As promised:
So my paranoia set in, and I'm in my gate before my plane even arrived. It's here now. I think we're boarding soon. It looks, to my pleasant surprise, like a 747.
There are many people here. I'm flying Lufthansa, so plenty "angmohs" here too. But yes, a kid sitting in his stroller managed to topple it and let out a piercing cry, after his mother's gasp of shock.
The pilots are now boarding. I like being early for flights. Of course, as I get more accustomed to travelling, which I do hope to do, being early may be less of an occurrence, maybe not. I also realised the security personnel are much friendlier when you arrive early.
The queue's stretched pretty far back now. There's a steady stream of passengers entering. It's pretty sweet to observe from the inside. I'd choose an hour of idling over an hour of frantic panic anyway. I just took another look at the ever extending queue. Plenty of Caucasians. I'm guessing European, or Australian. But I'd like to believe the former.
Two more years and I'll be out of this land that bleeds me dry too often than I'd like. I love Singapore, honestly. I do. It's a great place to live, and there are so many things I take for granted. But maybe, just maybe, I'd still like a change.
Maybe, just maybe, I'd trade a little bit of this safety for a little risk, and a whole lot of soul and adventure. Maybe, just maybe, I'd trade my cheap food and pay a little bit more, but enjoy the air there so much more. Maybe, I'll trade a little bit of this convenience, and take an hour long commute each day, but be a hell lot happier. No matter what you say about this country and how I should appreciate it, maybe, just maybe, I'll be a lot happier somewhere else. Be content with what you have? Yes. Let that be your reason for not pursuing something better? Hell no.
Yet maybe, I'll realise how much there is in Singapore, and how I can't wait to come back. Maybe, just maybe.
Here's hoping I sit next to someone interesting on the plane.
The Following Saturday (30/7)
So I'm a day away from the end of my trip. We've just said goodbye to another volunteer, Calum. He is an amazing person, and I've really gotten to know him over the course of this week. Such fun guy. It's sad, because tomorrow I go home and the house will be empty of guests.
Anyhow, this week has been, in my 16 years, 11 months and 17 days of life, the best week ever. I've met so many amazing people from all over the world. England, Indonesia, Germany, Columbia, and they have a crazy heart and passion for the people here. They've also really let me experience what it's really like living in Indonesia, and the whole trip has just been so much fun. I can't type out the essence of the trip, but I'd really like to share it with everyone.
God has truly been amazing. He's working so greatly in Indonesia and really has a heart for all to be saved. Each day many a turning to Jesus and it's just a shadow of His glory, how he, amongst other things, really changes lives.
Poverty.
I saw so much of it here, and till now, it's still surreal. I suppose that's because I only visited places. If you asked me to stay there a night, I'd probably freak out. It's crazy to see people living under roads. You can barely kneel in areas they stay, but you can't stand up at all. The ceiling's too low.
Surreal.
(Incomplete)
Sunday Evening (31/7)
It's late. I've got about twenty minutes before I'm to head to my gate.
This week has been amazing. It was a step out of my comfort zone and I wanted to go back after the first day, but now I can't bear to leave. The girls followed me to the airport, which was awfully sweet, especially since they usually say their goodbyes at the house. I cried twice. Goodbyes are so difficult, especially after we said bye to Calum yesterday.
This trip, however, has wet my appetite for travel and adventure. And at a near 17 years, before I even turned legal, I've got to experience this kind of adventure. It's no trek through the amazon, but it's still been a heck of a ride.
I can't wait to go places. Europe, for luxury and because it's so amazing, South America, for fun, adventure, and children, Africa, to appreciate, everything, North America, because you have to, and Asia for culture, and roots. Maybe even Antarctica. Just because I love water and the snow. I left out Australia and it's surrounding islands. Maybe it's because I feel most at home there, there's no need to travel there.
And after this trip, I am so fortunate and blessed to be in Singapore. We have everything at our fingertips. They say if you want to help, start in your own backyard. But I'm telling you, there are countries that need a lot more help than Singapore.
Yet, I still say I'd choose soul, adventure and life over cheap food, convenience and safety. So, this is me saying goodbye to my most amazing trip outside the country, returning to Singapore, which is for now, still home, buckling down for the next 1.5 years, getting my 42 and above, making it to a great university, hopefully one of the best, having the best gap year ever (our 10 month break), and moving to the UK for university.
Then, we'll see what happens.
But God has been so good, and this is just a temporary break from soaking in the world.
IB, I'm ready for you.
Thank You Jesus.
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