Sara in Singapore: Be the Light

I woke up pretty early this morning without any alarm, took care of what I needed to to get ready for work, and ,without waking the girls, I made my tea, had my fruit and walked to the bus station.

After getting horrifyingly lost this weekend on public transportation, I made absolutely sure I knew how to get to work and back before actually starting work.

My first day of work was really fantastic. It flowed very well and I felt like I was right where I was supposed to be. My little space next to Camilla allowed us to converse about the event she has asked me to organize with her. The event is on July 9 and it's called Career Day for Girls.

This event is for girls who will be coming from different shelters around Singapore. We have set up different speakers from different aspects of the working world. Each speaker will give a demonstration about their particular field to show the girls what it takes to be a, for example, make-up artist, a photographer, someone in the service industry, or someone in hotel management.

It's truly an amazing program, and I can't believe how much goes into something like this. From banners and signage, to licensing, to plaques for the speakers, etc. I’m the one who corresponds with each of the speakers and representatives. I cannot wait for the event to take place!

The second event I am putting together with Camilla is “Building the Emotional Muscle” with Saima Salman. Lots to put together for that as well. So my days at the moment are filled with Excel spreadsheets, emails, phone calls and small little breaks to rest my eyes from staring at the computer screen for hours at a time.

Last night, Wednesday, was an event at this local bar and club called BluJaz. Before I had arrived in Singapore, an event was created called Soundout Against Sex Trafficking.  A few local bands in the area donated tracks for a CD that UNIFEM put together to distribute and get the word out about the number of those trafficked in Asia. I feel so lucky to have been a part of the evening. Bands played throughout the night, lots of people showed up to the event. It was really awesome. Of course, my migraine this morning has a lot to do with the amount of screaming I did to cheer on the bands.  If you’re on Facebook, please check out the FB page- SoundOut. Or the website www.soundout.sg

Today I am working on the two events in July and also working on the big gala event that UNIFEM puts together every year called SNOW (Say No to the Oppression of Women). I visited the hotel which will hold the event that is in October of this year. The Capella Hotel on Santonsa Island (check this place out, its so unbelievably gorgeous). Marissa (one of my co-workers) and I went to go over a few things with their PR and marketing rep—seriously this place is so beautiful.

For lunch, Camilla and I went to Thai Festival that is just down the block from our office. They had traditional dancing, music, food, seating, gifts, etc. Its was so great! A perfect break from the long day I am having. And after a long and exciting night last night, I am definitely feeling sluggish today. 

I have to get a phone today. It seems like this ongoing battle to try and find some kind of plan that suits my needs, but I’m sure I’ll be able to figure it out. I’m a smart gal!

This weekend I am going to be meeting with the American and British Dragon Boat Racing coaches!!! Which is so exciting. Since I’m going to be here for an extended amount of time, I thought this would be a perfect weekend discipline for me to commit to.

And when I’m not dragon boat racing, I’ll be taking Bikram Yoga with Marisse’s sister. I met her last night at the SoundOut event and she is a Bikram Yoga teacher. SO AWESOME. AND on Monday, I have a rehearsal with this awesome girl named Justine. She is Mellisa’s friend. We are going to be singing together for a track that will be sent in for a contest.

I’ve made such a life for myself here. It's actually really wonderful. I've created a harmonious schedule that is just working out so well.

I’m so incredibly happy. Starting to make friends, committing to activities.

Oh and I've started to get a Singaporean accent. It's pretty ridiculous how fast I got it and how much it shows now when I speak. 

Thanking God for this. I’m so blessed.

I've been reciting these prayers to show my thanks:

"God, the Lord, is my strength." Habakkuk 3:19 If you ever feel weary, emotionally or physically, you can find renewal in God. God is your strength for your spirit, mind, and body.  God, working within you, becomes a never-ending source of strength and vitality. You become ready to meet both challenge and blessing. God revitalizes and strengthens you, continuously. You are empowered to accomplish any task before you when you pray that God is your personal strength.  God’s power will flow through your spirit, mind, and body. You find that new vitality and energy come to the forefront to aid you in every endeavor, as you focus on the unlimited strength of God. The strength of God is flowing through you RIGHT NOW.  You are renewed and revitalized.  What a profound realization it is to know that God's strength is with you.  You can rest in the assurance that the all-encompassing power of God is helping you, this very moment, and you are Divinely protected. When you know with inner conviction that, with God, you are not weak; when you know with inner conviction that, with God, you are not feeble, but empowered with a power from above and a wisdom from on high – you move on with conviction and energy to do your very best.  You also feel the love of God harmonizing all aspects of your life. Through prayer, you place yourself and your loved ones in the care and keeping of God.  You release thoughts of harm and you let the light of God surround you and them.  Every cell of your body glows with the life and full Divine energy of God.

In Genesis 21:22, the Bible states, "God is with you in all that you do." There is nowhere you can go – either in actuality or in thought – and not experience the presence of God.  The presence of Jesus Christ and God is everywhere.  From the microscopic cell to the far reaches of the cosmos, God is the loving creator, and all is well.

POSITIVE DAILY PRAYER: Dear God, in certain areas of my life I seem to be in the maze, where I do not know the path to follow. I trust You God to lead me on pathways that lead to better tomorrows. Dear God, I know that you will never fail or disappoint me. I have faith in the power and presence of Your help at work in my life.

POSITIVE DAILY AFFIRMATION: Aware of You, God – I am aware of my potential!

POSITIVE DAILY QUOTE: "With many people, what is behind them catches up with them because they can't stop thinking about the past."