Glimpse of the Far Side 1

It's a jungle out there! Jackson

He Still Calms the Seas

Culture stress ebbs and flows like the waves of the sea. It is always present like an undercurrent tugging beneath the surface. Most days you manage to stand firm against the unsteady motion tempting to pull you off course. Some days you make a conscious effort to be carried away for a brief reprieve from the constant strain that wears on your body and soul. And then there are those days when culture stress unexpectedly comes crashing into your delicate little world threatening to dismantle your well being.

It is at times such as these that your very existence is questioned, “Do I have what it takes?”, “What am I doing here?”, “Why me?” Now, I want to clarify something here. I am not a “Why me'er?” I am not an emotional female who cries every twenty four days when her hormones are off kilter or who gets her feelings hurt when her friends or family don't act according to her wishes. However, this would not have been so evident September 8^th, 2010. Without going into too much detail, let's just say the waves of culture stress, homesickness, and fatigue tumbled into my world with great immensity. I was carried off into the depths (of what I still cannot describe), and I could not find my way back to shore.

Prior to this point I understood sadness, loneliness, spiritual dryness, and confusion. However, they had always been intermingled with moments of joy, love, and spiritual insight. Suddenly I found myself in unchartered water. There was no presence of joy. When I smiled it was simply a facial expression. But the emotions that should be attached to that smile were lost at sea. When we purposed to have family time, I felt disconnected. I knew in my head that I loved my husband and son, but the deep security and warmth this knowledge had brought in years past was beyond reach. And where was God? I had faith He was there. He always had been. And I believed in my heart of hearts He always would be. But the words of my five year old son haunted me, “Mom, I know God is there, but I want to SEE Him. I want to FEEL Him.” How desperately I wanted to see and feel God.

It is my understanding that this is not unusual for those who do what we do. We were “trained” in matters such as these. However, nothing prepares you for the riptide that sends you into an emotional vortex. And nothing is more wonderful than the love that pulls you from the cloudy depths of despair. Lost in an ocean of suffering I wanted to see God, to feel God. And He chose to use my husband and a dear friend to display His never-ending, unconditional compassion and love for me.

I was surprised with a trip to Hong Kong for my Fortieth Birthday. I was told later that my husband had said he would have spent any amount of money to put a smile back on my face. Due to a friend's generosity, he didn't have to break the bank to receive that long awaited smile. You know the kind of smile that is actualized by true feelings of deep joy and genuine appreciation. However, it wasn't Hong Kong that renewed my broken spirit. The incredible show of love that was bestowed upon me by my husband and a dear friend refreshed my weary soul. And there were others involved in this too. Those who were oceans apart yet moved merriment into my heart like a swift change in the current. It was their willingness to sacrifice time, effort, money, and more so that I may realize that I was loved. Not just by them, but by the God I had desperately been desiring to see and feel. I sent a thank you to my special friend who helped treat me to a weekend in HK. In her response to me she said, “Don't be overwhelmed by me, because it is not me. Be overwhelmed by Jesus, and His love for you.” And I am. So very overwhelmed. And so very grateful that He is more powerful than the title waves that threatened to ravage my fragile perseverance.

Big City Nights (and Days)

Monday, September 20^th we embarked on a wonderful journey to the land of civilization. And by civilization I mean Western malls, TGI Fridays, genuine smiles from strangers, Cinnabon, sentences constructed with please and thank you, and Pancake Houses that can sentence one to eternal damnation (in other words, they serve pork). Two hours in the sky, two and a half hours on a bus, and two cab rides later we find ourselves at the Mall of Asia in Manila. It was quite an amazing journey. The bus driver spoke English. The cab driver spoke English. The merchants in the mall spoke English. We managed three consecutive days without struggling in language.

Our evening started off with the sheer thrill of ordering salmon for $7.50 and a rack of ribs for less than $10.00. Oh, the joys of a delicious American meal for a not so outrageous price. In SEA one typically pays the piper for American dining. Chatting after dinner, with appetites satisfied and frugal minds pleased, a disturbing realization interrupted our bliss. Turns out we were mistaken on the exchange rate. My salmon was $17.00, and Brian's rack of ribs was over $20.00. With our salary differential that would be equivalent to us spending $200 on a meal in America. So much for not so outrageous:).

