1. Seeing people wearing facemasks as normally as they wear shirts and pants. I guess when your main mode of transportation is a motorbike, there’s no protection against the air pollution.
2. Having to yield for a monkey in the road instead of a squirrel.
3. Going for 4 days without a shower out of my own free will. I know, you’re shocked. What has happened to the clean freak Sydney? That’s a great question. I’ll make any excuse: I don’t want to take a cold shower, my towel is at the cleaners, I’m too tired, I’m just going to get dirty again tomorrow… Hey, it took me 7 months to become a “true” world racer. Some of my squad mates have been going for week or more since Month 1!
4. Preaching my first sermon!
5. Getting overly excited when you find solid deodorant at the grocery store. It’s the little things in life. And I hate wet armpits from the roll-on kind.
6. Finding out that love isn’t the only thing that crosses all languages and cultures. There’s also Justin Beiber.
7. Feeling naked while wearing sleeveless shirts or shorts above the knee. Apparently bare knees and shoulders are as scandalous as showing… well, you know, your other parts in America.
8. Getting caught in motorbike traffic jams. Try crossing the street as a pedestrian when you’re in a street like this. They won’t slow down for you.
9. People dressed for winter (Read: pants, long sleeves, coats, socks, hats, and gloves) when it’s 95°and up. Apparently it is far more important to have pale skin than to not sweat to death.
10. You will walk or bike miles in the heat or rain for internet.
11. Seeing some of the cutest clothes at the market, but don’t worry, they’re only for Asian-sized people. (Read: Size 2 or smaller)
12. Learning to literally dodge tuk-tuks, cars, and trucks on a bicycle. Don’t forget to use your hand signals when you’re turning, it could save your life.
13. Getting $4 pedicures! I won’t be able to justify $30 pedicures in the States anymore…
14. Not being able to see “The Hunger Games” in movie theaters because the government is afraid the movie will give people ideas about overthrowing the government. Don’t worry, we saw it ASAP in the next non-closed country.
15. Taking photos of the people dressed up in cultural attire at a festival or of beautiful scenery at the beach, only to find out that there are locals taking pictures of YOU. White people are so exciting and rare!
16. Getting hushed by the locals on the bus while talking with a teammate at a normal conversational volume. Apparently there is a code of silence on public transportation. Stupid, loud Americans!
17. Discover flavors of Pringles you didn’t know existed such as Peking Duck, Seaweed, and Shrimp! They were… interesting.
18. Mistaking fish sauce for soy sauce when pouring the only 2 choices of condiments on your rice. Warning: this is a mistake you do not want to make.
19. Finding a whole outfit at the market for only $6 USD! Oh, and accidentally buying a shirt with a Buddha on it. I thought it was an elephant… just neglected to notice the 6 arms. Don't worry, they let me trade it for and I heart Cambodia shirt 🙂
20. Falling head over heels in love with avocado smoothies.The best combination to me is avocado, carrot and banana. Trust me, it will change your life.
21. Praying against lice as hard as I pray for anything. It is one of my biggest fears! So far… so good. But keep praying.
22. Being super thankful for luxuries such as beds, hot showers, and “air con.” Even just having one out of the three makes you feel as if you’re living like a king!
23. Convincing locals that Americans all do the “I love you” symbol to say hello & goodbye, just like they do the peace sign.
24. Having lessons on how to use a squatty potty and dispose of your toilet paper. Word to the wise: AWAYS carry toilet paper with you in Asia. It is usually unavailable or comes at a price.
25. God totally changing my mind and my attitude toward the land and the people of Asia. I came in thinking that Asia would just be a pit stop on my way to Africa, where I felt God had called me all along. But God used these 4 months in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia to totally change my heart. These are some of the most kind, loving, beautiful people I’ve ever encountered. And they desperately need Jesus. I thought Central American children were the cutest, but the sweet babies I worked with in Cambodia and Malaysia might give them a run for their money! God did so much in me during these 4 months, I wouldn’t take them back for the world.
*Update*We are in the land of Africa now!! We landed in Kenya on the morning of April 30th, and we will be spending the month here working in the city of Nakuru. We will be preaching in churches and working with Bliss Women and Children Ministry. I am already falling completely in love with this place. The weather is cool and perfect, the people are beautiful and SO warm-hearted and welcoming, the food cooked by our host family is AMAZING, and I want to hug every child that I see. I think it’s going to be an incredible month!!
