Bali. In Four Words.

We have now been in Bali a couple of days, and last night a few of us were attempting to describe this country in four words. Some of the words used were: colorful, peaceful, restful, bright, rejuvenating, contemplative...well, I can't remember them all...and I only came up with three...so here they are:

Lush. The country is filled with an amazing array of tropical plants, trees, and flowers. The terraced rice fields, and randomly placed streams and waterfalls are unexpected. Even on the beaches you find yourself enveloped by palms and cliffs. Insects, animals and vines become part of the tapestry you encounter daily.

Serene. The before mentioned conditions allow a slowed pace, and a heightened alert to the things around. There is no hustle and bustle around us. It is relaxed and beautiful. Sitting quietly with your thoughts is easy here. The people we have encountered are gracious and accommodating. All and all the ability to relax and renew is almost too easy.

Paradox. Our first day here in Bali, I sat down at this quaint table on the second floor of our bungalow, to do my daily reading in my Bible and journal some thoughts on the book of Deuteronomy. On the ledge beside was a reclining Buddha. I couldn't help but think about idol worship, and the commands and laws of God with regard to idol worship while sitting beside one. This land is beautiful and charming. But it is also filled with stone and metal carved idols, to which the people daily sacrifice food an incense. So although the place is restful, I can't help but long for them to know the gospel message of hope. So my heart is in a bit of a tension.

An International Reunion.

On our last night in Bangkok, we found ourselves getting answers to all of the unanswered queries we had discussed throughout our journeys. Why you ask? Because we were connected with Stephanie who is currently in language school through Remember Nhu. She is currently preparing to assist and start up homes for girls in Thailand who are at risk of being sold into the human traffic-ing ring. She has been in Bangkok for 9 months to date and had many of the answers to the questions we had about the city, its bounty, and it religious and social differences.
After about an hour of us asking question after unending question, we were also reunited with some old friends. Although hard to believe, it is true, in Bangkok we also connected with three very dear friends currently serving at Happy Home for the Handicapped in Shimoga India. It was an incredible blessing to see them, and hear all of the current blessings the home is undergoing. What a blessing it was to embrace my brother Roshan after over a year. We were able to treat all of our new missionaries to a strangely Portuguese dinner, and to wrap up the night, prayed over the ministries they are all working so laboriously and joyously for. It was a beautiful way to wrap up our somewhat hectic time in Bangkok.

One Night in Bangkok...okay, maybe four.

Food must be this city's mascot.  It is everywhere, and amazing.  Not to mention the brilliant colors of the roof tops and spires adorning the skyline.  Oh, and did I mention our tour group grew a bit?  We know have 6 pal-ing around this enormous city from wonderful Portland (which I am beginning to miss--I know you can hardly believe it).  Other than gorging our faces with exotic and delicious cuisine, we have thus far visited the Grand Palace, numerous temples, water canals, traditional Thai houses, and the interiors of many tuk-tuks and taxi cabs.  The evenings have provided observation of tens of city blocks covered in flowers at whole sale, and countless food stalls lining the streets in Chinatown.  This city is tremendously diverse and we are constantly in awe of its shear size and variety.  Did I mention I was in a cab tonight of a six fingered man?

We have had a few discussions about the spiritual hold of Buddhism on the city and its people.  Idolatry is in your face on every dashboard,  and entryway with the aroma of incense burning in an offering to a man long since dead.  Hope seems amiss, and fear abounds.  So although this city is fascinating and colorful, the beauty of it all is a bit overshadowed by a lost people devoted to a god that cannot help them.

Scoot Scoot. Ko Samui.