If there were a heaven on earth, it would be the Krispy Kreme located in the Mall of Asia. We stood outside the Krispy Kreme momentarily admiring the logo and marveling at the sweet aroma of sugary fried dough. Upon entering the tantalizing delicatessen we discovered the most delectable cruller ever to be created...the Hot & Now Double Chocolate Cake doughnut. As the rich fudge icing oozed over the hot, delightful chocolate confection, I'm quite certain I heard a choir of Angels singing as we deposited that tasty morsel into our mouths. Yep, if there were a heaven on earth we had surely found it.

If there were a Hell on earth, it could quite possibly be found in the streets of downtown Manila. Driving on narrow roads through mountainous terrain, passing vehicles around sharp curves with no shoulder in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia at one time seemed rather intense. No more. The fast paced, crowded highways of Manila proved to be more risky than the untamed rural areas of the third world countries we had traveled. Our lives flashed before our eyes several dozen times in the short ten minute ride to the mall. Yellow and white lines marking the lanes were mere artwork painted on asphalt for no other purpose than to pay someone for doing something with their time. These lines by no means kept the various vehicles on the road in an organized fashion. Cars, buses, and Jeepneys forced their way through imaginary lanes. Horns resounded haphazardly as if some drunken maestro amused himself by directing a symphony of out-of-tuned instruments. It was alarming on many levels.

Putting aside the dangerous roadways, the incredibly loud noise, and the staggering pollution, Manila was a much needed break from the norm. HyperMart was amazing. It was like Wal Mart, but the people were friendly. The Mall of Asia was clean, kid friendly, and had logical escalators. The food was insanely American! And the company was heart-warming. We were able to spend time with friends who spoke English, understood our culture stress, and made us laugh. It wasn't the good ole US of A, but it was the closest we've experienced since being in SEA. And we are most grateful:).  

The Village People

This past month has been intriguing. Our typically talkative friends who enjoy teasing and laughing have been publicly somber. Our conversations have been serious and straight forward, void of light-hearted jabs and scattered snickers. For this past month, most of our local friends have observed Ramadan.

During the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to abstain from satisfying their most basic needs and cravings between sunrise and sunset. Therefore, they do not eat, drink, smoke, or gratify any other personal desires during daylight hours. In addition, many refrain from public display of animation and mischief. It can be a rather solemn time.

Questions have arisen as a result of this time of fasting. They've inquired, "Do you fast?" and "What is it like for you?" We've been able to explain that as Christians we are not "required” to fast, although it is a healthy practice. The purpose of Christian fasting should be to take our eyes off the things of this world and focus our thoughts on God, deepening our relationship with Him. In addition, our fasting differs in that we do not fast publicly. Instead, our fasting should be obvious only to God. It has initiated some interesting conversations for sure.

These conversations have been a catapult for learning. Not only concerning local culture and religion, but concerning our own culture, religion, and values. In asking questions of others, we've had to ask these same questions of self. Doing so has required us to examine whether our actions mirror what we say we believe. Needless to say, there has been a lot of soul searching in the process.

To mark the culmination of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the festival of Hari Raya Puasa. The time of fasting ends when the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadan. Then the festivities begin! The celebration of Hari Raya lasts a full month. However, it is the first three days that involve traveling to villages, multiple open houses, family fellowship, and more food than one can imagine!

In the past three days we've visited eight houses, seven villages, four towns, and countless people. Throughout this experience, we were humbled at the hospitality and generosity extended to us. God has blessed us with some amazing friends in SEA. In many aspects the celebration has been quite a surreal experience. It is hard to believe that a year ago we were visiting friends in air conditioned homes, sitting at dinner tables, and eating with china and silverware (And napkins! Oh, for a meal with napkins!). Today we visit homes “cooled” by open windows and doors, sit on floors or couches with plates in our laps, eat with our hands or tin spoons, and long for those small, quilted squares that absorb grease and prevent the crumbs from finding residence in ones clothes.

Nestled on the floor, we enjoyed the company of local friends and delicious traditional fare. We smiled to ourselves as many of the villagers would sneak by and peak through the doorways of our friends' homes. Our friends laughed aloud at the gawkers. We all understood that for many of these folks it was the first time they had seen an American up close. And a white person had never walked the paths of their village before. At least not in their lifetime. We were cheap entertainment. And we didn't mind at all.

