Many has left for their home countries (Korea & Japan).
I bade farewell to my Japan CCC colleagues Eri and Taka last Sunday at the Changi Airport.
What amazes me is their sheer grit and perseverance in completing their Masters -- in English! For many who know them both, they would never speak a word of English in Japan. But their conversations here with me have been peppered heavily with English and Singlish no less. Eri's favorite breakfast routine is roti prata with soybean milk. Very decidedly Singaporean. I'm so proud of her.
お卒業おめでとう！！(osotsugyou omedetou)
Taka
Eri and made-in-Singapore son Tomoki
Crystal, a Korean classmate, bravely sent her husband (MDiv graduate James Na) and their 6-year-old daughter Esther back home on the same Sunday. The original plan was to keep Esther with her as she takes one more quarter of classes to complete her Graduate Certificate. But James and Crystal decided it's best that Crystal concentrates fully on her studies. A usually cheerful upbeat woman, she turned into a heap of tears at the airport. Crystal kansanim, ah-cha!!!!
Crystal and daughter Esther
Crystal, James and Esther
As for me, I've decided to jump in both feet into Greek class this quarter, even as i continue to work in EAST.
My secret ambition is to become a polyglot. :)
A word for myself -- 頑張りまーす！(ganbarimasu)
