Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia
The race is filled with moments that have come to seem completely normal, but when I stop and think about it all I can do is shake my head and laugh.
Like that moment when your missionary budget causes you to turn down a $2 meal.
Or that moment when the bus driver offers you a bag of grasshoppers for dinner and you actually take one…and enjoy it.
That moment when you are so used to the locals taking a picture of you that you just stop and smile.
When one gecko on the wall doesn’t faze you, but more than four might get your attention.
When you find yourself “pointing” with an extended hand or your thumb.
When you are happy to find a normal toilet and see a sign explaining that it is not a squatty potty.
That moment when you immediately reach for your own supply of toilet paper and a little change before heading to any public restroom.
When you find yourself dreaming of air conditioning.
When you repeat an English word twice, only to have it understood on the third try with a foreign accent. (-Pan Tip Plaza, please. -Where? -Pan. Tip. Plaza. -Where? -Pahn Teep Plahsaaah! -Oh yes! Come, come!)
When you don’t feel awkward walking through a crowded street while carrying a 50 lb. pack on your back, a 15 lb. backpack on your front and a 10 lb. purse at your side.
That moment when you have three different currencies in your wallet.
When getting a napkin at a restaurant is cause for celebration and immediately goes into the “emergency” stash.
When you are listening to a translation via radio transmission for the church service and it cuts out to a French broadcast right when the preacher is getting excited.
When you find yourself in the middle of an all-out water fight with thousands of strangers.
That moment when you are so tired that you fall asleep sitting up.
When the sight of a green vegetable makes your heart swell with joy.
When you can’t find a body wash that doesn’t contain “whitening properties”.
That moment when speaking English like a toddler is the best way to communicate.
When you realize you have mastered the skill of finding the nearest wifi no matter where in the world you are.
When 30 mopeds racing towards you is an opportunity to play Frogger as you cross the street.
That moment when you ride an elephant, or pet a tiger, or ride a moped through the island mountain roads.
When you have to stop and just let it hit you that you are so incredibly blessed to be in
that very moment
…and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
