I have had the privilege of spending the past 5 months in Asia. Which one week left in Asia, I am preparing to finish my time here well and prepare my heart for Ireland and Eastern Europe, I began reflecting on the things that I have known and seen over the past 5 months. India. Nepal. Thailand. Cambodia. Vietnam. All of these are VERY different countries with different cultures and norms. But over the past 5 months, some things have become normal to me that I will not see in other parts of the world. So, I invite you into some of the things that have become ‘normal’ to me this year… Here is a glimpse of the things I will miss and definitely not miss about leaving Asia.
Asian cultures are new and different. Some things are not quite as pleasant or exciting! Here are a few things that I will not miss.
- Durian. This fruit has been offending my sense of smell for the past 3 months. While I did not smell this in India or Nepal, three months is enough! This is a fruit sold on every street corner. You can smell this for blocks from the actual fruit! I did try a little, and while I do not regret my decision…it was one of the worst things I have ever tasted. And, in my travels I’ve eaten some pretty gross things. This smell will definitely not be missed.
- Incense. From being trapped in moving vehicles full of burning incense to sticks lit outside (and inside) of every home and place of business, this smell has definitely become something I can do without. It is strong and permeates everything. A continual burning and sacrifice to gods and ancestors, this smell represents people lost in darkness waiting for the light. While I do not appreciate the smell, I do value the continual reminder of why we’re here and the condition of the lost.
- Asian Music. Oh my word!!! While I am a little partial to African music, the music in Asia has been something that you can only ever fully understand if you hear it for yourself. Weddings that last for days that wake you up at 5am to horns and drums. Hindu temples with speakers that play music all day and all night. The thing about the music in this part of the world is that it is LOUD! SO LOUD!! And, if you want to play drums or shake your tambourine…go ahead! Want to clap? Sure, join in the fun! No need to be on beat…just clap or pound away to your heart’s content. Everyone involved is having a lovely time because they are doing whatever they want, whenever they want.
- Misleading and weird chip flavors. Brazilian steak. Seaweed. Shrimp. Tomato. Durian Pork Chop. Kernels of Corn. Basil. Tuna Salsa. Crab Curry. Meat Kabob. Ritz Cheese Crackers that are actually lemon flavored. And while not all of these are bad, they just never quite taste like what they are supposed to.
- Electric Shocks…when we plug things in. Or touch things that are plugged in. Or touch street poles. Or make photo copies. Or… well, you get the idea.
- Whitening hygiene products. In Asia, white skin is considered a mark of beauty. So soaps, lotions, deodorants, and all manner of other skin products are meant to bleach your skin. Uh..no thanks! (And my teammate would really appreciate her tan armpits back, please!)
- Starches and curry. Asia has been full of all manner of starches, stained yellow with curry. I remember one day, I looked down at my plate and it was rice, potatoes, noodles, and fried bread…all yellow from the curry and realized that was all I had eaten for an entire month. Oh curry, I will want you again someday…but today is not that day!
There are quite wonderful things in Asia that I will definitely miss when I leave for Europe.
- Chai. While Asia has had a sad lack of coffee (with the exception of iced Thai coffees…which are my favorite things EVER!), delicious daily chai nearly made up for this. Chai-time is definitely a daily highlight.
- Fruit. With the exception of durian, Asia has had some of the most wonderfully delicious fruits that I have gotten to try for the first time. Some of my favorites are rambutan, lychee, and mangosteen. We have also had delightful watermelon, pineapple, mangos, avocados, and various other delicious treats.
- Food. Naan. Pad thai. Pho. Banh xeo. Spring rolls. Momos. Samosoas. Street Omelets. My own personal smoothie lady. Fried rice. This list could go on and on. Asian food has been incredible!
- Spirit Houses and False Idols. While I hate the spirit houses and idols, I am grateful for the daily reminder of those trapped in darkness. Every time I see someone carving an idol in front of their house, my heart is gripped for those who spend their lives speaking to gods of wood and stone who cannot hear them. Every time I see someone setting sacrifices before the spirit house dedicated to appease their ancestors, I am overwhelmed with the desire for them to know their true Father in heaven. I hate the idols. I hate the spirit houses. But I value that their demons and idols are not veiled the way they are in other cultures. And, I appreciate the daily reminder that people are lost and without Jesus…my prayer is for that to never become a common thing to me.
- Beautiful Landscape. I have seen mountains, oceans, waterfalls, rice fields, jungles, seas, cities, and bridges. From the Himalayan Mountains to the India Ocean and China Sea, I have enjoyed some of the most beautiful scenes in the entire world! Moments like this remind me of how majestic and beautiful the Lord is.
- Fun Adventures. Over the past five months, I have swam in the Indian Ocean and the China Sea, rode on the back of elephants (I’ve officially rode more elephants than horses), snuggled tigers, gone bamboo rafting, hiked mountains, lived in the jungle, crashed weddings, gone to more markets that I could ever count, and next week I’m taking a boat to a nearby island and going snorkeling. Every one of these things was a fun bonus added to the adventures of loving the unwanted, hiking to unreached villages, ministering to bar girls, talking with monks, working in cafes, handing out food, building relationships and teaching university students, spending time with kids who have been orphaned, and learning how to share the gospel in a country where we are not allowed to say the name of Jesus.
- Eating with Chopsticks. My chopstick skills have dramatically improved and I can successfully eat rice with chopsticks! Why can’t we eat with chopsticks everywhere? It’s so fun! Although, in India, we are with our hands…which was fun too!
- Beautiful People. Asia is home to some of the most beautiful people I have ever known! Their hearts are open and they desire to serve and to honor others. I have been so blessed by how they have welcomed me into their hearts, homes, and lives. I have been invited to see and experience each different culture through the lens of the people who have lived here their entire lives and have fallen in love with each country.
