Christmas Dinner

Okay, I know we are behind the times but Rick and I are having our Christmas dinner today (Saturday, December 29). We were just so busy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that we didn't have it then. The day after Christmas Rick wasn't feeling well so we didn't have it then. The next two days we decided we better get out of the house because we could feel a post-Christmas depression coming on! So we put it off until today. But that's okay. We don't usually go out on Saturdays because everyone else in Singapore is out that day. The malls are always full and it is a nice day to stay in and catch up on housework and office work!

So, what's on the menu today? We have been buying a few things (as we found them) since before Thanksgiving. For instance - marshmellows. Sweet potatoes aren't sweet potatoes without marshmellows! I also found a little bag of pecans (very hard to come by here) and have been saving them for the half of the sweet potatoes without marshmellows! Rick has been busy making dressing (he makes the best - okay, it's right up there with my momma's!). We even made Watergate salad - had to cut the marshmellows in pieces because we couldn't find the little marshmellows that go in that. Of course, there's the other items but these are the mains ones. I even have a pumpkin pie for later (on a homemade crust - I might add!)

We have a DVD of Belmont University Choir singing carols on the TV. We will be thinking of you as we eat today - wishing you were here to enjoy Singapore with us.

We miss all of you so much.

Merry (post) Christmas!

The big day is over

Today is December 26! As my husband says, "Big John's dead and the big day is over!" But let me backtrack a minute.

December 24 Rick and had a great day out and around the city. We enjoyed the Christmas decorations all over town and ended up on Orchard Road about 6pm. If I told you there were a million people walking on the sidewalks with us, I'm sure I would not be exaggerating! It was an incredible crowd. The funny thing is that no one was pushing or shoving. Everyone was just moving along slowly. We were trying to get to where we knew people were supposed to be caroling. We could see a choir standing on down the sidewalk on the other side of the road but couldn't get to them. We couldn't hear them from where we were. By the way, in Singapore "caroling" is someone singing TO you, not everyone singing Christmas caroling. What we could hear, was not even in English! Ha! So we walked up a couple of escalators and got up where we could see a little better.

A Christmas parade came by with about seven or eight floats. All of them were lit up to perfection and each depicted a character of Christ: bread of life, living water, etc. And each float had the name JESUS prominently displayed. I was so excited. Now what we believe to be true about how the "true meaning" of Christmas has been emphasized this year is to "educate" the people of Singapore about the religions within her culture. They believe that if we can all understand each other's cultures, we will get along better. Whatever the strategy - the TRUTH will shine above the rest so I was glad that Singapore was showing the true meaning whatever their reasoning!

The kids all called on Christmas Eve (it was morning for them) and that helped with how much we were missing them. It also helped to know that sooner or later they would all be together.

Christmas morning - we opened our presents and the kids called again. We lazed around (like you are supposed to do on Christmas morning) until about 11am. Then we went to some friends' house for Christmas lunch. We had ham and turkey and green bean casserole, etc. (Rick and I have decided to cook our Christmas dinner on this coming Saturday). We visited with these friends until about 5 and then headed to the home of one of our Singaporean friends who had invited us for an authentic Chinese dinner. Don't think I am going to try and tell you what we had to eat - no way. Some of it was great and other parts were a little too spicy for me. But the company was good. We left there about 10pm.

This morning our kids woke us up as they were opening their presents. Our son eventually joined them after lunch and I know they have had a ball together. Meanwhile - Rick and I were going "down" by the moment. We finally just took a long nap. It is now after 8pm and we are watching a short Shrek Christmas movie on television.

Looking forward to tomorrow. It will be better. We are headed toward and exciting new year. Thanks for your prayers.

Can it really be December 18?

Dear friends,

I can't believe it has been over two weeks since I posted last. Sorry. Things have been hectic around here PLUS we are enjoying Christmas in Singapore. As I wrote last, the city is decorated to the hilt. It is an amazing site to see. Hope you enjoyed the pictures I sent last.

This past weekend we went to a concert in the Esplanade concert hall. It was absolutely amazing. to see the concert hall go to http://www.worldvr.com/esplanade.html. Anyway, we went to hear the Celebration Chorus (which I have signed up for and start rehearsing with in January.) It is an ecumenical choir representing many churches here in Singapore. There are 75 in the choir and after hearing them the other night, I can hardly wait to start practicing with them. They had an orchestra (PLUS a harp and a huge pipe organ!) Wow. The choir is directed by a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. How he ended up here - I can't wait to find out! Anyway, I will let you know how it goes.

I'd like to take a moment and ask for you to pray with me. My youngest daughter just called and said that one of her college friend's sister had been killed in a car accident today. Of course, death at any time is terrible, but during the holidays it just seems to be worse. Please pray for this family. You don't know their names but HE will.

I do hope that you all are having a joyous time this Christmas season and enjoying family. Rick and I are planning to go to Orchard Road on Wednesday. There will be a live Nativity scene there plus loads of caroling. Yes, we'll end up at the Hard Rock Cafe to hear "the boys". Wish you were here to go with us.

Just wish you were here....

Enough about animals

Suffice it to say, we had a great time in Kenya and saw lots more animals than you want to read about. My kids are accusing me of using this as a teaching moment so I will move on. Besides, it's Christmas and there is lots to tell.

Christmas in Singapore seems to be enjoyed by everyone. There is a great build up of events and of course, the Orchard Road Christmas Light-up. Orchard Road is THE main shopping road and business road on the island and it is decorated to perfection. Now, it isn't cold but you can buy an ice cream or a chilled fruit drink from one of the road side cafes.

This week Rick and I are supposed to go on an open top bus tour of the lights of Orchard Road but just to get you excited, here are a few pictures of it.

The Hairdresser

Okay, I have to stop here, in the middle of my game drive saga, to tell you about an adventure I had in Singapore yesterday. My friend, Lisa, and I had made plans to meet at a place where she got her hair cut on a regular basis. She also had a voucher at another salon for a free "micro-misting". So we met at the shopping center about 1pm. We walked to the beauty salon which was completely busy and full. There were 8 beauty salon chairs along two walls in a shop 15ft X 20ft. Right in the center was the appointment desk and then behind that (behind a big curtain were two typical beauty shop sinks.

