Have you ever been to another country?

[Mr. SmartyPants]

So far only Canada, Poland, and the UK (Northern Ireland and England)

[Kokhiri Sojourn]

[quote="Ashley"]Eh, I could press the point, but heck, my own state comes up with clever things like "Texas- it's like a whole 'nuther country" =S

Lynch planning aside, here's where I've been:
Canada X7 I don't care what Ing has to say about it, Canada IS a foreign country and I thoroughly enjoyed it (from what I remember)
Mexico oh my goodness I LOVED the beaches here. Quite the nice vacation spot!
Germany I did a lot of traveling through here (I think we hit like 5 different cities) and I really, really loved it. It was my favorite of the European countries...everyone was so nice to us there!
Switzerland It was okay because it was more like Germany than France was XD
France *shudders violently* don't make me go back...please...although, Notre Dame and the Louvre were worth it
England London was cool, but I was really ready to go home
Taiwan I went on a missions trip here this summer, and OH MY GOSH it was so cool. It really cemented my call for asian missions, and I had a great time. I could go on and on and on, but I won't. ^^]

I found the Germans and the Swiss both very congenial and willing to help as well. Germany was the one I could have seen myself living in, whereas Switzerland is a brilliant vacation spot. However, finding churches over there was difficult.

That's awesome you're looking into asian missions! Hope that the Lord continues to lead you down that path and prepare the way before you, Ashley.

[mitsuki lover]

I thought we decided that for Americans Canada didn't count and vice versa.

[Sai]

I went to Germany a few years back. The castles were very lovely. Those are the only castles i have ever visited though so i can't say that they were the best ever or something. We went to Germany for a family reunion. It was crazy. There were 200-300 ppl in total. Out of all the cities we visited, I think Heidelburg was my favorite. One last note... Hurray for Eis!!!

[aitak]

I thought we decided that for Americans Canada didn't count and vice versa.

i thought after that we decided it does count, after all...!? i mean canada is a "whole nutha country", eh?

[Mave]

It's nice to know that some members have vaguely heard or have stepped into Malaysia. XD I fly out from KLIA quite a bit.

United States (TX, CA, NY, OH, MI, IN, IL, FL, IA, MA, Las Vegas, New Orleans)
Canada (Montreal)
Australia (Brisbane)
Singapore (....just Singapore)

[Nate]

I thought we decided that for Americans Canada didn't count and vice versa.

Why wouldn't Canada count? It's not America. Saying Canada doesn't count as another country if you live in America is like saying France doesn't count as another country if you live in Spain.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

What did you think of Brisbane, Mave?
Ashley, what was so bad about France?

[BaiLong]

Canada does too count for americans. I mean, it took me a year of living with a canadian to understand them. You know they speak Canadian right. Here is an example of some direct translations...

Chesterfield = Couch

Tim Hortons = Donuts

Eh = expression used for exclamation, questioning, affirmation and a dozen other ways. This expression is as complicated as our way of conjugating verbs.

Hoser = Endearing term for Idiot

Aboot = About

Touque = Beanie

So yeah, its another country, with another language and one day I am afraid they wil take over the world.

And back on subject, I've been to China, Thailand, Cambodia, Tibet (well, what used to be Tibet), Ghana, Togo. I'll be in Canada this year for snowboarding if I can help it and England to visit the parents.

[aitak]

wow humanoid- thats some interesting places. were any of those on mission trips? i'd love to go to cambodia and tibet one day. i was on the cambodian border (in thailand) once, but that's another story...

[aitak]

It's nice to know that some members have vaguely heard or have stepped into Malaysia. XD I fly out from KLIA quite a bit.

yeah i hope to one day get to leave the airport...on one of my passings-thru the team i was with all went into the city but i was out of cash so i stayed in the airport. but flying over it was beautiful. looks similar to indo and i love indo.

for the record, people rave about singapore airport but kl is my favourite.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

KL was great in someways, not so in others. I hated the chaoticness of the streets etc (huge contrast coming from Japan!) but there were some really good sites, some good variety and wide open spaces. Yah for space!

[Warrior4Christ]

It's nice to know that some members have vaguely heard or have stepped into Malaysia. XD I fly out from KLIA quite a bit.

I'll just add that I quite enjoyed the 3/4 of an hour we spent continously riding the Aerotrain between the two terminals at KL airport. We'd get on the very front carriage, and then enjoy the 2 minute ride, then get out and run around to the opposite end of the Aerotrain, which was the new front carriage (before anyone else could take the front spot), and repeat the process. Fun!

Also, the one Malay word I learned was 'Keluar'.

[termyt]

Come to Ohio! I give big bear hugs (by request only)!

Actually, considering my current location, I guess I’d also have to include the US as “another country.â€

[Rev. Doc]

I've Been to:

Brazil - was there for a 2 week mission trip in Rio.

Northern Ireland - participated in 5 day clubs and street preaching as a mission practicum for Southwestern Seminary

United Kingdom (Ireland, Scotland, England) - spent a week traveling after above mission work.

Slovenia - lived there for 2 years establishing a mission base.

