Life Story: Different Than I Planned

Hello my fellow working mom! How are you today? I hope you're doing well.

If you follow me long enough then you might remember my moved to Borneo story.

For those new or don't know, you can read it HERE.

This year feels like déjà vu because last year, in January and February, I was serving my notice period at my previous work, actively searching for a better job, and secretly praying to God for an opportunity to move to Borneo. I applied for a few positions in KL and Cyberjaya, attended interviews, but deep down, I felt that God’s plan was different this time.

During my job search, I prayed for direction from God—asking, “What’s next?” I earnestly wished for my dream of moving, living, and working in Borneo to come true. Even though I knew job opportunities in my field were limited, I kept praying and believing that God would make a way, even when there seemed to be no way at all.

And, YES! God really answered my prayers! 

On March I went for one job interview for position in Kota Kinabalu,Sabah, I GOT THE JOB and by April, we moved to Borneo. I feel so excited about it and to see how everything fell into place so perfectly. It was as if God had aligned every little detail to make this move happen.

When I look back, it amazes me how I dared to pray such a bold prayer. To uproot my family and start anew in Borneo was no small decision. But deep down, I felt peace, as if God was reassuring me that this was part of His plan for us.

The transition wasn’t easy. Moving to a new place meant adjusting to a different lifestyle, meeting new people, and figuring out how to build a life here. There were moments of doubt and challenges, but every time I felt overwhelmed, God sent little reminders that we were exactly where we were supposed to be.

I still remember the first few weeks in Borneo—the lush greenery, the warm smiles of the locals, and the slower, more peaceful pace of life. It felt like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. For the first time in years, I didn’t feel like I was constantly rushing through life.

This move taught me so much about faith and trusting God’s timing. It reminded me that while I can make my plans, God’s plans are always better, even if they feel uncertain at first.

If you’re reading this and you’re in a season of waiting or uncertainty, I want to encourage you to pray boldly and trust in His timing. You never know where those prayers might lead you. For me, they led to Borneo, a place I now proudly call home.

Everything seemed perfect when we arrived in Borneo. I thought, “This is it, God’s plan is unfolding beautifully.” We settled in quickly, and I started my new job with so much excitement. The slower pace of life here, the warm people, and the beauty of Borneo made me feel like I’d found my place.

But life has a way of throwing unexpected twists, doesn’t it?

Jeng...jeng....jeng...

Last year (around October), I received unexpected news from my manager in KL that my contract would be ending this upcoming March 2025. They couldn’t extend it due to budget constraints.

At first, I was in shock. This wasn’t part of the plan—or at least, not my plan. I had just started to feel like I was truly building a life here, and now I’m faced with the possibility of having to move again or need to search for a new job again? or worse, makan anggur?. Questions started flooding my mind. What’s next? Where will we go? How will this affect my family? and many more...

I’ll admit, I felt a pang of disappointment. It’s hard not to when you pour your heart into something only to realize it might be temporary. I feel like I kena game dgn Tuhan pulak...haha. I thought like this because 1 year is too short.

But then I remembered the lesson I learned when God first brought us here: His plans are always better, even when they feel uncertain.

So, instead of panicking, I’m choosing to see this as an opportunity. Perhaps God is preparing something even greater for us. Maybe this is another step in a journey I can’t fully see yet. I’ve started praying again, asking for direction and clarity, just like I did last year.

The unknown is scary, but it’s also exciting. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this journey, it’s that God’s timing and provision are perfect. When I prayed to move to Borneo, He answered. Now, I’m praying for what’s next, trusting that His plan will unfold in ways I can’t imagine.

As I count down the days to March, I’m reminding myself to stay faithful and open. I don’t know where we’ll be a few months from now, but I know one thing for sure: God will take care of us, just like He always has.