Singapore Day 6, part 3 of 3

beautiful

We visited a little beach next door where we could see an island that is for sale. I’ve always wanted one, and this one is only about $200,000 US! Now that I’ve found it, I’m not sure I really want it. (Not that I have a spare $200 grand lying around either.) Just seems like a good deal. (:

 Finally, we arrived at the farming area. There are plans for a place to receive further education and more crops. Right now they have a lot of land, some crops (fruit trees & corn) and animals (pigs & chickens), and little help with labor for continued farming and building. We took a little time to ask for more laborers and continued planning and perseverance. 

 whole families on motorcycles - even with little babies
and some kids who looked about 10 riding on their own!

the motorcycles were not usually stuck in traffic as they weaved in and out of the cars, but this guy was prepared - when stuck next to us, he pulled out the newspaper!

left over from dutch colonial times?

Finally, we endured evening traffic on our drive back to the ferry. We arrived with 3 ferries yet to leave, but all but the last were sold out. We quickly reserved seats on the final ferry (so that we would not have to wait til the next morning!) Then, we spent 3 hours shopping at the mall across the street and eating dinner til our ferry was available. Sometimes Starbucks is just necessary – and this felt like one of those times. I was so thankful to see one and grab a frappucino. (kinda sad.) We arrived home just after midnight! Definitely a long day, but again, very good.

Singapore Day 6, part 2 of 3

a fun bridge

 Across the main road from the farms, we had lunch first.

 It was an adventurous lunch – you walked out on floating walkway to select a fish from their nets where the fish were still swimming in the ocean.

 We selected a couple large fish for them to cook and as they were walking back to get them ready, Kik & I were still looking in the nets.

 Sy was also looking in a net behind me and tried to pull it up as the workers had done and he ended up falling in! I heard a loud splash, then a cry, “Mommy!”I ran ten feet to Sy (who can swim) and reached my arm down to pull him out of the water. Honestly, I had been taking photos and was really tempted to take a photo first, but alas... he was crying, “Get me out! I don’t want the fish to bite me!” Poor Sy was so scared. One worker came over and helped me pull him out and all was well in the end - just a little scrape and, of course, wet clothes.

Unfortunately, some of the fish that were in the net were freed so we got to pay a bit extra for lunch, but I think everyone was really thankful that Sy was safe.

 Lunch was delicious!

 and we had coconuts for drinks! 

We said, “Terima Kasih,” which means “Thank you”, so many times!

Singapore Day 6, part 1 of 3

 Our morning started at 6am as we were planning to catch the 8am ferry to, Indonesia. The first ferry was sold out, so we departed at 9am instead.

The hotel we visited the other day - view from the ocean side.

 

When we arrived at 10am, Seth, an Indonesian took us to see some work.

10 of us in this little Toyota. (:

 Today  was my once in a lifetime chance to be a millionaire. (But this is only $100 US)

We visited a slum. We were able to see children in a school.

 The local religious leader was there and after we introduced ourselves, though unplanned, we led the kids in some fun songs and played games with them.

After our visit, we were invited into one of the homes to see what it was like. So interesting that there was electricity and TV in this home creatively made of whatever materials one could find at the landfill the home was built within.

 Here is a Jackfruit tree and many bags of collected items that are ready to sell when the trucks come.

 a banana tree and a pineapple growing

 A typical home and a store

 was boys playing marbles and men digging something ???

 

 

 a man selling something and the trucks that come in to purchase specific items. the local businesses will purchase certain items, so the local people collect and separate things then wait for the opportunity to sell.

The kids did well. They didn’t complain about smells and were kind to the kids and moms we encountered. It was a 45 minute drive to our next stop – some farm land.

Singapore day 5

The Lord’s Day

For the 2^nd time, we missed our bus to the train and had to walk. It’s only a 15 minute walk, but in the heat & humidity, when you’re wearing Sunday clothes, the a/c on the bus would be welcome. After a pleasant walk, train ride, & bus ride, we arrived at Bedok Methodist Church. This is not where mom & dad have been attending, but George Verwer, the founder of OM was speaking, so we went to hear and support him. At 76, he is so full of energy and passionate.

After church, lunch was provided for all of the OMers who attended the service which included us. It was a delicious meal at a “Hong Kong” style restaurant. We sat with Jason (who gave us the tour last night) & Serina.

Afterward, they invited us to the “best dessert place ever” just down the street. It was incredibly delicious. Among our family, we sampled cheesecake, apple crumb muffin, carrot cake, and brownies with ice cream (that was made there onsite). EVERY item was amazing!
After dessert, Jason & Serina invited us to their home across the street to watch English Premier League Football.

Scott& our new friend Jason M (who works in the OM office with mom & dad) took turns in the massage chair.

Jason M is so patient with our kids. (:

Our hosts continued to bestow more small gifts upon us and when we left we asked Jason M about the gift giving and he informed us that we could respond with reciprocal gifts, but not to one up them, just to show them that we care for them – which is their message to us. They have been so kind to us and we had actually already talked about them coming to LA in the near future and that we should meet up, so that would be a fun opportunity to show some Singaporean care.

Scott’s parents had left for home from the dessert shop, so we were on our own to get home. Except we cheated because Jason M was with us. (: So after a bus and train, we walked home, allowing the kids to run ahead. We’ve heard from so many how safe it is here. Many children ride public transport by themselves, and while we’re not quite there (with the exception of by accident last night), our family is enjoying the freedom that Singaporean control provides, for now.

We spent the evening relaxing after many days of going, going, going. It was an enjoyable time. We even got the tree decorated!