Ramadan and Hari Raya have been instruments to further enlighten our family's understanding of the people we've come to love. They have also been instruments to deepen our own faith. Our local friends have been taught that to question one's beliefs is unacceptable. However, if one doesn't know why they believe what they believe, how can one completely and firmly take hold of their faith and defend that faith when it is tested. And it will be tested. As we endeavor to embrace the life we have been given in a land far away, may we stand strong during times of testing. 

So Tell Me What You Want

“So tell me what you want, what you really really want...” The Spice Girl's bubblegum pop lyrics spill out of our five year old's lips as he dances through the house enjoying the mid nineties hip hop single. We have the movie “Chicken Little” to thank for this. “Ra Ra-ah-ah-ah, Roma Roma-ma...” echoes in the car as Jackson performs his latest rendition of Lady Gaga's hit single. We have the loud sound systems in every local mall to thank for this one. And most recently we find our son singing, “Hey soul sister ain't that mister mister on the radio, stereo...” I have to admit, this one is our fault. We don't have a CD player in our vehicle, and often we resort to listening to the only English radio station available on our stereo dial.

While it can be entertaining at times, the fact that our pre-schooler can belt out many of the Billboard's Top Hits is not exactly what we had in mind when we thought of expanding Jackson's horizons by moving overseas. However, Jackson has indeed broadened his outlook on life. He has ascertained things he could have never learned in a classroom or through reading a book. He has grown in ways we will probably never fully comprehend as a result of our relocation to Southeast Asia.

Jackson has discovered first hand how very fortunate he is to have been blessed with a solid roof over his head. He's walked through villages where homes are built from scrap wood and tin. He's sat on floors that were rotten and threatened to collapse from too much weight (not Jackson's of course). He's walked through doorways void of doors and peered out windows deprived of window panes. Jackson has a new perspective on poverty.

Jackson has recognized the provision of food during mealtime. He has witnessed the hungry as they walked into a restaurant, sat down at a table, and partook of left-over scraps that have yet to be cleared away from the previous customers. He has observed a man digging through the dumpster in search of something to fill his empty stomach. He has been present in a village when a man walked into his home with two small fish to feed a family of nine. Jackson has a new understanding of hunger.

Jackson can determine the difference between want and need. We have the luxury of eating fast food, going to the movies, and purchasing candy, gum, and other frivolous items. We have the ability to delight in Birthday parties trimmed with streamers, balloons, fancy cake, and presents. And we have the privilege of decorating during the Holidays, baking unnecessary treats, and buying and receiving gifts at Christmas. While in the States Jackson did not personally know anyone who could NOT do these things. Now he does. Jackson knows he is NOT in need.

Jackson has discovered the nuances and fascinations of an Asian culture, a new language, foreign foods, and even sacrificial living. He's visited six countries. And he has done so by jet, taxi boat, prop plane, ferry, speed boat, and a variety of unusual transportation modes within these countries. Jackson has developed an appreciation for travel, adventure, and uncovering once unknown lands (at least unknown to us). He has also had to begin developing patience, tolerance, endurance, courage, respect, and self denial. These are tough lessons for persons of any age.

Then there is that acquired knowledge that may or may not prove helpful in his later years. Like what it means to have a contingency plan. And how to hide in an inconspicuous place and not make a sound if mommy and daddy give the word. And how to remain calm when his parents bust out the window frame and climb down the rope ladder. I'm not sure what this has taught him. However, he does find it intriguing. And he often equates these things to the life of a spy. Let's hope this appeal does not motivate him to change his occupational goal from NASA to espionage.

Finally, Jackson has discovered what it means to live by faith. He trusts that we are supposed to be here even though he'd rather be in America. He has an amazing assurance that we will be cared for, comforted, directed, and empowered. He prays fervently for our local friends. And he prays for those he does not know because he has heard or seen something that moved his tender heart. He has volunteered to give up his Happy Meal toys to children who play with marbles on the sidewalk because it is the only “toy” or “game” they own. And he often shows a strong curiosity regarding living a life pleasing to God.