Just another Thai Beach?  I think not.  First thing this morning we awoke to the sounds of the ocean crashing just 30 meters from our window.  We proceeded to secure and rent four scooters for the day (for about $4) and were off zipping around this beautiful island.  Driving on the wrong side of the road was no sweat, and the roads here gently guided us to each beach without much of a fight.  Today was the quintessential vacation day, I do believe we found our way into a postcard.  At one point today, within about 25 mninutes, the following took place:  Liam got a pedicure on the beach, Tim and Eric got a pineapple masterfully carved, Tim, Eric and I got a papaya salad prepared for us but a beach vendor, and I got a foot and leg massage while laying on a sheet in the sand with my eyes closed and the sound of the ocean crashing right beside.  I really don't think words are going to do the trick here.  Looking up at the palm trees, looking down at the white sand, and looking across the blue waters at the horizon is simply a breathtaking, undescribable thing.  So there you have it.  We have one more day on the island to go snorkling and boat riding, and then off to Bangkok.

Phi Phi Fo Fum, Now I Smell a...

This last couple of days has been quite a different experience to our city escapades in Singapore and KL.  We have been beach bumming, swimming, getting burned, and snorkeling throughout these Thai beaches. This afternoon was spent desperately trying to get the cheapest boat ride from Phi Phi Don to Phi Phi Lay in hopes of a snorkeling adventure.  We were of course victorious, and were able to swim around in Little Nemo's world in awe and amazement.  We saw things I have only seen in fish tanks to date.  The water has felt like a warm bathtub every time we dip our toes into the Indian Ocean.  All and all, the trek has been incredible.  Our accommodations here in Phi Phi are a bit, how should I say, ghetto...but we have learned the tricks for the next island, so no more getting taken and staying in digs that are not on par with our affinities.  Here are some photos:

Kuala Lumpur. In and Out.

We are sitting here at the KL airport poised for departure to Phuket.  Our time here was brief, but we were able to go up the 4th largest tower in SE Asia, explore the Batu Caves, sweat profusely in the hotel's sauna and steam room, and enjoy a posh night's sleep in a swanky hotel.  We remembered the sabbath and kept it holy.  What a beautiful Sunday it was.

Would an Orchid by Any Other Name Smell as Sweet?

Our last day in Singapore was spent in awe at the Orchid Garden.  I don't think my words can do it justice, so take a look at these photos, and judge for yourself.

When the Lights Go Down in the City.

So, we had two very different experiences in the evenings of Singapore. The first was amazing. To see the city all lit up in its splendor was truly something to behold. The second was a little of a disappointment...we fell asleep. Last night we laid down for a quick nap, which turned into a 13 hour sleep fest. This morning we are feeling awake and spry however, so one more day to soak in this amazing city before heading north to KL.

Before falling into a deep and premature slumber, we spent some time at a local tea shop here in Singapore, learning from this master.  We are now experts and plan on opening our own team shop in Portland upon our return.  We are still working on a name for it, but so far the Tea in Tony is my favorite.

Singapore. 101.

Day 1 in Singapore is just about complete. Today started at what we thought was 6:30 in the morning...which was actually 5:30. We milled about hoping to find coffee and breakfast, but to no avail. After 2 hours of adventure, we found our way to a very famous market, where we started the day with spicy noodles and fried bread. Quite an expected, yet delicious start to our day.

We spent several hours wandering the streets of Orchard Road, and eventually found our way to the Botanical Gardens. There we frolicked through the rainforest in utter amazement at the beauty and size of this Jurassic Park-like landscape. We all took turns posing for the model scout in font of the cascading vines of this jungle tree, shown in the pictures included herein. You can be the judge on who made it into the add. We are going to be rich.

Tomorrow we are off to the man made island of fun, like Pinocchio on his quest to become a real boy. We will finish our journey with a night safari, ok, zoo. More to come...

Little India.

It is all of 6:15 in the morning here in Singapore. Not a mouse is stirring. No not one. We want to get the adventure going, but I am doubtful of anything being open...but it sure beats sitting in on a plane.

Almost there...ok...not really

Here we are...ready to board...18+ hours to go...Singapore is calling our name.

The Eve.

So, although tonight is my birthday, it is more importantly the eve before our departure. Come to this location for shenanigans, reporting-s, reflections, and maybe even an occasional haiku.

Our adventure includes, but is not limited to:

Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phi Phi Island, Ko Samui, Bangkok, and Bali.