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May 6, 2009 I took a lot of pictures out the bus window as the
beauty of this land struck me with fresh awe at the intelligence and
creativity at the hands that made it all. Here are some pictures through
the bus window on my way to my favorite small town: Here's the view from my seat at the back of the bus: When I arrived in town I checked into the local hotel
and then went to visit BinBin and her family. I haven't seen them
for a while, so I was really excited to visit with them. I had a great
night hanging out with their family and playing with the kids. Here
are some pictures of BinBin and her family. She put on her new red
shoes and was happy to pose for pictures. The next morning I climbed up the main mountain near
the center of town. I have climbed this hill many times, full of its
very steep and very tiny stairs. It's a great workout and the view
at the top lets me see the enter area with its many small villages
and gorgeous landscapes. Every time I look out at this view I am overwhelmed
with so many thoughts. Wonder and appreciation for the uniqueness
of this part of the world, totally unlike anything else under the
sun. I am filled with thanksgiving for the chance to be here in this
place, doing what I'm doing with my life, and so grateful that Dad
had this perfect plan for my life. I am filled with sorrow but also
with hope for the people living in the small towns below me. And I
am filled with love for the special friends I have met in this place.
They are so precious to me. Unforgettable. After spending quite a while on top of the mountain
I came back down and walked around town for a while. I noticed a new
bridge under construction. It's going to be really pretty once they
finish it. It was another beautiful hot day and I tried to soak up
every minute. When I had to get on the bus to head back home I took
a ton more pictures trying to capture the beauty all around me. I
failed miserably, but I think you just can't take in beautiful surroundings
like this through a camera. You just have to see it for yourself.
One thing that I wanted to show you was how they often build houses
out here in the countryside. Most people live in a very small house
made from brick with one floor, usually with two or three rooms. But
the wealthier people will build two, three, or even four story homes.
When they build the second floor they always build out in all directions,
making the houses larger the higher they get. I don't know why they
do this, but it has a unique look. Here are a few pictures I took
on my way home, along with many shots of these kinds of houses. I passed may people working in the rice fields and
washing their clothes in the communal washing streams. Here was a
group of women I managed to capture in semi-focus. I had a great weekend. I love this place and I love these people. They are so special to me and I know I am going to miss them very, very much. There is no place like this in the world, and I know that many places in the world are unique to their area, but this small town has a permanent place in my heart. I plan to spend every free day I have traveling out here until I have to return to the States. I will be happy to see my parents again, and be back in the land of convenience and familiarity, but I am really going to miss the breath taking views that surround me here. I'll end with some silly pictures of the way they
like to paint fingernails in my city. My friend, Rose, got her nails
done and wanted me to take her picture. Here ya go: ********************************************* May 17, 2009 Really? Really? Yes, I was listening to "Wonderwall" by Oasis. If I ever think I'm used to this place, and life has reached a steady routine, moments like this remind me that the world is, in fact, totally crazy. I am a mere passenger on a ride of strange and unexpected events. ********************************************* |
