my own little world

It's hard to imagine that I have been in South East Asia for over 5 weeks now. Time is flying by! As I was taking a walk today I started to notice that sounds and places are becoming a lot more familiar to me around here. The song "My Own Little World" by Matthew West was playing in my head and it's funny how this world of mine has gotten so much larger over the last few years. Prior to 2010, I did not own a passport... I would encourage everyone to go and get one. It has been such a blessing to travel, and to also see how great the needs of the world is. I've said it before, but Romans 10:14-15 gives a whole new meaning for me to leave home for a while.

Here are some of the lyrics to the song, "My Own Little World" that have really struck a chord (no pun intended.) with me.

"In my own little world it hardly ever rains

 I've never gone hungry or always felt safe

 I got some money in my pocket shoes on my feet

 In my own little world

 Population me

 I try to stay awake through the Sunday morning church

 I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give 'til it hurts

 and I turn off the news when I don't like what I see

 it's easy to do when it's

 population me

 What if there's a bigger picture

 what if I'm missing out

 What if there's a greater purpose

 I could be living right now

 outside my own little world"

(This is my prayer)

"Start breaking my heart for what breaks Yours

 give me open hands and open doors

 put Your light in my eyes and let me see

 that my own little world is not about me"

That song has been a blessing!

As I was walking down the street I decided to shoot a little impromptu video of the area right outside of our apartment complex. Please forgive the low quality, shoot as I walk, iPhone video. The people that you see are more than likely not believers and need prayer. Please lift us up as we are looking for open hearts and doors to share with them. Other things that you will see are little shops along the way, and people sell food in stands on the side of the road. There is a night market that happens on this street on Saturday night. Pretty good food and a festive atmosphere! I would say that we live in a pretty urban area, but you can still see the stars at night.

Please continue to lift us up as we venture more and more into this part of the world. Lately I have been learning to drive a manual transmission vehicle. That is exciting all by itself, but also driving on the wrong side of the road is a whole new ballgame! We have a couple of Honda scooters to get around on as well. Went from a world of no manual gear shifting, except for my bicycles, to shifting everything now. Fun times! 

Another thing that I have had to get used to is being in the extreme minority. Growing up, in my own little world, I have always been in the majority people group. That is not the case here. I don't have any real numbers, but I am no where near the majority people group in South East Asia. I pray that my life as a Christ follower also reflects a difference here, besides my physical appearance.

Also wanted to tell everyone that I really appreciate the feedback in your emails, and I am happy that you are enjoying the blog! Shoot me an email if you want to be included on my email updates for info not posted here.