Lots to be Thankful for

I know it's cliché to write a list of "what I'm thankful for" on Thanksgiving Day.  But even so, I don't think it's ever wrong to be thankful.

First, the obvious things:

I'm so thankful to God for His love and salvation, for His Word so that we can know His will.  I'm thankful He sent Erin and 3 wonderful children into my life.  For my parents who, frankly, did a FINE job of raising me (even when I was a sullen teenager)!  My sisters who share so much with me.   For all my friends  - can't list you all by name, but you know who you are!  For all the animals  - can't list you by name either, and it doesn't matter 'cause you can't read.  For the beauty of the earth (- He didn't have to make it that way.....)  For health, and wealth, and all that those entail.....


But my main reason to write a list today, was to list the things that I'm thankful for, or that I just like about Singapore (or this temp. apt.).  Because after griping so much about the food and prices, you might think that we're not happy here, and I'd hate for you to have that impression.

First, I'm glad we're here. I'm glad the new chemical plant isn't being built in 'outer Mongolia' or someplace that is less modern and techno enhanced.  (I'm a big fan of electricity, and a HUGE fan of air conditioning!  The internet is my friend.)  I'm glad we flew here (business class!)  I'm glad we didn't have to take a steamer ship like 100 years ago.  I'm glad we were able to bring our stuff.  (We did receive the air shipment with the school books and wii.  The boat shipment will be here before we're ready to move in to permanent housing. - yea!)   I'm glad that the people who run this place are so good.  They've dealt with us foreigners enough to know what we need.  Little things like providing dish soap and a sponge, enough dishes, pot, and pans to get the job done (with a little creativity).  I'm SO thankful for the washer and dryer here in the apartment.  I was worried that we'd have to haul our dirties to the laundromat (don't have a clue where that'd be), or pay $5 a shirt like we did a year ago.  Woo-Hoo!!

I'm thankful for daily (except Sun.) maid service.  At first I thought it was over kill, but last night my kids ate a bunch of "cream crackers" (a cross between saltines and Ritz), and left crumbs all over the den rug. I do not have a vacuum,  bwa ha ha.  Clean towels every day!  They would even do the dishes if I didn't.  (We generally need them for the next meal, so I just go ahead.  - Don't feint!!)   I'm grateful for the free breakfast every morning.  I don't pay for it, cook it, or clean up after it.  Woo-Hoo!  And there's a variety of food we all eat!

I'm thankful that the kids have school, the wii, cartoon network (didn't get in Houston), a pool, basketball court, and a playground to keep them busy here.  We are in the process of getting signed up for scouts and finding music classes.  We also found a homeschool group that we're going to go on a field trip with in a couple of weeks.

I'm thankful that there is a church here.  (Bob Buchanon is coming to preach this weekend.)

I'm thankful that we can eat local food, OR western food depending what mood we're in.  Fresh fruits and veggies here are plentiful and cheap!

I absolutely LOVE the MRT here!  The lack of public transportation in the States is a major downfall to me.  (Houston, pay attention!!)  Here, if the MRT can't get you close, the bus probably can, if not, taxis are pretty cheap.  All of the above are very clean and efficient.  The MRT is also pretty cheap.

Today we're going to look at cars.  Erin will need a car to drive to work (Jurong island where the plant is, is restricted access).  One of the choices is a 2008 Honda Odyssey.  Wow!  Who'd a thunk it?  That was the van we wanted 10 years ago, but couldn't find a used one.  How ironic that we could get one here!  I will be very thankful for that if it happens!!

I'm thankful that there is a wide variety of shopping available here.  The prices might be higher than I'd like, but if you really need it, it's here.

Considering I'm having surgery Monday, I'm thankful for modern medicine, and that they have it here!

I'm looking forward to showing the fun places to the kids, traveling to nearby countries, making new friends, finding a place to ride, and settling down in a place of our own.

So, as you can see, there are a lot of reasons to like it here.  I'm sure I've left a lot of things out, but it's time to leave to go car shopping.....

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.  Watch the Macy's parade for me!  (We will be feasting on turkey [- I found a small breast that we splurged on] and some trimmings.)   :-D