SUITCASE STRUGGLES & SOUTHEAST ASIA
The countdown is on — just one week until I head back to Southeast Asia!
Excitement is high, and so is the to-do list. From last-minute meetings to prepping lessons, working out trip logistics, organizing supplies, and, of course, figuring out how to shut my suitcase, there's still so much left to do.
As I zip up lesson plans and attempt to zip up my suitcase, I’m reminded why all this preparation matters. It’s not just about packing clothes or gathering supplies; it’s about equipping local leaders, teaching children, and being part of something so much bigger than myself.
This upcoming trip will take me to remote villages, unique classrooms, and life-changing conversations. I’ll have the privilege of teaching Bible-based English lessons, encouraging pastors who are tirelessly serving their communities, and partnering with leaders who are committed to spreading the Gospel where it has never been heard.
The reality of unreached communities — people who have never heard the name of Jesus — is what fuels the hustle of this final week. It’s why I make the packing lists, practice lesson plans, and pray over every detail.
Please keep me in your prayers as I finish preparations. Pray for safe travels, effective ministry, and miracle moments where hearts are open to the truth of the Gospel.
And if you hear a distant thud this week, it might just be me sitting on my suitcase, trying to get that zipper to cooperate!
Thank you for being part of this journey. The adventure continues — one packed suitcase and one step of faith at a time.
Packing for Three Months: The Art of Minimalism and Survival
Packing for a three-month journey through remote areas, where electricity is not guaranteed and resources are scarce, is not for the faint of heart. Add in the fact that I can only bring what I can physically carry—meaning one carry-on suitcase and a backpack—and suddenly, every single item must earn its place.
The Essentials (and the Sacrifices)
When you’re facing extreme heat, unpredictable lodgings, and places with little to no access to basic necessities, the temptation is to pack for every possible scenario. But reality hits fast: if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t come. That means sticking to a few pairs of black pants and some colored shirts—practical, functional, and definitely not winning any fashion awards!
Shoes? Just the basics: one for airports, my trusty flip flops and a sandal for when I need to look somewhat presentable.
Toiletries? Only the bare minimum. Anything liquid must be small enough for carry-on restrictions, and I have to assume I won’t find replacements along the way. Dry shampoo, travel soap sheets, and an anti-microbial reusable “pee cloth” have become travel essentials—because stuffing rolls of Charmin into my backpack just isn’t going to happen on this trip!
Powering Through Without Power
In places where electricity is sporadic at best, portable chargers and a rechargeable mini fan (or three) become lifelines.
The Reality of Limited Luggage
Traveling light isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s hopping on a motorbike, squeezing into a tiny boat, squishing 10 people and luggage into a four person vehicle, bulky luggage is out of the question. Every item I carry must be worth its weight, literally.
That means tough choices: No room for extra comforts, no space for “just in case” items, and absolutely no luxury of overpacking. The goal? Fit everything in my carry-on and backpack, knowing that whatever I bring, I’ll be hauling on my back through airports, villages, and unpredictable terrains.
Embracing the Adventure
Despite the challenges, there’s something freeing about traveling with only the essentials—just kidding, I wish I could pack all of those things and more. But since I can’t, I’ve learned to rely on creativity, resourcefulness, and trust that I’ll find what I need when I need it.
Packing for three months isn’t just about what goes into the bag—it’s about stepping into the unknown, prepared as best as possible, but open to the adventure ahead.
So, here’s to another journey, another carefully packed bag, and the certainty that no matter what I forget, I’ll figure it out along the way…hopefully!
The Joys of Cross-Cultural Trip Planning
Planning a three-month trip across multiple countries is challenging enough, but add in working with people who don’t speak much English and cultures that have a very different sense of timing, and it becomes an adventure all on its own.
Communication (or Lack Thereof)
Trying to coordinate details with people who don’t speak the same language as you is a true test of patience and creativity. Emails and messages often turn into a guessing game, and Google Translate is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, what I think is a simple request—like needing to book a hotel or planning flight details—results in a one-word answer like "Ok" or "God bless," leaving me more confused than before. I might ask whether I should arrive on a Monday or Tuesday, and receive a response days later saying, "Yes."
