It has been a while....

It has been 6 weeks since I returned from Thailand.  And, while I never intended for this blog to be strictly about Thailand, that is where my mind has often been.

I often find myself remembering big things, like our nights spent in Patpong.

Photo courtesy of Connie Rock

The memories of the people that I met there remind me of a learning and growing time and friendships I will never forget.

Photo courtesy of Connie Rock

The places that we saw, the cultural differences remind me that we live in a melting pot.  Our own country is filled with many other peoples, some of different nationalities, some of different beliefs, but all of us different.  It amazes me that I needed to go to a different country to realize that.

In the last 2 months, I have had one overriding thought.  How do I live lessons learned in another place, half a world away, in my daily life?? 

First, I want to make sure that I am reaching out to everyone in my circle.  I love how Pastor Matt put it today.  "Accept Them, Affirm Them, Assist Them".  (You can hear more about it here.)  This needs to happen in my every day life.

Second, I am thinking about what I could be doing outside of my normal circle. 

I have some ideas, and you will hopefully hear about them soon.  In the meantime, I would love to hear how you reach out of your circle!

Do you spend time with the kids around you like my friend's J&J or A?
Do you reach out through the scouting program like my friend L?
Do you work with a local food pantry or help families in need?

If you do, please share - someone else might be looking for an opportunity!