Going up north!

I will be going on exchange to Vancouver, Canada this coming August.

People are really excited for me, including myself, although I didn't expect the planning process to be such a tough one.

Recently, many of my school friends just got their exchange destinations, and most of them posted on their instagram walls excitedly. For me, the excitement didn't come through that quickly. In fact, UBC is my 7th out of 8 choice, since I'm not smart enough for USA. I had to deal with many issues in my life and it wasn't particularly easy to accept that I'll be going to a far away place for 5 months. Don't get me wrong, I'm not feeling bitter at all, but my point is that people sometimes don't see the experience as a whole. No doubt going on exchange could be the most fulfilling and life-changing experience as a student, but it should be more than just travelling and having fun at every single moment.

I was talking to a friend earlier who has decided to forgo her exchange because she thought it wasn't the right season in her life. To me, that was really admirable because I thought going on exchange is THE experience for any uni student. I was feeling quite guilty at that moment because I know my exchange is gonna cost ALOT of money, and I'm gonna miss out moments with my cell girls. I was even worried that my walk with God would be compromised. Well, she asked me to write down goals before leaving, and prayed that I would experience God in a different way. And that's when I truly see the exchange experience in a different light. Especially when I'm not taking this trip as a long-awaited Sabbatical from my responsibilities in Singapore.

I guess the exhilaration largely feeds on the Instagram posts we see of our friends. But as you all know and refuse to admit, instagram glamorises experiences and is an inaccurate representation of how 'good' life actually is for that person. So, I guess most people are mostly looking forward to encountering picturesque moments to share with their friends.

I do not deny that part of me wants to experience that as well. But I know that'll be stupid because it isn't entirely real. Going on exchange is fun, but it shouldn't (and won't) be fun every single moment. So, instead of looking for that perfect shot and filter, I should happily accept that there will be ups and downs in the course of the next 4.5 months. What is most important is my response and personal growth. And of course, truly learn about the culture in another country (just like how I did in SSM Guangzhou!)

My goals (not in any order):

1. Attend church and fellowship. I am especially worried about this. In my 12 days in Guangzhou, I only did QT twice! And I chose to go on a roller coaster than attend a Sunday service. And this is just 12 days! I'll be travelling for 3 weeks in the US, and the itinerary is so packed that I would not have time to attend a service. Which brings me to my next point.

2. Listen to online sermons when necessary. Besides that, I think the way to stay close to God is to be reminded of God all the time. And this can be down through constant prayer, in my case. I also hope to 3. pray for the people I encounter, or even strangers I have bumped into. Since God gave me the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world, I can do my part by praying for that particular place as well.

4. Read up on Canada's history! Or maybe just things about Canada. I especially enjoyed my time in Guangzhou because I was looking at the place not as a tourist, but as a student who knows the reason and history behind all the developments. I want to do that for Canada.

5. Hike! One of the most exciting things. Canada is blessed with mountains, ridges, rivers, seas, skies. Not to hike would be a HUGE pity. I would probably want to join a hiking club in school so I can meet local friends as well. I was thinking of skipping Seattle and spend the time and money to visit more places in Canada.

6. Have alone time. I think this is a given, but I really want to set aside time to explore the city, walk around, get lost (safely of course). Sometimes when we're with a bunch your senses just fail to detect beautiful things around.

7. Keep in touch with my family frequently. Well, this shouldn't even be inside here cos it's a MUST. But just a reminder yeah.

8. Reaaaaaaaad. I hope books are cheaper there.

That's 8 at the moment! I guess my main point is to not go by the "wanderlust" kind of moment but truly learn about myself, God and how I can be his salt and light even somewhere else. I truly believe it will be an exciting 4.5 months, be it travelling or just chilling in my room.

Adios!