Before I get into the African adventure I’d like to go back to the last days in Asia. My trip and stay in Singapore.
The night before I left KL I couldn’t sleep which seems the norm when we are about to branch out on a new adventure. I finally fell asleep just before midnight to toss and turn till 5am when I rolled out of bed to finish my packing, tidy up and get all my bags together. How is it that I have so much? I have an extra bag! Thank God I’m not flying. I stuffed my pillow and food stuff into the extra bag as well as some of the things that didn’t fit in my suitcase. My small backpack carried two water bottles and my bananas. I’d be needing them for breaky in S’pore. Right, it was now 6am and I had planned to leave by 7am. I sat and committed the journey unto the Lord then at 6:30 headed for the door, locking as many locks as I could before tossing the keys inside and closing the door behind me. Goodbye Malaysia.
There was a bit of a wait for a taxi which took me, for the correct price of 13.50 ringgit, to Central Station where I sat beside a lovely young lady till boarding the train. Breakfast was eaten and container washed and packed away. Now for the long 10 hr journey through some of Malaysia’s lush green country side which lay beneath the thick blanket of haze which had drifted up from the fires in Indonesia.
At first I had two seats to myself which was lovely. I curled up and dozed off till we pulled into Seremban. I’m never quite asleep while traveling and I had a strange feeling someone was watching me. You know that uneasy feeling of someone staring at you. Was I drooling? The train had just started moving again so I opened my eyes…. sure enough I was being glared at. It was a young girl wanting her seat! opps sorry! I moved over and went back to snoozing till I needed the loo. By this time she was asleep so I tried climbing over her without waking her but just as I was out the tray table dropped on her. Sorry again! The two seats in front of us were empty so I occupied these for the rest of the trip. It’s funny how people want the seats designated to them instead of just taking what is free till someone requires them.
The train made its final stop dropping us at the Johore Bahru station here those of us who were going to Singapore had half an hour to wait for the shuttle train to take us to Woodlands, Singapore. Here, while asking directions from a Singaporean woman, I was offered her ticket on the shuttle as she was being picked up by friends. Thank you Lord! This was the first of two angels the Lord sent my way.
During this short stop I changed my Malaysian Ringgit to Singapore dollars – a terrible exchange as the Malaysian dollar like the Aust dollar has fallen terribly. Three Malaysian ringgit to one Spore dollar. That didn’t get me much change but I didn’t want to change any Australian dollar as I was told I could get a better rate in Singapore (Spore dollar is slightly stronger than the Aussie dollar at this time). I was unable to exchange the smaller notes and coins so I gave my coins to an Aussie grandfather and his grandson and spent my last six ringgit on rojak which is sliced fresh fruits with a tangy savoury black shrimp paste. An acquired taste but I really enjoy it. It was my last chance to eat it…. Yum!
The second of the Lord’s angels approached me just as I was wanting to find a loo. Suseela, an Indian lady, walked towards me. I asked her were the toilets were and after explaining she asked if I wanted her to look after my bags, sure I said about to take my computer bag (my only real valuable possession with me) she then suggested I leave that too. As I was walking away I thought, why didn’t I bring it with me? Yet something inside said I could trust this lady. There was a long queue for the smelly toilets as only two of the 5 cubicles were operating. I don’t know why the Malaysian toilets are so disgustingly smelly. These ones had two women who were supposed to be the cleaners and yet it still stunk!
One thing I really don’t like about the Asia toilets is, not that they are squat but that they always have water on the floors because of the bidet. You not only get your feet wet but you have to be careful not to put anything including your suitcase on the floor. This can sometimes be very difficult if not impossible. Not only the water but often with the squat toilets the only flushing system is to pour a dipper of water down it which also leaves the floor wet. I’m sure many of the toilets are not flushed properly either as the smell of urine is often overpowering! Yet in other countries in Asia their toilets are not so disgusting, even India was better this time which really surprised me! Maybe it was just the places I visited were better kept.
