First Day in PGP
And there was evening, and there was morning - the first day.
Seems quite apt to follow the Jewish clock, since I spend most of my day outside instead of studying in my room.
Checked in on Week 6 Friday, with Belle's help. Dad drove my stuff over on Sat night, then I moved the last of my stuff on Mon (yesterday). Didn't spend Mon in my room, apart from the few hours wiping everything down -- I had Biz comm meeting in the afternoon and met Rachel Lam in the evening (I actually totally forgot and she had to eat alone while waiting for me).
Anyways, my first day in PGP. Finally met Shipeng when she came back at almost 11pm, and we talked for a bit. (: Louis was the first to talk to me after Shipeng, she's the cluster leader for this level. We took a wefie as a cluster, so I got to meet the rest! (: Seems that apart from a few of the PRC students, they haven't really talked to each other much and they don't even remember everyone's names and who stays in which room. Really a closed door culture.
My level/cluster has 10 people: 7 PRC students (including Shipeng), 1 Vietnamese student, 1 Indian student and 1 local - me. Diva seems a bit out, because she's really reserved and the PRCs tend to speak in Chinese so everything is lost on her. Trang holds her ground really well, so she's okay (plus, she looks Chinese).
Was a bit difficult to sleep on my first evening, because it's a new environment and I wasn't very tired. I have arranged all my stuff -- Mr. Bonsai sits with Study Bunny (from Qiqi), Elephant coin bank (from Sabrina) and tried-Typography of Psalm 27:4 (from Timmy). I've also pinned up a wide range of verses/cards from various people - an encouragement board and a source of light for my soul.
This first morning, I slept in a bit and did QT. It's a bit hard when you're anxious. And the cars are going past outside your window - not much privacy, or a good view of the sky at level 4. Went into the kitchen with plans to make breakfast (instant oats finally!) but first, I decided to do what I did in Mongolia -- wash up the dishes and the sink. Oily dishes left overnight = opportunity to serve quietly. Note to self: Need stronger dishwashing liquid and another sponge.
Studied in CLB with Tricia, had a Deck break with Kangli, crashed Rachel Thng's SEnT meeting, and had dinner with Zephy. Figured out why I was anxious and slightly heavy-hearted: as much as I hate to admit it, I'm homesick. I can't say it out loud, without being embarrassed at myself; not without blinking away tears. It was a great comfort, to spend time with dear friends.
Feels like the closed door culture changes how people usually would interact with others. Trying my best to fight against it and not to let it dig a hole in my soul.
When I came back after dinner this day, I chatted a bit with Trang and she asked if I usually keep my door open. I've decided that when I'm in my room, I'll keep my door open. An open door is an open invitation and better ventilation. It also makes for a really spacious room.
I had realised on the way to CLB that I had forgotten to clear the evidence that I had used another person's cup without permission: a ceramic cup of water on the table, used to heat up water in the microwave. I poured away the water while Trang was cooking, and she offered to clear the sink of her veggies so that I could wash the cup. I declined, since it was just water. She doesn't know it's not my cup. Guess no one really sticks around in the pantry.
On the bright side, first small conversation -- check! (: Find my way back to my room from the path connecting block 4 and the main road -- check! (: Thank You God for today.
Seems quite apt to follow the Jewish clock, since I spend most of my day outside instead of studying in my room.
Checked in on Week 6 Friday, with Belle's help. Dad drove my stuff over on Sat night, then I moved the last of my stuff on Mon (yesterday). Didn't spend Mon in my room, apart from the few hours wiping everything down -- I had Biz comm meeting in the afternoon and met Rachel Lam in the evening (I actually totally forgot and she had to eat alone while waiting for me).
Anyways, my first day in PGP. Finally met Shipeng when she came back at almost 11pm, and we talked for a bit. (: Louis was the first to talk to me after Shipeng, she's the cluster leader for this level. We took a wefie as a cluster, so I got to meet the rest! (: Seems that apart from a few of the PRC students, they haven't really talked to each other much and they don't even remember everyone's names and who stays in which room. Really a closed door culture.
My level/cluster has 10 people: 7 PRC students (including Shipeng), 1 Vietnamese student, 1 Indian student and 1 local - me. Diva seems a bit out, because she's really reserved and the PRCs tend to speak in Chinese so everything is lost on her. Trang holds her ground really well, so she's okay (plus, she looks Chinese).
Was a bit difficult to sleep on my first evening, because it's a new environment and I wasn't very tired. I have arranged all my stuff -- Mr. Bonsai sits with Study Bunny (from Qiqi), Elephant coin bank (from Sabrina) and tried-Typography of Psalm 27:4 (from Timmy). I've also pinned up a wide range of verses/cards from various people - an encouragement board and a source of light for my soul.
This first morning, I slept in a bit and did QT. It's a bit hard when you're anxious. And the cars are going past outside your window - not much privacy, or a good view of the sky at level 4. Went into the kitchen with plans to make breakfast (instant oats finally!) but first, I decided to do what I did in Mongolia -- wash up the dishes and the sink. Oily dishes left overnight = opportunity to serve quietly. Note to self: Need stronger dishwashing liquid and another sponge.
Studied in CLB with Tricia, had a Deck break with Kangli, crashed Rachel Thng's SEnT meeting, and had dinner with Zephy. Figured out why I was anxious and slightly heavy-hearted: as much as I hate to admit it, I'm homesick. I can't say it out loud, without being embarrassed at myself; not without blinking away tears. It was a great comfort, to spend time with dear friends.
Feels like the closed door culture changes how people usually would interact with others. Trying my best to fight against it and not to let it dig a hole in my soul.
When I came back after dinner this day, I chatted a bit with Trang and she asked if I usually keep my door open. I've decided that when I'm in my room, I'll keep my door open. An open door is an open invitation and better ventilation. It also makes for a really spacious room.
I had realised on the way to CLB that I had forgotten to clear the evidence that I had used another person's cup without permission: a ceramic cup of water on the table, used to heat up water in the microwave. I poured away the water while Trang was cooking, and she offered to clear the sink of her veggies so that I could wash the cup. I declined, since it was just water. She doesn't know it's not my cup. Guess no one really sticks around in the pantry.
On the bright side, first small conversation -- check! (: Find my way back to my room from the path connecting block 4 and the main road -- check! (: Thank You God for today.