The Art and Heart of Traveling

Most of the time, I love traveling.

I think I inherited this love from my parents.  My mom went to Australia when she was in her early 20's and then later immigrated to the U.S.  My father lived in South America for a time before coming to the U.S.  I have been up and down the East Coast, and a few spots in the West Coast.  I have been to and through places like China, S. Korea, Israel, and Canada (yes, of all places).  I was born in another country, Hong Kong!

It is sometimes a challenge to travel.  Jet-lag, early mornings, delayed flights, figuring out transportation, and getting sick can really stress a person.

But one thing God has taught me on my endeavors is to find a center.  What is my purpose here, besides working or having a vacation?

I realize over the past several years that no matter where I go, I always find kind-hearted people.  God made us relational people.  We seek ways to connect with people, even when we're in a strange land with strange people.  But you realize, these people are not so strange or weird as they seem.

For instance, my travels this time took me to Portland, OR.  This is probably been said as the capital of "weird".  There is even a dedicated saying or group "Keep Portland Weird."

I wandered downtown of Portland with my colleague/friend over the past weekend.  I saw some interesting culture here.  But the first thing I felt when I first stepped out of a train into Pioneer Square is, "Wow, this place really have some kind-hearted people" without having met anyone yet.  Sometimes I can feel the energy of the people.  There are some places I have been where I can discern, "This is a pretty depressing place."

My discernment has proved me correct over the past few days of being here.  People here are truly nice and friendly.  In some ways, it puts the South into shame.

God made us in the image of Him (Genesis 1:27).  When you put that in perspective, and take to heart that God loves us and He wants us to love people, you begin to see the heart of people the way God sees them.  I often tell my friends, "God loves you no matter what/if you..." then I insert whatever they are going through.  It's the truth I learned and to show that Christianity is not about rules, it's about connecting and having relationships and finding true beauty in the friendships that you build.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." ~Colossians 3:12~

Why I don't want a wedding and other untraditional things...

The Non-Wedding

Just like most girls, I once had this dream of my wedding.

What dress I will wear.

What colors I will have.

What flowers will I used to decorate.

What kind of cake I want to eat.

But attending many weddings in the past many years, I suddenly realize something: No matter how big or small, how much money was poured in, how much drinking and dancing were to be had, I only had fond memories of only probably three weddings.  And I have attended a lot of weddings.  Sure, most of them were fun.  Some of them were terrifyingly boring or too emotional for me.  One was just downright awkward.

I have thought it through over the past year or so.  I realize, why spend $10K to $30K on a wedding

I'm eloping...

But I am throwing a small wedding party after the elopement.  ;-)

Bottom line: It's about the marriage.  I realize I shouldn't care about the dress.  It will disappear one day.  Nor the cake.  That will get eaten.  The flowers will wilt.  The table clothes will get soiled and used for another event.

But one thing I do want to last is the marriage.  It's a strange relationship between man and woman, husband and wife.  It's an interesting relationship.  As Paul wrote, "This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." ~Ephesians 5:32-33~ Paul knew the struggles between husband and wife.  Women easily love.  Men easily respect.  Why would Paul write that a husband should love his wife and that a wife should respect?  It's hard.  Men don't easily love.  Women don't easily respect (except for Aretha Franklin - R.E.S.P.E.C.T.!).

Engagement Ring

I never liked diamonds.  Yes, they are nice and shiny,but clear and white (and kind of boring to me).  But once a upon a time, they were not valued as they are now.  I also have this fear that I will receive a blood diamond.

You know what kind of rock I want?

An amethyst!  It's purple.  I always like it.  If it's lined with Swarovski crystals, I'll be happy.  :)

Hint to men: It doesn't cost as much as a diamond ring, I swear!

The After Party

Forget the schmancy stuff.  Since there is no wedding, there is no real reception.  But there will be a party, none-the-less.  With wings and beer and bar food.  Beers all around.  And wine.  And maybe a cake, I don't know.  :)

Okay, maybe one traditional thing: The Honeymoon

Yes, I want to go to Hawaii.  And this is not a SNL skit.

Let's spend that $10K on the honeymoon.  Get a nice expensive hotel.  Drink all the wine we want.  You know, honeymoon stuff.

Okay, now that I got this out of my chest... :)