100 days out of a pack.

I never thought that traveling to the other side of the world would be the best way to connect with myself.

There are so many hidden things within me that are being unveiled through the challenges and joys of the journey. In less than a week, I will hit 100 days of travel. I have over 300 to go.  It is ironic the way God works.

He can take you to the most surprising places, on the most distant journeys, just to show you that you are closer to your true self than you ever were a mile from home.

Amongst new faces, in foreign bus stations and along sandy beaches, I am discovering that life really gives back what you put into it. Put in joy. Put in peace. Put in faithfulness, and you will reap that harvest.

The more I discover about this world that is within me – the more free I am to love people better. And I think it is really true that in order to give to the world, we must learn how to receive from it. 

I met an Indian woman this morning who had to be well into her late eighties (picture to come). She was wearing a beautiful gold sari, with jewels lining her neck, fingers, and eyebrows. Her name was Mrs. Chavem, and she told me how she came from India to Malaysia with her father as a girl in 1929.  Yes, you heard that right, 1929!  

I was blown away by the grace in her movements, the steadiness in her hands, just the way about her – like, wow… this woman has lived. A long, incredible life chalk-full of little moments piled on top of each other.  She is nearing the end of her life, and leaving behind few regrets. Her poor little body is weak and tired, constantly arguing with her active brain and lively imagination to slow down. She was feisty, strong-willed, yet peaceful and serene. I loved meeting her.

It made me think of one of the books I've been reading lately. It asks you to write the answer to a specific question in your journal. It asks you to put yourself in the future, and look back – The question is, "If I truly believed in the core of my being that God created me to thrive, what would I write in a letter to Him describing the person I have become over my lifetime?"

She really got me thinking. I wrote my own life letter. Here are a couple excerpts;