So, China

China, why in the world would you go to China? well, would you turn down a $750 plane ticket to China? think about it.

As many of you know I am extremely excited about traveling and any opportunity I have to spend outside the United States I will jump at. So when I found that plane ticket to China for $750 I couldn't turn it down. (backstory, I have been wanting to travel as a means of income since I have returned from my trip to Vietnam in June) On top of the super cheap plane ticket, I was able to sell my old desktop computer, a set of PA speakers, save up about 3 paychecks, and on top of all this, I'm gonna be doing a lot of couch surfing to get free housing (spending time in hostels when I can't find a couch to crash). Basically I'm going to be traveling on the cheap so even though I'm going with a decent amount of backup cash, I'm hoping to use that mostly for larger scale travel in country (bus to Beijing etc.)

What am I going to be doing in China? well here's a bullet point list of what I'm hoping to do
1. spend some time in solitude (I've been needing a weekend, month, extended period of time meditating on God's word and praying
2. experience the world, travel, explore
3. take pictures
4. run a blog/build a community
5. do something really awesome that hopefully will lead to work outside of a typical 9-5
6. figure out how to get to the rest of Asia
7. build connections in China
8. visit a true underground church
9. needed a 9th point
10. attend the UBC (ultimate Barista competition)  

mainly this is my adventurer side of me going out in the world to explore.

you can follow all of my travels by liking my Facebook page mission possible
travel blog can be found at www.missonpossible.wordpress.com (I know I spelled mission wrong in the URL, didn't realize that until later :p)

Sidenotes:
1: seeing as Facebook is blocked in China I will do my best to post, though I might need to setup a person state side to post things for me on the mission possible facebook page (regardless, there will be posts)

2: China is a communist country, Christianity is very much not liked (like can be thrown in prison not liked) therefore, any info on me visiting a underground church, having opportunities to share the gospel, etc. most likely will not be spoken of until I am safely back state side. (this also means mentioning praying for me on a blog post could potentially get me in trouble as the government will be watching everything

I think that answers everything about the trip, if you have any other questions feel free to ask me.

final note
I'm going to have a ton of down time to spend praying, if you have anything you need prayer for ANYTHING, seriously, message me, email brandon.goodyear17@gmail.com, tweet @brandong17, post on the page, comment on this post, carrier pigeon, come up and personally talk to me (I'm carrying a notebook to write this stuff down)

Ok, for reals this time
until next time
Brandon Goodyear

Define: "home"

approximately two years ago (ok, so we're a couple month off, but let's ignore that right now) I wrote a somewhat organized blog post about my trip to Cambodia to bring speechless to the Cambodian people. Well, it was sort of about the trip, the main point about the blog post was the conflict that I faced when I returned home after our 12 days in Cambodia.

back then the challenge was returning was starting down the new road that lay ahead of me (recently graduating high school). I had my friends that I wanted to stay in contact with, figure out how I was going to get a job, which school I was deciding to go to, etc. etc.

fast forward a few years (to today) I've just returned from a trip (about 4.5 days short of a month) to Vietnam and Cambodia. This time around I'm returning to jobs (barista at Kéan coffee, part time freelance photographer, internship at post production studio) bills, and still figuring out what I'm going to be doing in my future. To clear some things up, school is looking like it's not going to be happening (unless a few million dollars fall into my lap and I am a complete failure at finding a decent career) I've decided to learn on my own because I don't have the money for school, and don't want to bother with figuring out the scholarship/student loan path (also don't want to have to pay off a student loan)

ok, baseline stuff aside, I've been trying to figure out exactly where I'm going to be going forward from now (the main concern is how am I going to fund all my grand plans). When I returned from this trip the biggest thing that is harder for me to get used to is being home, I'm so ready to be back over seas. Whether it's going back to the countries I know like Vietnam and Cambodia, or whether it's going to new places, there's this strange feeling that even though this house I'm living in has been my home for the past 12 years I feel that I left my home behind when I got on the plane to come back "home". It feels so natural being over there, people act like people should, kind, serving, always smiling.

