When I signed up for this journey a year ago, it never crossed my mind that I'll spend 6 months in Asia. At the end of Malaysia I was ready to get out of Asia and in need for a continent change. Arriving in Saigon at the beginning of the month, it quickly hit me, this is it. The end of Asia and already halfway into this crazy adventure. I started to think back on all the things I've experienced, seen, and been part of the vibrant Asian cultures. Since the time I hit India, I heard the phrase "Same same but different" by vendors, tuk tuk drivers and the locals; what it means is 'it seems similar but different in some ways.' Well, from all the 5 countries I've visisted so far up to Vietnam I see a lot of similarities and differences.
Same Same
- Rice and noodle are a staple food
- Unclean drinking water
- Unreceptive to the Gospel
- They strive for fair skin
- Crappy internet
- You adress people accordingly based on their age
- Asia invented short people
- People are the same all over the world
- No one cares about time-anywhere
But different
- Way more motorbike traffic
- Weather is cooler
- Coffee is a big deal- the people are obcessed with it
- Most welcoming country
- Communist government
- Noodle are more the base than rice
- The people are overly friendly
- You sit on a stool and kids tables at street restaurants
- They have parks everywhere
-
Foreigners can go to an International church but you have to show your passport
It has been a joy living in Asia, I have eaten so many different dishes; that I will definitely incorporate in my meals back in the States. I have learned 6 different greetings in 6 different languages and made many transactions in 6 different currencies. I also learned to love selflessly by the Asians, to know what it's really like to serve others without complaining, to share what I have no matter how small with others, and yes I'm different, I'm black, my hair makes me stand out like white on rice but I am beautiful.
On that note, this month has been quite interesting, I live in a hotel and am able to enjoy hot showers. Teaching this month doesn't involve using a white board in front of a classroom but having conversations with all kind of students that show up to practice their English at local coffee shops, or at a university. I also get to do some home school tutoring with five beautiful girls from church and love on some orphans. And since I can show Jesus to every single soul I encounter, I sat for almost two hours talking with a young girl I met that was crying at the park, or the relationship I built with the owner of a restaurant who sat down with me everytime I go eat. I thank the Lord every time He opens my eyes to what He sees and for placing me on this journey. Asia you have a special place in my heart, this is not goodbye.