Of course, there are all those other times when he has no regard for anyone or anything that doesn't bring him immediate and complete satisfaction. But don't we all struggle with this one:).

All in all, Jackson has determined to endure the challenges of life on the far side and, as a result, become a better person for it. To answer the question, “So tell me what you want, what you really really want...” “I wanna I wanna I wanna” make the most of the time that we have here and help Jackson do the same. It is what we are meant to do. And I want to do it well.

The Silver Lining

Tonight Jackson beckoned me to join him as he watched the sun dip into the horizon. I LOVE that our five year old thoroughly appreciates the breathtaking beauty of sunsets over the majestic sea. Since our arrival in SEA, we all have marveled at the splendor of varying hues filling the sky at day's end. Crimson reds, tangerine oranges, golden yellows, and tanzanite blues fill our spacious skies each evening with an undeniable display of God's handiwork.

However, tonight was special, surreal, almost otherworldly. Tonight I witnessed my first silver sunset. I'm not quite certain how the sun cast off its brilliant golden halo and donned a robe of silver radiance. But it did. And I sat entranced, unable to relinquish my gaze from what may have been the most beautiful panorama of creation I've ever witnessed.

I couldn't speak. I couldn't move. I sat in awe of a majestic sky. Mesmerized I thought to myself, “Tonight, this sunset is just for me.” Have you ever been there? You know, that place where a moment in time was created so that you may glean joy, or hope, or enlightenment. Well, I found myself there tonight.

I had seen the sun set hundreds, maybe even thousands of times, and yet tonight it was different. It was lovely, radiant, and wonderfully glorious. And as I gazed at the silver thread of light fading into the violet abyss tears rolled down my face. Not because I was moved by the beauty of the moment, but because I was moved by the reality of the moment. Seeing the sun as I had never seen it before spoke to a place deep within me that struggles with doubt regarding hope for the people of SEA.

My mind's eye filled with people I've befriended who question their eternity, their faith, their very existence. I saw faces filled with despair. And while I know God cares about these people, and I know He does not want them to perish, it is at times difficult to get this simple truth from my head to my heart. When one witnesses the darkness and the poverty that oppresses these people day in and day out, it is easy to wonder if they will ever know true joy, true hope.

Tonight that still, small voice spoke sweetly to my soul. How many times have I seen the sunset? And yet tonight, after ALL this time, it was different. It was uniquely radiant. Likewise, how many times have I seen the faces of despair? And yet, after ALL this time, they too can be different. Those faces can be uniquely radiant.

Not long before sunset, clouds prematurely darkened the day. Rain filled the air with what seemed like tears from a somber sky. Yet silver light transformed a dreary canvas into a transcendent masterpiece. What a marvelous illustration of how His light can transform dismal lives into portraits illuminated with merriment and promise.  

The Journey Inward Out

Pre Southeast Asia

I've been told by some that I am “hard to get-to-know”. In the past this has puzzled me, even plagued me. After all, I'm quite the extrovert. I'm quite comfortable speaking my mind, often too comfortable speaking my mind. I don't mind meeting new people. I enjoy exchanging ideas. And I am apt make any short, concise, and brief story rather long, wordy, and drawn-out:). I had decided that I am not hard to get-to-know at all. Instead these folks were challenged in getting-to-know me.

Isn't that how we often manipulate perceptions? If we fail to see things someone else's way, then they must be misinformed, confused, or just plain wrong. Hmmmmm....food for thought. Don't just leave it on the table. Nibble on it.

Southeast Asia

Fast forward to our sparsely decorated den peppered with a few reminders of “home”. It is a little past midnight, and I'm sitting across a dear friend of mine visiting from the fabulous Sparkle city. As I bear my soul with another female for the first time in eleven or so months it dawns on me...I'm hard to get-to-know. Why have I failed to share my heart with my friends here in our city? Why have I chosen to keep my loved ones at bay on skype? Why do I pretend that all is well until the weight of my burdens are no longer deniable?

Could it be that I am “inward”. Yes, I think perhaps I'm a “stuffer”. When life gets tough, I become exclusive. You know, independent, private, even aloof. Because if I don't discuss it, it doesn't exist. At least not for awhile. I can escape the negative emotions for days, weeks, maybe even months. Can anyone relate?

