God has shown himself to me these past few days in such crazy ways, between worship and private prayer, I feel God’s presence all around me. It feels as if God has been watching over my team in many ways.
Today is what the World Race calls travel days. I was laying down on my sleeping pad in the JFK airport in New York City watching people pass our group with curiosity on their faces. I believe someone even asked our group if we were protesting Victorias Secret since we were all in sleeping bags lounging in front of the store. I mean, if I saw 40 people spread out across the airport floor, I probably would too.
While in our first 12 hour layover in New York I met a rapper and was able to take a picture with him, his name is Daniel Hornadiz known as 6ix9ine. It was a crazy reminder of my best friends and my sister because right before I left we actually had about a 30 minute car ride jam session to his music, and if anyone knows my sister she can not tolerate rap. once we boarded the flight to China, my pal Merrill and I seemed to sleep for about 99% of the 15 hour flight in just about every funky position two people can sleep in while only taking up two seats. Waking up after being in those positions, you could believe my back was killing me. The rest of the 15 hour travel experience seemed like it went by in 5 minutes. Another moment would be my team mate Amy losing her passport and not being able to get through customs once we landed in Shanghai, China. Luckily, after 3 hours of panic she was able to officially go into China without being deported.
Seeing all the different social norms in the different countries makes you really love the United states.The minute we got to Thailand we went to our hostile. Fortunately I do have a bed and running water, so for those of you who thought I was going to be living in a hole…I am not.
The city is breath taking. I showered immediately upon getting there. (After nearly 48 hours of travel I was in desperate need of a shower.) Than I went right out to town in search of Thai food. After searching the outdoor market and back streets, I ended up at a hotel eating margarita pizza, but who is surprised there. Followed by the pizza, a few of us went to go get ice cream, one scoop was 65 bahts (thai currency which is about 2 U.S dollars), while eating the ice-cream and walking deeper into the night market, I found ice cream for 45 bahts. So I can officially say I feel like I have been ripped off. No big deal or anything because 1 US dollar is 31 bahts, but I still feel cheated. This all is happening while I am starting to have hallucinations because the jet lag did get me. I ended up going to bed around 7 pm and sleeping like a baby in my new bunk bed. Of course, I woke up at 5 am and couldn’t sleep, but its all part of the adventure.
I have been here for not even 24 hours, but I feel so at home with my new make shift family. I have fallen in love with this place and can not wait to continue growing my relationship with God. Let me tell you, He works wonders and He rocks.
