a war eagle moment

So I know the title is a little cheesy...but it's true! I thought about those old Auburn commercials where two alumni wearing orange and blue gear run into each other. Usually in a foreign country, in the middle of nowhere. But when you see a fellow Auburn fan, you feel at home. Like family. 

A couple weeks ago I was able to have my very own "war eagle moment" in the middle of East Asia. I flew to another city to visit an Auburn friend who is participating in the World Race for the weekend. This reunion with Abby was such a blessing! She is an incredibly fun person who makes me smile and laugh. More than that, we are able to connect our hearts through the journeys we have both had over the last year. My story is more focused on East Asia while hers is all over the world, yet we are both disconnected from friends and family and experiencing the world and the Lord in a completely new way.

we took her to eat some GOOD asian food

and she actually enjoyed it!

barbecue potato chips

We decided to visit a super tourist area in the city. There is a big, fake Asian temple where they often film movies and TV shows. We had to check it out and here's what happened...

not the most beautiful sky but still a fascinating location

And then $5 later this happened...

traditional clothes

complete with an hour long photo shoot

my roommate Sam, striking an Asian pose

This month Abby's team is partnered with a nearby orphanage. The last day of our visit, Abby asked us if we'd like to visit the kids. This particular organization doesn't have one big  building. Instead, they place the children in different apartments to have a more family atmosphere. I couldn't be happier to spend time in the apartment with the littlest babies. The majority of the children were put up for adoption because they have disabilities. In the "baby" apartment there are two, working Ai Yi's (meaning aunt) who stay at the apartment all day and all night with the children. The babies absolutely love them and know them as mommy! We played with the kids while the Ai Yi's cooked lunch and fed them...but really they are smart enough to feed themselves!

have you ever seen a more excited face?

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." Abby, I am unbelievably thankful for you! You have truly glorified the Lord by serving him all over the world. So grateful I got to play a small part in your journey. 

"May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation- the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God." Philippians 1:11

foster the friends

Video number 3!! We made this one after a visit to our friends in another city. My roommate (Sam) knows a lot of them from college and life in Florida. We were able to train to a nearby, more "western" city with some delicious food, fun venues and good shopping! Thank you Ikea... I should have gotten footage of how crowded that store was but I was too dizzy from all the commotion. So here's another slice of life from Asia town.

fam jam

Just a few weeks ago my brother called me. He quickly asked "How's life?...I'm going to propose to Becca!" I was so excited and surprised!! Even though they began dating in December I wasn't able to meet Becca until the summer when I came back to America. We spent time together hanging out at the beach and in Birmingham. I could tell that Kyle really liked her and wondered if she was "the one" but just waited for him to admit it. 

He asked for my help, wondering how he should propose or what the ring should look like. I knew his fiance is easy-going but I urged him to prepare something and show her how much he cares by planning ahead! After a fancy dinner, they headed to my parents house where he had a beautiful set up in the backyard (partially thanks to my mom!). I was able to skype with the family a few minutes after she said yes! 

Skyping with my family was such a bittersweet moment for me. It's hard being away from home, especially in such monumental moments. But I know that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. And I try to pretend Skype is practically real life!

even Belle was dolled up for the occasion

great job brother!

Couldn't be happier for Kyle and Becca! Lots of love from East Asia.

Today as I studied the Bible with some new believers, I am reminded of God's character. When I study with new Christians, I am always refreshed. Like I'm hearing the Word for the first time. 

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength."
1 Chronicles 29:11-12

It's as simple as that. He is the only one who deserves all of the glory. He made everything on heaven and in the earth. Wealth and honor come from him. He is all powerful and through him, we have strength. I want to praise him for who he is exactly is. I don't do it nearly enough.