Where is my costume?! I'm sorry folks but this year I am not dressing up. One, my guess is Singapore does not have many halloween shops. Two, you never know what random things may be expensive here. Three, it is bloody hot from dawn until dusk, any extra apparel is not worth it to me. Four, it would be pretty difficult to trick or treat in this place. Okay, now I am just making excuses.
Sometimes the world seems so small. For example, I have traveled as far away from the US as possible, but I have still met a couple of exchange students who are members of my business fraternity. Yet, it is the disasters like Storm Sandy that remind you of the Earth's size and power. As millions lose power, their homes, and for some their lives, life in Singapore is unchanged. In fact, Storm Sandy probably isn't even the most threatening phenomenon in the world right now. As I hear the requests of so many to pray for those in the storm, I hope myself and others can remember to pray for the rest of the world and its problems each day.
Not much has changed here in the last week. Call me unpatriotic, but I have decided I am not voting because it would cost $60 to ship my ballot back to Michigan in time. I wish I would have registered much earlier, but it was not the first thing on my mind during the excitement of starting my semester in Singapore. On Saturday, I am going to Legoland Malaysia. I always enjoy an opportunity that gives me an excuse to act like a little kid. Children seem to be much more advanced than us college students and adults when it comes to their attitudes on life.
November will be my last full month and I'm excited to see what God has in store for me. My goal is to find joy each day in my many blessings while trying not to dread the upcoming exam finals. Thanks for reading everyone :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Contenment
Whether you are a Christian or not, being content in all situations is certainly a virtue that we covet. In the book of Philippians, Apostle Paul writes, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." I believe that in addition to prayer and study, you can train your mind to be more content.
This week monsoon rains started a few minutes before I had to head to class. As I walked outside I hesitated before leaving cover and one of the local students noticed. He was quick to offer me a spot under his umbrella until we made it to shelter. That act of kindness put me in a very good mood. However, when my professor spoke about our final exam in my class an hour later, I felt sad, nervous, and a bit angry. At that point I think I had two choices. I could continue sulking over a stupid test or I could remember my new friend and his umbrella.
In the remaining two months I hope to be more conscious of the situations I let rule my mind. Continually thinking about the blessings in my life including my family, friends, traveling experiences, educational opportunities, and good health will likely lead me to deeds such as holding an umbrella for a stranger. While letting silly frustrations rule my thought process could easily lead to insensitivity, rudeness, pride, and a long downward spiral of negativity.
Pairing this mentality with seeking balance in life like I believe I mentioned in my last post should help me attain the growth I wish to bring back home. Coming to Singapore isn't only about seeing the world. It is about learning to be content in new and different situations, and sharing that skill with all the people I know and meet in the future.
Thanks for reading everyone, stay in touch!
This week monsoon rains started a few minutes before I had to head to class. As I walked outside I hesitated before leaving cover and one of the local students noticed. He was quick to offer me a spot under his umbrella until we made it to shelter. That act of kindness put me in a very good mood. However, when my professor spoke about our final exam in my class an hour later, I felt sad, nervous, and a bit angry. At that point I think I had two choices. I could continue sulking over a stupid test or I could remember my new friend and his umbrella.
In the remaining two months I hope to be more conscious of the situations I let rule my mind. Continually thinking about the blessings in my life including my family, friends, traveling experiences, educational opportunities, and good health will likely lead me to deeds such as holding an umbrella for a stranger. While letting silly frustrations rule my thought process could easily lead to insensitivity, rudeness, pride, and a long downward spiral of negativity.
Pairing this mentality with seeking balance in life like I believe I mentioned in my last post should help me attain the growth I wish to bring back home. Coming to Singapore isn't only about seeing the world. It is about learning to be content in new and different situations, and sharing that skill with all the people I know and meet in the future.
Thanks for reading everyone, stay in touch!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Rounding Second
Although I'm not sure on exact dates, it looks like I am about halfway done with my second study abroad experience. I am very grateful for everything I have seen and done so far, and I very much look forward to the future. Many things are certainly going to be different in these next two months.
Study, study, study. I am finally giving in. No longer will I simply accept the fact that I will come back with a much lower than average GPA because I am attending a top 50 school in the world. As with anything, I am going to do my very best and serve God through my school work. It seems that each day I am better learning how to have balance in life, but God is my balance beam.
Traveling will be delayed until further notice. I have big plans to travel to the Philippines when my semester ends December 6th. But because of a lack of funds and what I said in the previous paragraph, there will be very few if any trips made before semester's end. This will also give me a chance to visit popular destinations in Singapore such as Universal Studios, the Botanic Gardens, the National Museum, and more.
In other news, the Tigers are going to the next round of the playoffs. I couldn't be happier that it will be against the Yankees. Ah the internet is a wonderful invention!
