"SG50" and Another Birthday

August 9 is Singapore's National Day, the day Singapore became an independent nation. This year the nation celebrated its 50th year.  This was a huge event in Singapore, as we could see in the decorations and special displays in different places in the months leading up to "SG50."

"50" made out of Singapore flags

Banners like these were up in many places; you can also see flags on 

the building in the background, and a huge tent set up for SG50 celebrations.

Jets practicing for the National Day parade

The library closest to our place had some neat displays of the history of Bishan, the area of Singapore where we live.  Bishan used to be a big cemetery, and one of the displays showed that history.  A display on tomb-sweeping includes "Families then paid their respects to their ancestors by bowing, kneeling, and kowtowing, with joss sticks in their hands. When families believed their ancestors had eaten their fill (of offerings), they packed the offerings, and consumed them near the tombs or at home."  It is always so interesting to hear about the different religious rituals and superstitions here.

The display on tomb-sweeping

A display on kampong living--how Singapore used to be before all the high-rises 

were built.  Most of the villagers "lived in simple attap houses, while the few 

richer inhabitants could afford houses with zinc-tiled roofs."

Singapore's 50th birthday was also Jael Lee's 4th birthday--daughter of Elder Lee Kong Wee and his wife Dorcas.  A few families from church gathered at the Lees' home on Saturday to celebrate with Jael.

Playing a Singapore version of the game Taboo!

We gathered to sing a few Psalter numbers before supper.

The kids

The whole group

In Singapore's history, the government has been all about "nation building."  My husband used that in choosing his text for Sunday morning's service on National Day--Ruth 4:11-12, which mentions Rachel and Leah, "which two did build the house of Israel."  He showed that we in CERC are building another "nation"--God's church here in Singapore.  So we pray that God will continue to bless Jael and the other children here, and the generations to come, as His church continues to be built.