20082008

Today is 20 Aug 2008

David and i have been collecting $1 and $0.50 coins some months ago.
We reckon that this is one of the best way to save money. Slightly more than 3 months, we managed to save up $450 plus. It is quite an achievement huh.

This sum comes handy when Sze Chuan Single parent project comes along.
We decided to donate what we have saved to this project.

To cut the whole story short... I packed the coins into two bags - $1 coin mounted $360. $0.50 mounted $100. I took both bags with me to Tanjong Pagar market, wanting to change notes with a fruit seller. The auntie only wants to change $100. Ok, so i took the other bag of $360 back, planning to break those coins down into bags of $100 so that i can change over 3 days. It is more 'sell-able' this way.

My colleague wanted to help me to change the remaining sum that i have with a florist this afternoon. During lunch, i took out the bag and re-count the money. To my horror, i have given the $360 bag in exchange for $100 from the fruit seller on Monday! Dozens of question flooded into my mind. Has she used the money? Would she be honest and return me the money? My colleague quickly went to the fruit seller with me. She counted the money with me, so in a way can be my witness and i guess with her around, i would feel more secure.

I was panick along the way, but not as panicky as i thought i would be. Even though i was wondering if i would get back the money, i somehow managed to calm myself down and trust that God would help me overcome this implication. I kept on confessing that i will get back the money. That is God's money! We intended that for good use, surely God will not allow the wealth to fall into the world right... At the same time, i was also prepared myself that i may not get back the money at all. And i thought about how should i account this to David.. However, God's peace and assurance was there. I cant describe it.. even though i was still quite jittery, but i just have this assurance that i would get the money back.

When we approaching the fruit stall, i suddenly have butterflies in my belly. How should i start? I suddenly have no confidence. If the auntie denies, how should i react? It was slightly after lunch time, the fruit stall was quite crowded. I was afraid that the auntie may shoo me aside.. anyhow, i pluck out the courage to ask her:

(she was quite emotionless when she talked to me)
me: auntie, do you remember me? i came to change money with you on monday
auntie: how much?
me: have you used the money?
(she then stretched her hands to her drawer and i was delighted to see my bag of coins still intact, only that it was put in a clear plastic bag)

auntie: how much?
me: $360!!
she nodded and from her apron, she took out a couple of $50 notes and handed me $260.

I was supermely elated! at the end of the day, i bought $13+ worth of fruits from her to repay her kindness. (it was so heavy to carry them to school later the evening. but worth it! haha)

PRAISE THE LORD!

I will always remember this day - 20082008