In addition, I realized that there is this conjecture that the person with whom I am sharing might not really care to know my concerns. You know, how one may ask how you are doing, but they don't “really” want you to provide them with details. Is that a trust issue? Dunno. I'm still delving.

So, with my new found revelation, I've decided to journey outward. Talk about a HUGE first step...journaling my discovery on our blog. Of course posting it will be the test. If you are reading this entry I've succeeded in moving forward in my precarious pilgrimage.

My second step is to be honest about our past nine months in Southeast Asia. I'm going to start out easy on this one. It has been hard. Whew, that wasn't as bad as I thought. I'll keep you posted. And next time, I'll include more details:).    

All in the Family

It is close to midnight, the air is thick, the heat is sweltering, and the excitement is high. After much anticipation Popi, Mimi, Dandy, and GiGi arrive on the scene. And I can assure you it was indeed a scene.

I'd like to take a moment to explain that Asians by nature are not very animated individuals. They do not typically show a lot of emotion in the public arena. Suffice it to say, skin color was not the only characteristic setting us apart from the Asian culture on the night in question.

The next 12 days were filled with emotions, new experiences, unique activities, unusual tastes and smells, adjusting to culture, adjusting to heat, adjusting to family, traveling around SEA, and for the Duncan's a long awaited homecoming to the wonderful world of Chili's and Hard Rock Cafe.

More than once we heard the family say, "It is soooo hot!", "Where's the toilet paper?", "Forget the toilet paper, where's the toilet?", "What's that smell?", "What are we eating?", and a few other comments that might be better left in the closet.

Through it all, it was an enjoyable reunion. Jackson was thrilled to celebrate his fifth birthday with family. This year we celebrated pirate style with some old buccaneers, young mates, and a few scallywags. Even across the miles Dandy and Gigi came through with a fabulous Birthday cake, their generous tradition for Jackson's annual milestones.

The family visited local fish markets, pearl markets, souvenir markets, malls, villages, food stalls, and mosques. The family also island hopped, cruised down a river to see wildlife and thousands of fireflies, and toured the cleanest city in the world - Singapore.

Singapore was a treat for the family. It is the most western city in SEA. And the family was able to reconnect with their western way of life. Singapore was indeed a pleasure for the Duncan's.  Ahhhhh...we enjoyed Nachos, pancakes, "western" diet coke, clean public restrooms, toilet paper, and organized transportation. We also enjoyed the Singapore Zoo, a Laser and Fountain show, and the boys had a blast on the sky lift and luge.

Vacationing is always a delight. But doing so with family from so many miles away is a precious gift. And the memories will be a wonderful pick-me-up for the busy months ahead.

He Who Laughs, Lasts!

“Remember, men need laughter sometimes more than food.” ~Anna Fellows Johnston


I'm not sure I would have agreed with that statement prior to relocating to SEA. After all, I had experienced hunger. Not in a severe state. But I understood the yearning for sustenance to fill an empty void. I could relate to hunger pains and the awareness of feeling faint or weary as a result of the absence of nutrition. However, I had never experienced the absence of laughter. That is until I found myself living in a culture void of true joy. It is not to say that there is no laughter here. But the laughter here is more like rowdy smiles and less like unabated amusement that sends you on a mini vacation.

You know the old saying, “You don't know what you have until it is gone”? I emphatically concur. I never realized how much I laughed until we arrived in a land deprived of mirth and side splitting laughter that makes you spill tears of joy and creates an instant need for Depends. Who knew wetting your pants could be so much fun?

Fortunately for us, we have Jackson. And he generates an abundance of laughter in our home. And while some may find sarcasm cynical and berating, our family is quite amused by the sport. And this has proven to be a true blessing. For at times, the environment in which we live provides a tremendous playing field for the satirical athlete.

Laughter is an antidote which prohibits us from becoming curmudgeons. It is the remedy for a depressed mood, an ill temper, a critical spirit, and a lonely disposition. I've heard it said laughter is the shortest distance between two people. It has also been said that laughter is contagious. It is my hope that we find this to be unequivocally true. If others can find laughter from our joy, and as a result desire the source (or author) of our joy, then lives can be radically changed by the most effortless of acts.

Wouldn't it be amazing to see those rowdy smiles turned into tenacious, roaring chuckles that emerge from a deep-rooted merriment as a result of true inner joy?

