when things change

http://www.becomingminimalist.com/shhh/ - a very interesting experiment that goes along the lines of what ive been learning about how self-centred we can be. might give it a try one day - have a read!

so encouraged by the people around me over the past few days. im def blessed to have such friends around me although there are times when i feel alone/want more - need to count my blessings! all of a sudden i feel like everything's happening so fast- only 6 more weeks of uni and less than three months in this place which has stolen a part of my heart. yes there might have been unpleasant memories but there have also been many pleasant ones - whatever experiences we go through, it makes up who we are and brisbane has definitely seen me through my step into adulthood. as much as im excited to start a new phase of life back home, it also makes me sad to leave my friends here (who would have thought i would ever feel this way). i never thought i would have anyone to miss - but I do. things have made a big turn in the past year, there are times where i wonder if it could have been that way earlier - where bonds could have been formed deeper, stronger, longer - but then i also remember how the difficult periods of my life made me grow into who I am today. and then i also remember, it could have been the same until the end and no bonds formed at all - which probably would be even sadder. So as much as I feel torned between building bonds and friendships now, only to have distance come between us in three months. i know that all these are God-given gifts that I should appreciate - no matter how short or long they are.

but i sidetrack, and yes, i am starting to feel that tinge of sadness when I think about leaving this place - brissy has indeed been a beautiful city and although i could never understand why people come back within the next year of graduation, and always thought i'd never come back in the next 10 years - now i feel perhaps, there are things and people worth coming back for. its funny isnt it, what being away from home for extended periods does to you. it almost makes you feel as though you live two separate lives..

im thankful for being able to wake up at 5.30 for early morning sunshine and spending quality time with the Father, i really hope i can cultivate this into a lifestyle but its gonna require heaps of discipline. thankful for friends that i can chat endless hours with (although chatting till 6am is def not wise!), for saturday brunches, for lovely housemates, for people who care.

in other news - i have an exciting graduation trip line up coming - something i also never expected. i didnt even plan to have a grad trip! but now everything's falling into place and i know whatever else that should fall into place will. its funny how i dont feel anxious about this lack of a plan in our r/s. to take it a step at a time and go along in the journey. in the past, i would have thought that this is not practical, this would have driven me crazy and over the edge, but for now - simply to trust and to wait. thank you for patience.

in the next 6 weeks - everything's coming together - thesis/last placement/exam/moving home/planning holidays - i feel overwhelmed and also getting increasingly sentimental about leaving. time, please slow down ):