Anyway, Suseela was also catching the shuttle and helped me with my bags. She also just happened to be a Christian and when she found out I was going to catch the train and bus to my friend Jenny’s home she said she would come with me to help with my bags. The bags weren’t big just awkward to carry on and off the buses. Before we got started she disappeared off and bought me a travel pass which is load up making it easier to catch public transport as you just tap the card as you enter and exit. Not only did she pay for the pass but also gave me some cash to spend, it more th
an enough for my five day stay. As we were about to head off, me trying to explain where I was heading, Suseela asked if I would like to stay with her for the night. I thought it over and decided it might be better as I didn’t really want to take her out of her way and I could wait till tomorrow to find my way to Jenny’s. I called Jenny and explained my situation and she too thought it would be easier if she came after work to help me. So with this sorted we had two interchanges on the train and two buses to catch before we finally arrived by 8pm at Suseela’s flat. Even thought I had snoozed most of the way from Malaysia, I was exhausted.
As we travelled, Suseela had told me a bit about herself and her family. Her husband was working in Africa and she was moving the next day to Johore Bahru to live with her mother in an age care facility. The next day, to help out, I re-potted some of the plants she was taking with her. I then re-packed my bags before we went out for lunch. After warm good-byes as she left with a taxi loaded with boxes and I waited for Jenny. During my wait, there was a guy fumigating for mosquitos. Not only did Singapore have terrible hazardous haze but now I was being fumigated! Please Lord rescue me from the fumes! Just then a light breeze blew the white fumes away from me and I could breathe easy. Jenny arrived shortly after this and helped carry my hand luggage back to her flat via two buses. I was pleased she lived so close.
I had a fantastic but short visit with Jenny and David who had visited me in Sydney two years earlier. Singapore blanked us in its usual hot, sticky humid heat but this time there was also a deadly haze. The same haze that covered most of South East Asia which drifts up from the fires in Indonesia. I noticed that most of the Singaporeans wear heavy duty face masks to keep out the fine pollutants.
Friday the second on October Jenny took me into China Town for a look around and lunch then at sunset to see the Lantern Festival held at Gardens By The Bay. We wandered along the water way which had large lanterns made into dragon boats, they were lit up and quite spectacular. Then on towards the domes with their exotic plants. The domes were closing as we approached them but they were not what we had come for. We wanted to see all the lanterns and the light display that was later that evening. There were some amazing lantern displays ranging from African animals, goats and even little Indian. Then at 9pm we lay on our backs and watched the light display to the sound of classical Chinese music.
David who was on shift work was free on the Saturday and took me all around through to Orchard Road then Bugis Street. We wandered around all the shops enjoyed the free sample tastings. Jenny joined us at midday for lunch then we wandered around further to see, taste and smell the sights of downtown Singapore.
Saturday night Jenny and I decided to check out a service I had heard about in Goa called the Soakability Church. There was 2hrs of worshiping the Lord in song before a short word and prayer for those seeking healing. It was very refreshing to soak in the presence of the Lord and just worship Him. This church has seen many amazing miracles especially cancers being totally healed under the power of God.
Sunday morning Jenny and I went to Bishan Park which is near her home. Here we wandered around before a coffee at a McCafe. Then off again for lunch and a 2pm service at New Creation Church with Pastor Joseph Prince. They have over 3,000 people attending their services and churches here in Singapore. As we arrived one service was finishing and people swarmed down the escalators. There were 3 escalators the middle one changed direction to accommodate the people coming or leaving the service.
We were me
t in the foyer of the church and given welcome packs before being ushered into the auditorium. There was a bit of a wait before the service started so I was able to take photos. Although pastor Prince was not present at this service his morning message, which was very powerful, he was shown on a central screen. I think he has a very balanced but powerful message.
From the church we made our way to Jenny’s sister’s home where we were taken to a Chinese funeral dinner. The dinner was some years after the death of both the parents of the husband and wife. After quite a wait we were served a 10 course Chinese banquet. By the second and last dish we were more than full and both plates were hardly touched. Such a waste of food but very enjoyable. It was an interesting night and lovely to meet some of Jenny’s family too. The deceased had huge paper mansions costing over $30,000 to build both of which would be burnt.
Monday I finished my packing, stuffing all belongings into my case and clothes I might need to keep warm on the plane and in Cape Town in my hand luggage. Amazing everything fitted into the two bags. I had previously rung the South African Embassy in Singapore to ask about taking food stuffs in, in particular Bak Kwa, Chinese BBQ honeyed pork. I was told it was up to the customs officer I spoke to when I arrived. WHAT! That didn’t sound right. I had eaten most of it but kept about 6 slices just in case I could take it through. I knew Rob my couchsurfer host would enjoy it if it wasn’t confiscated.