They put Lisa and I in the next two available chairs and asked if we wanted coffee or tea. (My goodness, why can't the beauty shops in the states do that?) They brought that out to us and then you will never believe what happened. My "girl" tucked a piece of black plastic at the back of my neck and covered my back. Then she wrapped a towel around my neck and clipped in in the front. Okay, I know that doesn't sound too different - but wait! THEN she began to squeeze a plastic bottle of shampoo mixed with water onto my dry hair. She gave me a shampoo sitting right there in front of the mirror. And this wasn't just ANY shampoo. It was a total head, neck, and shoulder massage - WOW for about fifteen minutes. I got so relaxed I could hardly keep my eyes open! She swooped up all the soap in her hand leaving me looking like Alfalfa from The Little Rascals. I thought it was over. But after she put the soap that was on her hand into the sink (behind the curtain) she came back to me and started the whole process over. When she did finish - I looked up at her (she was probably barely 19) and in my most Southern drawl said, "Honey, that was the best shampoo I have ever had in my life!" She laughed and I'm not really sure she understood what I said but I had to say it!

Then she took me back to the sink and I laid my head back. Now in most salons in the states (all that I have ever been in) when you lay your head back in that sink - if it doesn't quite fit you neck, it can be painful. Not going to happen in Singapore because they have a little sponge pillow to lay your head on in the sink so it is NEVER uncomfortable. When she got ready to rinse that part of my hair, she just lifted my head up. (Why can't salons in the states do all of this?)

A different lady came to cut my hair and she did a great job. Since Lisa and I were on our way to another shop for the "micro-misting" there wasn't any need for drying and styling. Oh, by the way, this fantastic massage, shampoo, and cut experience cost $21.00! Beat that ANYWHERE!

We managed to get to the next salon to have our "treatment" which turned out to be a "conditioning" that was nice. Got another good head massage in the sink. I tell you, after about two hours of all of this kind of treatment, I could hardly walk! Besides that, I have a new hair cut to show for it.

Just wanted you to be there with me!

The Leftover Parts

Today I want to talk about what some consider the 'ugliest' and 'stupidest' of all the animals we saw on the Kenyan savannah. I'm talking about the wildebeest. According to one African legend, God made the wildebeest out of the bits and pieces He had left over after He finished creating all the other animals. He gave the wildebeest a mule's face, a cow's horns, a goat's beard, and a horse's body. Sometimes a wildebeest behaves as if all these bits and pieces want to go in different directions. It will start to gallop around, leap up and down, and kick its heels into the air for no reason anyone can see!

March and April mark the rainy season as well as the mating season. Males fight for dominance among the herd. The gestation period in a female is eight and a half months, producing one offspring. The calf is able to stand within minutes of the birth. In a few days, it is able to keep up with the herd.

During May, more than a million wildebeest migrate more than 800 miles from the Serengeti to open woodlands to feed until November. About 500 wildebeest run at speeds of up to 50mph make a stampede. Stampedes are destructive, but also encourage new plant growth and renewal of soil.

The strong bulls in every wildebeest group defend territories that they have marked with their waste and glandular substances emitted from their face and hooves. Young males and bulls without territories form bachelor herd. Bachelors are forced to live on the fringes of the herd.


Here's a picture Rick took of ALL the different animals we saw at just one spot. If you look closely you can see a giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle!

The day of the jackal

I've always HEARD of jackals but had never seen one until today. What a beautiful, graceful animal.

Our guide told us that this carnivore has long been the subject of superstition about death and evil spirits. The ancient Egyptians believed a jackal-headed god guided the dead to those who judged their souls. Such beliefs were probably encouraged by the jackal's cleverness, nocturnal habits, eerie howling and scavenging.

Jackals live singly or in pairs (mate for life) and are sometimes found in small packs. Mated pairs are territorial, and both the female and the male mark and defend the boundaries of their territory.

Yipping calls are made when the family gathers. Members only respond to their own family's calls and ignore those of other individuals. Although they have long had a reputation as sneaky, skulking scavengers, research has shown jackals to be agile, lithe hunters with close-knit, cooperative family groups. They have been successful in adapting to changing environments.

Jackals are noisy. Family or pack members communicate with each other by a screaming yell and yapping, or a sirenlike howl when a kill is located.

Are the animals up THIS early?

Are the animals UP this early?

Tuesday morning we met at 6:15am to go on an early morning game drive. I think the ultimate goal of every game drive is to see a “kill”. (lions killing something) We saw lots of animals this morning (not nearly as many as yesterday – I don’t think they were up yet) and the weather was so nice and cool.

One interesting animal we saw was a spotted hyena. We saw one yesterday lying in the road. The hyena is known as the “scavenger” because he loves to come behind lions and finish up on the dead carcasses. They have the strongest jaws of any animals and can chew up bones like they were nothing. In fact, they DO eat so many bones that their feces are “strikingly” white because of the amount of calcium that they intake.

Litters of one or two are born, usually of different sexes. They are born with their eyes open and their teeth well developed. They start fighting at birth, especially if two females are born. One ends up killing the other before too long. That ensures dominance and that the strongest survives. If there are one of each sex born, the male will usually survive since he is no competition for the females. Weaning starts at nine months and is usually completed by 18 months. No other female will ever suckle a sister's young and should the mother not return from the hunt, these young will be left to die as survival of it's own genes is important. Other females will protect another's cubs. There is always a dominant female in the clan.

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The Maasi and the Baboon

On our drive into the park yesterday we began to come through Maasi territory. The Maasi is a tribe that lives in Kenya and Tanzania. They are a well known tribe and we were thrilled to hear that there is a revival among the Maasi and that many of them are believers. Several things mark a true Maasi. They always wear RED. They pierce their ears at an early age and then continue to put larger things in the whole so that their lobes are stretched. (picture) They always have a gap between their two front teeth. If it is not there at birth, they either remove a tooth to make it there or put something between the teeth to insure the gap. If a young Maasi man has killed a lion, he will have scars on his arms. (If he ran from the lion, he will have scars on his back to show that he was a coward!) The Maasi women keep their heads shaved and do some beautiful beadwork. (yes, I bought some).

