Same, same...BUT different! ;)

Transportation Security Administration confiscated my peanut butter. :(

I am delighted to tell that we made it safely to Singapore after a 17 hour flight with an unexpected 1 hour layover in Tokyo. Hooray surprise countries! We arrived at our hotel—The Inn Crowd—[hehe…get it?] at 230 AM. Despite our best efforts to sleep in, the sound of religious chanting woke us all up by 8 AM.

I’m surprised at how much Singapore feels like America. We walked all around the downtown area this morning and afternoon. The streets were littered with 7-Elevens, Starbucks and even a Long John Silver’s. Also, we ate at China Town and are staying in Little India. With free WiFi at the hostel, almost everything seems the same…

Today at the Chinese market I saw a t-shirt accurately reflecting the philosophies of international merchants. As you walk down the streets of Singapore, you are likely to hear sellers attempting to convince tourists that Foakleys [AKA fake Oakley sunglasses] are the same as the ones sold in the prospective buyer’s native country. Everyone involved in the deal knows this is not the case. Despite the cries of “Same, same,” [the phrase on the front of the t-shirt] the back which humorously reads “BUT different!” reveals the truth of the proverb.

In my limited world traveling experience, I have found this saying to be deeply accurate. A huge realization for me last year in East Africa was that the people, the human beings, I was dwelling with in the slums, IDP camps and genocide torn communities are just like me. They have the same dreams, desires and devotion. Even our basic day to day lives including school, work and fun are the same—they just look a little different in each place.

I’m excited to actualize more enlightening “sameness” in the next few weeks as I abide with God’s children in India and Nepal. I hope to update with my reflections once a week.

Thanks again to EVERYONE who is praying for our summer. A few of the girls have been feeling sick so prayers of healing are appreciated. Also, please continue to pray that we would live each moment reflecting Jesus—our Light.

The darkness has been overcome.

Let us SHINE!

P.S. I got a henna tattoo of a butterfly on my right foot. For my “Happy 21st Birthday To Me,” this will become permanent!