For memory's sake, I have decided to review my goals set in July for my exchange. I am proud to announce that I have accomplished at least 70% of them! Which is a feat!
To refresh our memory, these goals are:
1. Attend church and fellowship.
2. Listen to online sermons when necessary.
3. pray for the people I encounter, or even strangers I have bumped into.
4. Read up on Canada's history!
5. Hike!
6. Have alone time.
7. Keep in touch with my family frequently.
8. Reaaaaaaaad.
I am so proud of myself. I fulfilled these goals even without thinking! And of course, I've acquired many more skills and habits that I would carry on for life.
1. Attend church and fellowship.
I did attend church!! I still remember being really excited and happy stepping into Tenth Church the first Sunday (my second day) in Vancouver. For the first time, I felt that going to church is of my own choice, and a commitment I made to God. Not saying that I felt differently in Singapore, just that it has always been convenient to attend. Tenth had a full worship team, including contemporary drums and e guitars. Though their worship style is largely emerging-contemporary, the congregation is still traditional. No clapping, no raising of hands. I had to get use to that for a little while. Other than that, I absolutely loved their sermon series. I also love the fact that it was in English, haha.
2. Listen to online sermons when necessary.
Hmmm I confess, I didn't do this. Initially I thought I could keep up with 'Ask Pastor John' but I didn't. On the weeks when I was away from Vancouver, I just didn't attend any service. Granted, I did QT everyday but I know that's not an excuse.
3. Pray for the people I encounter, or even strangers I have bumped into.
Oops another one, nope! Well I did for a few people but it can be counted with a single hand. Oddly enough, Vancouver's poverty is more visible, even in the streets of downtown. There were so many people in need of help. Granted, some were just asking for weed. But a trip down Vancouver's Chinatown reveals that poverty exists in the city. Poverty is an ineradicable phenomenon. It's just that Singapore conceals it well.
4. Read up on Canada's history!
I did not specifically Wiki'ed Canada's history, but I learnt some of it from classes and museums. First Nations, Chinese and British immigrants. Prostitution laws.
5. Hike!
YES. Mayne Island, Garibaldi, Grouse Grind. And many other short 'walks'. Amazing I must say.
6. Have alone time.
Oh, a lot man. I still remember asking Shermaine and Sandra to go home first while I continue to explore Granville Island. Visited Stanley Park and the museum in these few days before I leave. More alone time to come in NY + DC.
7. Keep in touch with my family frequently.
What counts as frequent? To date I've only skyped both my parents twice. Skyped my mum about 5 times. My brother doesn't care.
8. Reaaaaaaaad.
The story goes: Brought Burmese Days to read, only finish 3 chapters. Bought a second hand "The Buried Giant" hardcover and made it halfway. Bought 2 Christian literature and managed to finish. Bought a Kindle during Black Friday and I am reading it well.
9. COOK
One of the greatest accomplishment this exchange. I could not cook before this. My dad would usually settle our meals and that leaves me no room to even try. Even if I had the chance, I would settle for instant noodles, dumplings and eggs. I had no choice but to cook here. Eating out costs about 7-10 bucks, and I simply don't have that kind of money. So I cook. I start small. Rice, veg, meat, potatoes. The first meal I cooked was chicken breast seasoned with just pepper and salt. I remember it being so delicious (or just cos I cooked it) but now as I recall, it must have sucked. I slowly turned ambitious and cooked spaghetti, salmon, and I'm gonna make scallops later. My best dish would be stir fried potatoes with variation - meat, cheese, tomatoes, you name it.
10. GYM
I'm the exchange miracle. I lost weight. I've never been so light/skinny for soooo many years. I exercise close to 2 times a week. 3 miles on the threadmill, some core exercises and weights. For this I am really proud of my discipline.
11. NAVIGATION
I'm the map I'm the map I'm the map! I couldn't have done it without Google Maps. But really, sometimes technology is just unreliable and you gotta use your senses and intuition to get somewhere. Throughout the trip I did most of the navigation for my group and I didn't know I had it in me. I thought my sense of direction was okay, but actually it's pretty good for a girl. haha. Well I'm not perfect so there were times we got really lost, such as Muir Woods and Twin Peaks in San Francisco. Those were the two times that were laughable yet memorable.
12. CHINESE
I spoke way more Chinese than I do in Singapore. When you're surrounded with angmohs or CBCs (Canadian-Born-Chinese) it's pretty easy to speak a language they don't understand. As a result it became a habit even without strangers around. I guess I'll be conversing in Chinese with these friends once I'm back in school out of habit.
Some people have started asking me if I have accomplished whatever I set out to do during my exchange. And I would dare say I did. I'm proud of my journey, even with the ups and downs. I have so much to say but too little words I can use.
As I'm about to leave tmr, I thank God for all his grace, mercy, and his wonder shown to me for the past 4 months. I pray I'll stay safe, joyful, and independent as I embark on my next journey alone. I am excited yet very anxious/scared at the same time. 10 days till I'm home.
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