I think the main reason for feeling like I was leaving my home is the relationships I have built up over the past 5 years of visiting Cambodia. It's really hard for me to explain all of the different feelings that are running through my head but it's like running through a ridiculously long roller coaster with no apparent beginning or end.

In the long run, it's really a challenge for me to accept the fact that this is my home, I really would like to go back, and spend all the time I can traveling the world while I'm young. Please pray that God makes it apparent where I'm supposed to go and how I'm supposed to get there

well, I can blog from half way around the world (because there were people interested in what I was doing) now lets see if I can keep it up while I'm back on US soil

until next time
Soli Deo Gloria
Brandon Goodyear

They still speak a language I don't understand

Having two days since we finished our last English class, it still seems to be a bit on the not quite real track. Our last day in Saigon was an awesome way to finish the trip, we started out the morning by going to a Vietnamese church (it was nice, they had a translator). We got to experience something pretty cool, there were 3 families that were dedicating their children to God, as well as a family of 6 Accepting Christ for the first time. =) Either the preacher talked a little bit too fast for the translator or the translator got caught up in the sermon because the translator would stop for a few seconds, then stutter in translation. 

After morning church we stopped at the hotel to get ready for some shopping at the central market. This market was very similar to the central market I've visited in Cambodia, lots of shirts, clothes, shoes, jewelry, food etc. I got a pretty good deal on some dresses, and an absolutely horrible deal on some "tom's" breaks even right? Didn't evaluate my assets and missed this opportunity to buy a ton of souvenirs, so I'm gonna have to get stuff in Cambodia (mainly cause it's cheaper). With our shopping itch fulfilled and bags stuffed to the bursting point, we stopped for a taste of home at the coffee bean, enjoying some shakes and air conditioning we caught our breath. We decided to head back to the hotel and rest up before we headed out for dinner. While the rest of the team was relaxing at the hotel Tuan (our local connection) and I borrowed the hotel's motorcycle and went out for a ride around the city (of course I brought my camera, took about 32GB of video). While we were on the far side of the city we pulled up to a moto repair shop, turns out it's Tuan's mother's house/repair shop. His sister runs the repair shop. Right across the street from the shop was a small market, we walked around a bit to see the market, then hopped back on the moto to take the tunnel under the river back into the city.

Our last dinner was quite enjoyable, I got to finally have some Phó (we had some once, but not on a regular basis). After dinner we went out to get some ice cream for a cold treat on the town. Following this I headed out with Tuan again on the moto, this time to a bridge on the edge of the city to get some awesome photos of the city lights at night.

We got all our bags packed then headed off to sleep, we have a long day of traveling ahead of us (the team heading home).

Breakfast was delicious as usual (got to have Phó again ^_^) packed our bags up on the van and headed to the airport. While at the airport we found out that our (my dad and I) flight to Siem Reap was cancelled, no worries, they automatically transferred us to what essentially was the exact same flight (not sure what the behind he scenes stuff was, but we had a flight). The flight from Ho Chi Minh to Siem reap was the shortest flight I've ever been on, literally just like the Tim Hawkins piece (google it) took off, cruised for 10 minutes, then began our decent. 

Once we landed in Siem Reap we got our visas, grabbed our luggage, then proceeded to the most relaxed customs clearing I have ever been to (seriously, even previous times to Cambodia were more patrolled) basically it was a small bin that you put your customs paper in, then walk out of the airport. 

Right outside the airports they have stands where you can pick up SIM cards for your phone (to make phone calls, text, data etc.) I picked one up so I can post on the go (and keep tabs on any important messages from home). 

We got lunch at the Red Piano, walked around the local market, went for a swim at the hotel pool, ordered our bus tickets, then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing (me finishing up importing pictures) 

Our bus leaves at 9:30 tomorrow for Battambang, looking forward to seeing our friends ^_^ 

Soli Deo Gloria 

Until next time 

Brandon Goodyear 

You guys can wait a couple weeks right? I've been going crazy trying to have at least one picture for the blog, I want to rest a bit while in Cambodia so pictures will come when I get home (back in America) 

Playing in the Rain

Well, The last two days have been sort of on the relaxing end of the scale, while at the same time, being the most busy days of the entire trip.

