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