I have made it safe and sound to Vietnam! We have debrief for a few days in one city and then take a 20 hour bus ride to the city where we will be staying for the remainder of our time here. Vietnam is WAY different than I expected! I love it here, so so much. The people are very sweet and the culture is amazing. Only 2% of the country is saved. Which really breaks your heart when you are trying to cross the street amongst the hundreds of people driving motor bikes, busses, and taxis. There are so many people here, that we are blessed with the opportunity to show love to.
I had just gotten off of the bus and arrived at our hostel, when I was approached by a 70+ year old Vietnamese man. He said, "Believer?" as he showed me the paper back Bible in his hands. I smiled at him and said, "Yes." His eyes lit up so bright and He began to spill his life story to me. He told me how he had been in the Navy during the war with America and how afterwards he ended up being stationed in New York City. He told me that he has relatives and friends in Oregon, Pennsylvania, and various other states that I didn't quite catch, because he was talking super fast. He told me how he has dreamed of moving to America, but how the Lord told him that he needed to stay here, because there is so much to be done. He ended his spill with a big, "GOD BLESS AMERICA." Which I followed with, "GOD BLESS YOU!" Then, he grabbed my face and gave me the biggest kiss on my cheek before merrily skipping off. It was in that moment that I realized, my time in Vietnam was going to be so much different than I expected!
Vietnam is a closed country. However, it is not illegal for me to be a Christian. It is just illegal for me to tell other people that they need to be a Christian. They do have established churches here that are strictly monitored by the government. There are also the underground churches that are more free to do what the Spirit leads. I will be using a lot of discretion in my blogs this month when it comes to ministry. Just pray as the Lord leads you for my team and squad!
We have no idea what we will be doing after debrief this week. That's the World Race for you. I am so thankful for this time of rest, reflection, and preparation with the Lord. I know this month is going to be alot different from our first 2 months. We have a little more restriction on what we can and cannot do. It's definitly a huge change from the westernized country of Australia! As we entered into the country, the thought that ran through all of our minds was, "Okay, now this feels more like the world race." I'm so excited for this month. I didn't think I would like Asia…at all. But my heart is so here, right now! I can't wait to see changed lives! I pray there are many more people filled with the joy that my 70 year old Vietnamese friend found!
　
Vietnam Highlights/ Funny Moments from my 2 days here:
Worshipping on a rooftop and declaring salvation over Vietnam.
Debriefing the month of Malaysia and Australia with my team at a coffee shop.
Having bed bugs the first day here. "WORLD RACE!"
Eating dinner, when a cat runs under your table with a rat the size of a football in it's mouth.
The mirror in the bathroom being so short that it angles right at your mid-section, instead of your face.
Fresh fruit smoothies for like 50 cents.
Walking in front of hundreds of motor bikes and vehicles to cross the street, praying they don't hit you.
Copy and paste this link into your browser. It's an incredible video about Asia:
