Saturday, November 3, 2012

A week and a half at Home

It's been 4 months since I last saw home. Going back has to be the greatest thing that happened in the whole year. Reuniting with friends and family and loved ones. Although the trip cost a bundle of money, it felt like I was buying happiness and it didn't matter. Tears of joy welled in my eyes when I first breathed moist air and the intense heat the moment I stepped out of the aircraft. Everything felt right after being away for 10 months. I still remembered the airport like as if I only left the day before. I walked quickly to grab my bags and meet my grandpa who came to pick me up. I was glad to see him and I'm sure he was to. As we drove, I recalled the memories, the buildings, the directions to my old place, places i've ridden my bike along, ect.. I was home and I treasured every moment of it.

First thing the next day was to hit the mamak and have roti canai. Felt so good to be speaking malay again. Went with grandparents to sukumaran just right outside my old place.

Went to train with BSGC for Copa IBA. Met a bunch of old friends and Krys. I was so glad to see her again. After all our skype dates and chats, I finally get to see her in person again. Had to talk to almost everyone about Canada and such but I really rather not talk about it. Had a ton of fun playing the sport I love to play. Pretty much felt like I got a heat stroke.

Went to church on Sunday. Exchanged a ton of smiles towards me while walking to my usual seat as the service began. Felt so good to sing familiar songs accompanied by the good old fashion piano. Memories ran through my mind which made me not pay attention to the sermon. Caught up with the youth fellowship gang on our usual table and handed out souvenirs. Chatted  with Aunty Lilia, Miss Yeo, teachers, church members and elders about life in Canada and about the trip to China that I was going to. Went to Amcorp to get a new pair of glasses and for another round of training with BSGC.

Did my passport and visa on the weekdays. Stayed at JJ's that week. Finally had that sleepover we talked about years ago. Glad to have my best friend to talk to have bro talks again. Had lots of good food cooked by his grandma. Went to a grand aunt's 70th birthday celebration thing. Met up with almost the whole Lim family and did the "Canada is okay" talk with them. Met my 'not so close' cousins who are much older now and can finally have good conversations rather than kiddie stuff. Party was great although I didnt know alot of them personally. But I enjoyed myself.


Spent some time with high school friends at a pasar malam, playing pool and mamak chilling. Made lasagna and pizza with the college guys and played monopoly deal.  Ate, makan-ed and ate more. Thing about living with grandma is that I gotta eat at healthy food stores. Still, I thought it beats western.

 Had some time to hang out with Krys. Went to her place and for lunch around the apartment. Caught up a lot and attempted to study. Ended up singing and having our own little worship session, using lyrics from her girls camp booklets. It was awkward at first but it was pretty fun to be worshipping with someone who doesn't judge doesn't care about how people judge her. I miss being around her. Can't believe this is the only picture we had together for this trip.


I got to see her once more as I left my blackberry at her place. Went for cake and walked around bansar shopping mall. Helped her sell curry puffs and pies for a fundraiser they were having. Finally said my last goodbye before leaving for dinner with my home fellowship group.

Went back to the ever awesome Sungai Way restaurant. Surprised that more than 20 people showed up for the dinner. Was really moved by their love and them taking time off to spend with me over dinner. 




Went for a separate dinner with the Lye's and with my family. Treated my my family dinner for the first time. Went so Sam Yu and grandma got all hyper with the camera.
 I'm proud of my cousins. Can't wait for the next to come ;)

Unfortunately, all the good and happy times don't last forever. Life has to go on and my goal of the trip has been achieved. I collected much more than I expected for my trip to china and have my travel documents. Mont of all, I have satisfied my longing to be home and be normal again. I now believe that distance DO make the heart grow fonder. My last meal had to be the best chicken rice from Sunway :)

Malaysia will always be my Home. I look forward to my next trip back. Hopefully another short one soon or a permanent thing after my studies.