The Green Cards

A few days ago Cody and I went to the Ministry of Manpower for our appointment with the Employment Office. They are the governing authority for all foreign workers here in Singapore and we had to take photographs and fingerprints for our Longterm Passes. (Green Cards) Pretty cool experience; everything was very organized and we'll pick up our cards on Saturday.

The M.O.M. makes me think of Harry Potter...anyone? Ministry of Magic

The last few days have been like this for both of us; fevers are no fun.

We started to feel a little better so we ventured out to get some important shopping done at Funan Digital Life Mall. A micro SD card for the Garmin, new wide-lens for the Nikon, and a new iphone charger. (The other one is lost somewhere). I also got my iphone fixed- the screen was cracked big time(I drop it a lot), but a new one here is about $600. They fixed it right in front of me in about 5 minutes- pretty cool! 

Raffles Hotel- Birthplace of the Singapore Sling

I was craving something "American" Cody obliged.

Camera Store Lens Test

Well known seafood place- Dempsey is a really cool area- Old British Motor Camp

Team Cook 

These were absolutely necessary

Delicious "Fish Sticks"

The Famous Chili Crab

Today we woke up early for something really special. Breakfast at the Singapore Zoo! Our tour guide Susie had recommended this to us last week and I'm really glad we looked into it. This was by far one of the coolest zoos that I've ever been to. Somehow they hid most of the enclosures and we felt like we were in the jungle with the animals-slightly terrifying, but really cool! 

Orangutang Breakfast 

Cody Facing Fears

The snake moved a lot more when I held it.

The White Tigers 

The Panda was so cute and it was in an A/C enclosure- BONUS

Asian Elephant Performance 

Komodo Dragon- They are HUGE

The Reticulated Python

Cat Nap

No two have the same pattern

Wart Hog Covered in Mud: Just like the Lion King

We're hoping to move into our apartment tomorrow and take a quick trip to Bali or Cambodia before the real work starts. Still loving Singapore.

XOXO Christie & Cody 

Singers

Apparently locals call Singapore, Singers... I guess that means that we can too! So far, so good here in Singers. Cody and I are really, really loving our time here. This place is so rich in culture and yet so westernized. It's probably one of the best places for an American to live in Asia- you can disappear into one of the local neighborhoods and feel very swallowed up indeed, but a 5 minute MRT ride and you're right back in the middle of a shopping center full of brands and eateries that are easily recognized.

Meeting Quinn and Dawn at Boat Quay (Pronounced Key)

Early morning run (ok walk, more of a walk)

The Merlion

We spent our afternoon yesterday hanging out by the pool. Since we're right on the equator the two of us need to remember our sunscreen! Not exactly the tannest couple anyone knows over here, but we're working on it! 

We decided to head down to Chinatown for dinner in search of the best dumplings in the city. It's sort of a big deal that we both like Asian food; I imagine we'd be having a really tough time if that wasn't the case. I spent some time reading reviews and picked a place that looked really authentic! Our hotel is on the City Hall MRT station, but we're just a few stops to Dhoby Ghaut where you can change lines and head on down to Chinatown!

Shopping area in Chinatown

As soon as you go outside you feel like you're in China

Oranges bring good luck- Chinese New Year

The Eating House

Steamed Pork Dumplings- Xiao Long Bao

Pan Fried Seafood & Pork Dumplings

Lotus Seed Pancake Dessert 

Chrysanthemum Tea 

The Streets of Chinatown

We went to bed early so we could get up for church today; we chose to attend Thompson Road Baptist Church and absolutely fell in love. It's incredibly close to our (hopefully) new home, but only took about 15 minutes via MRT from our hotel. I don't think I've ever been so moved at church. I was overwhelmed to tears at the sound of different languages worshipping my same God. I realize that, that shows my close-mindedness, but it's not every day that happened to me in America. This Sunday they were having their annual missions update- all about how we are called by the Great Commission to go out into the world and tell others about what God has done in our lives and who He is. A Taiwanese preacher spoke in Mandarin, but was translated to English.

(Six Perspectives of Witness for the Gospel)

1. Heavenward Witness (Identity): Our Citizenship is in Heaven, not limited to country or Earth.

2. Centrifugal Witness (Geography): Christianity has always spread, no central location. 

3. Trans-Cultural Witness (Culture): We should cross all barriers to witness: color, religion, status.

4. Deepening Witness (Theology): We shouldn't be stagnant in our faith, need a new testament to share daily.

5. Authentic Witness (Authenticity): From doing to being. We are called to BE salt and light, not create it. The Holy Spirit transforms us. 

6. Witness in Dispersion (Church): A church should be focused on dispersion, not on gathering. While gathering breeds criticism and evaluation of pastors, programs, events, location, attendance....Dispersion is concerned about what happens when the doors are opened. How we can go out into the world and how our walk is during the week.

We just loved our day today. Praise the Lord for all that He has done and for letting us experience His church all over the world! 

Love,

Christie and Cody 

Moving on up

For the last two days Cody and I have been working with Joanna, a realtor that works with Crown Relocation, to find a new home. Not that I'm complaining about where we are- The Swissotel is the bomb. We'll be here another week before moving into our new place!

Hotel Lobby

The Executive Club has great snacks! 

So grateful for this amazing opportunity- and a smart husband.

Joanna took us to see a few different apartment options here in Singapore. Mostly located in the Orchard Scotts area or District 9...makes me think of the Hunger Games. Every one that we saw was so beautiful! Bigger than I expected, but since I heard we were moving to Asia I think I've been imagining a matchbox!! 

We had lunch at Wee Nam Kee...Chicken Rice was delicious. 

Yesterday we also got our EZ-link cards set up. That's how we'll travel around since we won't have a car. The subway system and buses are all interconnected and very easy to use...kinda exciting! (Since they drive on the other side of the road, with the wheel on the right side of the car...I'm glad we're not even trying.)

Today we went to view several apartments at the building that we liked the most. The rental process here is very different than it is Stateside. You're typically renting from a landlord that is represented by their own agent. That agent and your agent, in our case Joanna, work out the lease details. It's a pretty high pressure situation and we, "made an offer" immediately after viewing one this morning. We won't know for a few days if it's been accepted, but we sure hope so!

The agents making a deal

We had lunch at Ikea after shopping for
new furniture...Cody found
ice cream.

As I'm typing Cody is researching churches so I'm sure we'll be visiting one this weekend! This evening we are going to meet with Quinn and Dawn, a couple that have given us lots of advice on moving to Singapore. They're also Aggies and we've been e-mailing with them for a few weeks. Should be fun, we're excited to make friends.

Love,

Christie & Cody