Galloping to New Year of Horse

At first, we didn’t plan to return to Jakarta for Chinese New Year this year. Our second child had just started at a new school, and the attendance policy is quite strict, so we thought it would be best to stay in Singapore.

However, when our close friends invited us to their baby gender reveal, we simply couldn’t say no. After checking the school schedule and speaking with his teacher, we decided to make it work. Just two weeks before Chinese New Year, we booked our tickets.

The flights weren’t cheap, but they weren’t unreasonable either. In the end, every dollar was worth it.

We spent three nights in Jakarta — short, but deeply meaningful. It was enough time to reconnect with friends, embrace our family, and celebrate Chinese New Year together.

We arrived on Saturday night and checked into the hotel quite late, exhausted but excited.

On Sunday, we attended the gender reveal party at our friend’s house. It was a joyful and intimate celebration, filled with laughter, anticipation, and love.

Monday was slower and more personal. In the afternoon, the kids and I had our haircuts — a small but familiar ritual whenever we return home. In the evening, we gathered with our parents, brother, and sister-in-law for our reunion dinner. Sitting around the same table, sharing stories and food, reminded us how precious these moments truly are.

On Tuesday, we went to our parents’ house, where relatives gathered as they always do during Chinese New Year. The house was alive with conversation, warmth, and togetherness. I even managed to squeeze in a quick massage before heading to the airport that night.

Our flight was delayed by almost two hours, and we finally reached home around 3:30am — exhausted beyond words.

But our hearts were full.

Tired, yet deeply happy.

Thank You, Lord, for this precious time with our family. We are grateful that both our parents are still healthy, strong, and surrounded by love. These are the moments we hold onto — the ones that remind us where we belong.