When peeing in Asia…
2 words: squatty potty (get with it America-we need these)
You call it tandas, the toilet, the comfort room, or the happy room.
You have to pay to use it.
You have to supply your own toilet paper.
Or you can use the hose…
You flush with a bucket.
The floor is always covered in water.
There may or may not be a lime in there for some unknown reason.
When doing construction in Asia…
You are automatically a professional and are expected to know how to level ground, build concrete walls, lay tile floors, dig holes, paint, and move heavy objects.
You use bags to carry mud.
You use gasoline to remove paint.
You use flip flops to spread grout.
You use water in tubing for a level.
When eating in Asia…
Sometimes you get a parasite…and you name him Benny.
You eat the street food and get really sick.
You try being really safe and you get really sick
You eat anything and get really sick…Benny hates you- you hate him back.
You eat rice every single day.
You try things like ant porridge, durian, rambutan, sandwiches with head cheese, dried fish, black eggs, and fruit that smells like feet.
Your teammates eat quail head and crickets.
You pass dried squid on carts.
You fall in love with Thai food, because it's the best.
You pick bugs out of your food and keep eating.
Your dinner may have eyes…and fins.
You try to use chopsticks.
You randomly point to things when the menu isn't in English.
You cry at the sight of McDonalds or Pizza Hut.
You also near tears when someone makes you apple crisp.
You find ice cream in every city and Oreos in every store (and you buy them every time)
Coke and Pringles have never tasted so good.
You forget what real coffee tastes like, but drink Nescaf? every day.
Your beef could be dog…
You have drinks in bag.
You dream of momma's cooking….and microwaved nachos.
You sit on the floor or on teeny tiny stools.
Did I say rice?
When traveling in Asia…
You go by tuk-tuk, taxi, moto, trike, jeepney, vans, busses, airplanes, pick-up trucks, or your own two feet.
You never, ever wear a seatbelt.
You forget that the colors on stoplights have meanings.
You cross the street without looking both ways because you learn to expect the insane traffic to go around you.
What is a stop sign?
You can reach out the window and touch the other cars.
You forget which side of the road is normal.
You may see an elephant or a monkey on the side of the road.
When showering in Asia…
Hot water is rare and so appreciated.
You learn to master the bucket shower.
You skip showers on days it's too cold to bear.
You try every shampoo they have and your hair still feels weird.
You have to make sure your products don't have bleach in them.
When talking to people in Asia…
You wai (bow) to say hello.
You try to remember who is supposed to wai first and where your hands should go.
You say magandag umaga, xin chao, or sawadee ca instead of hello.
You say salamat po, trimicasay, camon, acon, or capcunca instead of thank you.
That's pretty much all you say, because you can't speak the language.
You learn to communicate and become family with very broken english and even more broken (insert language here) or without ever saying a word.
When living in Asia…
You will fall in love with the people.
You will see the most beautiful beaches, rice fields, lakes, ponds, rivers, animals, caves, sunsets, and all the endless things.
You will be stared at everywhere you go, because your skin is so white.
You will watch in confusion as the girls cover up and bleach their skin, when we so desperately want to be tan.
You will high five a thousand kids.
You will take pictures with complete strangers.
You will never know what conversations are going on around you and will always feel a little lost..
You will take your shoes off before entering any building.
You will listen to geckos laughing at you.
You see more temples than churches.
You see spirit houses in every home and place of business.
You will teach English, do construction, do Bible studies, speak at churches, play with street kids, teach more English, worship, encourage contacts, work at girls' homes, clean, teach more English, go on feedings, talk to the homeless, paint murals, and share the gospel with your new friends.
When living in Asia, I have experienced God more than I ever have before. There is something about being in cultures that are so different than your own, serving with people that share nothing in common but faith in Jesus Christ that completely wrecks you. I have made the most beautiful friendships, witnessed God move in incredible ways, and have learned things from the Lord that have changed me forever.
Asia, with all it's quirks, will hold a place in my heart always. All of these things that make Asia so different than home, make it so beautiful. Asia, I have absolutely adored you. Until next time…
