This was the view yesterday afternoon at the verandah of my previous apartment while I was cleaning, before moving out to a new place. It’s this view of the city that most of our friends and visitors enjoy when they come over. And it’s one of the things I will miss from my old apartment.
I have just settled in a new place and I feel safer now more than ever. I want to finally express my gratitude to the people who had been helping me above and beyond their capabilities for the past two excruciatingly painful week. Njongonkulu, thank you for being the best at handling crisis. And for being the most reassuring support especially for the first hour after my assault. Doc Vishal, thank you for the rescue, making sure I didn’t lose my sanity, guiding me throughout and making sure I didn’t just let the inicident slide and get all the support I needed from key persons and offices. Nj, Sơn and company for bringing me to the police station, supporting me days after that and during the investigation, and making sure my perpetrator can never harm me further. Ate Grace, Loren, Analyn , NM Juanito , Carie and churchmates for doing the rounds to keep me company 24 hours of the day. I know it also weighed you down having to witness all the conversations and painful process of building a criminal case. Ate Jezza and Nanay Ranela, Momshie Beverley for the post-traumatic stress debriefing sessions. I had the most therapeutic conversation with you even if we are challenged by distance. Nanay Lena, thank you for the incomparable love. Brother Vịnh and the other Christian brethren for the visit and for the very comforting prayers. Giang and nurse Ira, for accompanying me to the hospitals and making sure I understand all the medical procedures and test results. Whistle Tay Ho ladies for just being the sweetest and loveliest company. I am super grateful for your lives. Peace House Shelter Vietnam, for the counseling and support in breaking the news to my love ones. Simply setting up that Zoom meeting with my love ones meant so much to me. To mamshies Hannah and Carolīne, thank you for the moral support, love and laughter despite everything, as always. Thank you Kuya Rob for the visit and bringing me lunch at the police station. Hardy Ceasar for the call during one of my most stressful day. Jake Weir, for the emotional support and for lending your strength when I needed them most. Thank you for the overseas call and the assurance of support, Uncle Attorney Floyd . To my self-acclaimed godparents Gerard Seow and Lianne, and to my sister Rachel, I always thank the Lord that you exist. Your support means the world to me. I can’t wait to be able to spend time with you any time I see a breakthrough in my situation. To everyone else who held me and continue to hold me in their prayers, thank you so so much 🙏🙇♀️🥰
Rest assured, I have two very competent and dignified lawyers on our side. The tragic incident two Mondays ago have brought us all into a shared grief and pain. The next few days will be of shared hope and inspiration as I prepare myself to face my perpetrator in court. It’s going to be another difficult process, but, as we always say, “in God we trust.” ——— Amos 5:24: But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!