“At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.” ~Jean Houston


Dragons and Lions

As this day comes to a close, so does the fifteen day celebration of Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. 

Since January, our city streets and store fronts have been lined with Chinese lanterns, buildings have been donned with Ang Pow (red envelopes), and gold chains with coins have draped various entry ways.  Billboards and banners display the common holiday greeting "Gong Xi Fa Cai!" which means "Congratulations and be prosperous!"  

During the Chinese New Year there are many festive traditions including feasts, Lion dances to ward off evil spirits, and Dragon dances to summons good luck and fortune in the year to come. 

On this last day of jubilation, I am reminded of other seasons of the year when we choose to express appreciation, joy, admiration, and honor. And I can't help but wonder why we don't embrace this celebratory mindset as part of our day to day approach to living. After all, life, with all its uncertainty, life is a gift. And to ignore the beauty of each day, as marred as it may be, is to disregard the generosity of the giver.

This thought brings back visions in my mind's eye of weeks past. Walking through crowded malls, our conversations were repeatedly interrupted with an eruption of clanging percussion as Asians portraying dragons danced their way through clusters of shoppers. With each interruption, Jackson would grin from ear to ear and eagerly await the noisy performance. What we viewed as an unnecessary interference, Jackson viewed as a pleasant distraction. It was a matter of perspective. We saw unwanted drums. Jackson saw delightful instruments. We saw dressed up teenagers preventing us from accomplishing our errands. Jackson saw brightly colored costumes creating merriment for those who would permit.

With this in mind, I determine to keep my perspective in check. When faced with inconsiderate drivers, paperless bathrooms, and inadequate language skills, I purpose to look for the merriment in the moment.  

Life Go On

Nope, that's not a typo in the title. In many Asian languages, maybe all, verb conjugation is not necessary. One recognizes the tense of the verb by the context of the sentence. Therefore, T-shirts here declare “Life go on”. And we like that declaration. One, we have to be reminded of that some days. And two, it just makes us smile.

Smiling at the differences sure beats criticizing them. And we have indeed had our fair share of criticizing that which we find foreign. We've developed a love hate relationship with our current way of life. We are in awe of the shoreline and the breathtaking horizon as it drops off into the deep blue. We detest the litter and pollution that the tide brings into view. We are honored by the hospitality that so many bestow upon us. We are heart broken by the prejudices and hatred that we see among others. We find humor in the alien nuances that keep us on our toes. We find ourselves frustrated by the challenges of repression. We appreciate the simple way of life and the contentment we see as locals embrace this way of life. We are disgusted with poor work ethic and a generalized apathy towards life we see in some of the people groups.

Each day we are faced with the decision to overlook the many struggles and focus on making a positive difference in the lives of those around us. I must confess, there are days when we do not succeed in this endeavor. However, there are those days when we are rewarded with local friendships, experiences that have helped us grow as individuals, and reminders of the love and support we have back home. And these days keep us putting one foot in front of the other. In all of it though, our source of hope and strength is found in our Creator.

So, as we face the challenges of each new day, we remember life indeed “go” on.

The following is our Top Ten list of SEA bellyaches:

10. “Fix'n it” = duct tape, caulk, or Super glue.

9.   People do not like to say “no”. So, people say yes with no intention of following through.

8.   One cannot “hold it” until the last minute as one must make time to pay the Bathroom Attendant before entering public restrooms.

7.   Confusion over why one pays the Bathroom Attendant as it is NEVER “attended”.

6.   Parking (inconvenient “car parks”, extremely small spaces, parking fees, the list goes on).

5.   Malls (there is no way to concisely explain this).

4.   If the person you ask does not know the answer, they will answer (lie) nonetheless leading you astray.

3.   If you are in line at a store and the person behind you has less items, you are no longer first in line.

2.   No matter what direction you are driving, you canNOT turn right (we drive on the left side  of the road).

1.   Neighbors fail to care that your apartment is on fire once they realize the fire does not negatively impact their dwelling.