Logistics? What Logistics?
Booking transportation, lodging, and schedules requires a certain level of blind faith. Flights might be changed without notice, buses leave when they feel like it, and I’ve learned to never assume I know where I’ll be sleeping until I actually see the room. Plans change on a whim, and backup plans often become the actual plan.
The Joy in the Chaos
As much as these challenges can be frustrating, they’re also what make this journey so rewarding. Learning to embrace the unpredictability has deepened my patience and trust in God’s timing. Some of the most amazing opportunities have come from last-minute changes or unexpected detours. The best stories are always the ones I never saw coming.
So, as I prepare to embark on another adventure, I remind myself: It’s not about perfect planning—it’s about being open to what God has in store. And if my hotel booking takes five emails and a prayer to confirm, well… at least it keeps life interesting.
2025: A New Journey Begins
After more than 20 years of ministering across Southeast Asia, I have come to expect the unexpected. Every journey is filled with new faces, deeper relationships, and fresh opportunities to witness God’s power at work in the most incredible ways. And now, I am preparing for another unforgettable journey that begins on February 25th.
Preparing for the Journey
The three months I’m in Southeast Asia will be filled with travel, English teaching, indigenous pastors’ conferences and equipping leaders who are faithfully spreading the Gospel in their communities. As I prepare to leave, I find myself balancing logistics, gathering resources, and praying for open doors and divine appointments. This journey is not just about going—it's about being ready for what God wants to do in and through me along the way.
Where I’m Going
Cambodia – For one month, I’ll be teaching English to a local pastor and his church planting team. This will help them gain the tools they need to share the Gospel more effectively and connect with others outside of Cambodia.
Thailand – I’ll spend another month working with a community center to teach English to children and pastors working in and around Thailand. I’ll also be involved in bringing 70 pastors from a neighboring persecuted country to Thailand for a 3-day conference where they will receive much-needed time of teaching, encouragement, and fellowship.
Timor-Leste & a neighboring country to Thailand – After my time in Cambodia and Thailand, I will travel to Timor-Leste and another country where doors are opening for new ministry opportunities. I am expectant for what God will do in these places!
Anticipation and Expectation
Every time I step out in faith, I am reminded that it’s not about my plans—it’s about His. The excitement of meeting new people, seeing God move, and stepping into unknown places never fades. While details are still being figured out, I trust that the right opportunities will unfold, and that each step will be guided by His hand.
I invite you to be part of this journey—through prayer, encouragement, and support. The need is great, but so is the opportunity. As I go, I carry not just my own calling, but the love, support, and prayers of those who believe in this mission.
Stay tuned for updates along the way—I can’t wait to share what God does in the months ahead!
Journeying Together: Stories from the Mission Field (and Unexpected Heatwaves)
Welcome to My Missions Blog!
After four months of traveling through the extreme hot climates of Southeast Asia, where we shared the Gospel, trained leaders, and watched God move in amazing ways, I thought I’d return to the cool, crisp weather of Minnesota. But, surprise! Minnesota decided to greet me with a heatwave instead! So, while I’m still waiting for that cool breeze, I’m excited to officially kick off this blog, where I’ll be sharing updates, stories, and testimonies from both past and future mission trips.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how God is working in places where the Gospel has rarely been heard. From teaching and discipling local pastors to planting churches in rubber fields and rice paddies, each story carries the heartbeat of transformation and hope. As I prepare for future trips, I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Here, you will find:
• Updates from the field: Whether it’s from a remote village or an unexpected adventure, I’ll keep you informed about how God is moving.
• Stories from past missions: I’ve seen miracles, made lifelong connections, and been a part of unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
• Prayer and support opportunities: Your partnership through prayer and support is invaluable, and I’ll let you know how you can join me in what’s ahead.
So, while I’m still dreaming of that cool Minnesota breeze, I’m even more excited about the journey we’re on together. Check back regularly for updates from the mission field as we reach the unreached and spread the Gospel across Southeast Asia.
Blessings,
April