I can't believe it! Thirteen already. I love this kid. I'm reading WILD AT HEART to celebrate this rite of passage for him.

Reflecting on 2005

This year I learned to…
Understand others and myself better by taking an Intro to Counseling course, a DISC course, and reading Now, Discover Your Strengths.

Another way I saw myself growing was…
Keeping my opinions to myself. Being more open minded. Not needing to convince others or be understood. Listening better. Being part of a team. Not always successful, but I have learned to keep my mouth shut and my ears open just a bit more. Still loads of room for growth there!

A real gift from God was…
A November retreat in Cameron Highlands with the COOS drama team. Doing enacted prayer with them and having sweet anonymous notes.


Something I really enjoyed doing more of was…
Playback theatre rehearsals when we shared through long forms about our lives and influential experiences.

One of the happiest memories I’d like to freeze in my mind…
Just about everything about our June/July in USA:

Camping at Doheny with old friends, being with Linda while she was sick - seeing my children make good friends with the children of my childhood friend. Time with the in-laws. Time in Georgia. A family reunion in Tennessee. Hearing my cousin Ryan Anthony play trumpet as a guest artist in an off the beaten track concert (I never thought I’d get to hear him play live!)


I was really brave when…
I spoke in my parents’ Sunday School class this summer. Any speaking “engagement” is terrifying for me. I did it once last year, and twice this year.

We signed the lease for the new apartment. Can we really afford it, even if it is a great price? It is a stretch. Will people think badly of us as “missionaries” living in a beautiful place?

Something I’m looking forward to in this new year…
Feeling settled, and enjoying the view with new and old friends. Enjoying my husband and children. My parents are coming to visit. Getting more organized and efficient. Reading some good books and learning more. Having opportunities to share life with others.

Highlights of Last Year

Copy these for reflecting elsewhere (or in comments!). You can write more than one thing in each category!

This year I learned to…

In walking with God, I grew most in…

Another way I saw myself growing was…

One of my best adventures was…
I saw/knew God was doing something when…

A real gift from God was…

Something I really enjoyed doing more of was…

One of the happiest memories I’d like to freeze in my mind…

I was really brave when…

Something God took from me this year was…

I’m still trying to learn what God wants to teach me through this hard experience…

The best word of advice or encouragement I can remember is…

Something I’m looking forward to in this new year…

This is How We Spent Christmas Eve...

The Witch & her Minions
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

and then these two subjects went home and filled my stocking...with FRUIT!

CHRISTMAS EVE on Orchard Road, Singapore

Last chance to see the World of Narnia - a 9:15 tour is soon departing through the wardrobe.

Sleeping in...

After a long day...
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

With Birthdays and Christmas and Narnia, I've been a hardworkin' mama.a

The White Witch & Edmund

World of Narnia Opened Saturday and Tyler and I had a fun time on our shift together Sunday night. Acting together for the first time. What fun! Best of all, dad, Cameron and Grandparents came through in one of the "tours" to watch it. Thank God for how it has all come together in 4 short weeks!

Great Article on Narnia & Great Films

Up From the Church Basement, by Cal Thomas (Town Hall)

This Christmas, Focus on the Family Singapore has been given permission from the National Tourism Board to bring The World of Narnia to Orchard Road from 17-24 December, 12 noon to 9 pm daily, to coincide with Disney’s 22-Dec release of the movie, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” – the first of 7 titles in The Chronicles of Narnia by famed Chrisitian apologist C.S. Lewis. If you are not familiar with the story, it is a wonderful allegory for our faith in Jesus. If you're not familiar with Focus on the Family, it is a Christian organization established to support and build strong families. They offer a wide range of magazines, books, cds, videos and seminars for kids and adults. (the "Adventures in Odyssey" radio drama and video series was produced by this organization). This event is a great way to offer families an affordable adventure to do together over the holiday, as well as give GREAT exposure to the resources this organization has to offer.