Thanks for reading everyone!
Study, study, study. I am finally giving in. No longer will I simply accept the fact that I will come back with a much lower than average GPA because I am attending a top 50 school in the world. As with anything, I am going to do my very best and serve God through my school work. It seems that each day I am better learning how to have balance in life, but God is my balance beam.
Traveling will be delayed until further notice. I have big plans to travel to the Philippines when my semester ends December 6th. But because of a lack of funds and what I said in the previous paragraph, there will be very few if any trips made before semester's end. This will also give me a chance to visit popular destinations in Singapore such as Universal Studios, the Botanic Gardens, the National Museum, and more.
In other news, the Tigers are going to the next round of the playoffs. I couldn't be happier that it will be against the Yankees. Ah the internet is a wonderful invention!
Thanks for reading everyone!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Khmer Style
It has been awhile. Where could I possibly begin? Let's just fast-forward to Cambodia because I just arrived back after a nine day vacation there.
There are many reasons why I love SE Asia, but the number one reason has got to be the contrast. I left one of the richest, most developed countries in the world, flew less than three hours, and arrived in a country that is totally different, and nearly an opposite. Although Cambodia is a third world country, do not assume any negativity. The people were extremely nice, the food was cheap... I loved it there!
I spent my time with my friend Derek and many of his friends. It was so encouraging to find that Derek has a large friendship circle made up of people from several different Christian NGO's in Cambodia. I had the chance to meet many of them. I was most excited to hear each person's story. How on Earth did they arrive in Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh, after growing up in Iowa?! The stories revealed to me that our life plan thankfully is not created by us.
Major Happenings in Cambodia:
1) Many people don't know that less than 40 years ago Cambodia experienced a three year genocide that wiped out nearly 3 million people from their population of 8 million. I had the chance to visit one of the hundreds of killing fields and a prison in Phnom Penh that were used during the Khmer Rouge genocide. I have never seen anything like it and I still feel as if every part hasn't registered in my brain yet. It truly is unbelievable what humans are capable of; luckily, we have the opportunity to use those capabilities for good.
2) I scratched another one of the seven modern wonders of the world off my list, Angkor Wat. Derek and I spent two and a half days in the city of Siem Reap. Much different than the capital city, it was full of tourists, hotels, a large variety of restaurants, shows, and many fish spas (a fish spa is a pool of water containing small fish who will gladly eat the dead skin off of your feet for hours, of course I tried it)! The Angkor temples were incredible. Still standing after 700 years, the temples were mostly architecturally sound and full of amazing wall artwork.
3) One day I had pumpkin pancakes, muffins, doughnuts, and bread. Leaves aren't falling, but I can do my best to experience fall.
I could go on about my time in Cambodia, but I would much rather tell you the rest in person. Plus, I just got back today. I still need to figure out what I actually learned. As always, thanks for reading and have an incredible day!
There are many reasons why I love SE Asia, but the number one reason has got to be the contrast. I left one of the richest, most developed countries in the world, flew less than three hours, and arrived in a country that is totally different, and nearly an opposite. Although Cambodia is a third world country, do not assume any negativity. The people were extremely nice, the food was cheap... I loved it there!
I spent my time with my friend Derek and many of his friends. It was so encouraging to find that Derek has a large friendship circle made up of people from several different Christian NGO's in Cambodia. I had the chance to meet many of them. I was most excited to hear each person's story. How on Earth did they arrive in Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh, after growing up in Iowa?! The stories revealed to me that our life plan thankfully is not created by us.
Major Happenings in Cambodia:
1) Many people don't know that less than 40 years ago Cambodia experienced a three year genocide that wiped out nearly 3 million people from their population of 8 million. I had the chance to visit one of the hundreds of killing fields and a prison in Phnom Penh that were used during the Khmer Rouge genocide. I have never seen anything like it and I still feel as if every part hasn't registered in my brain yet. It truly is unbelievable what humans are capable of; luckily, we have the opportunity to use those capabilities for good.
2) I scratched another one of the seven modern wonders of the world off my list, Angkor Wat. Derek and I spent two and a half days in the city of Siem Reap. Much different than the capital city, it was full of tourists, hotels, a large variety of restaurants, shows, and many fish spas (a fish spa is a pool of water containing small fish who will gladly eat the dead skin off of your feet for hours, of course I tried it)! The Angkor temples were incredible. Still standing after 700 years, the temples were mostly architecturally sound and full of amazing wall artwork.
3) One day I had pumpkin pancakes, muffins, doughnuts, and bread. Leaves aren't falling, but I can do my best to experience fall.
I could go on about my time in Cambodia, but I would much rather tell you the rest in person. Plus, I just got back today. I still need to figure out what I actually learned. As always, thanks for reading and have an incredible day!
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