Asia.
It started with a plane ride across the Pacific it’s ending with a new man. I’ve learned a lot here in Asia, a lot about myself, who I am who I really am. I’ve grown up, you could say I went from boy to man. I’ve changed in ways that are unreversible, I’ve been through, seen, felt, experienced things that are so good so real that I can never go back. Nothing less will satisfy. Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam – the change, the application and learning how to maintain.
I have done a lot here in Asia it feels like I’ve been here for a lot longer than 3 months but at the same time I feel thats it’s only been about a month. Some awesomely beautiful places and some really dirty places. Some peaceful places and some of the most crazy ridiculous places. No people and literally a million people. Thailand was filled with adventure, waterfalls, rivers, secret missions, mountains and jungle. Cambodia to be in a country that was so recently experienced ge/ nocide was extreme, it really was like the wild west, you couldn’t help but have the feeling that ‘anything goes’ and that is just the reality. Vietnam has been really cool, experiencing com/ munism first hand is something that I never though I would be able to do. Countless hours of bus rides and 4 countries later it’s hard to remember all the things we have done. It has been a life changing experience. I will be coming back.
Next step Africa, I’m not sure what to expect but I know that I feel like big things are coming. Crazy amazing things. I feel that we are going to start applying the things we’ve dreamed of and talk about and I’m excited.
Here is a blog from Sean Smith our previous Squad Leader, he wrote everything that i was feeling…
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“Experience has taught me that I connect best with others when I connect with the core of myself. When I allow God to liberate me from unhealthy dependence on people, I listen more attentively, love more unselfishly, and am more compassionate and playful. I take myself less seriously, become aware that the breath of the Father is on my face and that my countenance is bright with laughter in the midst of an adventure that I thoroughly enjoy.” —B. Mannining
Hard to believe this is my life,
When we’re invited to meet the “Governor” of one of the provinces in Thailand and then allowed to pray for the King in the name of Jesus with all the government officials in the building in a Buddhist country!
I find myself in a country I can’t mention! In a church I can’t tell you about! Worshiping the Lord in an Illegal manner after being escorted and monitored by a government official- who’s job is to monitor people just like me! Experiencing the Holy Spirit show up in that church during worship, then soon after being forced to stop because the police heard the sound from the streets.
When I get to spend my days clearing land for refugee children and finish everyday by jumping into a refreshing river in the middle of the jungle for my shower!
I find myself among the only foreigners at what seems to be a hidden a Muy Thai fight. Sitting right next to the most important government official (equivalent to a US senator) in the province along with the Governor we met a few days prior and all their families in the VIP section! Conversing,, laughing, and enjoying an evening together as people! Being allowed to take pictures with the fighters and go in the ring and goof off! The whole night cost a $1.50!
When I get to hike through a hidden cave that you could fit a house through in the middle of the Jungle and spend the afternoon exploring the river that ran through it!
When I wake up everyday in my tent, with the option of picking bananas from the trees, or eating fresh Coconut from the Palms!
When the local people in the middle of the Jungle cooked and served us every meal!
When I get to spend my Christmas with 46 of the most amazing and inspiring people in Bangkok Thailand!
When I didn’t ask for any of this yet it keeps on happening!
I’m so grateful for the time I’ve been given in Northern Thailand and Neighboring countries! The people we’ve met will forever be in my heart! What a privilege it is to have been here!