Even though it was absolutely pouring with rain I suggested we trust the Lord and head for the airport. As we exited the building it was still bucketing down, a London cab pulled up. This was obviously the provision of the Lord. It was our carriage to the train station where Jenny, who had accompanied me, and I could remain dry for the rest of our journey. We were very early (as is my usual routine) so had a snack while waiting for the check in counter to open.
I was one of the first to check in and requested a window seat so I could sleep against it through the flight. I handed over my passport, you know the usual routine, the attendant asked for my onward ticket. What? I didn’t know I needed an onward ticket! Oh no not again! Just moments before I had been explaining to Jenny that my mother had instilled in me a fear of missing my flight and I had asked the Lord to help me get over this fear. Well here I was again with my heart in my mouth facing my fear! I sent up a quick prayer. I hadn’t seen anywhere when I had looked into getting a visa for South Africa that I needed an ongoing ticket! Australians don’t need a visa to enter So
uth Africa but obviously I had missed the information about the ticket. The woman attending to me suggested I go to the travel agent down stairs and book an ongoing ticket and be back before the counter closed at 8am.
I dashed off with Jenny running behind me. We had time but I didn’t want anything else to hold me up. I tore down to the lift, through the crowd watching the Indonesian dances we had taken photos of earlier that evening and to the far end of the basement level to the travel agent. I explained my predicament and asked for a ticket to Nigeria late Dec. I had hoped to do all this in South Africa when I arrived. I was waiting for my friend Yvonne’s dates home so I could book to leave about the same time as she was. The girl asked if I had a Nigerian visa. She told me she couldn’t give me a ticket to Nigeria unless I already had a visa. I didn’t of course as it was on my list of things to do when in South Africa. Hmmmm now what! Ok I said how about if I book my ticket home with a flexible departure date. She said I would need a set date but she would make it possible for me to change
this to a later date when I had everything else in order. Praise the Lord, a solution. She then searched the system but all the late December dates were booked due to Christmas. I knew I would be able to receive a three month visa so suggested we book for early January. Done! Praise the Lord. This must have taken 20-30 mins. I then rushed back upstairs where Jenny was now waiting for me. There was fortunately no queue and checking in was easy but I was unable to get the window seat I wanted. On both the flight to Doha and the next leg of the journey to Cape Town, I was told all were now taken. Oh well I was extremely grateful to be on the flight. Boy oh boy have I had some close calls with catching flights!
I said my good byes to Jenny and thanked her for all her patience and prayers while coping with my emergencies and headed to the departure gates this time remembering to drink the water from my frozen bottle of water. I was through! Now just a bit of a relax before I board, or so I thought. Firstly I nearly went through the wrong gate and then realised the gate I was departing from was at the far end of Changi Airport! Oh praise God they provided a little train to take us. At the far end I inquired where I could get help connecting to the wifi. Of course it was back at the other end of the airport! So onto the little train once again to get assistance and back again. At last! Relax and send out a message that I was finally on my way.
Look out Africa here I come!
Pictures: 1. Singapore at night 2. Suseela outside her flat 3. Haze from Jenny & David’s flat 4. Gardens By The Bay 5. Lantern on the water 6. Little India lantern 7. Jenny, David and I taking a rest at Bugis Street 8. Bishan Park 9. New Creation Church before the service 10. Chinese banquet 11. Second course 12. Offering for the dead 13. Crimson Frangipani
Prayer & Praise Points:
Praise the Lord for giving me the means to fly out of Singapore. Please Lord no more trials of my faith in overcoming my fear of missing my flight!
I am grateful to the Lord for the angels He sends to lead and guide me and for my lovely friends who so wonderfully look after me while I’m with them.
Praise Him for helping me to get done all the things I had to do while in KL. Please pray that my belongings will arrive safely back in Aust.
Please pray for my safety while in South Africa, for no problems in getting my Nigerian visa, ticket and to know the Lords will for me while I’m here. For His boldness and wisdom as I travel around.
Praise the Lord for my safe arrival in Cape Town while for those he has put across my path who have blessed me including Rob who has been so kind and helpful even before I arrived.
Praise the Lord for Mum’s safe return. I have had a few chats to her and my sisters who say she is enjoying being back home in her usual routine. Please continue to pray she will remain in good health.