Sundays here in Singapore are quite overwhelming because there are a lot of people to catch up with and lot of people who want to meet you. Being a pastor's kid here is quite different I suppose.
Church was great! God's presence was very evident and the message (by a guest speaker) was very good. He spoke about becoming a crossover generation. It was a timely message and a great challenge for the church.
After church, our family went across the street to have lunch with some family friends. It was a special time because there were 2 guys whom my parents had essentially adopted when there were in their early teens and raised them. They were troubled kids and their parents had given up from them and figured the pastor could do something about it. Both guys have gone through a lot in life but have done well and more importantly have kept the faith. It was great for my parents to have all the "boys" together.
We headed back to the church after lunch because my dad had agreed to have a short meeting with someone. The short meeting lasted for 2 hours! Mum and I just sat in the church office waiting. It was lame. We were planning to come home and rest a little before we went out again. There was a home group that was having their Christmas celebration and my parents were invited to grace the event. So because the meeting went long, we headed to the party right away from the church.
The party was fun. I was very excited to see people interact with each other and how successful the home group model works here. Even at the party, there were quite a few friends who were invited from the people within the group. It was a fun time.
After the party, we went home and I changed to head out again. I was going to try and surprise one of my best friends Eric (and his wife Joy) at their work. Unfortunately, when I got there they were out running errands. We managed to touch base on the phone and I was bummed because it had been 2 years since I saw them. I decided to call Charlotte to see what they were up to and found out that they were over at her brother Collin's place, so I made my way there to see them. I had a great visit with Collin and his growing family. It was so good to see all of them.
While at Collin's, Eric called and said that he was back at the restaurant, so I headed back that direction. We finally connected and it was even more fun to find out that Joy is expecting and is due in June. That is so cool! I am so proud of Eric and Joy and so happy for their new addition! Since we had not seen each other for so long, we just talked and talked and before we realized it was 2 am! By then I was so wiped out I headed home.
Monday came quick. It was somewhat emotional knowing that it was my last day there. The day was going to be a packed one. The church staff was having their Christmas party at lunch, so our family headed to the church. I hitched a ride to the church, caught up with some people there and said my goodbyes. I then headed downtown hoping to do some shopping. The bummer was by the time I got downtown (on a bus) it was already quite late and I only had very limited time to shop because I had to head back to the church for dinner with my extended family. Then it started to rain. So basically I didn't get anything shopping done.
Dinner was fun but very quick at the same time because my dad was scheduled to have a board meeting that night. We ate and said our goodbyes and we went back to the church. After waiting around the church for a while, I hooked up with Shawn and Eva (members of the church and great people) and we went to Starbucks to hang out. Also planned was a meeting with Aik's sisters to pick up gifts for Janelle. Shawn and Eva took me home that night just before midnight and I began packing my stuff for the early morning flight. Yet another day came and went.
Tuesday morning came even more quickly! I was up at 4 am to get ready for the airport. The trip to Singapore was short but it was a very good one. I am glad I made the trek to spend time with family. I love my parents. It was a plus to have been able to see some of my dear friends and spend time with them. Good bye Singapore!
Eric & Joy
Shawn & Eva
Shawn, Eva & Janet
Lunch with my parents and family friends
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