Rachelle left for Brisbane on 18th Feb and gosh, am already starting to plan when I should make a visit down Brisbane to visit her. She made a visit to my place the day before her departure and we had some time together in the comforts of my bedroom, just sharing our fears, anxiety and generally about what the unknown brings. It's been such a long time since both of us girls prayed together as soulmates and sisters, seeking the only One Person who can ease the roller-coaster state of my hearts and minds, bringing complete peace to our entire being.

The power of prayer - do not ever underestimate it.

It occurred to me that when we were younger, in our teens, life was one exciting journey to embrace. There's no worry for finances, job security, unfamiliar places or faces. Everything was "This rox! Am soooo excited!" Life was easy then. And uncomplicated.

As I age older (and gracefully too, mind you), real concerns start to creep into my subconscious. Take my younger days as an example. When I had to leave Singapore for Melbourne at the age of 16, all I could think about was a new environment, a new lifestyle, a new circle of friends, a new kind of education system to adapt to etc etc. Things were exciting and fun. I didn't have to worry about school fees, living expenses, rental, transport, food etc. All that was taken care of, all thanks to my very doting mom.

Now that I am much older and more in tune with the reality of our world today, I often wonder if I will be as excited as I was back in my younger days if say, I have to emigrate one day. Have always had the intention to return back to Australia, where I left my heart and Melbourne has never once left me, in my mind at least. However, I gotta admit. To uproot myself from one place, start everything again and assimilate into another place is quite a daunting thought. Perhaps it's age. Or perhaps it's simply the fact that I am older and fear change. I figured that when one starts to age, one is less susceptible to change as he or she used to be. I know I am definitely less adventurous compared to 10 years back.

Don't get me wrong. I still embrace change. Change is a good way to allow oneself to be constantly challenged and signifies new things to come. The only constant in life itself is change. In fact, every single day is filled with different adventures waiting for me to embrace. Still, to completely move from one country to another is quite a different matter altogether. I used to be really certain that I will move back to Melbourne before I turned 30. Now, with the new PR regulations and the new Aussie government, I really am not that sure anymore.

Lina is perplexed.