After the Boxes

Earlier this month I returned from three weeks in Southeast Asia and participated in a number of shoebox gift distributions. I packed these boxes as a child and continued to do so as I grew up, never imagining I'd one day see what happens on the other side. 

Attending these distributions and meeting the children was a tremendous blessing, but one village and one distribution in particular grabbed ahold of my heart. 

I met 11-year-old Peter the morning of the distribution. Peter lives in a poor village on the outskirts of the capital city. The village has no electricity or clean water. Peter has to ride his bicycle more than an hour along bumpy, dirt roads to school. 

When we met he was very polite and even tried to practice English. When I asked, “How old are you?” he responded, “I’m fine, thank you.” Blame it more on my southern accent than his English. When he received his gift he called me over so I could see what was in his box. 

I was so glad we returned to his village later in the week. All afternoon we played games with the children. Peter taught me his country's version of Rock, Paper, Scissors and we jumped rope and played catch with a soccer ball. 

Peter and the children made us feel so welcomed it was hard to believe we'd only met them a few days ago. 

Peter is one of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met, but at age 11 he’s got a tough road ahead. He told me he’s lonely a lot because his parents leave early and return late from work. They work long hours and still earn little income. 

The shoeboxes helped introduce us to Peter and the other children, and showed them that people really did care about them. 

After all the excitement of opening gifts I saw what comes after the shoeboxes. It’s love. Love that crosses language barriers and cultures. 

Love from children who let me play tug-of-war and try to teach them about basketball by dribbling a soccer ball in the dirt. 

I'm asking that these children will never forget that afternoon and that we love them. And I'm asking that they will come to know Him. 

A few scenes and faces from our trip: 

Three Months

Living overseas I learned the importance of recognizing and celebrating small victories. In the spirit of continuing that tradition, here's to three months living in North Carolina's mountains! In three months I've moved to a new town, moved into a new home, started a new job and even made a three-week trip back to Southeast Asia.

I'm grateful to Him for providing and I don't want to forget that He is the one who has provided every step of the way.

Sometimes people still ask how I'm re-adjusting to life in America. My adjustment is nothing compared to my friends who have recently moved back after living more of their life in another country than in America. They've really got a "re-entry" phase awaiting.

Having said that, it is interesting to see how quickly you can adjust to living somewhere completely different and how quickly the newness of that culture just becomes normal. Sometimes it's still weird to wear my shoes inside, especially at work or in someone's home-it feels rude. I can't go to 7-Eleven and pay my bills and I certainly can't pay in cash. In the mountains you can have four seasons in ONE day. Southeast Asia has one season: Hot.

I enjoy having a dryer and consistent hot water in the shower. But I miss fresh smoothies on every corner and fun markets to buy gifts.

They say once you've lived overseas you'll never be the same. That experience humbled and challenged me in ways that can't be forgotten because those experiences are part of me. They're still helping shape who I am and who I want to be.

As I give thanks for His provision over the past few months, I also give thanks for my time in Asia and its continued impact on my heart.