Soon I will be at the crossroads like many others around my age. This is the final week that I will be having lessons in the place I have called my 'second home' for the past five years. Sure, I have not lived on campus before, but surely my experiences as a hobo in the late night with the Arts Club and NUSSU were comparable if not, more unique than the life on campus. NUS was a place that was always remain special to me. While one might question that such experiences would still be shaped elsewhere as long as I possess the same mentality and all, I believe, that my group of friends that I have met, the opportunities that were given to me prior or as a result of the people I met, would never be replicated in anywhere else. 

Of course if there would be a time to dwell on about all the times I had in NUS, it might go on for hours and hours. Things that have been ongoing recently however, truly touched my heart and gave my courage to move forward. Not my courage I know, but His. I still remembered the times when I had so much doubts about going to Colombia for my internship. I did not even know whether it was possible, but He guided me all the way, watched over me even with the window panes of the bus shattered on me, He was still there. That I returned and there were whole new challenges waiting, to face the crossroads of life: to look for a job, a career. Yet He answered without a doubt to my prayers. I remembered facing the new year, I was looking to pray as per usual. It was hardly any easy when I was alone in the wilderness of South America (not exactly) and I was without the comfort of my church. By sheer belief I decided that I should still do it and so I did.

Months down the road, and some friends are panicking. I was able to offer my help and assistance, words to calm minds not because I was better than anyone, nor because I was more rational, but only because He has shown me the way to go. He was gracious and more than all I could wish for, answered my prayers. I was fuelled by my dream to apply for just one application as a Foreign Service Officer and would not budge until I was knocked out by the assessment criteria. By His blessing, as I was beginning to have doubts again, He came into the situation and made it happen. No words could truly express my gratitude to Him as I prepare to embark on this unknown journey, doubtful of the future but once more knowing that He is always with me and for me.

Interesting and applicable as it is to hear that the Noah's Ark is actually an archetype of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. Just as God chooses to punish the world, He extended His mercies as well to the family of Noah and anyone who would believe him. Alas, the men of the old world did not and they succumbed in the end to the flood. Noah, and the countless pairs of animals resided in the Ark while the flood was raging. Just as Noah and co. were safe and sound in the Ark, so are we today in Jesus Christ. While we may stumble and fall, and question the many things that were ongoing in the Ark, we will always be in His safehouse, under the protection of His wings. As with the Ark, Jesus wants us not to look around and focus on the storm, but to look up to Him and see the provision, the light, and rest in Him knowing that the Ark will withstand all barrages and we will emerge at the end of the trials and tribulations, preserved, stronger and with new hope. 

While I may stumble in my life, I want to know that I do so in the arms of my Saviour, that I would be always able to rest in His arms and trust in His protection. Amen.