2025年7月17日 星期四

Weekly Reflection – Week 6 July and 16 July 2025 每週反思 – 2025年7月6日 和7月16日 這兩週 (Part 2)

 

🌟 Summary

In the midst of career activity and family life, I’ve found refreshment and meaning in rediscovering hobbies and volunteering. Highlights include:

這段期間,在工作與家庭生活之間,我透過重新培養興趣與參與義務工作找到放鬆與意義。三件值得記錄的事:

  1. Getting Back to Running & Tennis – Rebuilding stamina and coordination, while making new friends.
    重新跑步與打網球,重拾體能,也結識新朋友。

  2. Completing an Advanced English Course – Finished an enriching language course that boosted confidence.
    完成實用英語課程,大大增強信心。

  3. Freshwater Foundation Volunteering – Interviewed passionate people improving community well-being.
    參與 Freshwater Foundation 的義工研究,訪問致力改善社區的熱心人士。


💡 Getting Healthy

  • Resumed Running
    Restarted my running routine on 15 July after the Tesco interview cycle. It’s grounding, energising, and essential for mental clarity.
    7 月 15 日重新開始跑步,讓我在面試後重新整理心情,保持精力與思路清晰。

  • Tennis Restart
    Used the kids' swing ball pole to practice before playing my second game on 11 July. Though I overworked my shoulder, I’m keen to improve.
    Thankful to Clifford for selling me a racket and giving me a brief coaching session. Wimbledon also became a source of motivation.
    先用小朋友的 swing ball 練習,7 月 11 日打第二場網球後肩膊痛了兩天,但很希望有進步。感謝 Clifford 平價賣我球拍,還給了我 15 分鐘教學,最近也開始追看溫布頓賽事找靈感。

  • New Tennis Friends
    Met Clement and Wilson—both dads who’ve been in the UK for a few years. Looking forward to deeper connections and perhaps inviting their families to church.
    認識了兩位在英國住了幾年的爸爸 Clement 和 Wilson,希望日後可以深入交流,也許能邀請他們一家來教會。


📘 Learning & Language

  • Advanced English Course Completed
    Attended a live online course with four HK ladies living in Surrey. It was a great opportunity to improve fluency and confidence in practical English.
    與四位住在 Surrey 的香港女仕一起上實時網上英語課程,是個提升實用英語與自信的好機會。


🌱 Volunteering & Social Impact

  • Freshwater Foundation Interviews
    Conducted three interviews across eight individuals in five organisations. Inspired by their work in boosting happiness, health, and connection.
    It reminded me how small, purposeful actions can shift a whole community toward resilience and harmony.
    進行了五次訪談,與來自五個組織的八位熱心人士交流。他們致力促進社區快樂、健康與聯繫,令我深感啟發——微小但有意義的行動能推動整個社區向更和諧有韌性發展。

Prepared by AI. English version was edited by Jeff on 16/07/2025 由人工智能協助撰寫,英文版本由Jeff於2025年7月16日編輯

Weekly Reflection – Week 6 July and 16 July 2025 每週反思 – 2025年7月6日 和7月16日 這兩週 (Part 1)

 

🌟 Summary

This fortnight has been marked by meaningful progress in my professional life, deeper support among friends, and witnessing the resilience of community networks. Key highlights:

這兩星期裡,我在工作上有實質進展,與朋友之間的支持加深,亦見證社區中互助共融的力量。三個重要重點如下:

  1. Job Interviews & Networking – Advanced through the Tesco TPM interview stages and reconnected with former colleagues.
    完成了 Tesco 技術項目經理的多輪面試,並與舊同事重新建立聯繫。

  2. Supporting Friends in Transition – Journeyed with several friends navigating job uncertainties.
    陪伴幾位正經歷職業轉變的朋友,一起在低谷同行。

  3. Church, Family & Community Moments – Witnessed faith in action through a friend's recovery story and family time.
    從朋友的康復見證中看到信仰的力量,也享受與家人的溫馨時光。


✅ Interview Progress and Learning

  • Support from Former Colleague
    Grateful for CM, a former IBM colleague, who generously supported my interview prep—using AI to identify critical terms and simulate case scenarios. 
    感恩前 IBM 同事 CM 的幫忙,他主動用 AI 幫我整理面試關鍵詞彙及模擬案例,非常窩心。

  • Tesco TPM Interview Rounds
    Completed all three rounds. The first technical interview went well, while the case study round felt more challenging. Valuable lessons and insight gained throughout.
    成功完成三輪面試,技術面表現不錯,但案例分析感覺難度較高,整體收穫良多。

