The day after Thanksgiving, I left for an incredible 10-day trip with my parents. Because of my parents' extensive international travel for their jobs as member care with Samaritan's Purse, they were able to take me with them using a "family pass," which allowed me to travel as they do, and experience first-hand the work they have established the last four years. We spent five days in Myanmar and four days in Vietnam. Though I'd never been away from my family for that long, I could not have been more excited about the opportunity!
Saying goodbye, and heading out for 24 hours of travel to Yangon, Myanmar
The view from my hotel room in Yangon. Though I'd never traveled to Myanmar, being back in Southeast Asia after twelve years felt surprisingly normal and comfortable.
The SP office in Myanmar, where the staff handle administrative logistics for projects at work around the country.
We flew north to spend one night in Myitkyina in the Kachin state. Historically, many of the Kachin people were Christians. Mom and Dad provided "chaplaincy" training for a group of about 40 people working in various ministry capacities. This quick trip gave my parents the opportunity to show their expertise at stepping into a situation, prepared to present on the assigned topic, and quickly adapting to what the group actually needs and wants!
This was one of two food options at the tiny Myitkyina airport!
The Kachin Baptist Convention hosted the training.
View from the meeting room
Inside, Mom and Dad shared on finding hope in suffering.
Meanwhile, Christmas decorations were going up outside. They don't put Jesus in the manger until Christmas Day.
A smart, simplified landscaping option, right?! Plants and flowers easily grow because of the humid climate, making Myanmar a beautiful and lush-looking country.
So many motorbikes! And some are especially careful about the sun, even while riding.
One of the three tables with breakfast food options. I love asian food! It was fun trying new things, and finding several foods that I really liked (and still have no idea what they were!).
More tasty food: our mid-morning snack during the second day of training
We shared lunch and the afternoon with a smaller group of sweet people who wanted to discus the difference between what we hope in and what we hope for.
Back in Yangon, I took a morning walk . . .
We snuck in a quick visit to The Secretariat building after a lunch appointment, and then began our trip to Hanoi, Vietnam.
First morning in Vietnam! So many motorbikes!!
The SP office in Vietnam:
Every SP office begins their work day together in a time of devotion and prayer. This morning included a choreographed praise song, with motions from a youtube video projected on a screen!
While Mom and Dad had a meeting, I ventured down the street to check out the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. It was a beautiful tribute to the minority groups in Vietnam, and a lovely way to walk around outside in the amazing weather.
Can you spot the bike carrying all the fish traps?!
It didn't take me long to find the bubble tea
Friday night was the office Christmas party! The food was amazing. It was fun to meet the staff, and take part in their festive fun.
After the party, we hit the streets for coffee and ice cream
At the top of our Hanoi hotel, on my way to enjoy a delicious breakfast
Most of Saturday was spent exploring the old quarter area of Hanoi: bustling with people, food, shopping, motorbikes, and all a strange blend of modern and ancient
"May I practice my English with you?"
My first bowl of local, authentic Vietnamese Pho, one of my favorite foods! Ryan said he thinks I went on the entire trip just for this one meal =)
Mom and I were trying to get to "train street," but were told by a police officer it was "too dangerous" (while the locals were walking down the tracks). Thankfully, Mom and I are alike in our adventuresome spirit and were not deterred by that warning. We found another entrance, followed a cafe owner to her shop, and enjoyed a coffee as a legit train went surprisingly fast down a track that was ridiculously close to the houses and shops on either side,
We joined an SP worker for church on Sunday, and then she took us to the famous bun cha restaurant for lunch - the same spot where Obama and Anthony Bourdain ate when they were in Hanoi!
After lunch, she showed us the spot of the original egg coffee. I felt like I was visiting the first Starbucks in Seattle! Egg coffee was delicious!
Sights from our walk through the market
Sunday evening we moved to a different hotel. Mom and Dad prepared for another full day of training and meeting with people in the office while I prepared to travel home. The morning sunrise was a beautiful last sight.
I rode to the airport, so grateful for the time to learn better what my parents do when they travel, and the days to experience new parts of Asia. After 24 hours of travel, my awesome husband surprised me at the airport, and I was so glad to be home!