At this particular lodge where we are staying, there are several Maasi men who have been hired to control the baboons! Yes, because the eating areas are very open plus there are many chairs and small tables outside. The baboons are notorious for coming to the tables to steal food. The Maasi men (in their red) stand around with long sticks and homemade sling shots to keep them away. One Maasi man told me that when the baboon sees the red, he runs. It was evident he was right.

Rick had taken his coffee out on the veranda to enjoy the view. The Maasi man walked toward the door to help someone with a chair and two baboons set their plan to steal Rick’s sugar cube. One of the baboons walked toward the Maasi man to distract him. The other baboon quickly scurried down the roof ledge, jumped on to Rick’s table, grabbed the sugar, and scurried back up to the roof! Rick said it all happened so fast it was hard to take in.

November 5, 2007

Rick and I arrived in Nairobi (after seven hours to Qatar and then another six on to Kenya) about 3pm in the afternoon on November 4. We (along with another BGR couple) were picked up at the airport and taken to a guest house where we were able to refresh ourselves before meeting nearly all the BGR team for supper at a local restaurant. The next morning we had to be ready to go at 6am. The fourteen of us boarded three vehicles (Land Rovers) for our trip to Amboseli Park (a game park/hotel) where we would have our meetings and FUN time. The drive took about four hours but then we got into the park and drove for another hour in (slowly) as we say MANY animals! I will be describing them all and hopefully putting on pictures but just to wet your appetite – just on the drive in we saw zebras, elephants, gazelle, hippos, giraffes, lions, and MANY others. It was amazing. The land is flat for so far you seem to be able to see forever! In fact, the sky is so big I could hardly open my eyes big enough to see it all. We finally got to the lodge/hotel and were met with cool wet towels and freshly squeezed orange juice! Rick and I got our key (which was hooked to a very interesting piece called a ringu – picture later ) and set ourselves up in Room 9.

Our team had lunch – a beautiful buffet. We were in our rooms just long enough to prepare for our afternoon game drive! Wow, it was incredible! Our truck was very high so we had good views PLUS we all had binoculars! (“binos” as they are called here). Our hosts are two young men (one was from Zimbabwe and the other was from South Africa) who work for a Christian tour group called ACTS. You can find out more about them at www.actsoverland.com. They knew all about the animals and had led tours in this park many times. As we drove along they told us interesting things about the animals that we were seeing. And boy, did we see the animals. We drove right through a herd of hundreds of zebra. A herd of about forty elephants crossed the road right in front of our truck and it was absolutely awesome to watch them majestically parade in front of us. I wish you could have all been with me to experience this first day of the game drive. It really was incredible and I could see the hand of God at every turn.

We returned after about two hours and had a great supper. Then our team met for worship and prayer. When we got back to our room our mosquito net had been drawn and our beds had been turned back. What service! We hit the sack about 10:30. Remember we are still dealing with jet lag so we were more than ready to hit the hay.

going on safari

Just wanted to let you know that Rick and I are on our way to Kenya tonight. We are headed there for team meetings and for fun – to go on some game drives. Will write all about it when I get back – with pictures. Get ready.

Sunday in Singapore

October 28, 2007

Wow! What a Sunday! First of all, it is so good to have Rick home! I missed him so much and am thrilled that he is back to explore Singapore with me!

I also talked with Chelsea this morning (Saturday night there). You may or may not know that this week she was diagnosed with mono and strep throat. She is one sick little girl. You can only imagine how hard it is to be WAY OVER HERE knowing she is so sick. The doctor gave her an antibiotic for the strep but said the only thing to do for mono was REST. If you know Chelsea, you know how active she is and always in the middle of everything. SO this is going to be very hard for her. He told her that if she rested and took care of herself she could be pretty much over mono in four to six weeks! If she didn’t, she could rupture her spleen! She IS trying to rest a lot. She talked to the dean at her college and her professors and they all seem to be sympathetic to her. Pray that they will be patient with late work and missed classes. Chelsea did go to spend the weekend at my sister’s house. She lives about thirty minutes away. I think the change of venue did her a world of good. By the way, today is her 19^th birthday! If you’d like her address, email me and I will give it to you.

Back to our day here. We went to a new church this morning. The name of it was Community of Praise Baptist Church. They have a webpage at www.cpbc.org.sg. It was a great service and an incredible sermon. I hope to tell you more about that tomorrow. The Lord really spoke to me through His word.

After church Rick and walked a couple of blocks to the Great World City mall. We found a nice restaurant to eat at (a little more upscale than the food courts we have been eating in). Rick ordered a “set meal”. That is like a soup, an entrée, rice (of course), and a dessert. His set meal also included JELLYFISH – I tasted it and it was kind of like the kraut salad my mom used to make! I ordered a chicken dish cooked and served in a little clay pot! It was absolutely delicious. They brought Rick’s dessert at the end of the meal – mock bean soup. Yes, it was some kind of beans mashed up with a sort of dumpling (more raw than cooked) in the middle of it. I wanted so much for it to taste like what it looked like – sort of a raspberry pudding. It didn’t. Oh, well, so much for exploring!

After lunch, Rick and I walked around this FOUR story mall and were absolutely amazed. It was so much fun. We didn’t buy anything but, hey, looking is half the fun.

Tonight we are home catching up some email and just resting.

Rick is home!

Rick arrived home about 2:30am Tuesday morning. It was so good to see him and he was wide awake. So we stayed up talking until nearly four. We had a lot of catching up to do since he had seen all of the family and had many greetings! He slept until 8am and then jet lag woke him up. So we got up for awhile and then jet lag hit him again and we took a nap! He can use that jet lag excuse for a while!

