in singapore

We had 4 days in Brisbane which pretty much was for unpacking, washing and repacking. Thanks to our dear friends Di and Soo for providing a roof over our heads and feeding us all the time. We also had a chance to enjoy an aussie bbq with some friends (special thanks to Nate and Herri), where Alvin pigged out on juicy meat and Linda enjoyed her fresh salad. Spent most of our time in Brisbane running errands and preparing for the long trip away (7 months). Fours days passed very quickly and we were on a plane once again, this time heading to our hometown, Singapore.

I was really looking forward to coming back to Singapore but at the same time I was a little apprehensive. I have to finally face the truth...the loss of my grandma (ah ma). The last 9 weeks won't exactly easy but there were enough things going on to distract me and take my mind off this matter. I know that coming home means I can no longer run away from the fact that she is gone. It was weird on the way back knowing that I will not get to hear her voice once I get off the plane (our routine when we come back) or see her again. I wasn't sure how I would cope but I needed to be with my family badly.

My family is wonderful. Knowing that we were coming back, my uncles, aunts and cousins gathered and came along with us the next morning to the crematorium (where her ashes is placed). They made it a lot easier for me, talking openly and cheerfully about ah ma. Although everyone appears to have come to terms with the loss of ah ma, I know very well that they are missing her very much in their hearts. Sometimes I can detect sadness in their eyes. However, when they gather together to spend time with each other they make an effort to celebrate her life. The unity and closeness of the family is very comforting to me and surely has helped me emotionally in terms of coping with this loss. Their support for what Alvin and I are doing this year is also very encouraging and remarkable. THANK YOU!

We have 2 weeks in Singapore before we fly to Bangkok. Will stay in Bangkok for a couple of days doing some shopping for the kids and head up to Mahasarakham where Samuel's House (SH) is located. Looking forward to see everyone at SH again! We are excited to have our our Korean friends, Elly and Heeseon, visiting SH in mid-June. All of us will go back to Bangkok together for a short holiday and I will also meet up with my family (26 of them are taking a family trip together to Bangkok and Pattaya).

Linda