Travel
Bogota and Bolivia Bound
“Traveling, it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller.”
Every since school got out a few weeks ago, I have been crazy busy between starting a new job, continuing my current job and planning for my upcoming trip (in T-minus 2 days) to Bolivia with a 24 layover in Bogota. I will be heading to Bolivia for three weeks for a research project through school about drug policy, focusing on studying the coca leaf, coffee and the many misconceptions people have. I was one of those people, until I took a class a few years ago and it changed my life forever. The world has a long history of drugs and it is complicated beyond belief, yet in every way it is intertwined and connected to the big and little things. Everywhere I look it is in the news and related to foreign, domestic and current events.
I do Fancy Food and Friends in France
Au Revoir France
“To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.”
– Freya Stark
Rise and Shine and Road trip
“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.”
-Earl Nightingale
Happy World Adoption Day
“The adoption took time, the love came instantly”
Hey!
So I am a day late on this post…but it is better to celebrate late rather than never. Yesterday was world adoption day which means a lot to me and my family given that I was adopted from China.
Where Have I Been: Vietnam 2015
“Adventure is worthwhile.”
– Aesop
As a break draws closer (Thanksgiving break can’t come soon enough!), I wanted to reflect on a trip that I took almost a year ago to Vietnam. I was hired as an adult adoptee mentor for a travel group that takes adoptees and their families back to their birth countries. As an adoptee myself who has gone back to China, it was a very moving experience where I learned a lot. While a large part of the trip didn’t go as I planned or expected, that’s part of life; learning to accept yourself, adapt to unexpected situations and learn from every experience.
Family that are Friends and Friends that are Family
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”
– Tim Cahill
Hey friends!
Yesterday I got back from a whirlwind trip to New York to spend time with friends and catch up on lots of times and adventures that we have all had. Everyone talks about New York as if it is this land where dreams come true; and it is. However, for me, New York means good friends. I told one of my friends that I would be just as happy sitting in her apartment and eating donuts…not going to any attractions or doing whatever a typical New Yorker or tourist does. And I meant it. There is something so special when you find friends that you know will be in your life forever. People tend to come and go in life and thats just part of the rhythm…but I deeply value those who are part of my life and who allow me to part of theirs. Nothing is more special or magical. Money will only buy you so much; but it will never be able to buy you time or friends or family.
Looking Back: Living in Malaysia
My wonderful Ramadan host Ibu (grandmother) teaching me how to make ketupat
This trip was one of the primary reasons that I started this blog turned website. After returning to Malaysia and traveling Southeast Asia with my mom two summers ago..I wanted to start reflection on the past and looking towards the future.
Some of our biggest tests are often our greatest learning experiences and help define us.
Guatemala: Service Trip
Today I am reflecting back on a trip I took post senior year of high school. I grew up with a strong faith going to Trinity United Methodist church in Denver and had my fair amounts of doubts and questions in my own journey, but it continues to be a strong part of my life that I hope to infinitely explore. I was able to go to Guatemala for two weeks to help start build a house for a deserving family in Chontola, a small village outside of Antigua. It was a very humbling trip that was full of hard work, a lot of fun and time spent getting to know my youth group, youth leader and parents who joined us on the trip. It was a beautiful time and I almost spent the rest of the summer there to teach in the school my church supports, but was accepted into the ambassador program that took me to Malaysia.
I honestly can’t wait to go back and continue my own service group and explore my own faith and beliefs in such a beautiful place that has a lot to give and a lot to receive.
Kaila in the World 