Selamat Pagi, guys!
Here I am in Singapore! I meant to write to you from San Fran but we got busy and I was enjoying it too much that I didn't have time to blog.
Being in San Fran with George and Cindy Freeman was so refreshing and revitalizing to my being. I felt pretty good there. Very natural. Very at home. Even in the slummiest, darkest, smelliest areas of a beautiful San Francisco. But that's just how I'm wired.
We spent most of our time out on the streets hanging out with the homeless community. We mapped out walking routs covering a handful of the massage parlors in the area. We stopped in front of each one to ponder and pray over them.
The parlors in that area are literally brothels in disguise. Usually, these girls are sold or manipulated into the business by their families. Or else they're just broke and need a warm place to stay. And a job. Nothing in life is free, right?
Even though we didn't go into the buildings... I will probably never look at a massage parlor the same way again.
Another cool thing we got to do was making buckets of hot chocolate and strolling up and down the sidewalks handing out styrofoam cups of chocolatey warmth. I got the job of pouring mini marshmallows. Which was my favorite. Cause everyone loves marshmallows.
We had so many cool conversations with people out there. I love talking to strangers. They love telling stories. They'll tell you their whole life if you give them time and attention. And if you show that you're genuine enough to take it in. Usually, that's all they need. Someone to listen. Someone to process with. And a cuppa warm liquid with a bunch of love-mallows on top. And they're usually not telling a bunch of princess love stories, that's for sure.
And of course, George insisted on taking us out to see the city and the pier. Wow. Night life in the city is so amazing! We saw the lights and the Christmas trees an the Macy's decorations and the TWO STORY CHIPOTLE!! what?! That was exciting.
We also went exploring along the pier. We walked up and down the vertical streets of San Fran and found the coolest board walk ever. There were street performers and an arcade museum and seafood restaurants and people danced and sang and sea lions barked and flailed to our enjoyment. I learned to be okay with the smell of salty sea and fishy fish. Even though I hate those smells invading my nostrils, they do smell like sweet memories. George and Cindy were the best people to experience that with.
George had an awesome idea that I wanted to 'borrow' from him! And I'm only writing it here so I won't loose it. He thought "How awesome would it be to get in contact with these better street performers and keep track of them as they travel. That way you can notify their audience about where they'll be next." Ha! I would love to look into that. Maybe I'll find myself hanging out in San Fran more often. <3
Wow I have so many more stories to tell you but for now, I'm gunna save you some time.
Welp, after like, 18 hours of flying, making friend on the plane, decent airline food, and a few sluggish days of jet lag, I'm lounging on a couch on the porch of our Singapore campus. It's not too hot but it will be when I get up. Kinsey and I are gunna go shopping in a bit.
Yesterday, we went to the clinic to get vaccinations. Long story-short, I decided not to get a Japanese Encephalitis vaccination. The odds of me catching this scarring virus are very slim, but still possible... I won't go into detail about it because my own mother could be reading this and I don't want her worrying about all that I'm up against here! Basically, it's just a mosquito virus. But I'm taking plenty of precautions against that. Plus, I felt peace in turning it down. It was a very very expensive 2-part vaccination and there was a good chance we won't be able to get the second dose we need anyway. So pray for me, friends. I trust Him that I'll be safe. I did get a flu shot though! My first ever.
We also went to the Singapore Art Museum last night. That was so inspiring. I miss Minneapolis' art museums.
Quick update on my team family!!!!
-Sam sprained his ankle playing soccer with the Amsterdam team who is also hanging out here for a couple weeks. Soccer is like an international language. Especially in such a diverse place as Singapore. Poor guy hasn't been able to walk in a few days. But today I see him hobbling around alright. He's getting better. Pray for that guy. He's had such an awesome attitude and he's so involved in the people and connections around him. Him and that stunning smile.
-Kinsey has been feeling pretty homesick but she's pushing through. She's having issues with her boyfriend back home. Sucks to be in a place like this when you're romance isn't. She's my girl though. I'm glad to have her here. It wouldn't be the same without her.
-John and Jordin are so great. I think they're doing alright. They're pretty familiar with a setting like this, which helps me feel comfortable too. (Even though I just killed what I suspect to be a venomous spider with a scorpion tail...) They're ready to be in Indo though, so they can get to establishing some order for the next 8 weeks. I enjoy those two.
- Me, I'm doing alright. Im finding myself to get easily peopled out but there are places to go to get alone here. I found some yummy new music the other day. Ever heard of Zach Winters? I found him on Spotify. Look him up.
Over all, we're doing really well as a team. Communications are good. Discussions are solid and positive. And we're getting along again. I can tell you've been thinking and praying over us.
Anyhoo, I'm gunna go to the market with KDawg. And maybe SamSam.
Plus, I hear some pretty music happening somewhere and I want to go find it. So I'm done here.
Thanks for reading this far.
I'll write again soon.
Love
-G
