My Farewell

Last week my uni friends threw me a farewell; one of which I did not think would occur for another two years. I was given so many wonderful gifts from a massive Elvis Presley poster (yes, I’m a HUGE fan) to some Pandora charms! I was so blown away by their generosity. I am certain we will be friends for many years to come. We had a feast of steamboat and barbeque and finished the night with some drinking games that they surprised me with (my friends obviously wanted me to leave as my best self).

By now I assume you’re probably wondering why I was being thrown a farewell so soon. I was so shocked and even brought to tears about 3 months ago when I was told my family had to leave Singapore. Not because we wanted to, but because we had to.  I should have known how tangible it is to be an expat family living overseas. You pretty much have little to no control over how long you can stay in one place.

My family will sadly be moving back to Australia at the end of the month. We will be moving to a state I have actually never lived in before.  I am absolutely devastated by this as this past year living in Singapore has filled me with so much love and excitement for life. I so desperately wanted to stay here for a few more years as I know there is so much more to do and see in this part of the world.

To be completely honest, I have actually become so comfortable here, that I’m really and truly scared about moving back to Australia.

There are so many unique aspects of Singapore that makes this country so lovable. I have never felt so welcomed into a community ever in my life!!It just makes me emotional thinking about the outpouring of love I have experienced from everyone I have met here.

For instance, two weeks ago I was put into hospital overnight as I couldn’t see properly and felt numbness on the entire right side of my body. Not to worry though, I am totally fine now. The next morning I turned on my phone and I kid you not, I had messages coming in from almost 35 people, asking if I was okay!! Somehow they all found out. I turned to my mum and said, “Man, I just feel like all of my friends here really are family.”

Every time I am with my friends I just feel so enormously blessed. The people here are so incredibly humble and welcoming and that is definitely one aspect I will miss the most.  I will be leaving this country with so many friends I can’t even count them all on both hands! They DEFINITLEY are the best people I have ever met.  I am so thankful for my time in Singapore. I couldn’t wish for a better place to have my first overseas experience.  I have come out of this year with a new lease on life and a new outlook on everything. I feel like I have finally come into my own skin, and I am so excited about it!! My time here has evidently been something priceless. Singapore well and truly holds my heart.

I am certain I will be writing a follow up post in the next few weeks about what I got out of this year. Thanks for reading!