Morning dawns hot and humid. Just like every morning in Southeast Asia. Unless it’s raining. In which case it’s hot, wet and humid. Today is sunny, and the lens of my phone is fogged. There’s a theological discussion occurring on the front porch when I make my way out with tea to wake up and… Continue reading A Reformation to Remember
Category: Travel
Into the Mountains
The small village of San Roque is located in the mountains about two and a half hours out of Davao City. Pastor Roeske has arranged drivers who will meet us and take us there. He directs me to meet him at a local Lutheran church – Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church. It’s located on the… Continue reading Into the Mountains
Adjustments
I awoke to my alarm early in the morning, prepared to meet Rev. Roeske as planned at the airport for our flight from Manila to Davao City. But I awoke to texts from the airline telling me our flight had been cancelled, and prompting me to begin the process of rebooking. Scant moments later Pastor… Continue reading Adjustments
My First Typhoon
I flew into Manila today on the heels of typhoon Kristine (although sources differ as to whether she’s a full-scale typhoon or just a Severe Tropical Storm). Whatever she was, my flight had to circle south of Manila for 20 minutes before coming in for a landing due to heavy rains and wind. Once on… Continue reading My First Typhoon
Chiang Mai
Our last stop is in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mail. As with everywhere we’ve visited, it’s lovely. Lush, green. Plenty of rain here in Southeast Asia! In fact, a week before we arrived Chiang Mai was hit by a typhoon that submerged sections of villages outside the city center. By the time we… Continue reading Chiang Mai
Phuket
After three days in Bangkok, it’s time to move on. The TCLC has major centers of work in three areas of the country. Bangkok is the central area of Thailand, and now we’re moving on to Phuket in the southern section of Thailand. All the logistics of travel and accommodations in-country have been arranged by… Continue reading Phuket
Representing
The nature of my work is fluid. A jack of all trades and master of none. A chameleon of sorts, able and willing to accommodate myself to a variety of situations and needs. Not perfectly, of course, but still it’s a gift I have been given that has served me well in a variety of… Continue reading Representing
Taiwan Workgroup Meeting
Last week was the annual Southeast Asia Workgroup meeting. All the workers in Southeast Asia are gathered together at LCMS headquarters in Chiayi, Taiwan for a week of training and other matters. It’s a time for learning as well as reconnecting with our fellow workers to receive updates on the work they’re doing in their… Continue reading Taiwan Workgroup Meeting
Almost Normal
Flexibility is the key to living overseas regardless of what brings you out of your homeland and to a new place, people, language and culture. Medan is still very much a developing city. Infrastructure in things we take for granted in the States like sidewalks is still very elusive. Other things are more familiar. There… Continue reading Almost Normal
Welcoming
When you live overseas you develop an awareness of newcomers and other folks making the transition from other lives and places to this new one. While we work hard to interact with locals, it’s just a reality that ex-pats also keep tabs on one another and we hear about new arrivals. SungHo is one of… Continue reading Welcoming
The Nelson Family Indonesia 