Manipulating My Child

According to all his teachers, Cameron is a delight in class, helpful,
polite, SUPER positive and encouraging to his teachers...but HE'S
MESSY!!! His handwriting is sloppy. He does everything FAST (eats,
plays, writes, piano). He's been FLASH since a baby. When he was 3-4
years old, he broke something by accident nearly every day!!!

He doesn't seem to be able to consistently stay focused on the work, so
he often forgets details. He'll miss 77 on a grammar worksheet, but
will recite the rules to me perfectly when we're looking at it at home.

It's not an "on-purpose" kind of thing for him, and the check lists
don't motivate him. I've been trying to think HOW??? HOW??? HOW???
He is SO relational. His EQ is off the charts. So, This week i tried
this (felt a bit manipulative, but I got him where it hurts):

MOM: Cameron, looking at this paper, it looks like either you are not a
very bright boy, or else your teacher is not a good teacher.

CAM: WHAT??!!!???

MOM: You can tell me Cam, is Miss den Hartog not a very good teacher?

CAM: She's a GREAT teacher mom! She's the BEST!!!

MOM: I'll bet when Miss den Hartog sees your work it's pretty
discouraging to her. I'll bet she thinks that maybe she's not a very
good teacher if you can't do better work or write neater than this.

CAM: Really???!!?

MOM: Yes.

SILENCE.

MOM: That would be sad if Miss den Hartog was thinking she's a bad
teacher because of your sloppy work.

CAM: Can we not talk about this anymore?

MOM: Do you think you can try harder to complete your work neatly so
that you can show Miss den Hartog that she IS a good teacher?

CAM: Okay mom. I'll do that.

A Proposal of Marriage in Cameron Highlands

IMG_0068.JPG
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

In the mountains of Malaysia with some drama friends, I had a sweet retreat this past week. It was made even sweeter with a proposal in the rose garden.

I'm off to a retreat in Cameron Highlands

5 great iPhotos
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Going with the drama team from Church of Our Saviour. This bungalow was built in the 1920's, owned and operated by OMF.

I LOVE Tyler & Cameron

I LOVE Tyler & Cameron.JPG
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

In 1998 we took their picture at this LOVE statue in downtown Singapore. Both of them were so small, they fit inside the "E!" One Sunday morning recently, we ran down there before church to get a new shot of them here.

Dear Friends, Thank you so much for praying for us in October.
We're healthy and happy over here. It was a sweet day(s) of prayer, October 20th.
Thank you to those who let us in on your hearts' desires before God...

Here's how we're praying in November
October 31 - Keeping with tradition, Tyler's invited his old pals from the Singapore school to a Non-Spooky Halloween Party. Thank you for your prayers last month to find ways to keep in touch. Lord, we pray that these kids will open their hearts to following you, and that we can continue to influence these sweet Singaporean boys from our old neighborhood.

31-November 5th - Kimberly went to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia with 15 Drama Ministry folks from a local church. She was invited along for spiritual refreshment. Lord as we drew away from the roar of the city lifestyle to have some peaceful quiet time with you, thank you for sweet rest from you, and the worship and good laughs with these folks. I'm so tickled they invited me. The sweetest compliment I got all week was from the manager of the Missionary Guest House when she mentioned how well I fit in as the only non-Chinese in the group. "Not every westerner can blend in so easily, but they obviously love you very much."

4 Network Facilitator/Coaching meeting with facilitators Jim's trained to lead networks. Lord, our plans for mentoring in 2006 are in your hands. Thank you for this group of facilitators. The growth of CRM Singapore and the coaching/mentoring of more and more Christian leaders is for the glory of your name.

7, 8, 9 Jim leads monthly Network Meetings for 3 groups - These will be a celebration and commissioning as members share what God has taught them during the year and we pray for each other.

10 CRM Singapore Board half-day planning retreat to talk about the vision and strategic steps for us to grow. Here's a description of the organization:

CRM’s Focusing Leaders is a powerful leadership development tool designed to help leaders bring strategic focus to their lives and ministries. Oriented for pastors and ministry leaders, the process begins with a focus on personal spiritual renewal and character formation. Through study, reflection, personal coaching and small group discussion we become more intentional about our growth and development. The second phase of the process focuses on corporate renewal, how to become a more developmental leader through using the tools we have practiced in the first phase, and leading staff and congregational leaders through the process.

