Tip 258: Letter to 4 years old Haruka

Dear my darling Haruka,

Daddy is proud of you on your first week of school in Singapore. It was on March 2011 and you were less than 4 years old compared to your classmates. As you were still defining your identity, your English speaking skills dropped, compared to when you were 2 years old and when you were constantly watching Barney DVDs in London. It was a brief 1 month trip in Okinawa in 2010 and suddenly upon your return to Singapore, you were speaking Japanese everyday. But daddy had faith in your language abilities, as I knew you understood when someone spoke to you in English. You adjusted very well and towards the last school term of 2011, you improved significantly in class both in speaking and in writing assignments for both English and Mandarin! Daddy is glad you have a flair for languages, a good memory and did not exert too much pressure in learning. I pray that you continue to enjoy it and may you one day be an international ambassador building good will with the global community.

I thank God that you have constantly watched over your sister as a responsible sister. I am confident you have leadership attributes and is amused when you observe for opportunities to exercise your authority even when playing with other kids. May you continue to find joy in this family to learn patience, kindness and compassion towards papa, mama and your siblings that will develop your leadership skills. May you enjoy playing with your siblings as all of you have very little age gap with each other. A united family who serves one another is a gift we ought to treasure next to our love to God. Papa is still learning the importance of serving others and may have failed in many ways. I am delighted that as a mature and intelligent elder sister, papa has a lot to learn from you too and may you be papa's conscience to lead the family with love, discipline and high ethics.

It is a virtue to be able to appreciate beauty any time, anywhere. I planted a seed of love in you by taking you to the playground to play with Singapore kids from different backgrounds and race. It is harder for daddy and mummy to fully integrate like you, as grown up adults have more fears and insecurities. I am also glad I planted the seed of the knowledge of Jesus death on the cross. I was so touched when you understood how your sins are forgiven by God. I pray that these seed will grow on fertile ground and constantly be protected from anything that would snatch it away. Daddy is always there to encourage you to taste and live life to its fullest and to learn love through the lens of God. May you take daddy's hand and trust daddy fully, In this picture of skating, it was your first time and only towards the end, you experienced the joy of accomplishment of finally standing in the middle of the rink with daddy.
Love, Papa
















(Photos show Haruka's 4 year old birthday celebration at her school and later at night at the DB-Bistro-Moderne at Marina Bay Sands, followed by her first stint at the skating rink with daddy).