It’s no Singapore

A bit disappointing – the three words I’d use to describe the City’s Christmas decorations. I guess my standards are particularly high after seeing Singapore’s impressive display of festive cheer at Orchard Road – yet my expectations were still low because, well, it’s Perth. Are we maybe called Dullsville for a reason? We definitely aren’t the liveliest state in Australia (but probably the most beautiful I might add) – and the lack of people shopping last night somewhat supported this statement. I didn’t stand in a queue once. Maybe people were just unaware of the extended trading in the City. It worked in my favour nonetheless. I could really get used to the extended trading hours :) Tis a shame they end after Christmas.

I came across this group of people on Murray Street. I gathered that they were a Christian group from Korea. They were entertaining a small audience (in this picture they are being penguins) and one guy gave his testimony. It reminded me of being on missions.

But then it occurred to me – missionaries are coming to Perth!? Shame on us! We are more than capable of reaching out to those living here yet apparently we aren’t doing it enough! That thought really affected me and has motivated me to strategise for next year. We need a kick up the bum and we need to begin seeking opportunities to share the gospel!

Motivation!

Hello Singapore

It is day two in Singapore – I was far too tired to blog yesterday after getting little sleep on the flight over. The flight was delayed almost two hours – Asher and I were not quite sure why, but it appeared that all flights leaving Perth were delayed for the same reason.

We had a farewell party – cheers to the boys taking the time to send us off :)

We were greeted in Singapore by some old friends – Luwei (whom I didn’t recognise at first glance), Jack, Serene and Sherie. I was bracing myself for the humidity to smack me in the face like a misguided high-five as I walked through the doors to exit Changi Airport, but I think my mental preparation allowed it to not offend me as much as it did previously.

We hit the ground running and went straight to the Salvation Army … and then the running subsided a bit as we all (the Singaporeans included) caught-up on some sleep. After our quick recovery nap, we were ready to shake-up the anti-gum island.

	We ate some foreign fruit Apparently this thing is called a pear. It has the texture of a Beur Bosc pear, but has the shape of an overgrown apple. It was so big I couldn’t eat it all in one sitting. (Interestingly they sell their fruit per piece rather than per kilo here).
	We ate what the locals eat We decided to embrace the culture as best as we could by eating some of the local cuisine for dinner. Asher had a laksa whilst I had a fish ball soup. I was later informed by Ian that fish ball soup is usually eaten for breakfast. Fail.
	We visited Cold Storage not once but three times All in one day. Once for breakfast cereal and some fruit. Second for a bigger box of breakfast cereal and some UHT milk (as it is significantly cheaper than fresh milk) and then thirdly for some pens and plastic plates. We are almost on a first name basis with the checkout chick.

Tomorrow we leave for Philippines. We’re pumped and ready to go :)

Ignite.

Dear Australia

I will miss you. But I’ll only be gone for two weeks. In fact maybe I won’t miss your scorching heat. But I will definitely miss your lack of sweat-inducing humidity of which I will experience plenty in Singapore.

I will miss some of your food – a staple diet of three vegies and meat will be lacking from my diet. I have a gut feeling it will be replaced with mouth-burning, bowel-cleansing food (i.e. curries). I’ve been told that once the taste buds are burnt, the food is somewhat bearable. I’m a sceptic, but we’ll test the theory nonetheless.

I will miss my family – Sunday reminded me of how much fun I have around my friends. But soon enough we will be united once again.

Goodbye my sunny state. Take care of Jonni while I’m gone.

Heaps of love,
Jason.