  • Professional Networking
    Reconnected with Frankie Chan (IBM) —the first time since HK. Also touched base with another former colleague now in the UK cyber scene. Important steps toward rebuilding a professional support system.
    重遇多年沒見的 Frankie Chan(IBM),也聯繫了一位在英國從事網絡安全的前同事,踏出重建專業網絡的重要一步。


🧠 Supporting Others in the Same Trench

  • Friend D’s Dilemma
    D has been out of work since December and is weighing a lower-paying interim role. I sensed a lot of discouragement. We talked it through, and I continue praying he finds clarity and hope.
    朋友 D 由去年十二月開始失業,正考慮一份低薪過渡工作,情緒上顯得灰心,我聽他傾訴並為他禱告,希望他早日找到方向與希望。

  • Friend K’s Promotion
    Initially anxious after his boss was fired, K was surprisingly promoted—restoring the level he once held in HK. Looking forward to celebrating this good news.
    K 原本因上司被解僱而感焦慮,結果意外獲得升職,恢復到在香港時的職級,真替他高興,期待與他慶祝。

  • Friend P’s Setback
    Encouraged P after his recent rejection. Reminded him—and myself—that setbacks can become set-ups for growth.
    P 剛經歷一次面試失利,我鼓勵他,也提醒自己,挫敗往往是成長的機會。


🙏 Faith, Resilience & Relationships

  • Cancer Survivor’s (L) Visit
    A sister L from my HK church is visiting with her husband. Her story of surviving cancer is a living testimony of God’s grace. Looking forward to seeing them this Friday.
    一位曾患癌的香港教會姊妹(L)與丈夫來英國探訪一個月,她的康復見證是神恩典的真實體現,期待這星期五與他們見面。

  • In-Laws in the UK
    They arrived bearing gifts and love from HK. I pray they encounter Christ during their 5-week stay, even as my wife has grown weary of hoping.
    岳父母剛從香港來英,帶來許多親人的心意和禮物,盼望他們這五週能接觸福音,雖然太太有些氣餒,我仍繼續禱告。

  • Hosting Family & Friends
    In-laws had Li (Aunt Jane’s husband) came over for dinner. Despite language barriers, my in-laws made the effort to connect—a hopeful gesture. Also celebrated Amber’s birthday with Aunt Jess; Amber’s thrilled to have Robux for Roblox.
    岳父母招待了Li (姑姐 Jane 的丈夫)晚餐,雖然語言不通,岳父母仍努力溝通,是個美好的開始。週末亦與 Aunt Jess 一起為 Amber 慶生,Amber收到 Robux 開心得不得了。

Prepared by AI. English version was edited by Jeff on 16/07/2025 由人工智能協助撰寫,英文版本由Jeff於2025年7月16日編輯

2025年7月15日 星期二

Weekly Reflection – Week 29 June 2025 每週反思 – 2025年6月29日這週

**🗓 Weekly Reflectio(29/June) **

1. Stratesys Opportunity – Still Waiting
I followed up on the Stratesys role and received a reply from the first interviewer. There’s no update yet, which leaves things hanging, but I remain hopeful that it will move forward to the next stage. It’s a test of patience and trust in the process.

2. Unexpected Call from Tesco
I received a call from Tesco regarding a Programme Manager role. I’ve applied for a few roles with them, and I believe this one relates to cyber security. It’s encouraging to see movement from that direction, and I’ll stay alert and prepared in case it moves to the next stage. Every step forward counts.

3. Supporting a Friend Through Setback
My friend P wasn’t able to get through the first interview, and it’s impacted his self-esteem significantly. It’s hard seeing someone close go through that kind of discouragement. I’m hoping he’ll recover from the blow and bounce back stronger. Sometimes the right words are less important than just being present.

4. Encouraging D in His Job Search
Had a meaningful 2-hour conversation with D, who is still in Hong Kong and looking for his next opportunity. He’s been searching for months since last December. I tried to offer support and share parts of my experience that might help him. I hope it was a source of encouragement and clarity in a tough season for him.

💭 Closing Thought
This week reminded me that waiting is uncomfortable, and discouragement is real — but also that presence and empathy are powerful. Even small gestures can help others feel less alone in the struggle.