About 3pm we finally got out and decided to try out a new mall. Now that he is here we can ride the bus since he can figure out which one to get on. WE went to the mall called Vivo City. It is the largest retail mall of the city – a three story huge shopper’s heaven. And there are stores here you would recognize: GAP, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, Toys R Us, and then some you wouldn’t know. We walked around quite a bit and then decided to eat. There was a “food court” there with many different kinds of Asian food. I settled on something I recognized – fried rice, sweet and sour pork, green beans and honey chicken. It was absolutely delicious. Afterwards, we walked around a little more and found a coffee shop we thought we could relax in. It was nice and the seating was very comfortable. We talked for awhile and then I realized the Rick’s jet lag was kicking in because it was after 6pm. So we found our way out of the mall and to the bus stop.

At home we caught up on a little email and then made a few phone calls to check up on sick family members.

Today (Wednesday) Rick has been to talk to the lawyer about our registration. We are still being processed but seem to be on the final end of it. Keep praying that this will soon be finished so that we can start looking for an office and an apartment. I know that you have already been praying for those two locations so hopefully, as soon as we get the green light, we will find exactly where God wants us.

My birthday

I turned 53 today and proud of it! What a day! You all must have been praying because it was a great day. It started off a little stressed because my alarm didn’t go off. I was meeting my friend, Lisa, at church. I made it there via taxi and was not too late so that was good. We had a great worship service and an even better S.S. class (we went to early service and S.S. after).

Then Lisa took me to a really neat place for lunch. It is called “The Vilage”

It was a very unique restaurant with lots of different things to try. We split a salad and a peppered beef, mushroom, and cheese crepe! AND Watermelon juice. Delicious!

Afterwards we had a pecan praline frappacino from “The Coffee Bean”

The Coffee Bean is a lot like Starbucks (which we also have here) but cheaper. Remember that $6.90 Singapore dollars would be about $4.50 U.S. dollars PLUS Starbucks doesn’t have the Pecan Praline! And after all, it was my birthday!

Lisa and I sat and talked a long time today (just getting to know each other better.) I told her all about my family and she just let me rant on and on about them. I hope she is around when they all come to visit.

We also took in a movie and enjoyed some Singapore shopping!

I wanted to thank you for praying for me on my birthday. It could have been discouraging not to have Rick here (and I do miss him) but Lisa took out a big chunk of her day to make my birthday a special one.

By the way, Rick will be home tomorrow night around 1am. Please pray for him to have a safe and comfortable journey. There’s nothing about a twenty hour flight to look forward to except the fact that you will be home.

I’m sure we will have tons of adventures next week as we start looking for an office. Please pray that we will find one easily and within the company’s price range.

out on the town again

I got my laundry together yesterday to take it in. I had a pretty big bag full. Let me just stop and say right here – please remember to appreciate your washer and dryer today. It is so nice to have them right there in the house with you. So when you go by them today – pat them and say a prayer of thanks that you have this convenience IN your home. I took a taxi to the shopping center where the laundry we found was. It was $27 (about $19 U.S.) worth of laundry. I have to go and pick it up today.

Another couple on our team arrived over the weekend and they were over their jet lag enough yesterday to go exploring with me. I took a taxi to the apartment they are staying in (which by the way was beautiful) and then we took the bus and MRT to a part of town I had not been in. We were looking for a specific store they had heard about and eventually found it. It was good to know, because this is where we will probably get our appliances. We ate at McDonald’s (yes, we have those here) and just walked through the market. There was so much to see.

I got home before 5pm (which is good because the taxi fares go up after that and it is much harder to find a taxi that isn’t hired out already). Got all comfortable in my place and warmed up leftover pizza from Saturday. What a treat.

Only a week before Rick comes home. You can’t imagine how glad I will be to see him. I have really missed him. Thank you for praying me through this time of separation.

Hari Raya

Today is Hari Raya! “Hari Raya” is the Malay term for the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr. It literally means “Day of Celebration”. It is a time to reconcile and renew relationships with others.

During the Muslim month of Ramadan leading up to Hari Raya, it is mandatory for Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk. All Muslims except the young, old or infirmed must fast. This is the celebration of the breaking of that fast. Widely, markets, or “Ramadan bazaars” are held in many areas around the country, where all sorts of traditional Malay delicacies are sold for breaking fast.

On the eve of Hari Raya, Muslims will recite a special phrase in mosques. In some communities, there will be congregations reciting it from house to house. Here, big promotions and price discounts are given at shopping centers. Decorations are hung in public areas and Hari Raya songs will be played throughout the city.

Many people also traditionally return to their hometown generally from big metropolitan cities to rural areas.

Usually on the eve of the celebration, family members, especially mothers and housewives, will be busy preparing food, cakes, sweets, cookies and various delicacies to be served on the day of Hari Raya. Other family members will help in other chores such as decorating and cleaning up the house.

Muslims will attend Eid prayer in the morning and congregate later to meet and greet one another. Once the prayer is done, it is also common to visit the grave of their loved ones. During this visit, they will clean the grave and recite a chapter from the Qur’an. All these are done in hope that their loved ones are blessed by God and they are spared from the punishment of the grave.

The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Hari Raya is a very joyous day for children for this is the day where adults are extra generous. During the night, there are often celebrations with sparklers and firecrackers.

In many ways, it is a lot like Christmas!

Hard Rock

The big news is that our company got its application approved yesterday! This is BIG. Now, we can get our employment passes (when Rick gets back) and start looking for an apartment and for an office.

Many of you must have really been praying for me yesterday because I had a GREAT day! The day before was a little depressing so I NEEDED a day out and a friend. Before coming to Singapore I had met Lisa in the states at a conference. We had spent a few days together and knew each other cordially. I had written her when I knew we were coming to Singapore because I knew this part of the world was also her assignment and she lived in Singapore. So… that’s how we knew each other.

Since arriving we had been trying to get together. In fact, we did get together one night. She was one of the girls who took Rick and I to the Chinese gardens that first week we were here. (Of course, Rick and I were in serious jet lag and don’t remember much about that week. Thank goodness we took pictures!) Anyway, Lisa and I planned to meet at a mall yesterday and do some shopping and then go to a movie. That was the plan.