Yesterday we started out with our English club bright and early in the morning (breakfast at 6:30, class at 7:30) the last couple days have been a bit different because our teaching has mainly been classroom demonstration (presented by Kristine) this will be helpful for teachers who are still new to teaching (some of the teachers recently graduated from the University with their degrees).

We got to visit Mr. Ho Chi Minh's temple again today (we went there the first day we were here in Tra Vinh) This time we had teachers that were being our tour guides and explaining the points of interest practicing their English. While we were there we got caught in a rain storm and had to wait at the entrance until the rain calmed and we could walk down the path to Mr. Ho Chi Minh's house (his house is the main attraction of the temple, but is separate from the actual temple.

while at the house we got rained in again, but took the opportunity to have a little fun jumping around in the rain.

With a successful two weeks of teaching English we get ready to head back to Saigon tomorrow, can't wait plan my next trip back here

I know this was a shorter blog post, but my brain is slowly getting tired (it's almost midnight here) here's a plethora of pictures to make up for my lack of words


Please pray for Tyler (from Indiana, staying the whole 6 weeks) he got sick and has been laying down all day

Thank you very much for praying for us
Soli Deo Gloria
Brandon Goodyear

At least we don't stand out ;)

This morning we had a wonderful opportunity to visit a Khmer Pegota that is very close to our hotel with Sugarcane man. (the Cambodian guy who runs a sugar cane juice stand) we thought we were just going to see the temple on a normal day, cept today was a bit special. Recently (a couple months ago) a monk died in Tra Vinh, when they were cremating his body some special lights shone around signifying that he had reached enlightenment (not really sure about all the details, just typing how it was explained) so every wednesday they had a vegetarian meal and celebrated him reaching that state. Today was the last day in that celebration period so there was a ton of monks and people there for the celebrations. We made the mistake of eating breakfast before going to the temple, right when we got there we were seated down, given a bottle of water, then moved to another table where they had a full blown lunch set. I love the Khmer food, but I was so stuffed from breakfast, I nibbled on some rice and had a couple pieces of fruit, but eating any more and I would get sick. While we were at lunch we got to see one of the teachers, this would have been ok, except that this teacher is an avid buddist evangelist. Seeing us at the table she came over, said hi, then went right into talking about buddism. This too me by surprise, normally if you see someone at a restaurant you walk over, say hi, then move on so they can finish their meal. This wasn't on her agenda, she pulled up a chair and started a full theological debate. Abi did an extremely good job talking with her, though we decided that a debate on religion wasn't the best to be held at a buddist celebration in a pegota with 200 other buddists. We had to work really hard to leave and try to plan meeting with her another time at a coffee shop.

After our team meeting we went out for a late lunch at Jolibee's (apparently there's one in the states) it's a McDonalds style fast food restruant, not too impressive (though their ice cream was rather delicious).
with lunch over we headed back to our hotels to rest for a couple hours before our nightly activities (soccer & night classes)

A rather slow day today, tomorrow and friday will hopefully have much more in store

On another note: I've slowed down my picture taking ( though I've taken 8800) not much, but a little, can't wait to plan my return trip (dates and details still unknown)

Thank you for praying for us
Soli Deo Gloria
Brandon Goodyear

  You do realize everyone on the other side of the street is staring at us right?

Living a Life set free

well, Tyler and I are happy, we figured out how to order a full plate of pork at Porky's and we bought 35 sausages for dinner tonight, we have success!!

On a bit more serious note, the past couple days have been a bit enlightening. Yesterday we got a chance to help out in two of the English classes that are put on at the foreign language center (the classes that we officially teach in are on thursday and friday) that was a blast, especially helping out with the younger kids, their English is surprisingly good for being so young and growing up where knowing English isn't entirely necessary.

