Goodbye Melbourne

Good to have her home.

Yes; it has been a moment I have waited long. We were glad to receive her home and grant her the warmth and security that is rightly hers. We were most glad she completed this ever so lengthy course.

The ever long suffering dad is always there for her girls. When it is moving things home time, he is bound to be there for them. He would leave jobs and commitments behind and see to the packing of things. There is something I fail to understand though; she left with a bag but came home with at least 120 kg of belongings ! So each time a daughter finishes a degree, the whole family travels to secure kg space for luggage!

Having enrolled in Taylor's Diploma course after SPM, she secured a diploma after 3 years in 2007.

These are some of her buddies who graduated with a diploma back then after which some opted for Australia, others the UK and still others worked a while.

In 2008, Esther completed her Architectural studies in the University of Melbourne without a mortar board.

A photo taken with some of her buddies from Taylor's then. Persevering friends.

Esther finally completed her Masters ; with a mortar board this time in 2011.

I was glad to see her with her long standing friends right from Taylor's college days. Today they all have finally ended with what they started with; mortar boards on their crowns.

Esther leaves Melbourne and the Korean dinner given to loved ones after the convocation in celebration. Here she is seen with cousin John. When he was born, my brother gave me the privilege of naming his first child. The name John flashed through me; a good name and a good prophet in the Good Book. So, the child was named John. John and Esther were classmates since secondary school days. My brother was dubious of the achievement of Seafield; he was not totally confident of the school. But when he saw Esther being put there; he asked that John be there too. So, they went to school together and became classmates ever since. I remembered in fondness as I watched them pray together before an exam paper asking for God's favor and guidance in the exam hall. I smiled to myself. They were so cute, simple and adorable. God loves sincere prayers; prayers that cut through His heart.

Today, they have both graduated well and have done their parents and Alma mater proud.
May the Good Lord's countenance and favor be ever strong in their lives.

On the way to Lorne, dad stopped the car and told Esther; " isn't that similar to the design you created last time?" I remember it well too. I dug memories and photos...

I found it ! Do you notice some similarity? Do all architects think and behave alike?

May she find her niche in architecture and enjoy her working days.
God Bless Esther.

And... goodbye Melbourne; at least for the time being.