We see him most every week we visit the market on a particular corner of Chiang Mai. Shuffling. Begging. Fingers banging keyboard.
Blind.
And I wrote an article about what this certain blind man has taught our entire family which is featured over at Emily’s site, Chatting at the Sky. I’d be honored if you would visit the link and read me over in her corner of the web. And while you’re there, stay awhile. Her site is image-inspirational and word-beautiful, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy the time spent there. I always do.
ALifeOverseas.com / LauraParkerBlog.com.
Destined Traveler.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I hopped over from Emily’s Chatting at the Sky. I will be returning.
One year ago, I returned to the states from 6 years in the southern Philippines. I identify with so much that you have written. the anger that comes with the culture shock, the kids on the street that are hungry, the internet being down, no A/C except in the bedrooms, the hot and sticky that just makes the irritation more acute. and that anger.
Praying for you.
Sharon recently posted..Jack-Hammer Jill
Oh, Sharon. 6 years in the Philippines! You have my respect! This life overseas is so much harder than I expected! Thanks for stopping and commenting and identifying. Truly, its a gift to me to know there are others out there who can “feel the pain” a bit. Love love love the name of your blog, too, by the way. Looking forward to connecting in the future,
Laura
Hi, Laura. I just left a comment and got an error message. Boo. I don’t have time to write it all out again, but basically, your blog is a total GIFT from God for me today. We spent 10 days in Cambodia in July and will never be the same. I’ll be back!!
Marla Taviano recently posted..the people who share my dna
Thanks, Marla . . . Thanks for the encouragement, for the comments, and for your heart for the globe. I love that. Please keep in touch . . .
Love, Laura
Wonderful post! When my husband and I have visited South Africa in the past, we are always blown away by the need there and how much we have to be thankful for. We also have noticed that the middle and upper class that live there seem to be somewhat hardened to the need, maybe from seeing it daily, maybe because of their own prejudices. I sometimes worry/fear that living there will cause me to become blind to the need as we carve out our own life in a country with so much beauty and wealth and also so much poverty and ugliness. I know that we will need to fight against our desire/inclination to relive the “american dream” over there.
Absolutely. Love the recognition that anywhere we live, there is a tendency to move towards greater comfort. Regardless of culture or age or place. We humans just naturally want that. And yet, living overseas, there is a tendency to want to live “like the locals.” I struggle with this. Because our family is just not used to life “as the locals,” and I fear that if we would have jumped into that, we would already be on a plane back to the US! I guess it is just seeking the Lord with what level of comfort is right for your family and what will make the living overseas attainable for the long term. Another way to seek the intimate following of Jesus, I guess!
Love, Laura