Endings and Beginnings

I believe this is my 4th attempt at a post.  You'd think I'd be bursting with things to say after all that has happened within the past 5 days.  After all, I usually have plenty to say in the dullest of times yet here I am, beginning a new life experience, and I'm struggling with what to say.   

Saturday, January 4, 2014.  I said good bye to family.  A week earlier I had my last shift at my job of 3 years.  With the good-byes and endings behind me, I boarded a plane to take a trip I've taken many times before but I dread more each time I do it.  13+ straight hours on an airplane is just about 10 hours too many for me yet for some reason I keep finding myself wanting to do it. 

My flights went well.  I was able to sleep a good majority of the first flight away.  After an 8 hour lay-over in Shanghai, I boarded a plane for 6 more hours, arriving in Singapore at 6 a.m. Monday, January 6th.  My arrival meant that I had officially lost some hours of my life due to crossing the international date line but don't worry, I'll gain those hours back on my return to Canada. 

With my arrival in Singapore, the beginnings commenced.

Settling in has been interesting but each day keeps getting better.  Loneliness has reared it's ugly head from time to time but as I meet people and get out and about in the city it is showing up less and less.  Monday was a not so fun day.  I spent a good portion of the day wondering what had possessed me to think it was a good idea to go to a strange country where I know absolutely no one to be a student.  However, when I left home I knew there would be adjustments and so nothing of what I've felt has really surprised me.  Also, the couple of people I got connected with through friends have been so gracious in answering my questions and offering help wherever needed, of which I have been very grateful. 

By today, Wednesday, I find myself feeling at home and remembering why I thought coming here was a good idea.  I'm enjoying exploring the city through the public transit system, choosing from the large selection of food options, the weather (just need a little bit more time to adjust to the humidity though) and of course the people I'm meeting . 

It helps to find familiar things in the moments of missing home so today a couple of us decided that a visit to a certain coffee establishment was a necessity to getting our day started off well.  Necessity? you may ask.  Probably not.  A great way to start the day?  Definitely! 

 

 

I'm living at the Prince George Park Residence.  It's a nice residence with beautiful grounds but not as modern as some of the other options.  I like it though because it has what I consider the 'Asian' feel.  Open-air spaces and lots of landscaping.  My room is small but clean and I don't really plan to spend much time in it other than sleeping.

 

 

 

And here's a room that I should probably use more than I actually will.   

 

 



The rest of the week will be taken up with orientation, registration and tours around campus and the city.  My classes as a NUS (National University of Singapore) student begin on Monday.  I'm slightly nervous about how they will go.  I'm somewhat familiar with the differences between west and east education but I've never been a student within this type of setting so we shall see how it goes.

 

Thanks to all who have been thinking of me, praying for me and getting in touch with me.  It hasn't all been easy but it's been good and so far I am glad that I took the steps needed to have this opportunity become reality.  Although I finished segments of my life in Canada to come here and now in Singapore there are many new things here for me to figure out, the awesome truth is that I am living each day with my Father who does not change.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever!  Amongst my endings and beginnings He is my constant refuge and strength.

 

And one last photo:  the view from my 6th story window.