I left the apartment about 1:30 because I had to go to Queensway Plaza Shopping Center to pick up some contact lenses I had ordered. I took a taxi there and got there just fine. There’s not very good “shopping” in that particular mall – it is mostly business type shops (places to get name cards made, trophies, oh, and contacts!) So I left there and got in another taxi. I told him Singapura Mall (which was not correct, but he corrected me by saying – “you mean, Plaza Singapura”. I said yes, that was right. So we drove a little while and he dropped me off at the taxi stand in front of a big mall. I went in and walked around for awhile. Then I decided to have a cup of coffee. At the Haagen Dazs, if you bought one cup of coffee you got the second cup free, so… PLUS Haagen Dazs was at the front door of the mall so this seemed like a good place to meet Lisa. I had bought a Reader’s Digest, so I just sat and enjoyed my coffee and read my Reader’s Digest (the Asian version).

In a while, Lisa called. She had been taking the written driving test here (not easy) and had passed and was ready to celebrate. Where was I? I told her where I was and she said okay, I’ll meet you there. In about thirty minutes, while I was on my second cup of coffee, she called and said that she was by the stores I had said but didn’t see a Haagen Dazs. Come to find out, we were at two different malls. My taxi had dropped me off at Centerpoint Mall – NOT Singapura. Lisa was at Singapura Mall. So I said, sit still and I’ll come to you. I got in the cue at the taxi stand which had a line of about twenty people in it. We were all waiting for a taxi. Luckily it was the time of day when many taxis were coming our way and I got in one about twenty minutes later. I got to Singapura Mall and met Lisa and boy, did we have fun.

Lisa is a big time shopper and she took me to one of her favorite places to shop in Singapore. It is the $2 shop – everything in there is $2 (that would be $1.40 for us). It had some WONDERFUL things and it was really fun trying to figure out what half of it was. It all came from Japan and I have never seen so much stuff. I wish I could have taken a picture. Definitely a place to do stocking stuffers for Christmas!

We had wanted to go to the movie but after looking over what was on, nothing really stood out as something we wanted to spend time seeing. So we decided to go eat instead. Lisa had been wanting to go to the Hard Rock Café here in Singapore but couldn’t find anyone who would go with her. Of course, I’m all for it. Love music and would enjoy some “western world” familiar food. We took a taxi there and the waiter put us right up front, he said, for the concert later. We didn’t pay much attention to that but went on in and sat down and ordered. The food was good (and expensive) but it was all fun. We even shared a delicious dessert. THEN about 9:30 three young men from the Philippines got on stage with their acoustical guitars and began the “concert”. They were absolutely fabulous. They played songs from the 70s (Bread, James Taylor, Eagles, etc) and sang in three part harmony. They sang so smoothly and the guitar “picking” was just fine! Lisa and I sat there mesmerized until about 11:30. After midnight, taxis start getting harder to find so I thought we better hit the road. We left after the second set and there was still one set to go. If Rick had been there we would have stayed for the third set. Oh, well. We did find out that this group called Acoustic Trip is there every Wednesday night and Friday night so we will definitely go back – even if it is just for coffee! What a treat!

So this tired little girl drug in after midnight last night. Had a great time and I know it was because you all were praying. Thanks. I needed that!

On another note, you can check out our company website . You'll have to email me to get that address.

Down with a cold

Well, I believe I have concerned some of you since I have not written over the weekend. Would you believe I caught a head cold and have just not felt like doing much. I am feeling much better today. I managed to get out Saturday and have lunch down at the local coffee shop plus some delicious tiramisu coffee – but I haven’t felt like much else. Today – Monday morning, I am feeling much better. I have been working on my email this morning and was planning to go to town to pick up my contacts. I called the place and they are supposed to call me back when they see if they have come in. They haven’t called yet. It is raining outside anyway, so I may put that off until tomorrow.

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers.

Rick is gone

Rick is gone

It is Friday afternoon here. I got Rick off in a taxi this morning at 3:30am. But so much happened before that. For one thing, things are happening with our registration and we are hoping to have it by the time Rick gets back from his trip to the states (October 5 – 23). AND at 10pm last night we finally got internet service in our apartment! I know it was because so many of you were praying. Now, we can get our email here. I can do research here. We have our Vonage phone hooked up and can call the states anytime (write me and I’ll send you our number. It will cost you minutes on your cell phone but will be free on your land line.) We can also SKYPE on the computer – a phone service through the computers. You can sign up for that free on the internet – if you have a camera on your computer I can even see you! (I don’t have one on mine so you can’t see me!)

After Rick left I called several people in the states (since it was afternoon for them). It was so good to talk to family. Besides that I couldn’t go back to sleep after Rick left. I finally went to bed about 7am this morning and Chelsea woke me up with a phone call at 2:30pm. It was great to just be able to talk to her for as long as we wanted.

Today, I have a sore throat (hope Rick brings back cough drops) so I am staying in. I may make me something hot to drink. Maybe that will help. I know you are all praying for me as Rick is gone. It is going to be a critical time. I was able to get on KLOVE this morning – my favorite radio station. So I have my music playing – no, not Christmas right now – and am about to clean up our place.

Stay in touch.

On My Own

It is hard to believe that it is Thursday already and Rick will be leaving tomorrow. As a matter of fact, he will have to leave our apartment at 3:30am because his flight is at 6am. I have a feeling we will just pull an all nighter tonight since he has to leave so early.

This week we have been doing some shopping for the kids. It seemed necessary to send them something from here on Rick’s first trip back. He will see them either this weekend or next since he will be in the Nashville area. He may even get to BBC on one of those Sundays so watch for him if you are in B’ville.

Me, I will be on my own. It will take everything in me to get me out of that apartment without Rick around. I am NOT so adventuresome without him. We are supposed to have internet in our apartment starting tomorrow, but we will see. I do HAVE to go pick up my contacts at the Queensway Plaza on Monday. And I really want to go to the National Library (although I can’t actually check out any books unless I have an employment pass!) It helps to know that you all are praying for me during this period.

