After 3 months aboard the Logos Hope ship (as the community doctor), J is back in Penang, her hometown, on her final mission before she returns to her job in Singapore.
I am so glad that she is here. J has been a close friend to me ever since my days in Dublin (she was my senior in med school) - and our friendship stuck despite our very different personalities. As she was one of the key figures in my recovery from EDs (her affirmations could certainly fill up a book or two) as well as my journey as a missionary/ministry worker, I grew as attached to her as she was attached to me. We also used to serve in church together, which expanded our friendship further. Nowadays, we keep the friendship alive by Whatsapp texting, my occasional trips to Singapore (haven't been there since Sophie was born), and her
I was telling somebody recently that I don't grow emotionally attached to that many people at one go (by virtue of my personality), and whenever I do, it can be very hard to say goodbye when I don't know if I will see those whom I have grown to love and depend on ever again. And so, I am always grateful for friends who remain in my life even after many springs, summers, autumns and winters ago... and even after I have become the person I am today. It is nice to have somebody remember the journey that brought me (us) here and remind me of how far I (we) have come by God's grace - especially if it is a trusted friend who walked the long road with me for a while. J is one of those who did.
We spent yesterday afternoon catching up and sharing our hearts at Queens' Market (at Queensbay Mall) and I interviewed her on her opinions of childhood and child-raising in light of her own childhood as well as her experiences as a GP in
Gotta stop to smell the roses.
Anyway...
Also glad I am, that my best friend, R, is back in Penang from Kalimantan for a short holiday. I can't wait to see her!
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