May 18th
Today we got a tour of Singapore. Moses volunteered to drive us around Singapore. We headed south initially to the south part of the island. From there we went to China Town. There we took a little tour in a building that took us back to what life was like for the Chinese who immigrated here to Singapore a hundred years ago or so. I noticed lots of tourists in China Town and vendors who would try to lure us into their shops to buy things from them. I had a good excuse since I don't have any Singapore money.
After China Town we headed to the Esplanades-Theatres on the Bay. This is a huge performing arts center along the Singapore River. They are expanding the center to also have a floating stage in the river. From the Esplanades we saw a statue of a tiger statue (the tiger is a symbol here in Singapore) across the river.
While driving around Singapore I was again struck by the multi-cultural nature of the country. I noticed the British influence here. Singapore got independence from Britain in 1957 and joined with Malasia, but then formed their own country in 1962. I also noticed the interesting trees throughout the city. One tree is known as the "rain" tree. Another one I saw today we called a "banyan" tree in India. I'm not sure what they call it here, but it has roots that stretch to the ground from its branches.
Leaving the Esplanades, we headed to the north part of the island. Here we would get a view of Malaysia. We decided to have lunch here in a converted British officers building. It was quite nice. Hey, I even got to eat squid again! And it was so good, I had a couple of them. This time it wasn't raw, though, as it was in Japan. I definitely enjoyed the cooked squid better!
We had a great time at lunch with mom and Ben sharing about their experiences in China when they first met as teacher and student. I learned a lot more about how the short one year in China for mom and dad changed so many peoples lives forever.
We got back to Ben and Han Jing's in the afternoon and just relaxed until supper which both Ben and Han Jing prepared for us. Earlier in the afternoon we sampled some fruit that is only grown in this area. One fruit looks like a prickly fish on the outside, but tastes like what we used to call "leechies" in India. The other fruit is a bright purple fruit that tastes like the kiwi fruit. This fruit comes in either white color or this bright purple color. Han Jing told us to not get it on our clothes, because you can't get the color out of your clothes. I noticed I had a hard time getting my hands clean of purple stains after finishing eating the fruit. Another new and interesting experience today.
After supper Ben and Han Jing along with their youngest son Aaron took me on a walk to the Singapore Bible College. It is very close to their apartment. It was another warm evening and I was sweating by the time I got to the college. Right away I met the principal of the college. I found out he is a graduate of Talbot Seminary and his wife from Biola where Carol and I graduated from. He also was influenced by the pastor of the Chinese Baptist Church in Los Angeles which is the church my folks know people from. What a small world.
After touring the college, we relaxed in the apartment and slept some knowing that we would be picking up my sister Miriam at 1:00 am. Ben and I went to pick her up. We walked awhile before finding a bus which took us to the downtown business section. We waited there for quite awhile for another bus to take us to the airport, but apparently we missed the last bus of the night so we took a taxi to the airport instead.
It was so good to see Miriam. She's such a spark plug and encourager. She's had a long day, though with another long day ahead of us what with Ben's graduation and everything. He will be at a prayer meeting at the college at 7:30 am. I'll be taking their son Abel to his soccer practice at 8:30 since Han Jing will need to stay home with their youngest son Aaron who is still not feeling too well. Abel and I will take a taxi to and from soccer practice.
I'm looking forward to what God has in store for tomorrow. Before heading to bed, I prayed for Ben and Han Jing and the day tomorrow. After graduation at 3:00 pm they will have about 50 people over to their apartment to meet in a conference room here. It should be a great day of celebration of God's faithfulness in their lives.
