The Waiting

It had been 7 years since our last trip. Back in 2019, our 5th daughter, Rabi'ah was still a baby. That journey was the only time we travelled using our newly issued passports, which had a 3 - 5 years validity and cost us S$70 x 7 passports (S$490) for that 1 travel - Not long after, the borders closed, and travel came to a standstill.

Do you remember when you first apply new passport(s) for yours and your loved ones? The feeling of excitement and the blessing just poured over you after the long wait, especially one stretched by life events like raising children, work challenges, or such travel disruptions.

This represents more than a travel document, it carries hopes, plans and possibilities. A special kind of excitement in imagining the journeys ahead. Not only the destinations but creating stories that become part of family history. Alhamdulillah, we replaced our expired passports and we pray that this chapter will be different, to many more journeys, creating profound family memories, and opportunities to explore new places together while we still can with our children.

For me, the joy begins long before the trip itself - it starts the moment those new passports are ready for collection - this time for the 8 of us. At first, I was probably the only one excited, as my children didn't quite understand why - they were all so grumpy upon collection, but I know the day will come when they do. For my dear husband, when work became uncertain and worries weighed heavily on his mind, we continued to patiently wait while ensuring that our accommodation, transfers, bookings, and itinerary were all in order or at least 80% of it.

Truly, it took a toll on us at times, especially while juggling the preparations with household responsibilities, including treating mould on our bedroom/bathroom ceiling/walls, repainting, replacing our kitchen sink faucet, and dealing with the plumbing work that came with it. Yet through it all, we carried on, trusting that every effort, every challenge, and every sacrifice would be worth it.

Subhan Allah, while typing this, everything starts rushing back. The endless to-do lists, and the quiet moments of worry that often went unseen. If there is one thing I want to say, it is this: know that you are not alone. Whatever you are going through right now, or simply trying to hold everything together, there are others carrying similar burdens while putting on a brave face each day. I pray that what I am about to share will be of benefit to anyone reading this.

Sometimes, we become so focused on reaching our goals that we forget to appreciate the strength, patience, and tawakkul that carried us through the process. Looking back, I realise that everything we did was an opportunity to place our trust in Allah a little more, or even much more.

"Ya Allah, bless our travels with safety, ease, and barakah. Protect our family wherever we go, allow us to create beautiful memories together, and let every journey, no matter how near or far, or how long or short, bring us closer to one another for Your sake and bring us closer to You. Aamiin ya Rabbal 'Alamiin~"

There are always places to visit within Singapore, and the list of activities here seems endless. Yet sometimes, it is not just about finding somewhere new to go, but about stepping away from our daily routines, creating space to reconnect as a family, and experiencing something different together. Whether near or far, every journey has its own value, memories, and lessons waiting to unfold.

Did you know?
From 1 January 2020, newborn Singapore Citizens will enjoy waiver of first passport application fee if: