On the Road to Somewhere : 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.