July 15, 2009
Today was so awesome. Definitely one I'll remember. These last few weeks of living in Asia are so tightly scheduled with memorable events that I'm updating my blog all the time, just so I don't have to leave anything out.

A couple of days ago I went over to a friend's house to play Settlers of Katan. Yes, these are American friends. We had fun, and had an entire dessert buffet with cheesecake, brownies, and coffee cake. It was so good, and they even used my Hawkeye paper plates to eat on.

This morning I was up before the sun, having some breakfast and preparing for a road trip on my motorcycle. My plan was to drive it out to my favorite small town in the countryside. I expected the trip to take about 4 hours by motorcycle, and it did. That included a 30 minute detour when I took a wrong turn, and several stops along the way for pictures. Beginning the day with a few anticipatory pictures in my house, I will let the photos show you the sights.
   
  

   
   
     
     
     
      

Driving on all the curving mountain roads, up and down, through villages and around water buffalos, it was the most fun I've ever had driving my motorcycle. It made me wish that I had more time here to take more trips out to the countryside on my bike. But this journey was my last run on a motorcycle in this country. I had offered to give my motorcycle to BinBin's family when I left the country, and they were thrilled with the idea. It was so fun to pull up to their house and watch them come outside to check out their new toy!
   

I don't know what they'll do with the motorcycle. The father may use it to drive to work, the mom may use it to carry vegetables from one market to the other for her work, they may convert it into a 3-wheeled taxi, or they may sell it. Whatever they decide to do with it, I hope it can help make their life just a little bit easier for a while.

The kids were happy to see me and ready to play. I arrived shortly before lunchtime, so BinBin's dad ran off to the market to buy some meat to add to their meal, in honor of their special guest (me). We played together, taking silly pictures, and had a great lunch.
   

      

After lunch I changed out of my motorcycle clothes into something more temperature-appropriate. BinBin's mom was so thankful for the big gift that she decided her and the kids should accompany me as I wanted to climb up the mountain near their home. She put hats on the kids (instead of sun block) and we walked to the base of the mountain together. It was really hot and sunny today, so we decided it was best that I climb the mountain on my own. They were so sweet in wanting to show their appreciation for the motorcycle, I had to be insistent that they didn't wait at the bottom of the mountain for me, considering it takes me almost an hour to go up and back down.
      
       

At the top of the mountain I was overwhelmed, as usual, with the beauty of the creation and wonder at the One who made it all. I almost always begin singing as soon as I get up there and see the view. Some sights just invoke particular responses each time you see them.
    

I took the bus home, in case you were wondering how I got back home after leaving my motorcycle in the countryside. It was a great day, and now I am so tired! But I wanted to share a few of my pictures before going to sleep.

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