One year in Australia

9th August 2008 marked my 1 year in Australia. Can't believe how time flies. I still remember when we first moved over to Australia, I was telling myself over and over again "It is only for 2 years, it's only for 2 years". Well, 1 year had passed us by and this is generally what I think and feel about Australia:

The first 6 months of my stay in Australia has been anything but happy. I have no family, no friends, no work (being a stay home mum is not work since I am not paid for it ;-)), no support, no church to belong to. I was constantly pestering Tex to go back to Malaysia. I missed my family, I missed our CG, I missed DUMC, I missed LDP (can you imagine I just said that?!) and definitely missing the FOOD. I know it is God's plan for us to be in Australia for now but I just can't see His purpose through the clouds hovering above my head. I know Tex is very upset that I wasn't happy in Australia. After an argument that started from my "unhappiness" complains, he told me that he has decided to call it quit after the 2 years contract ends because he missed my smiles and laughter and he wanted me to be happy. It strucked me then of how selfish I was. I was only looking for my own happiness and wanting to be pampered by the comfort and familiarities of it all back in Malaysia. It was a wake up call. I made a resolution from that day onwards to embrace this country and God truly works wonders, slowly but surely.

When I got back from CNY08 break, I reminded myself again and again that a successful person is not a victim to the circumstances he or she is in, but making the best out of whatever he or she is put in. It wasn't easy but I learned to be more friendly, made more first moves, learning more "pick up lines" etc., practical steps to help me build relationship with others. Things got better and as though to "reward" my effort, God blessed me with a new friend - Tamara. She totally opened me up and boost my self confidence. I enjoy church better and getting myself involved in Bible Study and playgroup. I began to enjoy and "see" more good things that I have been taking for granted for in Australia. For example, the community in our suburb. We have such lovely neighbours here. People greet you when you walk pass them, neighbours comeby your house to get to know you a lil better and our immediate neighbours have been just wonderful. Whenever we travel interstate over the weekend, they will push the rubbish bins in for us (we have to push the rubbish, garden and recycvle bins out to the kerb for Monday's collection by the trucks), keep the mails and catalogues and place them at our doorstep. Aren't they lovely- those 3 bachelor boys? Muahahaha. Besides the men, er I mean people (which is the biggest plus factor), there is the efficient transport system; fair government; child friendly facilities; family focused activities and relatively cheaper lifestyle.

So a year on, I have come to see Australia from a totally different angle. Malaysia will always hold a special place in my heart but for now, I can look at our rented house and affectionately calling it our home.

Lord, who can comprehend Your ways. Your ways are definitely higher than mine. Teach me Lord, to walk in Your ways....Amen.