Today we got to meet Pastor Lo, who is a pastor of a church in Vinh Long. The bits and pieces of his story that I head were very interesting and are bringing to light the persecution in the church that is very real. It was great to hear the stories and see how God worked through all the experiences and suffering he had to go through, makes me think "if it came down to it, would I stand up like him". Like the song says All I have is Christ, is that really our song when we encounter times of trouble? This has really challenged me and I hope that when I return home that this will be my life story in everything that I do.

Again we got to work in the English classes at the Foreign language center this evening that was quite and experience. Tyler and I were floating around from classroom to classroom helping out while Abi was teaching her class with Lily. This was quite an experience in itself. The first classroom we walked into the teacher turned to us and said "I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!!!!" told the class something in vietnamese, then told us we were in charge and could do whatever we wanted.

*sidenote: this was the second week of a beginning English class, so most of the kids didn't really even know any words in English (a little here and there, occasionally speaking in sentences that made sense)

we told them that they could ask us any question, the teacher walked around the room speaking in vietnamese trying to coaxe them to say something ask a question. Eventually some people asked where we were from, how old we were, how many people were in our families etc.

After the English classes we headed out for a cane juice with some of the students. We had quite a lot of fun as the guy who runs the stand is Khmer (Cambodian) but he also speaks Vietnamese, and extremely good English.

now it's Getting late, thankfully I get another opportunity to sleep in a bit tomorrow since we're visiting a local pegota (sugar cane man [the Cambodian guy who runs the stand] is going to take us)

One thing I almost forgot, yesterday and today in our team time we've been discussing buddism and how a lot of their religion is based on works and how there is no hope to ever be perfect. Also, we noticed that most of what buddism is based on is old stories and traditions.

one of the stories we talked about today is most definitely helpful because it almost directly correlates with the Gospel. here's the story.

There once was a prince in a kingdom (let's say it was in Asia) this kingdom was invaded by a foreign army, all the gates we closed, and the invading army was going to take all the people to be their slaves. The prince went to the ruler of the invading kingdom and told him. "There is a river under the bridge that leads out of the city, as long as I stay underwater you will keep the gates open and let my people go." The King felt that since the prince was human he could hold his breath for about a minute tops he wouldn't lose many people. He agreed and held the prince to his word. The prince walked over to the bridge, and when he got to the bottom of the river he tied his hair around a rock and never resurfaced. This meant that all of his people were able to go free.

One man sacrificed his life for all... Sounding a little familiar?

Thank you for praying for us the trip has been wonderful
Soli Deo Gloria
Brandon Goodyear

This is what it's like riding on a moto this si extremely light traffic, I have more pics of the heavier stuff

Swimming in Chocolate

Note before I post: This one is gonna be a little shorter as I really want to get some sleep tonight, so some details might nor make it in here, but you will definitely here them when I get back

Today was an extra special day as we got to take a trip to the beach. we woke up super early in the morning (at least some of us did) to be ready to board a 15 passenger van at 7AM. We kinda were running a little bit behind schedule, and to help things along, there was a problem with the van, so around 8:15 we were off, headed down to the beach. Our drive out there was a bit long, but we got to enjoy the Vietnamese countryside. On our way we stopped to pick up lunch, crab & shrimp. I kid you not, this time I literally watched my food squirming around, because all the crabs were tied up (though one lucky soul managed to escape the bucket, but he didn't get very far). We stayed at the roadside crab shack for about 45 mins while they cooked our food. Once we arrived at the beach we claimed a gazibo to set out our food.  Then we set to work cracking open crabs, peeling shrimp, basically just eating the food, but with a little bore more work since they were just whole cooked crabs.

The water down at the beach felt amazing (just got my feet wet)

after enjoying the food and the scenery we headed back to Tra Vinh where we had a couple hours to rest before dinner with Twii

*food seems to be a big thing over here (either that or I'm always hungry)

we got to have waffles and Ice cream for dessert back at the hotel.

now I'm getting ready for bed as we have an early morning tomorrow (visiting the english school)


Thank you for Praying for us!!
Soli Deo Gloria
Until next time
Brandon Goodyear