12th - Asian Children's Festival, Gala Opening. Thank you Lord for this opportunity to sing as a "special guest," help me to be a gracious and winsome witness for you both on and off stage. www.itheatre.org

14th - Christian Artists in Singapore gather for worship at our place. Lord, we want to encourage artist who call themselves your followers. We'll be celebrating what you've been doing through a few of the groups of Christian artists here. I pray the testimonies and prayers on this night will encourage those on the fringes without real and regular fellowship to get plugged into a caring and supportive Christian community.

20-24 Jim travels to Hong Kong to lead a mentoring network for leaders of a large ministry in China. Two days of group meetings on character formation and clarifying personal calling, followed by personal coaching appointments with the individuals in the group.

23rd -Since it's a school holiday, Kimberly takes the Drama Workout (club) on an outing to see RAINBOW FISH II and then meet back at the house. Lord help me to be responsible with the large group of kids "out on the town," and keep the children safe while in my care.

12-17 Jim travels to Thailand to host a conference for workers in China. He has been chairing this meeting for five years, and has seen a lot of fruit through relationships being built for growth and collaboration. People have found resources and developed partnerships that have resulted in breakthroughs in several settings. Please pray for an environment of learning and collaboration among these 80 ministry leaders this week.

28th - Dec 2nd - Tech week for the IBC Primary School Christmas program (Dec 2nd PM). And final rehearsals for a Tapestry Playback Performance on the theme: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Dec 3rd PM). http://tapestryplayback.blogspot.com

My Banana Milk Cow on the Back of a Bus

$031.jpg
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Captured this with my cell phone. (and yes mom, it was not while I was DRIVING, but while sitting at a red light!)

Settling in Singapore: Not as Easy as You’d Expect

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

I Want More

I wrote new lyrics to this disney classic during my recent visit to Orange County. You can sing along if you press the little arrow on the left of the audioblog bar.



Look at this stuff. Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think that my world is complete?
I am the O.C. mom who has everything.

Look at this stuff, treasures untold.
how many credit cards can one wallet hold?
Just one payment away from bankruptcy.

I've got Brighton & cell phone jewelry.
Colored hair, I'll admit is a chore.
Collagen and Botox?
I've shot plenty.
But who cares. No big deal. I want more!

Walkin' around you don't get too far.
Though my SUV is a huge gas guzzler.
Got me an ipod to store all my favourite songs.

I wanna live like there's no tomorrow.
Sure I'm a Christian and can't take it with me.
I'm upwardly mobile
and really like super nice stuff.

........

Got tanned without sun.
Worked off my bum.
Every week I must get my nails done.
Here in O.C
Wish I could be
A missionary...

ALWAYS

I like to think of the lyrics of this commercial as what I sing with the LORD. From a 2004 commercial I sang for Standard Chartered bank on Mother's Day.

BANANA MILK??!! YUCK!

Here's your chance to hear me sing this 14 second crazy ad.

Growing up cross culturally

We are happily settled in. The transition to the new school was a
breeze. Kids have INSTANTLY made friends there. I think it's because
most of the students are from the same "TRIBE" as Tyler and Cameron:
ministry kids that have been raised in a country (or countries) that
aren't the country they hold a passport for. They have a lot of things
in common that wasn't true in the local schools where many of their
classmates had never been outside of the city... It's cute to hear them
talking to the new friends they are making. Sharing their travel adventures.
Comparing notes about their adventures and what kind of ministry their
parents do.
Cameron showed me a worksheet he'd done in class.
They were told to use the entire alphabet to name things that you eat.
His list included:
R = rambutans (a south east asian fruit),
S = squid,
F = frog legs,
D= dumplings,
Y = yakult (a Japanese yogurt drink)

All these things are normal to him!

Hall from 2nd storey

Hall from 2nd storey
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

I have to pinch myself walking around our new home. God has indeed poured out blessing underserved on us here. If you've seen the "before" pictures, I'm posting a couple of "after" my Minor Missionary Makeover.