Rick and I are meeting with the Singapore Board of BGR this morning to finalize the “Business Plan” to present to the government. This may help with the process. Another thing that I KNOW you will be praying about.

Hopefully, the next time you hear from me will be from our apartment! By the way, I am on FACEBOOK if any of you are.

Playing Christmas Music?

Today is the second day of October and I am enjoying Christmas music again this morning! Rick is looking for me some speakers for my computer to make the music a little more clear and loud! One of my friends from BBC also made me a DVD of a Julie Andrews Christmas show he loved so I am looking forward to watching that while Rick is on his trip.

For Christmas last year, Rick bought me a set of DVDs called “Film Noir”. They are old black and white movies like “The Strange Loves of Martha Ivers” (starring Barbara Stanwyck) and “Quicksand” (starring Mickey Rooney). There are 18 movies in all – about an hour and a half each – but they are a good treat at the end of the day. Last weekend we bought a new television and it is being delivered today. In fact, the men are here now “installing” it. It will make watching the movies even better. PLUS we will have a Singapore channel that will surely give us more clues about this culture.

Last night we went to a new mall. It was three floors. The first floor was clothes and optical shops (yes, that’s right). The second floor was clothes and some food stalls. The third floor was all printing companies. Rick went there to get some name cards made up. They did it in about 30 minutes and they did a great job. He will go back there, I’m sure to have the company stamp made.

Afterwards we went to the grocery store across the street called “Cold Storage”. Some prices of food you might be interested in:

Ground beef – $5.91 per pound

Chicken breasts – $3.81 per pound

Smart Start cereal – $7.03

Can of corn – $1.24

Can of black beans – $1.53

Can of kidney beans - $1.24

1 liter of skim milk - $1.22

Can of stewed tomatoes - $1.32

Lb. of cheddar cheese - $8.75

Can of chicken broth - $1.24

Bottle of Ranch dressing - $1.96

For those of you who have asked what you can send me, I have come up with a short list. These things could be mailed in an envelope.

Taco seasoning

Chili seasoning

Ranch dressing mix

Crystal light or sugar free Kool-Aid

As you can see, things are pretty expensive here. We can eat cheaply at the “hawker centers” but all of those involve RICE. I love rice, don’t get me wrong. But my body can’t metabolize rice very quickly. Besides, I am hoping to get back on my Weight Watcher diet on Friday – when Rick leaves.

Yes, I know you are already praying for the days when I am here in Singapore by myself. It should be quite an adventure. Rick will be gone October 5 – 23. If you still want my address, just let me know. This may be a great time for encouraging cards and letters!

Continue to pray that our internet service will be turned on by Friday. That is when it is supposed to be on and it will really be a blessing to have it here in the apartment rather than having to walk down to the local coffee shop that has free internet service for its customers.

Also, remember to pray for our company’s registration. Rick has a meeting on Thursday concerning the registration. He has been busy writing a business profile that will hopefully help in the registration.

Looking forward to hearing from many of you in the coming days.

Worship in Singapore

Well, it is 5pm Sunday afternoon here and it is 4am Sunday morning where most of you are. You still have a wonderful day of worship to look forward to. What will you bring to your day of worship? Will you just be looking for what “church” can give you today? You know, one thing I have learned is that my worship doesn’t depend on where I am on Sundays. In Africa, we went to some pretty interesting churches. Many times I couldn’t understand the language. Sometime I couldn’t appreciate the music. However, I could ALWAYS worship. Because worship isn’t dependent on those things. It comes from inside you. Oh, those things can enhance your worship but they can’t take away from it. What will you take to worship today? A clean heart? A spirit ready to praise your Creator? Don’t leave home without those.

Today our worship experience was definitely enhanced. We went to a progressive Baptist church here in the city of Singapore. The church is so big it is held in a pavilion – like a great hall in the superdome. As we got off the subway we were joined by many others making their way to this church service. When I say there were THRONGS of people, I’m not kidding. I’m sure there were at least 5000 people in the service. As we made our way to our seat, the three worship leaders were already leading the crowd in the song “I am a Friend of God!” Behind them were two choirs of young adults and they were dancing and singing as well. Yes, there were bright lights everywhere and many of you would have thought we were at a Chris Rice concert! The air was absolutely electric! We sang praise songs for nearly an hour and it was incredible. One song we sang that I had not heard before was “Divine Exchange”. Oh, my, did it touch my heart. Be sure and look for that one at your local music store.

After the singing, two offerings were taken (at the same time). One was the regular offering and one was a mission offering. A blue bag and a red bag were passed and they were clearly marked.

The regular pastor and his family were traveling today so we heard a guest pastor. He spoke from God’s Word concerning a harmonious family. There were three main points:

1. In the relationship between wives and husbands, switch your mind on to submit and love. (Wives, submit to your husbands. Husbands, love your wife as Christ loved the Church.) You know I always get a little itchy when pastors start preaching about submission. I understand what the word means, but so many times, we, as women, just hear the submit part. That was not true today. He spoke on submission but actually spent more time speaking to the husbands on loving their wives sacrificially. I was pleasantly surprised. (You know, submission is easy when sacrificial love is evident.)

2. In the relationship between children and their parents, turn your emotions on to obey and encourage. (Children, obey your parents for it is fitting in the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children.)

3. In the relationship between families and God, act on your will to remember and restore. Remember God’s Word and HE will restore your family in the last day.

It was a great sermon and the Lord spoke to me so much during it. I was reminded of the blessing my family is to me. I have a husband who loves me sacrificially on every count. Therefore, it is easy to submit to him as the leader of our family. Our children have blessed us by being obedient and continuing to glorify God in all that they do. God’s Word is important to Rick and I as a couple and we have tried to pass that importance on to our children. God has continued to keep our family close and ever searching for His will for our lives.

By the way, after the sermon this morning, many came to know Christ as their personal Savior. PTL!

