Bucket Lists and Planning

While we were in our missionary training we were invited to make a list of things we would like to do for date nights while on our mission. We came up with 25 or so things to do...but recently when we tried to find the list we couldn't. Oops! But even though I didn't know where the list went, I still have had a bucket list of sorts in my mind for our time in Singapore. We have done a lot of the things while with the wisdom that comes with time and age, there are some that I remember from the list that we will skip!

In general, I have never really been one to make bucket lists and have even struggled at times with making simpler to-do lists. For a couple years before our mission though I used a Panda planner on occasion to try to keep myself feeling motivated and positive. Their planner is a combo of planning, working on positive thinking, and making and reviewing goals...all with the hopes of boosting happiness and productivity. I found the style to be really helpful, with built-in sections for daily gratitude and affirmations. I started out my mission with a six-month planner and thought I might use it my whole mission. I did well at the beginning but over the past several months I haven't used it at all. This is definitely a sign that I am feeling too busy, but it also usually means that my productivity and happiness are going down. You will be glad to know dear readers that I picked it back up today and am working on a plan to use it for the rest of my mission!

Since we didn't find our bucket list, I asked AI to create one for me and here is what it came up with. We have done all of them other than those highlighted.

Bucket List for Singapore

Residing in Singapore provides a unique mix of cultural experiences, culinary treats, and stunning sights. Here's a specially selected bucket list to help you fully enjoy your time in this lively city-state:

1. Discover Iconic Landmarks

• Head to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for sweeping city views.

• Wander through the magnificent Gardens by the Bay and admire the Supertree Grove.

• Visit the historic Raffles Hotel and sip on a Singapore Sling. (Shocker, I know!)

2. Savor Local Cuisine

• Enjoy the renowned Hainanese Chicken Rice at a local hawker center.

• Taste Chili Crab at a waterfront seafood eatery. (Sean did have Chili Crab)

• Relish a bowl of Laksa in the heart of Katong. (We have had Laksa, which Sean likes quite a bit)

3. Dive into Culture

• Explore Chinatown to visit temples and traditional shops.

• Experience the lively atmosphere of Little India during festivals.

• Attend a show at the Esplanade to appreciate local arts and music.

4. Enjoy Nature and Outdoor Activities

• Hike in the MacRitchie Reservoir and try the treetop walk.

• Unwind at Sentosa Island beaches and engage in water sports. (We've been to Sentosa without engaging in water sports)

• Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Experience Local Events and Festivals

• Celebrate Chinese New Year with lively street parades and festivities.

• Join the Singapore Food Festival to enjoy local delicacies.

• Take part in the National Day Parade to see a grand patriotic display.

6. Explore Unique Neighborhoods

• Stroll through the vibrant streets of Haji Lane for boutique shopping.

• Discover the heritage of Kampong Glam and visit the Sultan Mosque.

• Head to East Coast Park for cycling and picnicking.

7. Take Day Trips

• Explore Pulau Ubin island for a taste of traditional village life.

• Visit nearby Johor Bahru in Malaysia for shopping and dining.

• Enjoy a weekend retreat at the Bintan Island resorts (These islands are outside our mission in Indonesia).

While this list created by AI gives you some of the top tourist things to do in Singapore, it doesn't really honor my favorite things to do in Singapore. So I'll add a "Vivian Foley version" of bucket items to do in Singapore:

1. Take pictures of flowers. They are different every day and I have been delighted by the sheer number of plants, shrubs, and trees here that will unexpectedly blossom.

2. Go for a walk in one of the natural areas. You might even be able to forget you are in a city of 7 million people. Just make sure you take water, or even better some coconut water to restore the electrolytes you will surely be sweating off.

3. Go for a walk in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

4. Walk around the Marina Bay area where you can get a view of the city and some occasional relief from breezes off the bay.

5. Purchase fresh mango juice from a hawker stand. I have a favorite one in the Newton hawker stand.

6. Purchase fresh mango lassi from the Tekka center hawker in Little India.

7. Walk somewhere (basically we are always walking) with your favorite person talking, planning and holding hands (though only for awhile because holding hands isn't comfortable when you are sweating buckets).

8. Try a different food or restaurant that you haven't tried before, you might like it.

9. When you need a hamburger, fries, and a shake go to Shake Shack for the win.

10. Sit on the balcony 28 stories up and watch the busy city below. For some reason seeing all that busyness that I am not involved in is soothing!

11. Take a ride on one of the city double decker buses and sit up top in the front window. You will get a unique view of the city and skip the price of those Hop-On/ Hop-Off buses.

And Sean would add a few things of his own: zoos, Henderson Waves/cable car, Urban Redevelopment Museum, Coast to Coast walking trail, Coney Island, Admiralty Park, Jurong West park, and of course...the Singapore temple site!

Alright, now to planning! A common question we get from others (and constantly ask ourselves) these days is what we are going to do after our mission. The answer is not very clear and detailed. We do not know a lot, but we do know some things for sure. We will go home to our home and kick out all the wonderful short-term rental guests that have provided for us so well! We will spend time with our family that needs our time: parents, children, and the five grandchildren that need us to listen to and play with them. Foundational to it all is our continuing desire to serve God and our fellow man. We are not sure exactly how that looks yet, but we will let you know when we find out!

Meanwhile the ever-helpful AI says: "Here’s a structured plan to consider after completing your mission:

1. Reflect and Evaluate

• Take time to reflect on your experiences.

• Evaluate what went well and what could be improved.

• Document your thoughts and lessons learned.

2. Rest and Recharge

• Prioritize self-care and relaxation.

• Engage in activities that help you unwind.

• Consider spending time with friends and family.

3. Set New Goals

• Identify personal or professional goals for the future.

• Break down these goals into actionable steps.

• Set timelines for achieving these goals.

4. Stay Connected

• Reach out to fellow team members or peers.

• Share experiences and maintain relationships.

• Consider networking for future opportunities.

5. Pursue Further Education or Training

• Identify any skills or knowledge gaps.

• Look for courses, workshops, or certifications.

• Consider mentorship or coaching for personal development.

6. Engage in Community or Volunteer Work

• Look for local organizations that align with your interests.

• Contribute your skills to help others.

• Build a sense of community and fulfillment.

7. Plan for Future Missions or Projects

• Consider what type of missions or projects you would like to undertake next.

• Research opportunities that align with your interests and skills.

• Prepare yourself for the next challenge.

By following this plan, you can ensure a smooth transition after your mission and set yourself up for future success."

Final note: A few have asked about the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand that occurred just about 36 hours ago. We didn't feel any of it here in Singapore, nor did our colleagues in Malaysia. We do know many missionaries in Thailand and have heard that all missionaries and church properties are safe. There are not any missionaries serving in Myanmar due to the political wars currently occurring in the country, but there are some missionaries who work specifically with people from Myanmar residing in Thailand. We also know a few beautiful friends from Myanmar who currently reside in Singapore. They are dear to our hearts and we mourn with them for the tragedies in their country: including both the earthquake and the political/military oppression.

Photos!

Nature! (Our hike to the highest point in Singapore. Spoiler: it's not as high as Utah!)

Young Adults (Institute had a wonderful guest presenter and other great activities)

Missionaries (the mighty Singapore Zone for our last transfer, their service to an elderly person's home, and my archnemesis bunk bed rails. They took me months to figure out but are finally installed!)

Bonus movie (Don't get too excited. It's not an Oscar contender - but is some REALLY noisy insects on the trail to the highest point in Singapore)