Have I ever mentioned that things can be a little complicated here in a third world country? :) I am leaving early tomorrow morning to go to Vietnam because I have to get out of the country. No, I haven't been kicked out:) My 30 day visa is up and I have to get it renewed by exiting and entering Cambodia. So, I am going to spend the night in Ho Chi Minh. The problem is that I will probably have to leave the country again in a week or two because I am trying to get a 3 month visa through our NGO. You can pray about that for me. It's a 4 hour bus ride to Vietnam. I don't really want to have to do that too many times...but I am excited to see a new country.

I was just remarking to friends that I find myself saying things I never thought I would say. Like, "I am going to Vietnam tomorrow." A few years ago, I didn't even want to go to a crowded grocery store or church and now I am hopping a bus to another country. It still blows me away.

Even in this foreign country that is so completely different than the states, I am finding that I am getting used to the way things are. What once used to surprise me now seems "normal". Like an oxen and cart riding down the road next to a Lexus. Or a guy holding a twin mattress on a moto going down the street. I am trying really hard not to miss what's around me, and so have made it a little game to try to find something interesting each day.

A couple of my favorites...In Thailand, there was an elephant walking down the road - which is interesting in itself. But it's owner had tied a CD onto its tail as a rear reflector as it was getting dark. Good to know that safety comes first! There was also the day that a 6 foot tall white gentleman was riding a bike that looked like it was built for a 7-year-old. He was dressed in bright yellow. As if he needed something else that would make him stand out. And every day, people selling goods will go up and down our street making sounds, or calling out, or playing tunes to get people's attention. Today, I had to laugh because the tune was Here Comes Santa Claus. Never thought I would hear that one in Southeast Asia! Especially since I am still in a time warp. Since it's warm here, I am convinced that it's still summer there. (Sorry...can't say that I miss the snow. But thanks to those of you who have emailed fall pictures:)

Right now, it's the king's birthday. So the school's have had days off. But, I was able to be there on Monday. Here are a couple of shots.

Some of the kids are playing hopscotch. It really does amaze me how content they are with a stick, some dirt, and a rock.

During every break, this little boy comes to find me. If I am sitting, he will sit. If I am walking around, he will hang on me and walk with me. He has the cutest smile...with only one tooth left in front. Sadly, I think most of the others are decayed. Luckily, they are baby teeth. He is so happy all the time though.

The short videos I took with my digital camera wouldn't load tonight, so I will try again when I get back from Vietnam.