🗓 每週反思(6月29日)

1. Stratesys 機會 —— 仍在等待
我跟進咗申請嘅 Stratesys 職位,收到第一輪Interviewer回覆,話暫時未有進一步消息。雖然有啲懸而未決,但我仍然希望可以順利進入下一階段。呢段等待嘅時間考驗住我嘅耐性同信心。

2. Tesco 意外來電
收到 Tesco 嘅電話,關於一個 Programme Manager 嘅職位。我之前申請過幾個相關職位,相信呢個係同網絡安全有關。見到有進展都令人鼓舞,我會保持警覺,隨時準備下一步。每一小步都係向前。

3. 支持朋友面對挫折
朋友 P 喺面試第一輪未能通過,對佢自信心打擊好大。見到身邊人咁失落,真係唔容易。我希望佢可以慢慢走出低谷,重新振作。有時候,言語未必最重要,陪伴先係最有力。

4. 鼓勵 D 嘅求職之路
同仲喺香港嘅 D 傾咗兩個鐘頭。佢由上年12月開始搵工,到依家都仲未有著落。我試下分享自己嘅經驗,希望可以成為佢嘅支持,幫佢喺困難中搵到一點方向同希望。

💭 結語
今個星期再次提醒我,等待係辛苦嘅,失落亦都真實。但同時,陪伴同同理心係好有力量嘅。細微嘅關心,都可以令人唔再咁孤單。

Prepared by AI. English version was edited by Jeff on 02/072025 (further edited on 15/07/2025) 由人工智能協助撰寫,英文版本由Jeff於2025年7月15日編輯

2025年6月23日 星期一

Weekly Reflection – Week 22 June 2025 每週反思 – 2025年6月22日這週

Prepared by AI. English version was edited by Jeff on 23/06/2025 由人工智能協助撰寫,英文版本由Jeff於2025年6月23日編輯

1. A Week of Transitions and Commitments

This week was full of movement — both literally and figuratively. From completing the car transition, helping others, connecting with old and new friends, and handling interviews, I saw moments of grace and gratitude woven throughout the busyness.

今個星期過得好充實,無論實際上定係心理上都係一個轉變嘅過程。由賣車到買車、幫朋友準備面試、同舊朋友重聚,再到自己參加面試,全部都係神嘅恩典同安排,令我心存感恩。


2. Selling the Car – A Smooth and Blessed Closure

Last Tuesday, I successfully sold my car through Motorway. It took about 7 days and a few customer service calls, but the car was sold at the highest quote I received. I thank God for such favour.
The car collector, Jason, was memorable — a father of seven who used to drive a van when his kids were younger. His thorough inspection of my car (with so many photos of dents, chips, and tiny imperfections) was intense — almost scary — but in the end, he reported everything as normal wear and tear. There were no deductions at all. What a blessing!

上星期二,我成功經 Motorway 賣出架車。雖然過程需時七日左右,加上一啲客戶服務嘅聯絡,但最終可以以最高報價成交,真係好多謝神。
負責收車嘅 Jason 令人印象深刻——佢係七個仔女嘅爸爸,細個時開住貨 van 接送。佢檢查架車好仔細,影咗好多細節相(包括花痕、瑕疵等),一度令我有啲擔心。但最尾佢向買家講明都係正常損耗,冇扣任何錢,真係感恩。


3. A New Ride – Pickup and Family Joy

I was deeply blessed by my third aunt, who helped drive me and my wife to Wimbledon to pick up the new car. The process went smoothly, though I noticed the boot cover pole was missing — hoping the seller can help sort that. The kids love the car; the second row is spacious and comfortable.
I pray this car will serve us well — starting with a family holiday in July with my parents-in-law. My wife will need to get used to the car’s size, but I have full confidence in her.

多謝三姨好有愛心,專程車我同太太去 Wimbledon 攞新車。過程順利,不過發現尾箱遮冚桿唔見咗,希望賣家可以補返。小朋友好鍾意架車,第二排座位特別寬敞舒適。
我希望呢架車可以為屋企服務得好好,七月就會帶岳父母去旅行。太太都要習慣一下車嘅尺寸,但我對佢好有信心。


4. Stratesys Interview – An Unexpected Door

I had an interview on Friday with Stratesys, a Spanish consulting company with 1,800 employees across 10 countries in Europe and the Americas. Although the firm is known for SAP work, this UK-based role interestingly focused on Microsoft technologies. The interview was conducted by a German colleague who seemed more delivery-focused than a formal hiring manager — likely supporting multiple functions including hiring and marketing.
With a lot of prayer and support from church brothers and sisters, I felt unusually calm and composed throughout the session. It was a reminder that divine grace often carries us in unexpected moments.