Lessons from being a Traveler

T.S. Elliot said, “We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all
our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place
for the first time.”

Chesterton stated, “The whole object of travel is not to set foot
on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a
foreign land.”

Snagged these off of Joe Handley's last letter from Turkey.
Want to read his great report about what they've learned in a year of living there? Hmm. I'll have to get that link another time...

it's time for a party!
we've recently moved to
a new place with a spectacular view
and we want to celebrate
God's goodness and
the birthday of our
adopted homeland
with our growing
garden of friends.

can you join us for a housewarming on national day?
august 9th, open house

3pm to midnight

teresaville 1007 lower delta road #23-04

bring some food to munch on, or some drinks
+ a potted plant

what?? why?
because we want to build a little garden to represent the dear friends
we've been making these past 5 years in singapore!

we've a few balconies
from which we'll be able to see the fireworks!
There's also a swimming pool in case you want to take a dip.



sms your rsvp 98396965 (K!M) if you can come.

4th of July

Having a great time with my parents.

HI DAD!

Happy Father's Day from Tyler & Cameron
Our plane takes off to see you in 8 hours, and it will still be Fathers Day when we see you! Looking forward to a good holiday with you and mom!

Talkative Shoppers

The Chinese couple sat on the "Picket & Rail" sofas with their 4 year old precocious boy. I needed to rest my legs and sat down on the love seat beside.

"Do you think it's comfortable?" the man said in an American accent.

"Uh...yeah. It's comfortable. Why?" Acting a bit Singaporean I was a bit shocked that a stranger spoke to me first. I think my face showed it.

"It reminds us of home. We like the stuff here." he chirped with a hint of homesickness in his eyes.

I sized them up and immediately empathized. They are new to Singapore and trying to make a life here.

"Where's home?" I asked.

Turns out they're from Orange County too (small, small world). The 4 year old doesn't like it here after 4 months (it's too hot). He's even expereinced teasing from the little Chinese Singaporean kids in a Sunday School class; because of his American accent.

They were raised in Singapore but have been in USA since college (15 years). They've recently moved back ("temporarily!") to be with dad after the death of mom late last year. They're having to learn the country as if they are foreigners and feel out of place. We could have just stayed for dinner and ordered pizza. Nice to be able to encourage them. Tell them I understand what they are going through and that if they stick it out, they'll be feeling at home here (just like us) within 3 years or so.

My Guys

Highpoint Movers on May 30th

Highpoint Movers
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

They are such hard workers. Great Guys. Great Price. Great Ministry to ex-cons. You need some help moving in Singapore? Get them! (+65) 6745 3637

That's it! Teresa Ville
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Caught a good shot of the two moving trucks on the highway with the new apartment in the background.

"The Mines" Jim's office gets a wall
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Thanks to my sweet and generous friend Charlotte - we have airconditioning for this office area, and the guest room.

Taking a Break to look at Flickr
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Still settling in one week later, but getting there! Came up out of the sea of cardboard for some blog time as proof!

An Email gets Misunderstood

The theme for the playback performace coming up on June 4th is "TOO BUSY FOR YOU! Life in Singapore"

I told that to our guest, Peter Schrock yesterday. He laughed.
"Now I get it!"

"Get what?"

He'd misunderstood my email responding to when he should come for a visit.

He read,

"JUNE 4 Playback performance: TOO BUSY FOR YOU!"

And thought to himself, "Too Busy for you? Hmm. Well, I guess I won't be going to Singapore in June!"

We've enjoyed his short visit in May, in the middle of crazy renovation, moving, Jim coming back from meetings in Malaysia.
Peter also serves with CRM and one of the things he does is take GREAT photos. So maybe soon, I'll have some good ones to post...He and his wife Jen are our first overnight guests in the new place. And there was a full moon to welcome them.

Thanks Mary Engelbreight HOME magazine

Thanks Mary Engelbreight HOME magazine
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

I love the section in the magazine that interviews an artist. What inspires them. How they got started. Advice. Great stuff.