Let me tell you about Asia. Because it is truly one of a kind continent.
In Asia, lines aren’t a thing. You may think you’re “next” to check out and it’s perfectly normal for someone to just step in front of you with a bag full of items…
In Asia, it’s totally normal for people to wear the same outfit multiple days in a row. (nice for world racers bc we fit right in :P)
In Asia, you see people wearing more layers when it’s 100 degrees and sunny bc gotta keep that white skin ya know?!?
In Asia, you are almost guaranteed to see men peeing on the side of the road, right in the open for all to see.
In Asia, you might be on a bus and a man walks on with a trash bag full of dead fish and nobody even flinches.
Oh and don’t even get me started about the overcrowded busses….in Asia, they really like to utilize every corner of public transportation. Van with 9 seats to fit 30 people? no problem.
In Asia, I’ve seen more motos in my life than ever before (literal stampedes of thousands of motos in the midst of ho chi minh city)
In Asia, the population is so big in most cities that you rarely find yourself walking down the street without hearing at least 5 horn honks.
BUT THERE’S MORE.
Despite all of the minor annoyances in Asia, I’ve found some of the most down to earth people who stay true to their promises.
In Asia, people have a devotion to serve that’s beyond my understanding. They will without a doubt help you with your bags and give up their seat to make you comfortable.
In Asia, people who already struggle to buy their own food will invite you into their home for a full meal without price.
In Asia, people are tainted by religion & false gods and are so open to hear about a Savior who wants to know them personally.
In Asia, I’ve met some of the most goofy, fun, kind-hearted friends that I know! Friends that I’ll hold in my heart forever. Friends that I can be my complete self around despite the language and cultural barriers.
In Asia, God has shown me what it looks like to love children who don’t see themselves as worthy to be loved.
In Asia, God has showed me how much I love international college students and how much I love sharing the gospel with those who have never heard it before!!!
In Asia, God has revealed life dreams, goals, and visions, and I cannot want to see what he does with them!!
On a real note: I’m leaving for Africa tonight. And all I’ve ever known in my travels is Asia, so I literally have zero idea what to expect.
BUT I’m so pumped for this upcoming change and I’m pumped to see how The Lord uses this next stage of my World Race journey to grow me in an entirely new way!
My access to wifi is super minimal, so I won’t be posting much aside from my weekly blog. Stay tuned for more!!!
In the meantime, check out some highlights from these last 5 months in Asia:
Mew. An AMAZING woman of God who was my soul sister throughout Thailand. We totally bonded over our love for spontaneous worship music, Bethel, and The Holy Spirit. She’s amazing and was such a blessing to me in Thailand!
DARA!! Literally my spirit twin. This girl is not afraid to tell anyone about Jesus and she’s only 18 years old!! I’ve never met someone who is so raw and real in their love for The Lord!! Thx @Dara for going on random adventures with me and reminding me what it looks like to walk like a child in my faith.
Sharelle. My ministry host & spiritual mother in Cambodia who would spend HOURS pouring into me every single day. I learned so much wisdom from this woman and what it looks like to truly lay down my life for The Lord.
Getting to do a weekly, totally spirit led house group with these Vietnamese gals every Sunday!!
Sharing the gospel with 9 vietnamese students on Christmas Eve!!!
(totally unplanned btw which makes it SO MUCH COOLER)
Rooming with this nugget at LDW weekend and learning that God LOVES to put people in your life who you just mesh so well with!
Serving alongside 2 AMAZING teams (shoutout established in love & chayah!!) who grew me in unexplainable and incomprehensible ways!!
Thank you Jesus for an unforgettable time in Asia! Can’t wait to see what these next 6 months bring!
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
[Isaiah 43:19]
