Saturday, January 31, 2009

January Headlines

Holidays are over: Well the New Year Holidays have come and gone. The traditions of Chinese New Year are about to close as Singaporeans go back to the hustle and bustle of work work work. And now that I am fully employed with Equipping Leaders for Asia, I too am joining this whirlwind we call the work force. And although the work is overwhelming at times, I know it will be worth it.

ELA Full Swing: So basically, I manage all the leadership training programs that ELA offers. We are the representatives for John Maxwell, Tim Elmore and Patrick Morely for the non-profit world. But the thing is, is ELA consists of my boss Mike, Jenny our administrator, 1 part time accountant, an intern and myself. That's it. In the last month, I have never learned so much so fast about Singapore, Asian culture, ELA culture, about how to run a non-profit, how to get certified in the material, how to understand Singlish on the phone, you get my drift. I'm heading to India, Vietnam and Malaysia in the next few months to conduct and participate in several of these trainings--never a dull moment!

New Zealand: Dave is off in New Zealand for the month of February...this is the exact trip a year ago that Dave and I met for the first time. It was a bummer that I couldn't make it this year (starting a new job and all)...but 5 weeks isn't anything we can't handle. We are professional long distance relationship-goers. :)

Record Breaking: So I have officially lived here in Singapore for over 3 months. This is the longest I've been away from the states and I'm starting to finally feel like myself here. I still miss everyone back home. Feels like forever since I lived with Meg in Wash Park- throwing themed parties and sipping cold beer on the front porch. I miss cool weather, the mountains, my car, country line dancing, my hair when it's not frizzy, Wash Park, American sarcasm, ranch dressing, and of course, clothes that fit right. BUT I've gained some new enjoyments: wonton noodle with pork, Lime juice, public transport that is actually convenient, diversity of friends with complex and interesting perspectives (ok, I had this in the states too) :) , asian line dancing, Clark Quay (the beatiful bay area you see in my picture on my blog Title), and of course...dave. :)

ROWAN: On the flip side of my life, the ministry in Uganda is about to become a full blown non-profit! I had a Uganda meeting over Skype with 15 people on the other side all watching my bobbing head on top of the piano! hahah AMAZING what technology can do these days! Watch out for our future website: http://www.ruralaids.org/

Support: Thanks everyone for keeping in such great touch with me here. I've seen a lot of you on our lovely webcam and you have no idea how much that helps to see you guys. And if you don't have a webcam, get on it!

My 1 Minute of Fame!

So between 9:25-9:30pm on Channel News Asia, My Beautiful asthetic photo of...yes....THESE fish were on TV! I know. I know. It's almost too much too fast. I mean, one minute I'm just a nobody and the next minute...a star. Please don't all come rushing me at once. I can only sign one photo at a time... haha
Well in case you were wondering, I took this during Chinese New Year at Singapore's famous China Town. My friend and I went down in the morning to watch everyone shop for their traditional family reunion dinner. Below are some of the basic ingredients... YUM!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Dashing through the Bubbles...

...in a one way double-decker bus... :)

Christmas in Singapore. Something I never thought I would experience in my lifetime! It all starts back in oh….October as Orchard Road turns into Tinsel Town with lights, trees, Christmas cottages, stages, floats and verses lit up on the sides of Mega Malls. People are walking around in their summer splash wear (that’s for you Kendra) and passing the wonder land décor. It’s quite the oxymoron, but a site to see! The other night I was walking on Orchard and as I looked ahead I thought, “Wait, is that SNOW!?!” I get closer and watch the children running and throwing what looks like snow at each other and realize it is in fact, bubbles! As I received pictures yesterday of my California ranch covered in 6 inches of snow, it blows my mind that I am here in Singapore experiencing Bubble land.

Of course I will miss the traditions at home this year. I’ll miss the cool weather and skiing in Colorado. I’ll miss the ugly Christmas sweater parties and cookie exchanges. (ok ok so I’d always cheat and go buy them, but still!) I’ll miss decorating the tree with the ancient ornaments we’ve had since I was born. I’ll miss seeing all my family on Christmas Eve with our insane Christmas gift guessing game that goes on for an Eternity. I’ll miss waking up early with my family and enjoying the morning of gifts next to the crackling fire. I’ll even miss the ridiculous traditions of watching Prancer and White Christmas! Yes mother, I said it! :) But I WON’T miss Kenny G’s Christmas album you play relentlessly Every year since…oh….1990. It’s amazing to think that I’ve had the same traditions for Christmas over the last 20 years. I don’t know Christmas any other way, until now….

Of course in time we experience new traditions and memories. This week several churches will come together on Orchard with impressive Christmas floats and productions- it practically becomes Bethlehem over here! Dave and I just went to a Christmas party where we dressed up 90’s attire (pictures to come!). It was so refreshing to go to a Christmas party where the hosts made it important to spend time singing Christmas Carols and worshiping the Lord together. Wednesday night we'll head to a Christmas Eve service and enjoy Christmas day with Dave and his family. They typically have their traditions set in New Zealand, so we are making our own traditions together this year. They have been incredibly warm and hospitable to me as I make this transition.

So there you have it! I just want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and pray that you all are able to really Enjoy the true meaning of this season. If there is anything I can advise you on this year, it is to never take the time you have with your family for granted. And if you are like me and are in a entirely new environment this Christmas, enjoy the newness and those around you to the fullest. Love you all!

My first Chinese Wedding!!







Thursday, December 4, 2008

This is for you Tracy! :) New friends...

Darius egging me on to eat some good ole' asian mussels...
taking the mussel plunge...

this is me swallowing the slimy mussel and trying to take it like a true asian...at least it made Darius smile :)






This is Hemdi, fellow co-working at Equipping Leaders for Asia, but she's leaving soon!
This was a fun night of dinner and dancing- the First time Singapore saw the Kelsey Moves! :) (Kirby- you would have been proud!) Not sure if Singapore can handle me, but we will see in time... I DO miss country line dancing however. Someone go cowboy up on my behalf!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving!


Alli, Kate and I




Crazy Mark

Wednesday, November 26, 2008