"Human nature is such that we like to congregate with folks who like what we like. We’re inclined to hang out with people whose interests and perspectives resemble our own. We bond with fellow pilgrims who march to our beat. We tend to commune with people who share our common beliefs. "
.
"Birds of a feather flock together"
Last Friday, Singaporeans studying, working and residing in Happy Valley came together for a "makan" session. This is their third gathering this semester but it was our first. We were out of town when the first two sessions were held. There were around 20 people at the gathering. Not surprisingly, the main focus was the food, pot-luck style. My wife contributed chicken curry puffs. It is always a delight to attend such gatherings.During my stay here, I have been asked a number of times whether I will consider staying on and working in the US? 
Well, no matter how much we are enjoying our time here, Singapore is still home! Where my heart resides. Most Singaporeans do not have a say b'cause they are citizens by birth! Me? I am a Singaporean by choice!
For dessert, the hostess, Bee Yan (econ professor) prepared "tang yuen".
We missed this year's national day parade as we were already in State College by August 1. Nevertheless, we each bought a national day t-shirt with the wording "Singapore 1965" to remind us of home and also that, as foreigners, we are Singapore's ambassadors in another country.
. .
My favorite national song is "We are Singapore", particularly the first stencil, which I sometimes personalize it by substituting "Joseph" for "Singapore". In a certain way, Singapore and I are alike, We are over-achievers, given our troubled history, insignificant size, and lack of natural resources. Yes, there was a time when people said I won't make it. "How can someone with a B+ grade survive in an A* environment?" But we did! More than just surviving, we excelled through hardwork and God's grace.
....................................
"But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me - and not without results. For I have worked harder than all the others, yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." - 1 Corinthians 15:10
.
We are Singapore
There was a time when people said
That Singapore won't make it, but we did
There was a time when troubles seemed too much
For us to take, but we did
We built a nation, strong and free, reaching out together
For peace and harmony
Chorus 1:
This is my country, this is my flag
This is my future, this is my life
This is my family, these are my friends
We are Singapore, Singaporeans
Singapore our homeland, it's here that we belong
All of us united, one people marching on
We've come so far together, our common destiny
Singapore forever, a nation strong and free
.
( Repeat Chorus 1 )
.
We the citizens of Singapore
Pledge ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race, language or religion
To build a democratic society
Based on justice and equality
So as to achieve happiness
Prosperity and progress for our nation
Chorus 2:
We are Singapore, we are Singapore
We will stand together, hear the lion roar
We are Singapore, we are Singapore
We're a nation strong and free forevermore
.
( Repeat Chorus 1 & 2 )
.
We are Singapore, Singaporeans ( X 2 )
.
© Ministry of Information, Communications & The Arts
.
Christians & Government: The bible instructs us to co-operate with the authorities and be responsible citizens:
.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you... But if you do wrong, be afraid...
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who gives their full time to governing." (Romans 13:1-6)
......