Croatia, Hungry, Germany, Austria, Italy - either vactioning or related work whille living in Slovenia.

Romania - have been several times to the Piatra Neamt area leading meidcal and evangelistic mission teams.

I have always found the people wherever I've gone very nice and hospitable.

[Debitt]

Unfortunately, I haven't bee to Malaysia yet, but I have a lot of family in KL! ^-^

I've been to England, France, China, Australia, and Japan. :3

[Mave]

Yeah i hope to one day get to leave the airport...i was out of cash so i stayed in the airport. but flying over it was beautiful. For the record, people rave about singapore airport but kl is my favourite.

Changi airport is quite good too (have flown through it too). KLIA may have a better airport but I have to admit I prefer the public transportation in Singapore. The MRT train system is just as good as the Loop in Chicago or New York's subway system. Sometimes Singapore reminds me of an Asian version of Chicago. XD

I'll just add that I quite enjoyed the 3/4 of an hour we spent continously riding the Aerotrain between the two terminals at KL airport. We'd get on the very front carriage, and then enjoy the 2 minute ride, then get out and run around to the opposite end of the Aerotrain, which was the new front carriage (before anyone else could take the front spot), and repeat the process. Fun!

Also, the one Malay word I learned was 'Keluar'.

LOL Apparently, KLIA shuttle trains also serve as entertainment! While we speak English reasonably well, here are a few words that you could use if necessary.

Eat - Makan
Drink - Minum
Lapar - Hungry
Toilet - Bilik Air
Sick - Sakit
Lost - Sesat
Help - Tolong
Police - Polis

I hope you'll never have to use the last 4 words. ]What did you think of Brisbane, Mave?
KL was great in someways, not so in others. I hated the chaoticness of the streets etc (huge contrast coming from Japan!) but there were some really good sites, some good variety and wide open spaces. Yah for space![/QUOTE]

Brisbane was fun, great weather, nice ppl....the exchange rate wasn't the best (argghh expensive!) but it was a delightful trip overall!

As for KL's streets, sigh.....eh....I assure you that Malaysians aren't exactly thrilled with the chaos as well. We can be notorious on the roads so watch out if you drive! XD

Unfortunately, I haven't been to Malaysia yet, but I have a lot of family in KL! ^-^

Goodness, what are they doing in KL? Hehe....

[BaiLong]

To answer your question simply Aitek... yes.

I attended Bethany College of Missions, a non-denominational 4 year program that trains missionaires in a practical way. If you have heard of YWAM, the school I went to is like a 4 year DTS. My first outreach which was 3 weeks was in western Africa: Ghana and Togo. Contracted Malaria, it was a lovely experience.

I then spent 9 months by myself in China as an internship. While there I had many Tibetan friends and went to a Tibetan wedding and thus got to see the real Tibet. Also I went on vacation to Thailand for a month. I got back from this trip about a year and a half ago and miss it every day.

This past April I went to Cambodia for a week to visit some of my friends who were doing an internship there. And I swear I had an encounter with an angel or someone that God sent. Its a long story and you probably had to be there, but it was nothing short of a miracle.

Yeah, and my parents live in England as full-time missionaries. They work with recovering drug addicts and prostitutes. So yeah, hope that answers your question.

[aitak]

I'll just add that I quite enjoyed the 3/4 of an hour we spent continously riding the Aerotrain between the two terminals at KL airport.

only 3/4 hour? i spent a LOT of time on that thing...but then i had a lot of time to kill...! its a great way to meet people and talk...

[aitak]

If you have heard of YWAM, the school I went to is like a 4 year DTS.

if i've heard of YWAM...i was a full-time YWAM staff for about 8 yrs! now i'm not really but am still writing resources and stuff for kids and youth, and i still go on outreaches when i can. that training sounds great. i think the concept of a DTS is brilliant, but I often found myself thinking it would be so much better if was longer, to allow people optimum time to really grab hold of a new lifestyle, cos that's really what it boils down to. me personally, after my dts i came home and bombed out big time and God had to rush me back up to queensland away from all my old ways to join ywam staff (and consequently staff a few DTS's) in order to save my life...i think it took me about 3 schools before i really changed and really let go of the "old man"...

Contracted Malaria, it was a lovely experience.

yikes. i havent caught malaria (yet?!) and am pretty amazed/blessed not to have because of the number of times i've forgotten or just not had the money to buy my medication! i was in vanuatu when i was 7 months pregnant and couldnt take meds because of the baby- man i was praying so desperately that i wouldnt get sick because that can be deadly for a baby in utero...

I got back from this trip about a year and a half ago and miss it every day.

know that feeling...

And I swear I had an encounter with an angel or someone that God sent. Its a long story and you probably had to be there, but it was nothing short of a miracle.

would love to hear it! PM me if you want.

They work with recovering drug addicts and prostitutes. So yeah, hope that answers your question.

sounds awesome. ever read a book called "living on the devil's doorstep" by floyd mcClung? one of my favourites...

