What I'll Miss

I just checked the weather report, and it's already "86 degrees, feels like 101." It's 9 a.m. That feels wrong to me. It's been like this for several days. Even the Singaporeans I meet have commented, "Very hot today." Funny how you can feel the difference of a few degrees here. This kind of oppressive heat I will not miss (though as I say that I think of my friend Lindsey who is heading into a Phoenix summer - sorry girl! Hope it's a dry heat!). But in saying that I won't miss it, I am reminded of all that I will miss. Here are a few things that come to mind:

1. Thunderstorms - they are amazing here. I mean the best I've ever experienced. And along with that . . .
2. Clouds. I sat at the Science Centre the other day while the kids were playing in the water exihibit and just watched the clouds pass over. They were fascinating. I've never seen anything like it elsewhere in the world.
3. Libraries. China doesn't really have libraries. It has been such a blessing for our homeschooling, and I've finally been able to read fiction again after those 5 years we previously had in China. I'm trying to burn through as many books as I can while I'm here (just finished Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons - awesome book!)
4. Running down the most beautiful paths imaginable. I mean, just running down a random street is pretty with all the trees, but then running through parks, along the ocean, through the woods, along a canal - gorgeous!
5. Speaking English. Or at least mostly.
6. Mustafa! We were just there last night, and I was reminded that you really can get just about everything there. I'm sure I've saved hundreds of dollars by shopping there in our five years in Singapore.
7. Parks, parks, parks! We are never short of fun places to go with the family here, if we are so inclined (although the kids are at the point where they don't want to go without friends).
8. Leading Bible study at IBC
9. Despite blazing days like this, I will miss the ability to do outdoor activities almost every day of the year!
10. Greenhouse - I'm saving the best for last. Greenhouse is the name of our small group, started back in 2005. It's gone through a lot of transition as people have come and gone, but we've been blessed by everyone. We wish we could take all of them with us! We love you all and will miss you terribly.

Of course there are more than 10 things we'll miss - Megan and I were just looking at pictures from my phone that were taken all over the island, and now she's crying on my shoulder. Singapore's been good to us!