"When you come to a fork in the road - take it." ~Yogi Berra

The following summary of our Asian travels is not a critical expose of foreign transportation. Nor is it an effort at winning the sympathy of those who travel in high fashion. It is simply our way of communicating the differences and challenges of traveling in an underdeveloped or developing region with limited funds. At times these modes of transportation frustrate us, tire us, and challenge our ability to share “love” with those around us. However, it has been interesting, even fascinating to be educated in the nuances of, shall we say, unconventional globe-trotting.

Our typical adventure often begins with a discount carrier. This can be defined as a no-frills, “efficient” airline with less than adequate leg room; fees for luggage, snacks, drinks, blankets, and pillows; non-refundable tickets even if there is an extenuating circumstance on their end; and a greater risk of late or cancelled flights. After the long lines at immigration, we purchase coupons for a mas transit bus traveling long distances. Sometimes with no air and no ventilation. Upon arriving at our next stop, we depart the oversized sauna in search of the most reasonably priced mode of local transportation. This could be a variety of unusual vehicles including ferries, trikes, speed boats, jeepneys, metros, long boats, motorcycles, and/or tuk-tuks. There are times when the daily travels have been so long and wearing that we bite the bullet and hail a taxi as it is the easiest and most convenient way of traveling to ones final destination. It is also the most expensive. Whether it be winding through narrow village streets or multi lane mega cities, the drivers are all the same. In other words, they are risk-taking, dare devils bent on making record time at all cost, even if it means endangering your life.

At day's end one finally reaches their place of lodging. This is typically a basic room with a bed. Most of the time it includes an “air con”. At times fans are the only means of “refreshment” in the smoldering heat. Your bathroom may or may not be located inside your private room. Rarely can you use the sink water to brush your teeth. And while you can wash your face with the sink water, wash cloths and hot water do not enter into the equation. In addition, you may encounter a few additions you did not request (i.e. ants, mosquitos, spiders, roaches, and rats). But no worries, they do not charge extra for these little surprises. And please be assured, they do not credit your invoice nor offer their apologies for the uninvited guests either.

Dining is always a treat. Whether it be fancying upon a much sought after Chili's or Krispy Kreme or trying take out from a trike functioning as a road-side food stall, eating abroad is always interesting. We snicker when we think of my mom (sorry mom). “Don't eat that chicken; it has been sitting out too long!” This is usually in reference to food that has been left on the table one hour past meal time. Hmmmm... we are quite certain we've eaten chicken that has been hanging in the outside food stall for an entire day. Maybe we should not bother explaining the outside seafood tables. And yet, seldom have we experienced negative consequences as a result of our dining choices.

However, with all the unusual experiences endured on our travels, we've been able to see some amazing places! We've had the privilege of visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Korea, and Thailand. And while all have their challenges for westerners, each country displays God's boundless creativity! Moreover, if we traveled in conventional western style we would evade much of the intriguing culture that has added to our new appreciation for and perspective on life in general.

Patience is a Virture

“Wah Ginger! Anda orang yang sabar!”

Hmmmmm...really? No one in America has ever exclaimed that I was a patient person. Sadly, patience is not a virtue I possess. At least not continually. I have moments of patience. Brief moments I might add.

So, I began to wonder. Why do I have patience with the people here? Is it because I have a heart for them? Is it because it is essential for them to see unconditional love in order to understand the love of Jesus? Is it because the people are shrouded in darkness, and I tend to overlook their faults?

And if so, what does that say about my heart towards those with whom I come into contact in America? Do I choose not to extend unconditional love to my own countrymen? Do I assume they know the love of Jesus? And why do I fail to offer grace when my fellowman in America makes an untactful remark, neglects to show kindness or generosity to those in need, or focuses on the earthly rather than the eternal? After all, have I not been at fault regarding these same weaknesses?

Living overseas in a developing country with an oppressive government and disheartened people continues to expose my shortcomings. Currently we reside in a culture which overlooks, almost condones, lying, cheating, persecution and prejudices. One would think, or at least I would think, a reasonably honest person whose job is to break down walls of prejudices and love the unlovely would feel pretty good about themselves in light of their surroundings. Not so. Interestingly enough, it has quite the opposite effect. Instead, there is a lot of self evaluation. The old “plank in your own eye” seems rather monumental at times. Especially when you see the “specs” of others in light of the fact that they do not posses the power to overcome sin.

