Down payment of a promise

What a day!

I got a call from Jenny of Armour Publishing telling me that a major bookstore chain in Singapore responded to their publicity blitz to retailers introducing my Moken book. Jenny said that the purchasing executive picked my book out of the many that they had marketed. The retailer asked how they could work together to do a book launch for it. While nothing is set in concrete and it is all still in the very early negotiation stages, it’s really encouraging to see that things are moving.

Jenny said that she had completed reading Aunty’s story. She said that Aunty is amazing. She also said that it was very well written.

Yesterday, Christina also from Armour Publishing had called to say that she was going for a book publishers conference in Orlando, and if I’d be open to have the Moken book published under Armour Publishing if she could find an international publisher who would be interested in the book. She said that the story is unique and that there might be someone who would be interested.

My heart is celebrating. But it’s not just because the Moken book is gaining attention, but because God is fulfilling his promise to me.

Last year when I completed the publication of my book, many people asked when I would write my next book. I felt really pressured and asked God what he would have me do. In January, I felt him telling me that this is not my year for writing. And that I was to focus on promoting the Moken book.

But work and everything else got in the way. I tried knocking on doors but nothing opened up. More than half a year went by and I didn’t see any progress with the marketing. When Aunty was here, I told her about this. Aunty prayed that God would open doors. I didn’t see how it could happen.

And then suddenly things are happening. I can only attribute it all to God. I know he has special plans to use Aunty’s story. I just happen to be placed here to enjoy what he wants to do. What a privilege.

Thank you Jesus.

I have a dream

Two weeks ago I spoke to a friend. I said, “I want to know what God’s will is for me.” I have so many things I want to do. I feel the weight of my many gifts and talents. Where should my focus be?

My friend turned around and asked me, “What do YOU want to do?”

Oops. Now that’s a different story!

He said, “If God were to asked you, ‘Angel, what do you want me to do for you?’ what would you ask him?“

Hmmm. This might sound strange but I guess the truth is, I feel better NOT knowing his will for me because it keeps me from taking responsibility for my own life and decisions (mistakes and failures). As long as I don’t know, I can stay play it safe and stay put where I am.

“Angel, what do you want me to do for you?”

I’ve been making a list. Not a haphazard but a carefully thought through one. Here’s one that I added to my list two days ago…

I have a dream. I want to write a whole series of “_____’s story as told to Angeline Koh.”

It was so fulfilling writing, “How the Moken Sea Gypsies got their Book — Naw Say Bay’s story as told to Angeline Koh.” It will happen all in his time.

Resurrection

The creative juices started trickling in slowly…

SENIOR CITIZEN

She tells her stories
over and over again
same stories
same pauses, punchlines and exclamations

She tells them
as if they were but yesterday
savouring, re-living
milking them

It doesn’t matter if no one is listening
her pleasure is in the telling
And, if you would allow her, indulge her, pleasure her
Listen
It would delight her no end

She tells her stories
as if she had never told them before
Of dreams and hope and laughter
tears and joys
Her stories — minus the sting of pain
filtered
forgiven
better than reality
Time has a way of fixing the pain.