When my sons floated the idea of a trip (for me and wifey) to Langkawi, I was thrilled at the idea of some fishing at sea . Their local buddies would take care of us. Besides, their friends have also become ours so we really not among strangers.
But sometime before the last week of the planned trip, I found myself in the midst of a price negotiation over a property. The timing couldn't have been worse. Any holiday trip was out of the question; I couldn't leave town.
But the negotiation suddenly became furious as there was now another offer on the table (from another real estate agent), only 50k below the the vendor's final price.
Now I had to convince my buyer that this was a genuine bona fide offer, and if he didn't move to up on his offer by 100k, he will lose the house. (his current offer was 100k below seller final price)
The previous night I had gone to bed with a heavy heart. Earlier that day, he made an offer 200k below sellers price but I suggested if he moved up his price by 100k, I could convince the owner to do the same (reduce by 100k). And we could make a deal. He agreed. But when I reverted to him the owner was agreeable, he didn't commit with a deposit; instead he was now asking for the seller to reduce further still . ( by a further 50k.)
"Come now, I will give you the check" he said.
I was furious .. . (my visions of sea fishing beginning to evaporate). The buyer shamelessly backed out from his earlier offer.
The negotiation now has turned complicated, and most likely a long drawn affair.
Then asudden call from the owner changed escalated the situatio. They had received an earnest deposit cheque (from another competing agent) to entice him to sign/accept the letter of offer (the offer still 50k below owner's final price)
When I heard of it, I threw down the gauntlet to my buyer. "If you don't act now like how you agreed yesterday, you will lose the house (and you'll be back to square one house hunting)". I warned him trying to sound .. as calm (and respectful) as possible.
Yet he refused, saying he can move up his offer to match the other agent. I wanted to yell, it didn't matter that you are willing, the owner was NOT and furthermore the other buyer could well UP his offer to match the owner's final price, and you'll end with nothing, but a bad argument.
But suddenly, just when I knew NOT what else to say or do. He blurted out, " okay okay.. come and take the cheque.
Just like that (the events turned to my favor).
I rushed to collect the 2% earnest deposit, all the while hoping the competing agent would not upp his offer to match /go above the final price.
It was a stressful few hours, but 'Praise the Lord Jesus!'
I got it done. I closed the deal.
Woweee!!! .
On my way home, I called my wife to tell her to book flights to Langkawi. Yay!
Langkawi here we come!
On our second day in Langkawi, we went for the much awaited fishing trip /island hopping.
But one of the boats (among three), couldn't start ( the outboard motor). For at least 15 mins, Tano, prob the most experienced sea man here pull-start continuously the outboard motor, but it just refused to start.
I was beginning to wonder if our boat trip would be cancelled as a result. Then Joy Shav (it was her boat) took over yanking at the cord till she too looked pretty exhausted, so I offered to take over pulling at the cord.
I kid you not, after only ONE PULL, the motor miraculously sputtered to life.
After 20-25 mins of continuous non stop trying. I was incredulous that my one pull, it cough to life. ( I didn't even have a chance to warmed up.😎)
Just like that!
coincidence? Maybe .. or perhaps not.)
We went to an uninhabited island to chill, and frolic in the beach and ate our pre-pack lunch.
Frankly, It was paradise on earth.
Next, two boats headed back, while we (third boat) headed out to their favorite fishing spot. We hauled in 5-6 fishes decent eating size ones.
Then there was a long lull, as the fish stopped biting.
And we waited... and waited.
What happened next was rather surreal. About 150m away, there appeared what looked like a fish in distress as it flopped about on the water surface. From that distance if it was a fish, it was a BIG one; we could scoop it into the boat on the way home.
Since it was about time to leave, we hauled up anchor, cranked up the engine and headed towards this strange thing. Nearer, we could see it was indeed a big fish, looking distressed it's tail flopping on the surface.
Daniel stood at the bow in front of boat with a gaff which is a pole w hook ( he looked like Capt Ahab ready to spear Moby Dick). And just at the right time, Tano cut the motor and we waited for the boat to glide within striking range. As we came over it he took a stab into the water, but incredibly.. he missed! I could see his shock, but he recovers quickly to passed the gaff to Tano at the back (astern) waiting for the boat continue to glide over the fish. Tano readies himself, takes a stab at the moving target and hooks it(!), but incredibly (omg!), he loses his grip on the gaff (.. and fish).
And I watched the fish flip flopping away, now with a gaff sticking in its side.
Stunned at this development, I saw the fish unexpectedly began to drift over to my side (portside ) and without moving from my position, I reached over grabbed the gaff, and pulled it in.
Just like that!
(the epiphany of the moment didn't escape me, like how earlier my real estate 'deal' with several competing offers, suddenly falls on my lap; I only became too aware how God works! )
The biggest fish of the day .. I landed (unconventional as it may be!). But what an unlikely story!
Perhaps you might say I am connecting imaginary dots in my head to presume on this supernatural favor of God. Actually, I'm rather quite a skeptic when it comes to these kind of things.
But I feel it, not over thinking, but a 'knowing' these happenstance are not just coincidences, but the designs of our loving Father wanting to pour his pleasure over his children.
He is a Father like no other.
Tq PAPA. For a great stress free holiday, and for your eternal love for your children.
Btw, regarding the sale of this house. I've had this particular property in my listing page for over 18 months . This was the first and ONLY 'viewing' I've ever done on it.
In truth, my listing has been on my iproperty page for quite a while, so on any online search it would not have appeared on the first page.
Incredible the buyer's son who called me even found my listing in first place.
Secondly, two weeks prior, this same buyer's other son (he has two sons) actually made an appointment with another agent to view this SAME house (the owner later revealed to me ), but somehow got cancelled at the last minute because their father was too busy.
I was stunned (to hear it).
Oh God, indeed you go before (and after!) us.
I know it's a long post, if you've reached this far please recognize that this favor of our Father is neither exclusive (only to some ppl) nor exhaustive in his blessings.
You will be next! In Jesus name I pray His blessing over you. Amen!
Oh and btw, I goggled the type of fish I hauled in, its called "Ikan Pecah Periuk"
It a breakthrough fish!!! Hahaha
