My Introduction to the Hive Community - Overcoming blindness

This is my introduction to the Hive community, and my entry into the contest hosted by @anomadsoul that is sponsored by @blocktrades and @ocd.

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Some of you know me from the old chain days, but most of you probably don't know my story. So here it goes.

My life

At the age of 6, I was diagnosed with a degenerating eye condition that would slowly chew up most of my vision. I became legally blind a few years later, not being able to see the top line on the eye charts. The diagnosis was devistating for my mum, because growing up in China, it meant that I wouldn't get a proper education, would have trouble living independently, let alone have any meaningful job prospects. At this time my mum made a brave and radical decision, a decision to bring me to Australia. I'm forever thankful for the incredible sacrifices my mum had to make in bringing me to a foreign country and raising me on her own.

Bullying and loneliness accompanied me throughout my childhood

At school, I experienced frequent bullying and loneliness as I struggled to fit in. My mum would work two or three jobs to keep our family financially afloat, so when I returned home from school each day, there still weren't anyone around for me to talk to and to reassure me that everything was going to be OK.

Time and time again, I despaired, wishing everything would be different, that I would see normally again, that I would have a complete family,and would have friends that understood me. I longed to be loved and accepted.

In 2003 everything changed

Please bear with me as I share this very important part of my life journey. This part of my life shaped who I am today.

Growing up, I hated anything to do with religion. I thought to myself, if God existed, why did he make me the way that I am. But in 2003, my best friend, Jason, started going to church and invited me to go with him. There I found what my heart had been longing for all along. Within several months, my life was radically changed. I had profound experiences of God and experienced unconditional love from the church family. I felt I had returned home.

My life now

There have been so many wonderful people who have contributed to helping me become the person I am today. I will forever remember the volunteers that came to my place to read text books and study notes to me because I couldn't see the text. It is because of those wonderful people (Francie and Colleen), that I have been able to graduate with a double degree, and found employment as a public servant with the Australian Government.

I had the pleasure of working in the Australian Public Service for 10 years before I found my new passion. A little under 2 years ago, I quit the public service to get involved in cryptocurrencies full-time. At the same time I'm currently finishing off studies towards my Masters degree.

Relationship wise, I'm more content than I have ever been. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and two beautiful kids. My family bring me so much join and I am so thankful for each of them every day. Although I still face daily challenges, life is good!

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I look forward to meeting more of you here, and sharing more of my journey with you all.

Blessings
Jimmy

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