Sometimes figuring out how to set up life here feels like you're making your way through haze. This is a picture of the haze of Indonesia "slash and burn fires." had settled over downtown.
My family is new to the International Community School this year, but we’re not new to Singapore. When we first visited Singapore in 1996, it was love at first sight; however settling here and feeling at home in 2000 was so much more difficult than we’d ever expected. Five years later we are permanent residents and Singapore is truly home for us. However, I have a soft spot in my heart when I meet someone who has recently moved here.
It is easy to assume that adjusting to life here will be a snap. After all, there’s a Starbucks on every corner. The public transportation is extremely clean and fairly easy to use. Cabs are cheap. The national language is ENGLISH for goodness sake! If you are feeling unusually frustrated by your life these days, give yourself some extra grace.
I want to let you in on something: Did you know that culture shock is the HARDEST in countries which look the most like your own? It’s true. When you move to a place in Africa, or China, your expectation is that things are going to be very different. When you can’t understand, or when something strikes you as strange, or rude, you think to yourself, “Well, this is ___ after all. They do things different here.” But when you are ordering a Whopper at Burger King in Singapore you kind of expect to understand what the kid behind the register is saying to you. You kind of expect that you’re going to be able to “have it your way!” You don’t expect for things to be different in a place that looks on the surface to be very much like your home country. When you come across something that is odd or different, it catches you off guard. Sometimes it can make you downright mad! Then you start feeling guilty for those feelings. “This is Singapore!” you scold yourself. “It is supposed to be EASIER to live here than in a developing country! What is my problem?”
As you get to know your new city, trying to make it home, you will ride the inevitable roller coaster of culture shock. You will almost certainly have moments (or days) when you’ll see a side of your sin nature you may have never seen! Keep a sense of humor and give yourself lots of grace and forgiveness. Jesus does. He’s gone through it too. Surely he had many experiences, while he lived on earth, that made him wag his head and think, “These people are so (fill in the blank).”
If you stay long enough, you’ll make friends, you’ll come to love eating things called Bee Hoon and Laksa, you’ll remember that most shops don’t open until 11AM and that nobody RSVPs for parties. But best of all, you’ll feel at home here.
"Feels Like Home to Me" The soundman gave me a copy of my audition for this Singtel ad. (3/04) I wanted to have a copy 'cause I could finally sing the lyrics from my heart. Just click on the little arrow below to hear it. -K!
While you’re adjusting, check out some of these websites to help you navigate your settling in and making Singapore home.
A few years ago I became a member of American Association of Singapore. They are constantly holding workshops and events. I feel a little more “in the loop” by getting their monthly news by email. Check out their book LIVING IN SINGAPORE ($18 for members).
http://www.aasingapore.com
http://www.expatsingapore.com/
Expat Singapore felt that for the thousands of expatriates settling in Singapore each year, the lack of adequate information and hence preparation can result in an unpleasant move, culture shock and even psychological and physical discomfort.
A great site index to The Singapore American Community Action Council (SACAC)
http://www.sacac.com/site_index.htm
This organization, established in 1973 is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the local and expatriate community. SACAC includes Counseling and Community Programs and SACAC Sports offices.
A quick Google search of “settling in Singapore” and “Living in Singapore” will give you a host of helpful websites.
originally written 8/31/95
FEELS LIKE HOME TO ME,
Randy Newman
(lyrics to v2 of the song)
A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I’m alright, ’cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light
Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I’ve waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I’d love anyone so much
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I’m all the way the back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I’m all the way back where I belong
It feels like I’m all the way back where I belong
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