Long Overdue

December 27, 2009 I hugged and kissed my family before boarding a plane in Houston, Texas bound for Singapore. 

I can't put into words the emotions I felt in those final moments.  Until that point, I had only said I was going to move to Singapore.  Suddenly I was at the airport with no turning back.  (Although my mom did tell me more than once that I could in fact change my mind and go back home - much to her dismay I had already made up my mind...although to say that I didn't consider it would be a total lie.)  My dad suggested one last family hug and prayer before I had to go through security.  When he started to cry it was all over for the rest of us.  I am so thankful and blessed to have a family that loves and cares for me so much.

A few million tears and four big hugs later, I was on my way through security to board the plane that would take me to Singapore - alone.  I don't think I have ever been alone in my entire life.  Being from a huge Southern family does not really allow for alone time.  In fact, just the word "alone" makes me uncomfortable.  Maybe that is exactly why I felt like I needed to make this huge leap of faith - to conquer my strongest fear.

I have lived in Singapore for almost a year and half now, yet I remember this day with such clarity.  I went through every single possible emotion in that 24 hours.  Excitement, fear, anxiety, pride, loneliness, and hope.  Although I didn't blog at the time, I did write a journal entry during my layover in Dubai.  Here is a snippet...

"When I realized my phone wasn't going to work here [Dubai], I got overwhelmed.  I rushed around the airport to find a calling card and then wandered aimlessly until I found a pay phone.  I couldn't get my card to work which sent me into a total panic.  Finally a random saint helped me and I heard it ringing.  The second my dad answered I broke down.  Not really sure why but it was so relieving to hear his voice.  After he calmed me down I was able to pull myself together and realize that I was in Dubai! As Dad said, "The hardest part is over." 

Embarrassingly enough, my first international meal of my new and exciting life was ... McDonald's.  I couldn't help it.  I knew I'd like it, it's familiar and it was the first thing I saw (and smelled).  I think the fact that I ate a quarter pounder with cheese in another country makes it much fancier.  Good news is McDonald's = yummy in any language. 

Despite my earlier meltdown, I feel much more at ease than I thought I would.  I'm really doing this.  Next stop...Singapore."

And so my adventure began.  I am so glad that I made the decision to come here.  I have experienced more than I ever thought I would in this lifetime and for that I will always be thankful.

I hope that everyone (especially those at home) enjoy my somewhat "backwards blog" as I attempt to look back on the last year and half.  Be patient with me...I'm still new at all of this. I love and miss you all so very much and I wouldn't be who I am today without you.

                                    Arriving at Immigration December 29, 2009

                      My first Singapore sunrise...jet lag has never been kind to me

                       The Merlion - Singapore's symbol - half mermaid and half lion

                             Singapore skyline - from the top of Tiger Tower

                                             Enjoying the view