So in about 10 days, our time in Vietnam will come to an end and we will make our way to Cambodia for debrief.
Our time in Vietnam was short but also felt kind of long. I think it may have something to do with having ATL this month and not having a set schedule and having so much time to figure out how to spend your day. With that, there was so much more time to think.
I have enjoyed ATL in this country. It is different though since it’s a closed country. You can’t just go up to people and ask them if they know Jesus or if you can pray for them. We aren’t allowed to be here if we do that.
This is my first time doing ATL on the race but it’s an everyday life style. The point of doing ATL on the race just prepares you for month 12 and beyond. Being the hands & feet of Jesus in your everyday life.
In Vietnam, I am learning so many ways of what ATL means and what it looks like.
ATL (Ask the Lord) can look like:
1. Smiling at people you pass by.
2. Saying “Hello, how are you?” Acknowledging them. Sometimes people just need to know that they are seen.
3. Going to a place consistently and getting to know the familiar people around you. For me, I’ve been going to this place called Urban Square. Reminds me a lot of home. But I’ve gotten to make friends with the local workers there. Asking them questions about their lives. Engaging conversations with them and just be kind to them. Overly kind!
4. Spending time just praying for the country & it’s people.
5. Taking care of yourself & doing what you love to do.
6. Tons of time opportunity to spend digging into the Bible and spending time with Jesus.
What also has been happening this month is battling thoughts of : “Can i really do this? I don’t know if I can finish the race. “
And we knew these thoughts would come up at some point- and I feel like it so easily came up this month cause we had a lot more free time. I also think it came up because I am a little bit out of my comfort zone here, mainly with food. This month I’ve been dealing with some anxiety when it comes to eating and not wanting to get sick from the food. I have been cautious with what I’ve been eating but I think it’s stemming more from fear and I don’t want to live and operate out of fear.
Let me be honest: Yes doing the race is a dream of mine. I always wanted to travel and come into countries to help people. Spending a year focusing on serving people, loving them, chasing after Jesus and figuring out who I am and more of who Jesus is. What an amazing opportunity. But just because something is a dream of yours, it doesn’t mean you still won’t have your doubts and fears. Doesn’t mean it will always be easy. Doesn’t mean you won’t have the thought ” I don’t know if I can do this”. You just have to push through and keep going despite those thoughts and feelings. Sometimes you have to think about the end result. Give those thoughts to Jesus. Which is what I am currently trying to do.
1 Peter 5:7 says : “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.”
So yeah with all that said: I would very much love your prayers and encouragement! I know I can do this and I will finish this. But would love to not have anxiety about food and getting sick. I can tell it is starting to rob me from fully enjoying this journey.
Vietnam is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Vietnamese people are some of the kindest friendliest people I’ve met!
Anyway, thank you so much!
Much Love, T.
