settling in

Today is day 5 in Asia.  I think I am still experiencing culture shock, but I am loving it so far!  Most people say that's because we're still in the honeymoon phase...I'll just try to stay positive though. I wanted to share some more pictures so y'all can envision what my everyday life looks like.

First off- s c o o t e r s ! Our city is fairly spread out so walking to class everyday is not exactly possible.  I could choose between paying for a 3-wheeler taxi everyday (which are hilarious by the way) or buying a scooter.  Our whole group went for the scooters.  I, of course, chose the most obnoxious color possible. I'm still deciding on a name for him so if you come up with anything good, let me know.  I would never get a scooter like this in the states but...when in Asia.

 Next up, f o o d.  It's such an adjustment.  So far, I have loved it! I'm not a big fan of spicy food but my taste buds are dealing with it.  Here's a picture of me and two of the girls on my team- Chelsey (left) and Anna (middle) at our first Asian meal.

At most restaurants we order multiple dishes and they're laid out on a lazy susan like this...

And yes, the rice looks like it's in a pirate's bucket. Yesterday we ate at the first Asian restaurant where you could order your own dish. For the first time we weren't swapping germs! And they even gave us spoons to eat with. (I am struggling with chop sticks)

 From my last post you saw the view from our balcony.  The apartment we live in is tall sky rise apartment. This week, I heard some loud crashes and realized the tiles started falling off the outside of the building. I really can't complain though, I love our apartment inside!

Before coming to Asia, we had a week long training.  The last night consisted of a commissioning ceremony.  It was incredible to see different students being sent all across the world.  I loved this picture!

I hope you liked the pictures! I'll be adding a lot more in the future. The last few days when I have felt fearful or anxious, I have been meditating on this verse.

"See, God has come to save me.  

I will trust in him and not be afraid.  

The Lord God is my strength and my song; 

he has given me victory." 

Isaiah 12:2

That's all for now!

here goes nothing!

Today is my third full day in East Asia! Before leaving for the orient land, a few people told me I should create a blog to update friends and family throughout the year.  After spending way too long brainstorming a name, I finally made one! I wanted my title to explain who I am and also my current stage of life...

First off, anyone who knows me knows that I am a carefree person.  I am laid back and content in almost every circumstance, but this year the Lord is testing my contentment by moving me halfway across the world.  I'll keep y'all updated on that...

Now on to the "freed" section. Last semester in Auburn I joined a LIFE group with Church of the Highlands.  LIFE stands for Living In Freedom Everyday.  This small group pushed me out of my comfort zone and transformed my relationship with the Lord. I am forever thankful for that group of girls!  God's timing was perfect (as always) and I believe He was preparing my heart for the next year in East Asia. I learned that everyday I choose between the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (TKGE).  The Tree of Life represents freedom, grace, eternal life and forgiveness while TKGE represents bondage, the law, death, judgment and condemnation.  The Lord pointed out areas of my life I needed to surrender to Him, and He also gave me freedom to experience a more intimate friendship with Him.

That's probably enough for the first post.  In the next couple days, I will give some updates from Asia.  I am adjusting to the culture, my team and our city.  Here's a picture my roommate, Anna, took from our balcony this morning.  It's not usually this pretty, but we got lucky today!