星期五,我有機會接受 Stratesys 嘅面試。呢間西班牙公司喺十個國家有 1800 個員工,主力做 SAP 方案。不過今次英國個職位反而係關於 Microsoft 技術,好特別。
面試官係來自德國,似乎係項目交付為主,同時負責招聘、營銷等多個範疇。
教會弟兄姊妹為我祈禱,我自己亦都好出奇地平靜沉著。神嘅恩典真係喺唔同時候扶持我。


5. A Special Reunion – Picking Up Didi from Heathrow

A heartwarming highlight was reconnecting with Didi — my first mentor from IBM back in 2005. I had the joy of picking him up from Heathrow and chatting during the hour-long drive to his hotel. We hadn’t met in 5–6 years, and it felt special.
Later in the week, I went to four different places to find him a gift that would represent the UK well — not an easy task in my area, but I enjoyed the challenge. His visit came on short notice, but I’m glad I was able to respond meaningfully.

呢個星期最窩心嘅一件事就係同 Didi 重聚——佢係我2005年入IBM時嘅導師。今次佢一家來英旅遊,我有幸去Heathrow接佢,成個鐘車程傾得好開心,已經5至6年冇見,真係好珍貴。
之後我特登行咗四個地方搵合適嘅禮物,代表英國風格送俾佢。雖然佢臨時通知我行程,但我都好開心可以及時回應,表達心意。


6. Blue Team Review – A Spirit of Service

On 22 June, our Blue Team had a review meeting after three months of serving in worship slide preparation. Shirley and Sau kindly prepared lunch, and Pastor’s wife brought a delicious Chinese-style rice dish — a lovely gesture that lifted the team’s spirits.
Though our role was simple — preparing PowerPoint slides to support the worship leader — the experience brought joy and meaning. The team enjoyed having a way to serve others quietly but helpfully, making worship more seamless.

6月22日,我哋藍組完成三個月嘅服侍之後開咗個回顧會。Shirley同Sau幫手準備咗午餐,崔師母亦帶咗中式飯餸過嚟,好有心思,令大家都感受到溫暖。
雖然工作只係幫崇拜領詩預備PowerPoint投影片,但過程中大家都享受到服侍嘅喜樂,亦感受到自己為崇拜有貢獻,令整體流程更順暢。


7. Men’s Breakfast – Fellowship and Connection

Saturday’s men’s breakfast was another meaningful gathering. I invited Radar, and six of us turned up in total. Clifford and Radar both share a love for tennis — I hope they connect more. James continues striving to grow his business, and I wish him strength. Keith seemed a bit quieter than usual — I’ll keep him in prayer. These gatherings help keep us connected through different life stages.

星期六嘅弟兄早餐聚會都好有意思。我邀請咗Radar,最後總共六位弟兄出席。Clifford同Radar都鍾意打網球,希望佢哋可以建立聯繫。James仲努力發展自己嘅生意,願神加力畀佢。Keith今次比較少說話,希望佢一切安好,我會為佢祈禱。呢類聚會真係幫助我哋喺唔同人生階段中保持連結。


8. Helping a Friend – Mock Interview & Feedback

I spent meaningful time helping a friend prepare for a civil service interview. Coaching someone reminded me of my own journey — and it was satisfying to apply structured thinking, provide scorecards, and offer encouragement.

今個星期我幫朋友準備政府工面試,花咗唔少心機一齊練習。過程令我回想起自己過去面試嘅經歷。可以用結構化方式去幫佢整理思路、設計評分表、畀到實質鼓勵,感覺好滿足。


9. Lessons and Gratitude

  • Lesson: Blessings often come through people — whether it's help with transport, a fair collector, or an encouraging word during an interview.

  • Gratitude: Grateful for the favour with the car sale, joy of a new car, smooth interview, Didi’s visit, and moments of service and connection throughout the week.

  • **學習:**祝福好多時都係透過人而嚟——無論係有人幫手接送、有個公平嘅收車師傅、定係面試時有人一句鼓勵說話。

  • **感恩:**感恩可以高價賣車、有新車帶來家庭喜悅、面試順利、與Didi重聚,以及今個星期每一個服侍同相交時刻。


Looking Ahead

Next week, I hope to:

  • Follow up on the Stratesys interview and other job leads

  • Address remaining items on the new car (boot cover, insurance setup)

  • Make space to reflect, rest, and reconnect intentionally with family and God

展望下星期,希望可以:

  • 跟進Stratesys面試及其他工作機會

  • 處理新車相關嘅事項(例如遮冚桿、保險等)

  • 預留時間靜思、休息,同家人同神建立更深關係


2025年6月15日 星期日

Weekly Reflection – Week 15 June 2025 每週反思 – 2025年6月15日這週

A Week Full of Tasks and Emotions|一星期大小事 忙亂中見恩典

This week has been unusually full — not just in terms of errands and decisions, but also emotionally. One of those weeks where even routine tasks stir up deeper questions and unexpected tensions — yet also reveal moments of grace.

