One of the things you come to learn about working in Egypt is that nothing is predictable - nothing. So when Jen walked into my room two weeks ago and said "Welcome to Egypt - we have all of next week off." I wasn't entirely surprised. Thrilled, but not surprised. So we started talking about what to do with our days off and within a day or two, my plans completely changed. Originally I was going to spend the time at an oasis but within a matter of hours, I was booking a flight for Singapore. My lovely friends, Justin and Jennifer Willerton, agreed to open their home to me for the week. Six days later, I was on a plane to Singapore!
When I got there, the Willerton family were waiting for me at the airport. We went outside and all I could say was "Oh my goodness!" over and over again. It was SO green and SO clean! If that was all I could take away from this trip, that would be enough. Thankfully, that wasn't all there was.
I loved spending time with the Willertons. They are such an amazing family! The boys are so fun and respectful. I enjoyed them so much! They were generous, playful, and sweet with their time and energy. I loved every moment with them. As sweet as they were, I enjoyed their parents even more. I told Jennifer that I really enjoyed seeing them be "Justin and Jennifer" this trip. The last time we were able to spend time together, the boys were 18 months and just over three years old. They were in hard core Mom and Dad mode. Now I got to enjoy watching them be a couple and having conversations with them. We were able to talk about expat life, challenges of our individual homes, and catching up on what is happening in each other's lives. They carry Jesus with them and it is so evident when you are with them. It is restful and rejuvinating.
One thing that I deeply love is seeing a diversity of people living and working together. That is Singapore. Nations, religions, and races all intersecting in this one city. Though they do not agree on beliefs and come from different backgrounds, they all live together. I think that we are better for being in places like this. We are stretched to examine our beliefs about all sorts of things. We are stronger in ourselves and our relationships.
And yes, it was GREEN! I never thought I would say that I loved a hot and humid place. However, it was so different from other hot and humid places I've been. It made for some of the deepest and most varied shades of green I've ever seen. I couldn't get enough of it! I never really considered myself an outdoors girl but I enjoyed soaking up every moment of sun I could get. Whether is was Night Safari, the zoo, the Botanic Garden, the sky walk, or just around the city, being outdoors was a joy. It did my spirit good to walk in gardens filled with so many different plants, zoos filled with life, and rain. It is a place full of life!
On the day before I left, a friend asked me if I was excited about my first trip out of Cairo. I told him I was excited about the trip but not necessarily about getting out of town - I'm doing fine. I thought about that conversation as I walked through the gardens. I needed this - green, outdoors, diversity, and most of all, friends that held a common history. Singapore was a gift.
Up next, fun moments in Singapore.....
2 comments:
More, more - Can't wait to hear more about it!! Love you!
It was a gift to us to have you here. Sharing our space and our lives with someone that is part of our history was really special. We don't get to do that very often. Come back anytime!! (assuming we still live here and all!)
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