As a follower of Jesus I do possess the power to overcome sin. And yet I often fail to rely on His power. I tend to do things in my own strength. And then ponder why I end up falling short. In Southeast Asia we've often come to the end of ourselves requiring us to rely on His power. Uh? Could this be from where this patience is coming? Sometimes I wonder if God is sitting on His throne thinking, “Hello, is anyone home in there (my brain) ?”

It is my goal to return to America with a greater tolerance for my compatriots. If I can put aside cultural, religious, ethnic, and economic differences abroad then practicing a little patience with fellow citizens at home should not be an impossible task. It will take time. It will take effort. It will take relying on His power. But it is my hope that in the not so distant future Americans too will be saying, “Wah Ginger! Anda orang yang sabar!” Well, maybe not in so many words.

We've Come A Long Way, Baby!

As we start the New Year, I cannot help but appreciate how different it is this January as opposed to January 2010. Last January we were in the throws of culture shock, our language was simple pleasantries, our friends were few, our survival skills were sufficiently lacking, and we had a difficult time loving this beautiful country. As we bring in the New Year we have transitioned into a more comfortable place. Not physically. But mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

We are no longer at odds with the culture. At least not on a daily basis. It doesn't mean we always understand the culture. Or that we always like it. But we've made our peace with it. And we celebrate many of its nuances. We have also made some strides in language. We can follow a conversation. And providing the subject matter is not too foreign, we can contribute to the conversation. In addition, we have been abundantly blessed with friendships. Our house was full of friends during the Christmas Holidays. And we frequently enjoy fellowship with some very dear and special people.

For so long we felt like we no more than survived. We were easily distracted with the inconveniences and frustrations of organized chaos. Brian would argue there is nothing organized about it. We've learned to exhibit some self control when it comes to criticizing that which we don't understand or prefer. And we are in awe of the natural beauty that this country unfolds. For a long time we could see with our eyes that the oceans were brilliant aqua marine, deep topaz blue, and cool emerald green. We could recognize through sight that the mountains were majestic and the jungles were lush. However, we never “felt” the beauty until recently. Breathing in deeply the essence of our beautiful tropical island is a new found pleasure.

A year ago when we walked down the streets of our city we were overwhelmed, anxious, and often lost. The faces were foreign. The smells were unpleasant, and frequently offensive. The heat was unbearable. And the places were dirty. Today we like to “jalan jalan”, or stroll around town. The faces are friendly and familiar. We've become accustomed to the smells. Well, most of them. The heat is tolerable. And the places are...still dirty. But we've come a looong way baby!

It is fun to walk down the sidewalk and see Brian's friends peddling pirated sunglasses and “Rolex” watches to tourist. They inevitably approach in hopes to chew the fat with Brian. We take pleasure in throwing up our hands as a greeting to the ladies in the souvenir food stalls who sell our volunteers cin cin kuih or kacang sembunyi. I thoroughly delight in visiting with my friends in the Handy Craft Market. Edging through the crowds of tourist to seek out my kind and generous friends has become a weekly ritual. If I go more than five or six days without visiting the market I receive sms (text) inquiries as to where I am. This just makes me smile!

There are other amusements as well. Meandering through the night market may score Jackson a skewer of grilled sotong (squid) from our friend who finds satisfaction in making Jackson smile. Visiting a friend in a local coffee shop may score mom a Caramel Iced Blend with extra whipped cream. Shopping in one of the many DVD stores always scores dad a discount on movies. God has blessed us with favor among the people here, and we are humbled and honored.

Reflecting on 2010, there were days, weeks, even months when life was tumultuous. We all battled with inner demons (i.e. loneliness, fear, depression, anger, anxiety, confusion). We all had our moments when flying “home” was a selfish desire in which we refused to give-in. However, the rewards far outweigh any challenge that came our way. With the New Year we have a new outlook, new opportunities, and renewed faith. It is an exciting time to be in SEA. Yeah, I'd say we've come a looong way.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!" ~ Ephesians 3:20