今個星期特別多嘢做,唔單止係做家務、處理事務咁簡單,連情緒上都好似被挑動咗。有啲平日好普通嘅事都變得複雜,甚至令我反思更多深層嘅問題。但亦都有啲小小嘅恩典,喺忙亂中帶嚟一啲意想不到嘅溫柔。

Overseas HKID Renewal Process|幫小朋友續領香港身份證

One major task we tackled was applying for HKID renewals for the kids. We finally got an ink pad and spent a fair bit of time practising how to properly roll fingerprints on the forms. The process was more complicated than expected, but in the end, we managed to complete the application — a small but satisfying accomplishment.

其中一件大事就係幫小朋友續領香港身份證。最後我哋都買咗個印台,試咗好多次點樣先可以好好咁印到指模落表格度。過程比想像中麻煩,但最終都搞掂晒,雖然係細節,但完成後都有啲小小成功感。

Reconnecting Across Generations|回信畀爺爺嫲嫲

I also received a message from my mum that my grandfather had written me a letter. After some thought, I followed my aunt’s advice and decided to write back by hand. It’s been years since I last wrote a physical letter. My wife helped mail it out. I hope it brings some comfort to my grandfather and grandmum.

媽媽Message咗爺爺寫嘅一封信畀我。我諗咗一陣,跟從姑姐嘅建議,自己手寫一封信回應。好耐冇寫過實體信,老婆幫我寄出,希望封信可以俾到啲安慰爺爺嫲嫲都感受到我心意。

Finally Bought a Car|多次試車後終於落實

After many test drives and comparisons, we finally bought a car this Saturday. It was a huge relief to make the decision after weeks of searching and deliberation. I’m thankful for the process — and especially for Law Kee, whose honest advice helped us move forward with clarity and peace of mind.

試咗唔少車、比較咗好多選項,今個星期六終於買咗架新車。經歷咗成個星期不停思量,落實決定嗰刻真係鬆咗一口氣。好感恩,特別要多謝Law Kee一路以嚟俾我哋咁多中肯建議,幫我哋做決定時清晰咗好多。

Logistics and Stewardship in Car Decisions|換車嘅實際安排與信心抉擇

We’ve also been wrestling with the logistics and risks of changing cars. Should we sell first or buy first? Will our insurance cover us if we drive someone else’s car? What happens if the old car gets damaged while waiting for pickup? On the surface, these are practical questions — but deep down, they reflect our desire to be faithful stewards of time, money, and responsibility.

換車嘅安排都幾煩,要唸賣定買先?借人車用唔用得番保險?舊車未交收前壞咗點算?表面睇係實際問題,背後其實係想點樣好好管理我哋嘅時間、金錢同責任。

A Deep Talk That Mattered|同老婆一場重要對話

The most significant moment of the week, though, was a deep conversation with my wife. It wasn’t planned, but it surfaced unspoken worries, past disappointments, and hopes for the future. It wasn’t all easy, but it was real. I truly hope she felt heard — even in the unresolved.

呢個星期最重要嘅時刻,其實係一次唔預期嘅深入對話,同老婆傾咗好多從未講出口嘅擔心、曾經嘅失望、對未來嘅期盼。唔係全部都講得輕鬆,但好真實。希望佢都感受到自己被聽見,即使有啲嘢仲未解決。

The VW Touran That Got Away|Touran失約事件

A side story: we had originally reserved a VW Touran in Caribbean Blue. But when we arrived at the dealer as scheduled, the car was in the body shop and unavailable for test driving. Two days later, the salesperson called and we rescheduled for Friday. I even tried to move the appointment earlier. But on Friday morning, I received an email saying the car had already been sold. That same afternoon, the salesperson called again, saying we had missed the appointment and that they would refund our deposit. The whole situation was confusing and frustrating. Still, it pushed us to look again — and that led us to a 2019 Prius+ with 7 seats at a reasonable price. Though the car didn’t feel like a perfect match, we were thankful to have another solid option. God’s provision came just in time.

