Geeze, I'm getting old...

My 23rd Birthday!!! 

Well guys, July 28th was my birthday. It feels funny celebrating it in Southeast Asia! Usually, I'd plan some kind of crazy event in the States that involved cookie dough ice cream and flash mob dancing, but they might kick me out of the country for the latter! So, this year is different. 

It means I've been here for 7 full months. 

It means I'm holding onto my prime. 

It means I'm growing up. 

Really, this past year has been a steady flow of growth spurts like I've never had before. Most kids get growing pains, breakouts, and grow 6 inches in one summer. Those moments are cool, but they're all ways that we physically grow up. From 22-23?? I feel the pain of emotionally, mentally, and spiritually growing. Not to say that I've learned it all and have loads of life experience... But! I certainly feel the stretching and molding that's been going on this past year like never before in my life! 

I attribute this pain to a whole lot of soul searching, healing, forgiving, and being humbled in way more than one way by God. I think he might possibly have a sledge hammer, drill, and saw inside of my head and heart, but that's OK. Keep on working on me, God. I'll never be a completely finished piece of work, but I'll keep letting you change me. God's been reminding me of the purpose of my life... It's to bring glory to him and his kingdom. Hands down. Throwing off the sin that easily entangles and striving for holiness and righteousness found only in Christ. Furthering the kingdom. Letting the work that GOD has done and continues to do in me be seen by others and being a witness for His g0sp3L.

This 23rd year of my life will be the only year so far that I've spent solely overseas. The first half of 22 was spent in America, and the last half of 24 will be spent there as well. 23 is going to be pretty interesting to say the least. Lift me up to the Father please during this challenging year. I ask for strength, grace, peace, and wisdom for the journey.

Me and some of my local friends as well as some other workers celebrating my 23rd over one of my favorite meals: Sine Dat. Or... Grilled meat & soup. 

Thankful & Blessed

Can anybody say traveling?

I've been on the go for a few weeks now. Border hopping, friendship bridges, night busses, and planes!!!! Lots of walking, and man it's not over yet!

I got to see some great friends of mine this past week, and let me just say that that was a total blessing. Also, I got to make some new friends! You can't beat that. I was in dire need of having a community of people around me who are on the same page and can speak the same language as me. It's a plus... Haha. But, I finally got a few spare seconds to write a new update while overnighting in a guesthouse with wifi.

Funny story from my many trips. My roomie and I took the night bus on our trip. The night bus drives all night long and then dumps you at the bus station in a state of deliriousness. This wasn't my first time riding on a bus all night long, but it was my first time riding on a sleeper bus. So, this bus has 2 levels on it. And, I'm only 5'4, but it was made to accommodate tiny Asian people. Everyone has a pea-sized area to sleep in. I was on the top level. You have to climb a ladder to get up there. So, it's basically like having super tiny sets of bunk-beds in a bus. If you can imagine. Three rows of sleeping pods. Wow!

So, we get on the night bus and it looks like a party bus with all these neon lights! Quite the adventure.

THIS GUY was sacked out beside me on the plane. Sweet Dreams, buddy! 

And, THIS LADY was squidgy-ing the mirror in the movie theatre. Barefoot. 

Welcome to Southeast Asia! 

And, THIS MONKEY was staring me down, so I gave him some fruit before he decided to forcefully steal it from me. Monkeys.... 

In Malaysia, I got to see one of the largest Buddhas that I've ever seen. The pics don't do justice to the monstrosity of this statue. Really. It's super tall. But, the altar faces the idol. And you have to offer incense and prayers towards it. For blessings in life... I watched person after person do this. 

I had a blast in Penang. And, it's called the food capitol of the world for a reason. I ate so much while we were there. Including a bottomless sushi buffet that we spent 3 hours at. I'm still repenting for my gluttonous week :) However, it was so delicious. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. While on vacation, I got to go to the movies in a theatre! Also, I got to get lots of Starbucks, eat legitimate ice cream, Karaoke my heart out, and even drink Vanilla Coke. It was really nice to get a break from rural society for a while and enjoy some Western things/city life for a little while. I feel SO REFRESHED! Ready for the next round of life here.

By the way, I have some really awesome friends who I think the father for all the time. Feeling encouraged, thankful, grateful, and blessed right now!!!

Shout out to the folks in P-City! You know who you are :)