I’m a real softy when it comes to goodbyes. You’d think that after leaving my parents at the age of 11 to go to high school in another parish and then leaving Jamaica at the age of 18 to go to university in the UK, I’d toughen up. But this morning, I teared up AGAIN as I said goodbye to my sweet Jamaica (It’s only because my family and I ended up doing a cute group hug 🙂 ).

This blog post was supposed to be my “Pre-Departure Thoughts,” but to be honest I had none. I’ve been so distracted by my one month au pairing in Valencia, immediately followed by an entire week of celebrations for my sister’s wedding in Jamaica (my shortest stay at home).

It wasn’t until I was actually alone, going through airport security, that I thought “Wow, I’m really going to Singapore for a whole year.” I’m currently on a 16 hour flight from San Francisco to Singapore, the last leg of my 30 hour trek across the world. So this is my “Almost There Thoughts.” (Almost, meaning 11 more hours )

Definitely having mixed emotions. I’ve always enjoyed my visits back home, but this summer, more than ever, I felt a serious longing to return (For many reasons…too many to explain here). Even the simple things give me this special feeling of presence and peace.

But right now, I am young and free. My life is so full of uncertainties and opportunities and I love it!!! Feeling anxious but going with the flow anyway, learning so much by simply observing another culture and realising that I can seriously click with people from all kinds of backgrounds. No one is going to approach me in my thirties like, “Hey, just wondering if you’d like to live and study in Singapore for a year.” Now is the time 🙂

I desperately need to brush my teeth and my bottom is hurting from sitting in aeroplane seats all day, but I am literally bursting with excitement about my new life at the National University of Singapore!