I’ve been in Vietnam for over 2 weeks now. I can tell you this month, month TEN of this
eleven month trip, has been completely different than any other month on the
Race. My team started off the month in
the capital, Ho Chi Minh. To begin with, we’re staying hotels with AC, beds, HOT running water and
wifi. It’s a complete 180 from last
month in Cambodia that’s for sure.
We hung out in Ho Chi Minh with the entire squad for about 5
or 6 days, got ministry locations figured out, and had the opportunity to visit
a drug/alcohol rehab center.
At the rehab center we got to worship with men seeking to
change the direction of their lives.
These men are taking steps forward, out of a dark and painful past and
stepping into the light that Christ offers.
The worship was loud and a little crazy at times, and it was a privilege
to dance alongside of them. We had a
time of sharing testimonies and hearing some of theirs. We were even blessed to be able to surround
them, lay hands on them and pray. The
Lord just really gave me a heart to share his Hope with them, hope for their
own lives and for their families. I was
able to share my dad’s testimony of coming to Christ and out of addiction and
raising his family differently. I was blessed to testify that God has something better for them and their families. My family is a testament to that! It was a sweet time of fellowship
for sure.
We also had the chance to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. It was a HOT and HUMID rainy day, but several
of us boarded the buses and settled in for the 2 hour ride, sack lunches in
tow. We arrived, walked, ate our lunch
and trekked down to see the sites.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bananas! A staple on the Race.
We
ended up watching a very “interesting� video about the tunnels and the view
taught about the war here. After that we
were able to actually go down into the tunnels and see with our own eyes what
we’ve heard about. The tightest squeeze
I was literally “walking� in a squatting position and sometimes sliding down
into the darkness. If you’re claustrophobic,
I don’t recommend it! We got rained on
several times but finally were able to board the buses home. All in all, I’m glad for the experience even
though I left soaked with rain and sweat.
Coming out of one of the tunnels!
On the 6th my team and Steph’s boarded a sleeper
bus to head to Da Nang for about 2 weeks.
I’ve gotta say that a sleeper bus is definitely the way to travel! You get your own little bed and actually have
personal space. Personal space?! I’ve almost forgotten how that feels after 10
months of being on the Race.
I actually
got to sleep some (which is rare for me when we travel) and wake to majestic mountains
on one side of me and the enchanting ocean on the other.
Our contact here is an amazing Vietnamese guy name Ky (key). He’s about 18 and in college. We absolutely love hanging out with him! Our ministry is mostly ATL (ask the Lord) so
our schedule is super open. Some people
go to the beach and hang out. Others go
to the same coffee shop or street restaurant regularly. This month is really about resting in Jesus,
seeking after Him and being obedient in the everyday situations that you find
yourself in – like how Christians are supposed to live 24/7.
Last week some of us headed up to the mountains to visit a
pastor. The “freedom of religion� in the
mountains is drastically different out there than in the cities. They endure much more persecution. We were only able to stay for a couple of
hours, but it was a blessing to see his home and church and be able to worship
with and pray over him.
view from the mountain church
mountain pastor
The next day we got to go to a Buddhist run orphanage in Hue and just hold some precious babies. I absolutely loved it! More and more Jesus pulls my heart towards adopting a little Asian baby someday. 🙂
My little man – I held this guy the whole time
Among other adventures, I’ve gone bowling AND been to the movies – the first time since America. Let me tell ya, I almost cried when we went bowling and was bursting with excitement waiting on the movie to start. It’s all about the little things. I think I’m going to be super easy to please when I get back home to the US. 🙂
Tomorrow we will be going to a special needs orphanage so lift up some prayers for our time there. I’m excited for it!
This is just a little update of what’s been going on. Hopefully I’ll post more about where heart’s been at sometime soon. It’s been a roller-coaster, but in the end it’s
good…as usual.
Please just be praying that we will take full advantage of
every opportunity that the Lord gives us, and that we’ll finish this thing
strong in Him, whatever that looks like individually.
Love y’all! 40 days ‘till
American soil!!
“Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.”
Psalm 113:3
