Africa to Asia: World Tour

A whirlwind journey has led me from Upland to the streets of Nairobi, Indianapolis, Columbus, Hong Kong, Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, back to the snowy cornfields of Taylor University.

I have seen, tasted, felt, heard, and smelled life on three continents, five countries, and in four languages spending 34 of the past 45 days overseas.  Today the world is smaller.

While in Zhuhai, China, I had the opportunity to visit with hundreds of primary school age children.  Some students knew more English than others, but the universality of a game of basketball, smile, laugh, or hug humanized the unknowns of linguistic communication.

St. Francis of Assisi is described as having "discerned the hidden things of Creation with the eye of the heart."  Through this lens, surely the heart of and for man minimizes the magnitude and depth of the Earth.  From Africa to Asia, I realize that the differences of culture have enlightened the realities of humanity in a small world.

January 4, 2013, 8:52p.m., Macau: Many people live among the land I now trek and it is my prayer that I may see the world in small ways through their eyes so I may understand, in some minimal way, their interaction with their Maker.  He has stored hidden treasures and what a joy to see how He has utilized those gifts across many borders and waters.

Through stories, pictures, tears, laughs, and praises, I invite you to join me on this world tour as I reflect on small glimpses of His wonderful creation proclaiming How Great Thou Art and Great Is Thy Faithfulness.