The continent of Asia was not one that I was too overly excited about when starting the race. It was an area of the world that I had never traveled to and a culture that I really knew nothing about. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand… 3 countries that redeemed my oh so narrow view of Asia. The past 3 months, I have experienced the most growth over the race – spiritually not physically. Spiritual growth is always the best type of growth. As I leave Asia, my heart overflows with gratitude. I met people that I called ‘mom’, ‘dad’, and ‘uncle’, laughed hysterically almost ever day, said tearful goodbyes, stepped into new leadership, and continued to grow closer to Christ.
Below is Asia alphabetically through the eyes of yours truly: HB.
Apple Pen Pineapple Pen – This is a song that all kids everywhere know. It was our go-to when we had a few extra minutes with kids.
Boa Tong Waterfalls – Also known as Sticky Falls. It’s waterfalls that you can literally climb up. The limestone rocks produce a sandpaper like texture that is far from slippery.
Chicken Curry at Star Rise – A hole-in-the-wall restaurants that I went to 5 times in 1 week. I alternated between chicken curry and fish curry. Best curry you’ll ever eat.
Durian – It’s a fruit that is everywhere and gross if ya ask me. The smell, taste, all of it… No thanks.
Elephant Baths are the BOMB – Elephant rides are extremely anti climactic, but the baths are not!
Fish Pedicures – These feel really weird. I’m not sure why, but those 1 inch long fish scared me a little too much as they tried to nibble the dead skin off of my feet.
Growth – You can’t stop the pain of physical growth, but you can stop the pain of spiritual growth… embrace the pain. Press in to Christ and lean on Him, don’t stop the growth that He wants to take place in your life.
Hoi An – This city is beautiful. Go at night to the night market and barter your socks off.
Invite – If you get invited somewhere, it means that the person is going to pay for your meal/coffee/entrance fee/etc.
Jesus – He is Lord everywhere, closed country or not.
Kon Tum – This village is lovely, lush, and the sunsets are magical.
Language Barriers – They can be real hard at times, get your acting game on and play some charades.
Motos – Motos have free range…on the road, sidewalk, opposite side of the road, wherever. It’s like a rat race. They give me anxiety, don’t ride them.
Night Markets – Ask locals which ones to go to.. they ROCK!
Phu & Papaya Salad – Phu is incredible, but papaya salad is spicy and doesn’t even have papayas in it… I know, confusing.
Questionable Restrooms – Squatty potties as public restrooms are the norm with hoses that you spray yourself with because toilet paper apparently isn’t a thing. With that being said, toilet paper is GOLD so have it with you at all times.
Rice – You’ll eat it basically every meal.
Street Food – It’s the bomb and super cheap.
Tarantulas – Go ahead and eat a fried tarantula so you can say you ate one. They don’t burst in your mouth, instead they are dry like beef jerky.
Uncomfortable Buses – Sleep line buses are basically one big, Asian, bunk bed sleepover. The ‘beds’ are 2/3 the size of my body… you can only imagine the level of uncomfortableness.
Volume – The volume of music is insanely loud, starting at 6am and ending whenever the power goes out.
Weddings – If you get a chance to go to one, do it! We went to a Thai wedding and were a little let down, but so glad I got to experience it!
taXis in Asia – Transportation consist of tuk tuks and truckbeds.
“You tall” – This phrase I heard quite often. I was the local celebrity because of my height and hair color at almost every public outing.
Zaboomafoo – I held and played with a lemur at a floating market and I may have put him in my pack to bring home.
Like Africa, Asia was quite the adventure.
Uncomfortable? Absolutely.
Worth the uncomfortableness? Yes.
Why was it worth it? Jesus’ light was brought into the atmosphere of spiritually dark areas, relationships were built, and growth was embraced.
Peace out Asia. I just might be back someday (with lots of toilet paper in hand and a belly hungry for Star Rise chicken curry of course).