Live and Learn

As I write, Brian is doing one of his least favorite things...flying. He is currently heading to the East coast. This is a common ritual. We often have work on the East coast that requires our presence. Jackson indeed loves it when the work is a family affair, as he enjoys flying. He is so accustomed to flying that he is comfortable boarding the plane by himself, plopping his fanny in the seat by the window, fastening his seat belt, and grinning broadly as we head off into the wild blue yonder. Brian on the other hand, requires some much needed assistance. And when I say "assistance", I am referring to drugs. You see, everyone has skeletons in their closet.

As Brian faces his fears once again, I am devising a strategy.  A clever plan that will prevent my participation in a Karaoke Box this evening. I have a local friend who visits the Karaoke Box on her lunch or dinner break to relieve stress. On one particular afternoon, she persuaded me to join her. Now in order for you to understand how uncomfortable this predicament was for me, I'll need to share a quote from my childhood. My loving Father told me on many occasions the following, "Ginger, if you ever fall in love with a boy, DON'T sing to him! Or you'll lose him forever." With that in mind, standing in front of a video screen with microphone in hand is not my ideal way of bonding with a new friend.

This evening I have dinner plans with my Karaoke friend. We are eating at the mall. Asian malls have Karaoke Boxes. And I am a little apprehensive about our after dinner plans. Now, I understand we are not to have a spirit of timidity, and it isn't often that I do. But just as over-sized buses with wings cruising at altitudes of 30,000 feet create a sense of panic in my husband, Karaoke Boxes affect me in the same like manner.

Which brings me to my point, and I do have one. Living on the far side has stretched us in many ways. And it will continue to do so. Some of our experiences have been fun, others have been challenging.  But they have brought about personal growth. Then there are those incidents that have been awkward, unpleasant, and/or moronic. And apparently we missed the lesson to be learned in those events because we failed to see their benefit. It happens sometimes. Maybe we will get it the next go around.

I chose to share the above examples as they are light-hearted. And I wasn't in the mood for  formidable and esoteric discourse. I'm sure there will be plenty of moving memoirs to share in future dialogue.

May you be stretched this week and find yourself better for it:).

8:10pm: Quick update: I did indeed find myself in the K-Box this evening. So much for strategy:).

Life on the Far Side

Welcome to "our" life on the far side. This first post is a transparent introduction to our Blog. Blogging is our answer to updating individuals without filling their inbox with mail. It has been a struggle deciding when to email updates. We have a monthly Newsletter that deals with our work. However, so much more goes on in terms of our family life, our personal struggles and growth, the relationships we are building, and the simple day to day that occurs in a developing country. If you have an interest in finding out the details of our life on the far side, you will find them here.

We've never followed anyone's blog regularly. Therefore, we are novices. There may be rules we fail to follow. We're not so much worried about that. However, we do have a concern regarding the content of the posts. We want them to be of interest to the readers. Therefore, if Ginger chases rabbits, which she's been known to do, or if Ginger rambles too much, which she's also prone to do, please forgive. If the post is confusing, displeasing in nature, or fails to entertain or provide pertinent information, please do share. We will address the matter.

We've chosen the name of our blog for obvious reasons. First, we are indeed on the far side of the globe from where we have lived the majority of our life. That may seem like an interesting way of putting it. Why not simply say "the far side of the globe from home"? We indeed think of South Carolina as our home of homes. But home is where the heart is. And right now, our heart is here. We will talk more about that later.

Second, the definition of "The Far Side" spoke to us. It is a popular one-panel syndicated comic. Its surrealistic humor is often based on uncomfortable social situations, improbable events, an anthropomorphic view of the world, logical fallacies, impending bizarre disasters, or the search for meaning in life. ...
 Hmmm, that just seems fitting for us! As we continue on this journey, we are finding ourselves in unique social situations and unlikely circumstances. We are constantly faced with deceptive, misleading, and erroneous beliefs and ideas. We have been faced with extenuating events and unfortunate happenstance. And so many around us are in search for the meaning of life. In light of all this, we often find ourselves with a perverted sense of humor in the midst.

Third, Jackson's refreshing sense of perspective has enlighted us in so many ways. He has an uncanny way about him that finds humor and optimism in almost every situation. Thus "Life on the Far Side" it is!

The composition will vary. There may be updates, insights, journal entries, and only time will tell what else. If you care to "see" something on our blog sight, do share. We may be inclined to oblige.

Thank you for your interest, your support, and your friendship!