Well, I didn’t MEAN to preach today. But it was such a great worship service this morning. I hope your worship this morning is heart touching and life changing. The chorus of that song, “Divine Exchange” said this:

I live to worship You

I breathe to worship You.

You are all I need and I will ever seek Your face.

As I worship you

You lead me to the place

To the place of Divine Exchange.

Find that place today and have a great worship experience.

Found popcorn

Yesterday we finally found a place to take our clothes to launder. Okay, at our temporary abode there is no washer or dryer (and boy is it humid here). We have washed out a lot but there are just some things – that need to be in the washing machine – jeans, slacks, shirts, etc. So we taxied to a laundry that we found in the phone book. It costs S$13.40 (about $9) for between 1 – 4 kg. We had just under 4 kg so that was good. The lady asked if they could all be washed and dried together – we said “yes”. Then she said come back after 5pm. We told her that we would probably just come in the next day and get them and she was fine with that.

This morning Rick went to pick up the laundry and it was very nicely folded and wrapped in plastic. They did a great job and we will use them again (until we have our own place with our own laundry!)

Last night was pretty uneventful. We walked along the front street of Chinatown and I saw lots of good shopping opportunities but Rick wasn’t in the mood for that. We found a little sidewalk café to eat at. It was nice. The weather here in the late afternoon is very nice – it cools off and there is even a sea breeze.

October is right around the corner and it is a custom of our family to start playing Christmas music on October 1. I have a lot of Christmas music on my computer and am waiting patiently. Of course, I will be playing it before any of my kids because of the time difference! I think it will make me miss them a lot but it will be fun knowing that they, too, are getting in the Christmas spirit.

I know you will also be getting into the Christmas spirit there as soon as Halloween is over. The stores will be decorated for Christmas and shopping season will be underway.

If any of you have old Woman’s Day magazines (or others) you want to send me, I’ll be glad to take them off your hands. You’ll have to email me for my address but I will be glad to give it to you.

Haven’t heard from a lot of you. Write soon. You can’t know what a lifeline it is.

Oh, yea, yesterday we found Popcorn. I can make it here now.

Friday is here again!

It is so hard to believe that we have been in Singapore for a week now. Wow! We have discovered so much and explored much of the city (still have 99% more to go!) Last night we ate at a place down from our neighborhood called “Fish Head Steamboat”. It is a local place and there were many Singaporeans eating there. It was an outside restaurant so we sat down at a table and a young girl brought us the menu. Of course, Rick asked “what do you recommend”. Oh, she recommended the fish head steamboat! And Rick said, “Fine!” We also ordered some stir fry vegetables. Another girl came over and took our drink orders. We both ordered Pepsi Light. The funny thing was we had to pay for the drinks separately!

Anyway, soon the fish head steamboat arrived. Here is what it looked like! There was burning charcoal down in the “steamboat” looking thing and it kept the soup and vegetables hot. Yes, there was fish head in there and also seaweed (the black stuff you see there on the left). Although I had to pass on the fish head part (Rick ate that), the soup part was delicious. And last night it was slightly raining and cool and just the right weather for soup! There was also plenty with the rice bowls that were also served. We are practicing with our chopsticks!

I forgot to tell you that Wednesday night we went to the movie. The theatres here are the same except for this. When you buy your ticket, you go ahead and pick out your seat and reserve it. Now one theatre we saw last week even delivers your popcorn and drink to your seat after you are already in there! It was nice to sit back and watch a movie (we saw “The Invasion” – a remake of “The Body Snatchers”). We found out that Tuesday night is bargain night – tickets are S$6.50 each PLUS free drinks with your popcorn! (That’s about $4.50 in U.S. currency). It is regular S$7.00 ($4.90).

Anyway, after we ate at the Fish Head Steamboat we went back to our apartment and watched an old black and white movie on my computer. What a relaxing evening we had.

Today we are in town (after getting on the wrong bus and taking about 2 hours to get here – supposed to take about 15 minutes!). But we got to see more of the town and the bus is air conditioned and there are seats so…what a way to explore.

Don’t know what’s in store for tonight. Will tell you all about it next time!

Ugly Tuesday

Missed another day in there, didn’t I? Well, there was good reason. Tuesday – two days ago – I think I really came to a crisis of belief point! I had so many feelings that day – feeling of desperation about what in the world we were doing here. I felt swallowed up by this big city and all the unfamiliar around me. Brownsville was looking pretty good and I wouldn’t have minded waking up in it on Tuesday morning. There was such a feeling of heaviness on me that I could hardly stand it. I wanted to curl right up in this apartment and never go out the door again. It was scary out there. People were different. People looked at me differently. New food, new languages, new customs. So much new and not much familiar. So Tuesday, I stayed in. I know Rick was concerned about me but probably felt just leaving me on my own would be the best idea. He headed off to explore on his own. I curled up on the uncomfortable rattan sofa and escaped. I was discouraged, distracted, and deceived. I felt overwhelmed and just about at the end of my rope. I missed my kids. I missed friends and family. But most of all, I just missed the familiar.

Do you ever feel that way? Maybe you have a new job or maybe a new baby. Maybe you’ve just moved to a new community or a new church. Or maybe you just feel like you would rather just curl up in your room than face the day ahead. Believe me, I KNOW how that feels. I’ve been there.

I lost myself on Tuesday. I gave in to the lies that Satan loves to tell me. I am insignificant. I am weak. I am not able to be used. I am too unworthy. I am not strong enough to do that. I can’t do this. I can’t pass this test. I can’t take this job anymore. Sound familiar?

I lost myself Tuesday. I hid away in my shell, afraid, discouraged, and deceived. Poor pitiful me. If anybody can have a great pity party, I’m telling you that I am the one to plan that out for you. I can throw a doozy! Praise God that He puts up with all of that in me and loves me anyway.

Do you realize what a big God we have? Do you realize how much He loves you for YOU. You don’t have to pretend with Him. No, He already knows all of those feelings and fears. He made you and He knows you through and through, good and bad. I’m glad He loves me anyway, in spite of my MANY unbecoming characteristics. I can be pretty UGLY. But He loves me, UGLY and all!

