A Sunday Service

Dated: 17 Feb 2013

I haven't been writing a lot and I apologize. I have been going through the adjustment phase of culture shock which can usually include bitterness and resentment towards a new environment. I wouldn't want to include those experiences in my blog because its not... me. Interesting enough, I came across an idea while I was visiting the New Creation Church today: Do the things or people that surround you effect the goals you wish to accomplish?

Today I visited my uncle and aunt's church. The church is called the New Creation Church which is lead by a pastor named Joseph Prince. The church is known internationally as a non-denominational Christian church that is broadcasted in several countries, including the US. The hymns are performed to pop-like music and communion is distributed in a small jello-like cup (grape juice in the cup sealed with a cracker on top). The multiple services are packed every Sunday and, up til recently, the seats would need to be reserved online (now you just need to get there early and queue in line if you're late). Pastor Prince was playful with his sermon talking about interacting with those who are believers and non-believers. My favorite quote of his sermon went something like "If you believe that wearing a cross immediately makes you a Christian, then does wearing a cowbell make you a cow?" I couldn't understand everything he said though because of his quick-speaking  "Singlish." Singaporean are surprisingly quick at speaking English I've noticed, but then they sneak in some words like "kiesu" and then I get confused for a bit. ("Kiesu" is a term used for a person who is obsessed with one-uping people.) By the end of the sermon I had taken a lot of nice notes, but I was getting hungry.

My aunt and uncle took me to several places after church. We got food, went shopping, hit a coffee place, browsed through more fun things, grabbed a cup of coconut ice cream and a Singaporean-style burger and then home. Once we got back to their apartment it was only 3pm. My aunt showed me some clothes I could borrow and my uncle and I got into a discussion about Singaporean politics. It was very interesting hearing about the political situation in Singapore because most Singaporeans avoid politics. For the longest time the country had been run by one political party (the People's Action Party) but in recent years a new party has emerged (the Worker's Party) to create a much needed variety in the government. However, the government is struggling with scandals and protests at the moment. On protest that I'm particularly following is the Singaporean concern of population control. The country is already crowded as it is, but the government recently announced that they intend for the country to reach 6.9 million in 2030. The country is only at about 3 million right now, and judging by the way most young Singaporeans hardly reproduce these days, how do you ask they reach 6.9 million? People like me - foreigners. So, in terms of me finding a job, is that a good thing or bad thing? It makes you come back to my earlier question then - will my environment effect my goals?