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COMMUNIST CROSSWALKS AND BIG DREAMS

Posted by Mike Foster:

Crossing the street in Hanoi, Vietnam is an experience. Just watch me demonstrate in this video.

Cars don’t stop. Taxis don’t stop. Buses don’t stop. And the 5000 mopeds coming at you don’t stop.

So you could stand on the side of the street and wait. And wait. And wait. Hoping that their might be a good time to cross the to the other side.

If that’s your strategy…you will be waiting a long time.

The key to crossing to the other side is:
1. STEP OUT INTO THE STREET
2. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE OBSTACLES COMING AT YOU
3. DON’T LOOK BACK
4. CELEBRATE WHEN YOU GET TO THE OTHER SIDE

This is a simple strategy for crossing the street in Vietnam.

But more importantly….apply these 4 steps when pursuing your big dreams too.

It is time to go for it!

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20 THINGS IM LEARNING IN BANGKOK

Posted by Mike Foster:

Tomorrow marks the 3rd week my family and I have been in Bangkok. 5 more weeks to go. Here are some things I’m learning:

1. Skype is a beautiful thing. 5am meetings on Skype…not so much.

2. The Thai people are amazing. Generous. Kind. Full of love.

3. If you’re not paying attention to what’s happening in Asia, you should start today so you’re not left behind.

4. Fox News and MSNBC are embarrassingly irrelevant here. CNN and BBC actually broadcast what I consider to be REAL news.

5. It’s better to follow your heart and passion then follow the “rules.”

6. I got a haircut today. I told the stylist I was from the United States. I think she thought I said UNITED STATES MILITARY! Holy cow they cut it short! Well I guess my hair will eventually grow back…by January. (See pic above)

7. My wife and my kids are studs. Took them about 48 hours to adjust to a completely new way of life. Btw, Thai women are seriously crazy in love with my 8 year old daughter. It’s fun to watch.

8. Excited to be connecting with so many great social justice organizations doing incredible work in this city.

9. In September we are traveling to Chiang Mai to meet Kirapaw. She is one of the 4 beautiful children we sponsor through Compassion International. I’m super excited!

10. Bangkok is a city of extremes. You can buy a $250,000 Lamborghini at the most beautiful mall I’ve ever been in. Then you walk out of that mall and see a Mom and her newborn baby begging for spare change.

11. I’m worried that I’m not going to see a NFL game until I get back.

12. I have very little to offer the Thai people. That’s why I listen intently, watch closely, and take good notes.

13. It is true that Bangkok has evil and darkness in it. But it is also true that this city is full of light and life and great hope. We sometimes can lose sight of that truth.

14. I’m very thankful to work with such an incredibly talented and capable team back home.

15. Everyone has a cell phone. And I mean EVERYONE! A lot have 2 phones. Forget E-commerce. They are going to go straight to Mobile Commerce.

16. Heading to Hanoi, Vietnam next week for some meetings, learnings and to speak. Then to Beijing in 2 weeks.

17. I’m 6 foot 4 inches tall. Nobody else is. So I work hard at being a gentle giant.

18. Respect for others translates in every culture. So if you are not familiar with that idea, you better learn it.

19. The Newsong Bangkok community has been great for my soul and restores my hope in the future of the church.

20. Thai portions of food are smaller than the US. That’s probably why we are fat and they are not. Also, no free refills on drinks.

Have a great weekend!

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