有個插曲,本來我哋預咗架加勒比藍色嘅VW Touran。準時去到dealer,點知架車喺維修部,試唔到車。兩日後sales打電話嚟,我哋約返星期五,仲諗住可以提早試。不過星期五朝早就收到email話架車已經賣咗。下午sales又打嚟話我哋miss咗約,會退返訂金。成件事好亂又無奈。但都推動我哋再搵,最後見到架2019年嘅Prius+,七人車,價錢都算合理。雖然唔係百分百理想,但已經好感恩,神嘅供應剛剛好。

The Rollercoaster of Selling Our Old Car|賣車經歷上落翻轉

Another side story: Last week, we tried selling our car through “We Buy Any Car” but walked away after what felt like a bait-and-switch. Unfortunately, the story didn’t end there. Later in the week, we received another SMS saying the price had gone up again. We booked another appointment, hoping for a better deal — only to find that the final offer was even lower than the first. It felt like a complete waste of time and energy.

又一段插曲,上星期去“We Buy Any Car”賣車,初頭報價唔錯,去到現場就即刻壓價,好似被人呃咁,唔賣走人。點知後尾收到SMS話報價升咗,我哋再book appointment,希望有好轉,點知到場嗰次價錢仲低過第一次,真係浪費晒時間同心機。

Learning from Low Offers|點樣選擇最好嘅賣車渠道

Separately, we got a quote from a local garage. Sadly, the price was lower than the offer from Motorway’s auction platform. This reinforced a lesson: it makes far more sense to start with the highest-value channel and keep backup options warm, rather than prioritising convenience and accepting lower value.

之後又問咗附近一間garage報價,點知仲低過Motorway auction平台。呢件事令我明白,最合理做法係由最高價個source開始傾,再keep住啲後備選項,唔好為咗方便就蝕咗自己。

2025年6月14日 星期六

Weekly Reflection – Week Ending 8 June 2025 每週反思 – 2025年6月8日這週

This week was packed—full of tasks, trials, and a good amount of grace. 

呢個禮拜真係忙到爆,加上唔少煩惱,但係都充滿咗恩典同感恩。

🪪 HKID Renewal Hassles 頭痕搞香港身份證續期
One big headache this week was renewing our Hong Kong ID cards from overseas. Our old ones had expired, and the kids need valid IDs to collect their HKSAR passports from China Embassy in London. My wife checked with the Immigration Department and confirmed we could apply from the UK, which is a blessing. But the process was frustrating—the form was tricky, and we had to take fingerprint impressions. Tuesday was spent working through the paperwork, and Wednesday we realized we needed to buy proper fingerprint pads. Without that, the prints weren’t clear, and we risked having the whole application returned. Still, it’s a huge relief we can do this overseas—at least we don’t need to buy plane tickets back to Hong Kong.
今個星期最頭痕就係搞香港身份證續期。我哋幾個身份證已經過咗期,而阿仔阿女又要有有效身份證先可以申請特區護照。太太問咗入境處,原來可以喺海外申請,呢個真係好大恩典。但係個申請form又難填,又要整紙模印指模,星期二搞咗成日,星期三先發現要買指模印台,如果唔係會印得唔清楚,入境處可能唔受理,到時又要再寄一次。雖然麻煩,但感恩唔使專登返香港搞。

🚗 Car Selling Drama 賣車的經歷
On Sunday, I visited We Buy Any Car at a temporary office in Sheerwater. The online quote looked fair, but once I arrived, they tried to lower the price, so I didn’t go through with the sale. Instead, I used the Motorway app on the spot to take photos and list the car for auction—fingers crossed for a better offer.
星期日我去咗Sheerwater嗰邊嘅 We Buy Any Car,係一個停車場入面嘅臨時office。網上估價都OK,但一到場就被人壓價,所以最後冇賣到。之後我即場用Motorway個app影相,放上去auction,希望有機會賣到好啲價。

🙏 God’s Grace Through the Car Issue 從架車嘅問題經歷天父嘅恩典
Talking about my car made me reflect on how much grace we’ve received. When I had no car, three different familiesoffered to lend me theirs, even though no one knew when mine would be fixed. The service adviser also went the extra mile to help fix the dented door. In the middle of uncertainty, God’s provision was so real and timely.
講返架車,我真係好感恩,因為冇車用嗰段時間,有三個家庭主動話可以借架車俾我,大家都唔知我架車幾時整得好。仲有嗰位service adviser真係好幫得手,肯幫我搞掂架車撞凹咗嘅位置。喺唔穩定當中,我見到上帝真係一步一步咁供應。

