Day 2

     So this morning did not start off well, at all. We woke up and decided to have breakfast at the local food court next door.

     Since the locals eat the same types of food for all 3 meals (they don't have breakfast foods), the closest thing we could find to breakfast was a plate of rice, with an egg, and some chicken. And apple juice. How cute is that can of apple juice?!

 

    I am not sure what triggered it, maybe the tiredness, maybe the mix of smells, the lack of water I have been drinking, but after I received my plate of food, I felt extremely nauseous, I could only eat a few bites before realizing I couldn't finish. Bliss started to feel the same way, so we headed back to the house to rest while Jenn and Tim did a little exploring before coming home.
    Thank you Jesus, I started to feel better by the time Jenn and Tim came back to the house. We decided to spend the day in China Town, but before we left, Steven came home and we were able to speak with him about what is going on and what to expect while here. He is suchhh an incredible man of God. I cannot wait to study under him and learn from one of the best!
    So China Town was absolutely incredible! I must say it was a million times better than the China Town in NYC! The first thing we come to getting out of the MRT (the underground subway system) was the bathroom. How unusual! You had to grab your toilet paper outside the door and they had baby sinks!

Here are a few pics that I took of China Town:

Angry Bird chop sticks for Hayden!!

 

 

 

     I know we were in China Town and should have enjoyed some really good Chinese food, we got McDonald's for lunch. BUTTT only because all of our stomaches were feeling all weird and we wanted something familiar and closer to home. But it was nottt the same thing. Very small menu to choose from, but the good news is that they had french fries!!!

 

     After we left China Town, we went check out Harbour Front shopping center before heading home. And was it hugggge! And cute!

 

    Very fun and successful day. But I am some exhausted. Here are just a few more pictures from today:

 The American girls this morning before leaving!

 Our front door. You must take your shoes off before entering anyone's home.

 Another view from the house.

All the clothes hanging out to dry.

 On the MRT.





Day 1

     So my first day in Singapore was a success! Me and Jennifer arrived at the airport at 5:35am and was picked up by Ms. Sylvia who works for Moved With Compassion. She dropped us off at Steven's home to unpack and freshen up before we left for our first day out in the city. We met up with Bliss and Tim at the house who arrived yesterday, and guy named Sean who is from Oregon.
     Here is the view from their 12th floor home. Love it!

     So us 5 left the house and walked around a bit near the house. We decided to head over to the Orchard shopping strip, which is a huge tourist attraction in Singapore filled with endless stores and shops. We did get lost since none of us really knew exactly where we were going. Once we arrived, we decided to grab some lunch. None of us could decide where to eat and we finally decided on this little place in the mall that looked authentic. I ordered the rice and chicken.

It wasn't too bad. Wasn't spectacular, but was actually kind of sweet which was interesting to me. I know I need to get used to the food here because I cant be picky! Once we walked outside the mall, they had this cute little old man selling home made ice cream sandwiches outside the mall doors. He had wafers and was slicing your choice of ice cream into blocks to make sandwiches. I got the triple chocolate, of course! Delicious!

     Afterwards, we wondered around some more and decided to head back. Before getting back to the house we stopped at a grocery store and picked up a few things we all needed. Once we got home, I was exhausted!! Running on hardly any sleep for the past two nights, I cannot wait to turn the lights off tonight and rest. My body definitely needs it, especially my feet. Strangely they are still swollen from the plane ride, weird!

     Here are just a few more pictures from today:



"I'm leaving on a jet plane..."

We are driving to Houston to catch our flight this afternoon. Can't believe this day has finally come. Sadly I must admit I cried like a babbbby when I had to say goodbye to Chloe, but I know she is in good hands! I honestly cannot say just how excited I am to finally have this opportunity. I can't wait to get out there, do the work of The Lord, and change lives! Next time I update, I will be on the other side of the world! 

T minus 21 days!

     So this last week or so, Cambodia has been really heavy on my heart. I am extremely excited about all aspects of this summer, but especially Cambodia.
     Last week a video was posted about Alma Café, the facility that we will be staying in, and attending classes inside. Very interesting. If you have time, please watch this video. It shows what the building will be used for, and their heart to reach the locals. This café will be used to employ girls who were used in the sex traffic industry, to teach them a trade and get them off the street. How amazing!
     But today was the biggest insight on Cambodia yet. I was able to meet with Danielle Fontenot and learn a whole lot that I had no idea about in Cambodia. Danielle and her husband Jeremy are missionaries permanently living out in Cambodia with Moved With Compassion Ministries. She told me about what to expect, the ways of life there, what is appropriate and not, etc.
    She was telling me that the locals live on less than $2-3/ day. That these "cowboys" ride around on motorcycles- 1 driving and 1 passenger- and take purses off of women's shoulders, phones/cameras out of peoples hands, anything they can get their hands on to sell. Because if they sell a phone for $20, that's 7-10 days of work for them. How heartbreaking.
    She was telling me about the prostitutes everywhere! That you can pick them out of a crowd. They will be the women alone, wearing shorts above their knees and tank tops. That's everyday wear in the US, right? But in this culture, it is absolutely taboo! That these women have nothing- that is why they turn to prostitution.
    She was telling me of one woman we will have the pleasure of working with who is 26 years old, and has 30 children raising them alone. She is American and will not call her home an orphanage, but a "home". These children are hers, and they call her "mom". How sweet, how selfless, how loving and how caring. That is what Jesus is about. I want to do the work of Jesus!
     I honestly cannot contain my excitement. To think in 3 weeks I will be saying goodbye to the comfortable life I call my own, and embark on a new journey. Thank you Jesus for this life changing opportunity!