to be uncovered.
Therefore, ever since my first visit in 2005, I had continued to visit Ho Chi Minh City almost every year for short-term community projects. And every trip intensified my love and burden for this country.
However, relocating to Vietnam had always being about His timing and the right opportunity. And when that timing and right opportunity came together unexpectedly in June this year, it was not that difficult to accept the offer and take the leap of faith.
Now that I am finally in Vietnam, I’m convinced that it is He who brought me here. But for what specific reasons? I’m still finding out with each passing day.
Though I may not be super-rich, well-connected or multi-talented, but I do know that I’m blessed. And it is simply my desire to be a blessing in this land where I believe I can make some difference with Him and through Him.
It has been two weeks since I have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City.
And I’ve settled in quickly and nicely.
Much of this smooth assimilation has been the people whom I had been led and connected to.
Some of them I knew before I’d arrived and some, after my arrival.
Even before I’d arrived, God assured me with these words from Acts:
“For I am with you (Paul), and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Therefore, in spite of the hasty manner in which I had to relocate for my new job, I was at ease and at peace through out.
Interestingly, I believe it was not a coincidence that I had arrived before Singapore’s national day.
Through a divine connection, I was invited to the national day reception organised by the Consulate General office in Ho Chi Minh City.
At this annual reception, I had the opportunity to meet the Singapore community who was residing in Vietnam in one swoop. And there’s no doubt that the introduction of these new friends has put me in good stead with a network to build on.
More importantly, I’ve also connected to a community of fellow Christians in this city.
God is good. I’m thankful for His favour and goodness; surrounding me with His people to remind me that I’m not alone and He is with me.
Taken by the Saigon River along Ton Duc Thang Road in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam.
Andrew: Inside & Insights 