📖 Bible Study & Gratitude 查考聖經 及 感恩
Saturday’s Bible study with our church group focused on Genesis—Abraham arranging a wife for Isaac from his homeland. It sparked deep discussion. Thanks to Kitling for leading; I sensed she might be carrying something heavy—less joy in her sharing than usual. I didn’t probe, but I hope all is well with her family.
星期六小組查經查到創世記,講亞伯拉罕安排以撒返老家搵老婆,討論得好深入。多謝Kitling帶領,不過我感覺佢好似有啲心事,少咗啲喜樂,冇特別問,但希望佢同佢屋企人都平安順利。

🎤 Church Service Support Challenges 教會服侍嘅挑戰 
I helped prepare the PowerPoint for this week’s worship, led by Edmond. I thought I was early—by Wednesday I had a ready version, but Edmond only sent it out on Friday. Then on Saturday night, Jess told me there were issues with the lyrics. I didn’t even see the messages until around midnight, so I had to rush to fix them. The AV team had to re-download the updated file. This experience taught me that if no one follows up or pushes for a final version early, problems snowball—and the person doing the work pays the price. I realise in church culture, everyone wants to be polite and avoid pressuring others, but maybe we need to shift this culture a bit for the sake of serving well.
我幫手整咗今個禮拜嘅崇拜PowerPoint,由Edmond領會。本來以為自己好早已經整好,星期三就有個ready version,但Edmond等到星期五先send出去俾人review。結果星期六晚Jess先同我講啲歌詞有問題,我夜晚十二點先至見到message,要急急腳改PowerPoint,AV Team又要重新download新版。今次經歷令我體會到,如果冇人主動催或者追進度,出事就會係做嘢果個人最麻煩。教會弟兄姊妹唔想俾壓力其他人,但其實要做好事奉,文化上真係要諗吓點樣改善。

2025年5月30日 星期五

Weekly Reflection – Week of 30 May 2025 每週反思 – 2025年5月30日這週

 Weekly Reflection – Week of 30 May 2025

A week of setbacks, trust, and gratitude

🏥 An unexpected scare: a moment of hope, followed by more uncertainty
On Tuesday, I reminded my wife to prepare our children’s documents for the passport appointment at the Chinese consulate on Thursday. To our shock, we couldn’t find the children's Hong Kong ID cards. My wife was incredibly stressed and overwhelmed. Out of desperation, she emailed the Hong Kong Immigration Department to ask whether a birth certificate could be used as a substitute. That day felt like a descent into chaos.
Thankfully, on Wednesday we called my aunt, who turned her house upside down and managed to find the missing ID cards! A huge relief—we were beyond grateful.
On Thursday, my wife took our children to the consulate, only to be told that the old HKID had expired in mid-May and they could not issue the passports. Since renewing the ID requires a trip back to Hong Kong, everything is now stuck. We're hoping Immigration might allow the consulate to make an exception. Meanwhile, we may need to consult the UK Home Office to see whether this document issue would affect our ILR or future citizenship application. Another tough episode for my wife. She still insists we should’ve just gone back to Hong Kong earlier to sort everything at once. I believe this was just unfortunate timing—we were only two weeks too late.

💼 Still job hunting
This week I applied for a Project Manager role at Surrey University. A friend of mine works there as an architect—hopefully that connection might help. I also refreshed my CV and LinkedIn profile again, hoping to improve my chances.

🤝 Volunteering and an old friend reunion
I confirmed my role as a Management Advisor for a charity, with two initial tasks lined up. After meeting the founder, I rode my scooter to a nearby town to have lunch with my university friend Katy. We haven’t seen each other for years, but we clicked like old times—and she still looks just the same. She’s also interested in volunteering and might help with accounting. Hopefully we’ll get to work on something together in the future.

📄 Applying for Job Seeker Allowance (JSA)
I applied for JSA and visited the Working Council on Wednesday. I learned that I’m required to commit 35 hours per week to job searching, and I’m not sure if volunteer hours can count. This requirement adds some pressure but also motivates me to stay disciplined. If I can’t meet the conditions, I might have to give up the allowance. I even asked ChatGPT if claiming this support made me seem greedy, since we’re not in severe financial need. The answer? It’s contribution-based—like insurance—so claiming it isn’t selfish. That gave me a strange but welcome sense of comfort.

👦 Two small but meaningful moments
During Half Term, our son began sitting at his desk to do homework instead of twisting around restlessly. A small but real step forward that made us proud as parents.

📚 My wife’s dedication to improving her English continues to impress and inspire me.

