In Changi
Ahh...2 hours of the longest day of my life thus far have just transpired. I am now in Changi International Airport in Singapore. Landed approximately 45 minutes ago. Now abusing one of the free (yes, FREE!) Internet portals. Kudos, Changi! ;)
I seem to have a problem with processing large chunks of information. I told that to my dad, referring to my apparent inability to fully comprehend the magnitude of my current situation. The fact that I was leaving Penang for 4 years to go alone to a small town in Arkansas, US, to study Psychology at the University of the Ozarks simply refused to sink in. That was 2 days ago, if my memory serves me right. Hm. Not that it has a stellar track record of doing that, but anyway...
My debilitating defect was blown away this morning at the departure gate of the Penang International Airport. The moment I threw myself into my dad's arms for a good-bye manly bear hug, it all finally sank in. Strange, you know. When I woke up this morning, it all still seemed so unreal. No feeling. Maybe a smattering of excitement, nothing more. Left the house at 7 a.m.. Said good-bye to my room, piano, house etc. Still no feeling. Got into the van after loading up my 70 kilos of luggage. Still no feeling. Prayed on the way with Dad and Mum. STILL no feeling. (That was where we cried when my sister left for Aussie - praying in the car on the way) o_O What's up, Joel? What's going on with your neurons?
Arrived at airport, checking in luggage, had breakfast, met the well-wishers (love you guys!!!). STILL no feeling. Maybe a bit more excitement. Joel, you insensitive clod!! You're supposed to be all choked up about leaving, etc. Tsk, tsk.
Took pictures, then began hugging people good-bye. Okay. Tears began to knock on the doors of my eyes, but they didn't exactly barge through. Hugged everyone, then came to my parents. BANG! It hit me like a ton of bricks. I sobbed like a cow in my dad's firm embrace, and sobbed some more when I heard those four special words: Daddy's proud of you. (Okay, tears stinging my eyes again. You have no idea what those words mean to me.)
So, anyway, the ton of bricks stayed on top of me till 30 minutes after I entered the plane. I learnt this, though. Tears, God, and writing all go together. It's like God created all of them in a package - a suite. They were all meant to go together. Had a good long cry (still not entirely sure why, but who cares?! :p) and thoroughly enjoyed the 30-minute worship session. Yes, worshipping while bawling over leaving. Hm. Perhaps I should have myself analyzed first before I attempt other people. (I'm majoring in Psychology by the way.)
Most unfortunately, the moment has passed. Reality has again deserted me. I guess it'll hit me again when I step on campus. For now, the predominant emotion is hunger. Is that an emotion? Ar...do I see the word "food gallery" in the distance? FOOOOODDDD....
I seem to have a problem with processing large chunks of information. I told that to my dad, referring to my apparent inability to fully comprehend the magnitude of my current situation. The fact that I was leaving Penang for 4 years to go alone to a small town in Arkansas, US, to study Psychology at the University of the Ozarks simply refused to sink in. That was 2 days ago, if my memory serves me right. Hm. Not that it has a stellar track record of doing that, but anyway...
My debilitating defect was blown away this morning at the departure gate of the Penang International Airport. The moment I threw myself into my dad's arms for a good-bye manly bear hug, it all finally sank in. Strange, you know. When I woke up this morning, it all still seemed so unreal. No feeling. Maybe a smattering of excitement, nothing more. Left the house at 7 a.m.. Said good-bye to my room, piano, house etc. Still no feeling. Got into the van after loading up my 70 kilos of luggage. Still no feeling. Prayed on the way with Dad and Mum. STILL no feeling. (That was where we cried when my sister left for Aussie - praying in the car on the way) o_O What's up, Joel? What's going on with your neurons?
Arrived at airport, checking in luggage, had breakfast, met the well-wishers (love you guys!!!). STILL no feeling. Maybe a bit more excitement. Joel, you insensitive clod!! You're supposed to be all choked up about leaving, etc. Tsk, tsk.
Took pictures, then began hugging people good-bye. Okay. Tears began to knock on the doors of my eyes, but they didn't exactly barge through. Hugged everyone, then came to my parents. BANG! It hit me like a ton of bricks. I sobbed like a cow in my dad's firm embrace, and sobbed some more when I heard those four special words: Daddy's proud of you. (Okay, tears stinging my eyes again. You have no idea what those words mean to me.)
So, anyway, the ton of bricks stayed on top of me till 30 minutes after I entered the plane. I learnt this, though. Tears, God, and writing all go together. It's like God created all of them in a package - a suite. They were all meant to go together. Had a good long cry (still not entirely sure why, but who cares?! :p) and thoroughly enjoyed the 30-minute worship session. Yes, worshipping while bawling over leaving. Hm. Perhaps I should have myself analyzed first before I attempt other people. (I'm majoring in Psychology by the way.)
Most unfortunately, the moment has passed. Reality has again deserted me. I guess it'll hit me again when I step on campus. For now, the predominant emotion is hunger. Is that an emotion? Ar...do I see the word "food gallery" in the distance? FOOOOODDDD....
posted by Joel Chan at
9:41 PM
6 Comments:
Gone already? That's fast!
Hope you have a great time despite homesickness and whatnots. :)
By
Anna Tan, at 5:49 AM
Your "still no feeling" was with me the entire day, probably because I was too busy with work, (although I did pause at 10.30 am to think "He's probably boarding the plane now")and also because I had to leave early, thus avoiding the goodbyes amidst tears. However, as I'm reading this now, the choked up feeling has come and I think it's finally hit me that you've already gone.
Joel, you've been a good friend. I think it's safe to say that you'll be hard to forget and I truly cherish our friendship. Be a good boy over there ya, study hard and make us proud. I know our Lord will watch over you as you begin your life there and as you continue to seek and serve Him faithfully.
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
By
Angeline , at 9:12 AM
"God be with you till we meet again; by his counsels guide, uphold you, with his sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again."
Finally left the nest! Wow, my first memory of you was you playing the part of a sheep at Konsenih(next to SXI) and now you're all grown up...
All the best, and hope to catch up with you one day... and I still have your book with me!!!! The one about music... *sigh*
By
shades, at 2:28 AM
thanks for the verse, angeline!! great help! :)
By
Joel Chan, at 11:15 AM
love that song, alvin...thanks man.
playing a sheep at konsenih? hmm...my memory fails me.
could u possibly get the book back to my parents anytime soon? i nd to learn how to tie up loose ends, if u know what i mean. didn't even remember that i had lent u a book. :p tsk, tsk, Joel...
By
Joel Chan, at 11:16 AM
:/ see you when i see you la! hopefully a place for in your room still stays ;) hehe..i'm also a clod la..didn't really cry also :)
By
Leslie Yim, at 6:49 PM
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