Last month in Japan... :(
It is often said that life as a Christian isn't a bed of roses. God puts us through the fires of trials and tribulation to strengthen our capacity. I learned the lesson firsthand. As a exchange student in the country which I absolutely adore, I should be indulging in the pleasures of life and liberated from worries...
But alas, that is not the case... I have come to the realization that a friend whom I initially thought would be my best buddy turns out to be a hypocritical liar who bore a grudge toward me for months. I may not have handled matters the way which each of my friends think is right, but I always have my friends' best interests at heart. I say this with a clear conscience.
To avoid him, I "exited" the clique we were in. Or rather, I was silently "ousted" from the group. He puts on a mask so easily and readily. Greeting me with a smile when I know a dagger is hidden behind his back. But I can't. Honesty has been one of my core principles ever since I was a little kid. And I expect that much from my friends. I just can't pretend everything is fine anymore. Looking at him in the eye became a chore. Hearing him boast about his extravagant life as a rich man's son to naive girls around him disgusts me to the very core of my being.
I almost succumbed to depression. Thank God for His comfort. Thank God for Fukuoka Harvest Church. Thank God for the wonderful Singaporean friends. Thank God for my girlfriend who has been by my side whenever I need her the most.
It's fine by me... Superficial booze parties are not my cup of tea... Neither is cooping myself up in the little world which they create for themselves... I'm here with a purpose and I'm moving toward my dream, so it doesn't matter to me anymore. I'll make full use of my last month in Japan to learn as much as I can about Japanese culture, to develop deeper friendships with my Japanese friends and to strengthen my relationship with my girlfriend.
I'll also be busy helping my Japanese buddy to settle in the Singaporean lifestyle when he comes to NUS for the following academic year. No time for worries... Time to move on...