GOODBYE TO MY "HOME AWAY FROM HOME"

It's so bitter sweet to say good bye to somewhere that has been "home away from home" for almost seven months. When I got to Singapore I made a list of things I wanted to see and do, and I struck out and did them. I knew that I didn't want to get to my final days there and be trying to jam a lot of things into a short time, so I was glad that I had kept going on that list. The last few days I went back to some of my favorite places...some to buy things at, and some to just take in the area again. It's really strange to think I may never be there again.

I'm so thrilled that my brother, Doug, and my son, Zac, were able to come and experience some of Singapore with me. It not only made my time there easier, it is great to be able to talk to them about certain places and know they know what I am talking about.

I learned so much for work during this time. I got to see another side of the business and that was awesome. I got to understand our global offices and how important it is to have them. I got to understand another work culture. I got to meet great people!

I never went "away from home" after high school like many people did, so I consider this my "college adventure". I was able to learn a whole lot about myself. I learned I'm stronger than I thought I was, and I'm not talking about physical strength. Going to the other side of the world, leaving family and friends, and making the best of it takes a lot....and I did it.

I learned so much about my priorities while I was there. When you are thousands and thousands of miles away from family and friends you start to realize which relationships mean more the most. This too was somewhat surprising. There were people that reached out that really encouraged me that I would never had expected to do that. I was truly blessed.

On the last few days as I went past things I knew I wouldn't see again, I found myself whispering "Goodbye Chinatown" and "Goodbye Orchad Road" etc. I know that sounds dorky, but it was odd to think I would only have pictures of these things. I have tears in my eyes right now just thinking about these places!

Thursday morning arrived and I was off in a taxi to the airport to head "home", but I was so conflicted because Singapore was "home" and now I was going to Iowa to be "home". I guess "home" truly is where you make it.

I am so glad I took this assignment for work and didn't let my fears get a hold of me and keep me in Iowa. There were days when it was the hardest thing in the world to be gone from Iowa, but I made it through them. I feel so blessed to have spent time in a foreign country and to have that experience that no one can ever take away! I can't wait to make my photo albums...yes, that's plural since I took over 7,000 pictures while I was gone!!!!

Thanks for coming along with me by reading my blog. I enjoyed making it so much and hope you enjoyed the journey.

Until the next "experience"....