Tuesday was UGLY. But Wednesday… there is always a new day with Him. “The steadfastness of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion’, says my soul, therefore, I will trust in Him.” Wednesday was a new morning… a new day.

After we talked to our kids and family on the phone Wednesday morning (and I had a good cry because I missed them so much)… Rick and I headed out. I have to tell you that the first step out the door was the hardest but I MADE myself do it. And you know what, it wasn’t nearly as scary as I had envisioned it on Tuesday. I saw the Lord’s hand many times yesterday – His hand of love showing me that HE was there and that HE was in control of everything and that I was right where He wanted me.

Give yourself permission to have a bad day. Go ahead and have it. Cry. Have a good pity party and invite others if you want to. It’s okay. Every day is not a great day. Some days are hard. Tuesday was a hard one for me. But I made it through (because you were praying for me) and Wednesday looked a lot different.

Thanks for your faithfulness to pray.

Chinese Gardens

Did I miss a day? Yes, and I don’t apologize for that. No way I can write every day. And nothing exciting happens EVERY day, you know.

However, last night we did do something special. We went to the Chinese Gardens here in the city. This is the season of the Malaysian New Year and the gardens were decorated with lanterns and it was absolutely beautiful. I will do my best to put some pictures on as soon as I can. The gardens alone were breathtaking but with the lanterns everywhere it was marvelous.

Today Rick ventured off by himself while I stayed in to wash clothes. WE don’t have a washing machine in this apartment so we are trying to do what we can at home and hopefully find a laundry somewhere close.

No word on registration yet. Rick has a meeting with the lawyer on Wednesday afternoon. Will continue to keep you posted.

Thanks to those of you who have written. The “new” is wearing off and the culture shock is setting in. We are getting over our jet lag and that is a good feeling. But other feelings are setting in and we could easily be discouraged. Thanks for your prayers.

Lori

New friends

I wish I could say we had a great worship service this morning but, in fact, we just about missed it. We took the bus, missed the right place to get off, a monsoon came (downpour), we had to stop and buy umbrellas, and we finally got the church about halfway through the sermon. BUT afterwards, we met a nice American couple who we invited us out to lunch! Then we went to their home for coffee and had a delightful afternoon visit! They have been in Asia (Hong Kong and China, mostly) for the last 12 years. So they gave us a lot of tips on the culture here and that really helped. Their kids are all grown, too, so they will be a great couple to do things with here. They travel a lot though, so we will just have to catch them at home!

When we got home, we just relaxed, read the paper, and listened to the radio. Did I mention that we don’t have a TV yet? It was a quiet Sunday afternoon.

We did receive a note from our son about his weekend adventures, though. He accidentally broke his nose at a driving range! That, in itself, is a whole ‘nother story!

By the way, Sunday was a great day.

Telling the future

It just hit me today that we are finishing up with Saturday and you in the states are just starting it. So in a way, we can tell you the future! Saturday is going to be a great day!

I was able to sleep right on until about 6am this morning. However, Rick was up at 3:30am. “While I was sleeping” he rearranged the whole living room and set up our office space! And he did all of that and didn’t even make a peep! He is good!

I checked my email and had heard from some of you. If nothing else, I hope the blog helps remind you to pray for us AND to write! If you want my new postal address you will have to email me and ask me for it!

My quiet time with the Lord this morning was sweet. As if He needed any help remembering, I reminded Him of how He had granted compassion on Nehemiah and provided him with the permit from the king he needed to go and rebuild the wall. Without that permit, look what would have happened. We are in the same boat with our permit. We have to have it before we can do anything! I want to remind YOU all to pray about that without ceasing!

Today we hit yet another set of stores in our exploration. I promise we ARE going to do more than shop while we are here. We are just trying to familiarize ourselves with the bus and subway system. It is so much cheaper to do that than to get a taxi everywhere. We left at about 10am and stopped off at our new favorite little internet café down the street from our apartment complex. We had coffee and a sort of strange omelet that was pretty good.

We went to the grand opening of the MRT mall. The MRT is the bus system here. There were all kinds of stores and I was even able to pick up our first Christmas present for one of our kids! Since Rick is headed that way early October, I will have to get my Christmas shopping done early!

We had lunch in another food court. I had bean curd soup (delicious!) with rice and Rick had friend prawns (shrimp). Later we got a fried scrambled yam. Okay, I can’t explain it but it was delicious, too.

Our next bus trip took us out to the IKEA store where they sell furniture. There is actually one of these in Nashville so some of you may have heard of it. However, this one was at least three stories tall – each story about the size of a super Walmart! We walked and looked and planned. We will have to buy several large pieces of furniture including some chairs, a dining room table and chairs, a bedroom suit, a washer and dryer, and possibly a small refrigerator. We also have to set up the office so we looked at desks and cabinets, etc. IKEA had some really beautiful stuff.

Next door to it was a COURTS megastore which was a lot like IKEA and just as big. Across the street there was a GIANT – yes, a grocery store, but we didn’t make it over there. By the time we had walked through both of those BIG stores, I was pooped and ready to head towards home!

We caught a bus outside the stores and it was packed. In fact, every bus and subway we got on was FULL and we had to stand most of the time. So that made me even more tired. By now our jet lag was really kicking in and I didn’t know if we were going to make it. We still had to stop for supper – remember we don’t have much set up in our little apartment kitchen yet. We stopped at a mall on the way home (got off the subway, walked up to the mall) and had supper. I had the most delicious cup of broccoli and cheddar cheese soup PLUS two pieces of garlic bread. Rick had some kind of ham and cheese puff balls (local food) which he enjoyed. He is much braver than I am at trying all of this new food. He could have also gotten octopus puff balls but decided it might be too late in the evening to have that!

We have now arrived home and I am bathed and ready for bed. I even managed to color my hair – which was in bad need of it – so I am ready for Sunday. I know that the Lord has a wonderful day planned for us as we have our first worship service here! And I’ll let you know how that goes!

Lori