First Days in Singapore

I made through airport security in ATL by the grace of God.  I prayed the whole way through.  It was tough...saying goodbye and then having some man tell me I'm doing something wrong.  I wanted to look at him with my tear-stained eyes and say "I'm leaving my friends and family to move across the world and serve my God, does it look like I care?!?!"  I didn't think that'd be an appropriate way to handle things though.  Instead, I sucked up my tears and tried to talk to mom through the ropes that I needed a one-quart bag. (It's a long story that I'm not going into here)  After that was the lonely tram ride to Concourse E and the walk to my gate.  For a person who doesn't like to do things alone, I've been pretty proud of myself.  And as Mindy reminded me, I'm not alone!  And that much is true!!  I have the Almighty God on my side!! And if He can raise Jesus, He can bring me to Singapore!

The flight was long, but surprisingly I didn't completely hate it.  The last leg (from Korea to Singapore) seemed the longest and it was only about 6 hours.  I think because I just wanted to get here already!!!  I'm not so much on the patient side (in case you didn't know that about me). 

I was rather anxious going through Incheon AIrport in Seoul...going through security, checking in, and TRYING TO FIND WHAT GATE TO GO TO!!  I wouldn't suggest changing planes in a country that uses characters  rather than letters.  I had the HARDEST time finding "Singapore" on the screen!  It wouldn't stay on English for more than 2 seconds.  Let me tell you it is pretty difficult to hunt it down on the HUGE screen!!

Praise!!!  I got through Immigration in Singapore without a hitch (I was nervous about that, but I gave it to God, and of course, He came through!), I picked up my luggage and it was all there!!!  That never happens!  Praise God!!! He was taking care of me!!!  All 3 bags, even the 70 lb one!!  The director of the school, Dr. Beeson and DeAnne Byrd from the school were there to pick me up.  That was a sweet sight!!!  DeAnne informed me that I would need to meet her at the school in the morning to go to the doctor for my physical so I could get my green card.  That sounds weird...me...green card.  At any rate, back to the story, they took me to the Parker's house where I'd be staying for a while.  On the family's card the house is appropriately called "Parker Palace."  

So on my first full day in Singsing, I woke up at 6:30 (yuk) and ate a breakfast (a bagel that reminded me of home).  We took a taxi to the school to meet DeAnne.  Then DeAnne, The Fraziers (my new adopted family since PFO), and I went to the doctor.  That was a small adventure.  Not your typical American doctor's office.  So I had to get a x-ray, blood work, and doctor consultation.  It wasn't scary, just different.  From the doctor we went the mall and I had my first "Chicken Rice" and I was pleased.  I really enjoyed it!!  I think I'll be having that often!  We went back to the school so I could have my tour and see my room.

I was suffering from serious jetlag and laid down on my floor for an hour nap.  Then we came back to the Parker Palace for dinner.  I had some trouble sleeping (again) and woke up in the morning to make some phone calls to those I love most!!  I then decided I wasn't finished sleeping.  I headed back to my bed until about 3 in the afternoon.  I was invited for dinner with two of the single teachers at work.  So here's my disclaimer for the next few lines: I rarely do things by myself in the states, much less to try in a foreign country, right?  So I attempted my first bus ride!!!!!  And very very nearly successfully had my first ride!  I only missed my stop by one, and it wasn't very far.  I stretched my tastebuds and ate swedish meatballs, which I don't normally like, but I enjoyed them!  I also stretched my belly with several slices of apple pie!  :-)  I'm such a pig!  Then I had to get ready and rested for my fun-filled day of tourism Saturday!!!!  (Another blog to come with pics from that day)

Thanks for listening!

Love you all and miss you!!!