♡

Powerful and much needed reminder that the "complaining" needs to stop. Such a contagious habit that is so rampant in our society; subconsciously, it becomes part of our character.

During my time on exchange, my heart was constantly filled with joy. I did not have to intentionally look for reasons to be thankful - I was just so thankful for every little thing like the fresh air I was breathing that my heart was beaming with happiness.

My time at exchange was largely a beautiful memory - but all these wouldn't have been possible with the past year of struggle and tears.

So many times during 2017 I questioned,

So much so that I broke down countless times and was constantly devoid of joy. There were so much negative thoughts that filled my mind, wanting to give up and just forgo exchange altogether. 

Now looking back, without those struggles, I would have never experienced the whole beautiful memory in my favourite country and meet the amazing people over there. The struggles before also made me cherish my time in Aussie so much more - and perhaps that's why it's so hard to let go now. It felt like I was living in a bubble right there, protected from all negativity and harm; now I'm back, it's burst and I'm back to reality.

Lest I forget, I really want to thank God,
for putting me in where He willed for me to be at.
Knowing my character - He placed me in ANU that taught me so much.
Knowing what I love - the mountains and the seas, He placed me there.
Knowing my fears - He put the lovely ones in my life to journey together.

As I went through every single day, I got a better understanding of why He placed me right there at that period.

Indeed, You're the faithful God who moves the mountains, who understands all our needs and fulfills what's best for us.

I'm left with so much to be thankful for - a heart of gratitude that I hope will continue to be cultivated even as I continue my time back home.

--

The pilot said as we landed back in SG.

"Home," I thought. This is where I belong - whatever that has happened over the past five months were a temporal safe haven that isn't a place that I have a permanent place in.

As the pilot took off from the runway of Melbourne airport, I bit on hard on my lips - hoping to stop the tears from falling. I failed as I expected. Tears just fell down uncontrollably and my heart felt so heavy. Leaving Canberra has already left me in tears once, and made me feel as though the whole bubble has burst; I wasn't expecting this second round of tears as I make my way home.

I've lost count how many people have already asked me this question. If I were given a second chance to choose again, I'd not hesitate and still choose Canberra in a heartbeat.

A place that I had no knowledge of five months ago is now the place that holds so much cherished memories for me.


To Canberra,
Thank you. As boring as how others may claim about you, you reflect your own unique beauty. The quietness and empty streets - I find peace in them. The weather that fluctuates and surprises everyone - I love every bit of it. The countless cafes around - I loved every cup of flat white and hearty breakfast that you serve.

The fresh air, the environmental-friendly and loving city, the small community - everything about it is just so beautiful.

This is a goodbye for now, but I will be back. :-)