Singapore trips: 5 years apart

"When something good happens, travel to celebrate. When something bad happens, travel to forget."- anonymous

My Singapore trip in 2019 happened because of the latter. I wanted to forget the heartbreak upon discovering that my fiancé then is a married man.

It was my summer break at work so I had the luxury of time that when my "Dora Friend", Abbie told me to go to SG, with few clicks, I already had a booked flight via Japan Airlines. (The RT ticket price was ¥59237 then).

Since Abbie, her sister and dad were departing from the Philippines, I had to stay at the Jewel Changi Airport for almost 6 hours. The wait was bearable because it was so classy and picturesque and there were so many shops and restaurants to explore.

During our stay then, we were able to visit Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Sentosa, Universal Studios, Merlion Park, Garden by the bay, Cloud forest, Bugis St. and Haji Lane and Jollibee!

5 days after the temporary fix, I was back in my usual sad self in Japan trying to breathe hope even when the road was full of uncertainties.

"I'd give you way better than what you've lost."

-This lingered in my heart as a promise from God but the longer it lingered, the blurrier it gets.

How could that possibly happen? Would it really happen?

5 years later, through God's provision, I was back in the Lion City but this time, the reason is different, in fact, the situation is way too different..

I was at a loss for words. He delivered. (insert ugly cry here).

He did not just allow me to simply attend the Asia Leadership Conference but He also called me to serve Him in ways I did not dream of ever doing.  -To co-host the said conference on its last day. I also know that I wouldn't be able to pull it off without my very supportive husband who covered for me when I was not my usual self because of nervousness as a woman who had stage fright in the past.

He did not just deliver. He exceeded my expectation.

His blessing also overflowed.

My old pal from my call center days who happened to be a co-believer and surprisingly goes to the same Church I go to, offered free accommodation. He and his beautiful family took the extra mile of treating us meals, transportation and took time to tour us around the Merlion, Fullerton Hotel and introducing us great food at Lau Pa Sat. Our short stay with them made me see the Lord’s faithfulness more as I hear their testimony of His goodness.

I also met my college friend who I hadn't seen forever and we just giggled remembering all our mishaps and misadventures while we were still studying over the food she treated us (despite her being stingy way back then! LOL).

After the 3 day-conference, we took advantage of our remaining days exploring Gardens by the Bay, Botanical Garden, Orchid garden, Chinatown, Bugis etc.

Of all the places we'd been, the one closest to my heart was our date at Gardens by the bay, not because I enjoyed looking at the flowers but I was just happy to see my husband not getting tired checking all the flowers and plants there as a “certified plantito”.

I enjoyed the entire conference, the opportunity to serve Him, the beautiful places, generous people and the delectable food. This trip would always be the epitome of how my God has turned my mourning into dancing and how He gave me much much more than what I've lost and deserve.

To you who’s waiting for God to deliver His promises, I pray you’ll learn how to stop paying so much attention to your circumstances but instead hold on to His faithfulness.

Thank you Singapura. Thank you my sweet Jesus.