On the way home from Canberra

21 November 2008
O Canberra, that lonely town between the hills!
Strangely, this is the only city in Australia that I visited three times. The first one was just a short stop-over from my way back from the Snowy Mountains to Sydney. The second one was a special trip to have a look around the famous Floriade, when the city is full of tulips. The third one was just two weeks ago, for an official trip with the ministerial delegation. I just noticed as well that in my Friendster, there are actually more pictures of Canberra than Sydney. This is indeed strange, particularly that I don’t love the city at all. I hate that ‘only lighted cemetary in the world’ as one magazine puts it. It’s so quite and so far away from all the interesting places in Australia.
I cherish the opportunity of meeting Henry back on Willis Street and meeting Katrin and Lia on that Vietnamese Restaurant on Anzac Parade. It’s good to meet people from your past and see where they are at now. Had a fantastic time during my evenings in Canberra due to Milda. Funny that we never met in Jakarta despite teaching at the same University, but I always meet her in Australia. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same thing about my afternoons and mornings in Canberra.
My way home from Canberra to Jakarta took 18 hours of my time. It started at 9.25 in Canberra International Airport (I do wonder how can an airport that does not have a direct flight to international destinations be called an international airport and considering the fact that terminal Blok M is bigger than the Airport building). Two hours later I was in Brisbane Domestic Airport. I just realised that there are two airports in Brisbane. So I rushed to the International Airport and ended up being the first person to queue for the QF 51 flight to Singapore. Eight hours later, I was rushing through terminal 1 in Changi, trying to find gate 20 in terminal 2, and ended up as one of the first ones there. These prove that I am always on time. Hahahaha. Then I had a lovely flight back home with Singapore Airlines. After taking Qantas for the last 4 flights, flying Singapore Airlinies is like showing up in heaven.
The hours spent on flying gave time to reflect and contemplate. I suppose I have had enough of this chapter of my life dealing with the delicacies of bilateral relations. I am keen to find other opportunities and probably be very happy to return to lecturing. Seemingly, I have always been in the right place without realising that it’s actually the right place. (I am talking about lecturing here).
About life in general? Not very happy, but still can be thankful.
About failing to get the scholarship? Now not the right time probably. Someday in God’s perfect timing, I’ll get it. See, I have a faith in God that withstood failures and disappointments. (Nothing to boast though. I don’t have enough failures and disappointments as those in the Bible and do really hope that I don’t have to face their failures and disappointments). Edi told me that it is good that I failed winning the scholarship. That gives me a lesson about failures, not just successes. Well, believe me, Edi, I had my shares of failures as well before this one.
About seminary? Thank goodness, the second trimester has ended. I couldn’t manage my time due to excessive travelling. Had a lovely time, though, with Romo Mardi, Rev Hakh and Rev Hamakonda. I now have so many goals for the church and my ministry. Just pray that I’ll have the time and energy to pursue them.
About books? Had enough, had enough of translating. So glad that my translation on Missiology will be launched formally tomorrow. Sad that I couldn’t make it due to my teaching commitments in LBI. I should give up teaching on Saturdays strating next semester.
About driving? Not so much progress. I have to spend more time driving.
About God? The Lord is my breastplate and sword for the fight. Naught be all else to me save that Thou Art.