Off to Vietnam!

After an amazing month in Thailand, where teams were split up between different ministries in different locations — guys doing Manistry in northern Thailand with spectacular views of the mountains, a team of girls going to a leper colony in NE Thailand, our group of girls doing bar ministry in Chiang Mai, and a group of girls involved in bar ministry in Phuket — we’re all back together and ready to head off again!

We just wrapped up a relaxing debrief on the island of Koh Somet with Mike and Patti. Debrief musts included some or all of the following: kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing, ATVing, moped riding, tanning, night swims in the Indian Ocean, and indulging in the infamous banana pancakes at our “resort.” I quote resort because Darci and I had the posh room B6, right across from the deep, obnoxious croaking frogs at night and the loud construction that greeted us early in the morning. We also had an ant infestation and a sink that didn’t drain or attach to the pipe. However, being near the beach and our coaches made up for it.

At debrief, new leadership roles were announced. Jen Den has been promoted to being one of three squad leaders. The Hoogs (Dave & Lins) are the new leaders of Team Luminous, and I’m excited for what’s in store.. they surprised us with a kayak trip yesterday evening, where we enjoyed a gorgeous sunset as the ocean lapped gently around us. Please keep the new squad leaders (Jen Den, Tonya Norman and Dave Brown) in your prayers as they try to balance added responsibilities with being fellow Racers. Same goes for new team leaders, specifically the Hoogs. As a married couple leading a team, it adds a different element, and we’re still figuring it out together.

Now we’re off to our first ATL (Ask the Lord) month — teams are dispersing to different parts of SE Asia depending on where they’ve felt the Lord lead them. My hope was to go to Bu/rma, but due to the extreme closed nature of the country and the complications of getting visas, it is not the right time.. so Team Luminous is off to Vietnam! All we know is that we’re flying into Ho Chi Minh (aka Saigon) this afternoon and taking a bus to Dalat, in the central highlands of Vietnam. According to Lonely Planet’s guide, Dalat is the “City of Eternal Spring.” The squad that was there last month attests to its lush beauty. However, after spending two months in large cities, we feel like revisiting the simple lifestyle, maybe outside of Dalat (even leaving baggage behind in Bangkok, where we’ll return at month’s end). We’re keeping our minds, ears and hearts open to what the Lord says, so nothing’s set in stone, not even our housing situation. We will truly have to depend on God’s faithfulness. An important note: Vietnam is a closed country, so whether or not I’m able to access internet and update, I won’t be providing much detail on what we are doing.

Prayer requests: Safe travels for all teams as we leave at different times/days, via different modes of transportation. Good health and unity for Luminous, as this month will probably challenge our ability to work together, give up individual rights,  and show grace to each other. Wisdom for leaders (half of our team). Protection over our equipment, as we enter rainy season in Asia. Open hearts from those we encounter — we hear the Vietnamese are some of the friendliest people, and hopefully they’ll show us favor. Most importantly, eyes to see and ears to hear the Lord’s direction.