The three wise men followed the star with one plan, to greet the newly born Saviour. After meeting the reality there, they left by a different path, as the evil Herod had left his mark on all plans. Such is life.
I began the year with my trip, my first out of Thailand for nearly four years. I found myself venturing out in trepidation. For me, what had been just part of life, international travel, was now a venture into the unknown.
I went to Saigon to visit my religious community, for the first time, and meet with my bosses in the Order. When I got there and saw all the motorbikes, met new and good friends in my young community and enjoyed local hospitality, all fear of the unknown went out the door.
It was a trip with a difference, not being defined by tourism, work or meetings. Rather it was about spending time being and allow new relationships, experiences, insights arise. I may not have gone to the Viet Cong tunnels, but it was truly a time of adventure.
I engaged and encountered new people in my life. The student body of the community was a vibrant group, kind and so friendly. They gave me new life. I encountered myself in new ways as a result. In sharing plans, vision, ideas, conversation. Thus, I was introduced to new opportunities.
I did not venture far in Saigon but I travelled such a long way, in such a short time. I truly did. As I left My Bangkok, I was not sure of the way. As I returned to My Bangkok, I sensed a fresh and new way to travel in life. I went with no great plan, except to do what I needed to do. My path was shaped by no great action on my part. Rather it was shaped by meeting, befriending and encountering significant others in my life. We do not travel alone, no matter where we are in life.
Amazing Saigon! Amazing life!
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