[BaiLong]

Sweet, so you know very well about Ywam. I have never done any thing with them... well thats not quite true. I did ministry and lived with a team for a week while they were in China on outreach. And here in Seattle I live RIGHT across the street from the base. So I talk to them and hang out ya know. And half of my friends are or were ywamers. And my school BCOM has a really good relationship with them so if I go to bases they know who I am through that school, so yeah, I like ywam.

Yeah the malaria thing wasn't terribly fun but we caught it early on so it wasn't dangerous. I think it stays in your bllod a long time so I may still be a carrier, haha.

And I do miss it every day, but I am working to save up money to go back to Asia permanently in a year. It just feels like home now.

And the angel story. I was probably exaggerating and God was just looking out for me, but here it is:
So my friend and I have just arrived in the Tokyo airport on our way to Cambodia. We have extremely little time in the airport before our connection. Plus they did this weird thing when we got off the airplane: We actually exited onto the tarmac and took a bus for 15 minutes to the other side of the airport. I have done it before I just wasn't expecting it at such a large airport.

So, my friend Josh and I (I'm Josh too, a lot of the ticket people got a kick out of that) are transferring directly to our next flight and I pull out my ticket ya know. Well Josh suddenly realizes he left the ticket on the plane. Now I had been holding onto both tickets, but I gave him his on the plane previously. So we are basically freaking out (me moreso than him, cause there is no way to get back to the airplane... no way). As time is ticking down and I am fretting what to do and I don't speak very good Japanese at all (if it had happened in China I wouldn't have freaked out so much)... Suddenly this Japanese business guy walks up to us, and says in perfect english, "Are you Josh." And both of us are like yeah, which he probably found funny. He then handed Josh his ticket and said, "Oh, you left this on the plane." He then walked right off into this door that only staff sorta people are supposed to use (which he clearly was not) and was gone. We were like
"Oh, Thank You God!!"

And no I have not read that book you mentioned but I have heard of the author. But I have read a similar book called "Chasing the dragon." That one is good as well.

[harina]

Yeah.

Sweden: I've been there a couple of times while cruising but not recently. Well.. all I remember is that clothes were cheaper there and there were lots of unnecessary traffic lights. The people wouldn't even notice if the light was green or red.. : P

Florida, US: Aww, I loved to be there. I was there twice as a little kid. The skyscrapers were so high in Miami~ The second time was on Christmas, and I remember seeing a Santa Claus on the beach sunbathing. It was pretty weird, because the Christmas there was so different from the Christmas I had been used to. And I remember buying my very first bikini in Florida. XD

Canada: We spent time near Vancouver in a town when I had just turned thirteen. Aww, I have lots of good memories there, I can't just name one. Vancouver's Chinatown sure was exotic. I participated in a photography contest there.
// We also went to a church and saw people baptised with their normal clothes on. In my country, people get white costumes (I don't know the right word for it) when baptised, so it was nice to see another way of doing the ceremony.

I'd love to visit more countries.. .___.

[jon_jinn]

i went to ecuador over the summer on a missions trip with my church for two weeks. originally, you had to be eighteen to go but my entire family was going so they made an exception for me. it was a really great experience for me since it was my first missions trip and my first time out of the U.S. i believe that i really grew closer to God during those two weeks but the hard part was putting what i learned up there to use when i came back home. in ecuador, our missions team studied the book of james. some of the passages in that book really stood out to me (see my signature). when i came back from ecuador, i was on fire for God and was really excited about telling my friends all the great things i saw and did in ecuador. i had a really awesome time.

[marty]

I went to the bahamas

[aitak]

humanoid- wow! i reckon it was an angel. i got shivers! thats really awesome.

i've also read "chasing the dragon", and it's another of my all-time favourites. what an amazing story, eh? if you like that then you really should try and get your hands on "living on the devil's doorstep".

also would you happen to know a guy named spencer reynolds? he's agood mate of mine (from ywam) and he's from portland and living back there now, but i think he lived in seattle for a while. he's an amazing artist and does designs for hyperlite wakeboards (or at least he has done in the past.)

[BaiLong]

Nah, never heard of the guy. But of course I have only been living in seattle for like 2 months. And I will only be here another year or so I expect. I will look into that book that you suggest. If you have never heard of Bethany College of Missions, you can check out their website at BCOM.org. They have a promo video there that is pretty sweet too. If you do end up watching the video, wathc the credits, I am the guy in the beginning of the credits with his arms outstretched and the guy at the end of the credits that does a flip off a fire hydrant.

Yeah, see ya!

[aitak]

i will check out bethany college, it'd be great to have something like that to rewcommend to people who need something more than just a dts. cheers!
if you wanna check out spencer reynolds' art (i recommend everyone should, and buy some, to support him! ha ha) his web address is spencer reynolds- art and surf

[mssthang_1]

i lived in japan for 4 years, it was very nice, i was never bored there, and i wish i could go back....i've also been to korea for like five minutes to change planes, and i've been to canada for a few hours if those count

[mssthang_1]

i lived in japan for 4 years, it was very nice, i was never bored there, and i wish i could go back....i've also been to korea for like five minutes to change planes, and i've been to canada for a few hours if those count

[mssthang_1]

sorry somethings up with my computer