In 2023, I decided to embark on my journey to Australia. After completing my IELTS on March 19, I began the university application process through the Rigpa House Education Consultancy Firm in April. I received offer letters from both QUT and James Cook University. Following the recommendation of the consultancy counselor, I opted for James Cook University due to its 25% fee scholarships, which would ease the financial burden of paying fees each trimester.
During the summer
vacation, I was able to lodge my visa application and received it on August 14,
prompting me to submit my resignation letter to leave my job early. Just two
days after handing in my resignation, I received a separation order, which made
me realize that my sixteen years of civil service had come to an end.
I began packing and transporting my belongings to my village on August 21 but encountered a roadblock at Boxcutting, which delayed my journey. The road cleared the next day, allowing me to reach home. For three days, I unpacked and organized my things. On the 26th, I bid farewell to my parents, knowing that I wouldn't see them for the next two years.
Upon reaching Gelephu, I
immediately sought out a legal firm to draft an agreement with my defacto. The
following day, we attempted to obtain a marriage certificate from the Gelephu
Court of Justice but were unable to get it signed due to the absence of Dasho
Drangpon, who was attending an important meeting. I then proceeded directly to
my workplace, Gelephu Higher Secondary School, to bid farewell to the
principal, vice-principal, and my teacher colleagues.
On the 28th, I
commenced my journey from Gelephu to Thimphu. On the next morning, I paid
homage to the deities of Dechenphu, and then rushed back to finalize a land
agreement with my uncle, with whom I exchanged a vehicle for 35 decimal lands
at Chuzergang ten years ago. However, the land Lagthram transfer is still
pending. Additionally, I had to complete some shopping. Around 1:30 PM, I
departed Thimphu for Paro and boarded a flight at 4:30 PM on the 29th
of August 2023.
The flight landed in
Bangkok at 9 PM, where I had a 6-hour layover before traveling to Taipei on the
30th, and finally arriving in Brisbane the next day morning at 9 AM. Until
September 8th, I spent time acquainting myself with the new environment and processing
necessary documents such as a bank card, police check, TPN, and ABN. On the
9th, I attended a day-long orientation and academic workshop. My first
trimester of studies commenced on the 11th and concluded in November. From
December onwards, I was on a trimester break and engaged in work.
On December 13, at 6 AM,
I was inundated with multiple calls and voice messages from my cousin brother,
informing me of the tragic passing of my mother. We swiftly arranged a flight
from Brisbane to the Philippines, departing at 11:30 AM. My sister and I
arrived in the Philippines at 7:30 PM and subsequently traveled to Bangkok,
arriving at 11 PM local time. We waited until 6 AM the next morning before
departing for Paro, arriving at 9 AM on December 14.
With no time to spare, we
hastily started shopping in Thimphu and embarked on our journey towards the
village at five the next day. We arrived home at 6 pm to find my mother's
lifeless body lying peacefully as if she was sleeping. Despite it being the third
day since her passing, she appeared serene, embodying the kindness and concern
she always showed us.
As thoughts and tears
muddled, I reflected on my mother's gentle nature. Even in her final moments,
she shielded us from the burden of her illness. She had only mentioned a minor
headache during our last video call around 11 AM Bhutan time before her condition
rapidly deteriorated, leading to her hospitalization at three in the afternoon
and eventually her peaceful passing in the evening at nine O’clock. Her
departure at such a young age left me with countless unfulfilled dreams and a
profound sense of regret for not being able to do more while she was alive.
Though the pain of her
loss weighs heavily on me, I realized that life must continue. Thus, we
returned to Brisbane on January 25th, 2024. Life in Australia is never a bed of
roses, but we have chosen this path, and there is no turning back.
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