I will never get used to the smell of dehydrated squid. Walking the streets of Saigon presents plenty of opportunities for new sights and smells and every time I walk past a dainty vietnamese lady selling squid jerky, the aroma attacks my nostrils and I am quickly reminded that I am actually in Vietnam…
I did not even see the motobike coming. It was around 5 pm so traffic was thick with people getting off work and kids running home after school. I was walking with 2 squadmates and had my satchel in front of me instead of to the side as we have been instructed by our contacts. That did not stop the guy riding on a moto from reaching out, grabbing my bag and ripping it right off my neck.
It felt like slow motion.
I stood there in shock as I was swiftly robbed by a local. He rode away smiling, and I never once tried to retaliate. I felt helpless in that moment, the guy was long gone on the back of a moto, and there I stood vulnerable in the pandemonium of Saigon.
The sequence of emotions following the scene were a bit of a roller coaster; fear rushed through my veins, then praise for not being injured, confusion, heart brake for the thief and what his life must be like, wondering what God wants to teach me through this experience.
During rooftop worship that night one of my squadmates shared scripture from James:
“Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. so let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (1:2-4)
These words were totally for me. Praise God for the opportunity to fully rely on Him. I need nothing, cause I’ve got Jesus! I was given one more magnificent opportunity to find Him in the Chaos. We are told that abandonment is huge aspect of the World Race and we think we abandon our lives when we launch, but everyday we reach new levels of abandon. I am regularly praying for wisdom and His perspective. If getting robbed in Vietnam is a step in that process, then Praise the Lord for his will leading my life.