🎶 A Blue Team misunderstanding
Gloria seemed unclear about the process for preparing the Blue Team’s PowerPoint slides and my role in it. To prevent further confusion among other worship leaders, I drafted a process explanation. I plan to discuss it with our preacher Edmond Tsui and the other worship leaders to make sure everyone is aligned.

🚗 Car repairs
My car repairs started on Tuesday. By Thursday, it was in quality control. If the road test on Monday goes well, I’ll get it back. My wife strongly recommends replacing the car, but I want to observe a bit longer and check if the extended warranty coverage has changed. I don’t want to hold onto a lemon, but I also don’t want to pass it on to someone else.

🏡 Neighbourly kindness
Jackson’s upstairs window was left open. His neighbour Val called to notify me and even watered his plants and shut the window. Such attentiveness is rare and truly appreciated. Good neighbours really make a difference.


每週反思 – 2025年5月30日這週
經歷波折、學習信任、充滿感恩的一週

🏥 一場突如其來的驚魂,以為有曙光,然後發現未去到隧道盡頭
星期二我提醒老婆準備小朋友的證件,因為星期四要去大使館拿特區證章。誰知找不到小朋友身份證,老婆非常緊張,壓力爆錶。最終抱著一線希望發電郵給入境處問可不可以用出世紙代替身份證去領取證件。那天心情真是好煉獄。
但感恩的是,星期三打電話俾四姑姐,幫手翻箱倒索,終於在她家找回小朋友的身份證!十萬個感恩,一天都光晒。
星期四老婆帶小朋友去中國大使館攞特區護照,最尾因為舊版身份證原來喺五月中失效所以大使館唔俾攞而申請身份證又要返香港, 而家卡住咗。睇吓會唔會入境處可以俾個指引大使館酌情處理。可能與此同時我哋都要問吓Home Office如果證件Expired咗會唔會影響我哋下年申請ILR同埋之後入籍英國。又要辛苦老婆。經一事長一智,雖然佢仲係好insist 話早知返香港一次過搞啲證件,唔使而家咁煩,我就覺得純粹今次係唔好彩遲咗兩個禮拜。

💼 繼續找工路上
這星期申請了 Surrey University 的 Project Manager 職位,剛好有朋友在那裏做 Architect,希望這條人脈可以帶來一點轉溫。雖然未有實質回音,但仍然一步步裝備自己。另外再執咗一次過CV同埋LinkedIn Profile,希望對搵工有幫助。

🤝 義務參與與友情重遇
確定會幫 Charity 做 Management Advisor,目前有兩個 Tasks,會花一日時間。見完 Founder 後踩 Scooter 去另一個 Town,和大學同學 Katy 見面吃 lunch。多年未見,依然熟悉,同埋大家個樣仍然一樣咁年輕冇乜點變。Katy 對義工也有興趣,希望幫手做 accounting 類工作,睇吓將來有冇機會可以一齊做義工。

📄 申請Job Seeker Allowance
申請了 Job Seeker Allowance (簡稱 JSA),星期三去 Working Council 跟進文件,原來每週要commit 35小時找工,唔知義工時間可唔可以扣返出嚟。睇吓會唔會呢個要求與壓力可以進一步提醒自己要穩定地推進。如果真係meet唔到,就可能唔攞個allowance。問咗ChatGPT我申請呢個allowance 會唔會好似好貪心,因為我哋唔係真係好窮,佢答我話呢個係contribution base 好似買保險咁,所以申請呢個allowance唔係一個貪心嘅表現。過程有啲搞笑,俾個AI安慰,不過又真係安心咗啲。

👦 片刻安慰
Half Term 期間,見到阿仔開始會坐在書桌做功課,不再“扭來扭去”,細微但實在的進步,作父母,好感動。

老婆勤力練英文,實在值得驚喜和鼓勵。

🎶 Blue Team 的小誤會
Gloria 對Blue Team幫手製作PowerPoint的流程,同埋我的角色有點誤會,為免其他領會有類似嘅情況,我 draft 了個流程說明,計劃和傳道一齊同其他領會溝通攞啲意見,確保大家對流程有共同理解。

🚗 汽車修理
架車星期二開始維修,星期四去整好等做QC,星期一 Road Test 完就可以擁有。老婆強烈建議換車,我想再觀察一陣,同埋睇吓Extended Warranty個coverage有冇減少。雖然唔想攬住隻鑊,但係都唔想下一首買家中伏。

🏡 鄰里情深
Jackson 家窗打開,鄰居 Val 主動聯絡、幫手關窗和潤花,精緻體貼。英國有這樣的鄰居,真的難能可貴,內心非常欣賞。