reachingvietnam.com

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • Learn
    • About Us
      • Connect
      • Newsletter Signup
      • Contact Us
    • About Viet Nam
      • Geography
      • People
      • Culture
      • Spirituality
        • Spiritual Map of Ho Chi Minh City
        • Types of Spiritual Locations
    • Resources
      • Sitemap
  • Pray
    • Requests
      • Prayer Calendar
      • PrayerMate
    • Guides
      • 10 Points on the Map
      • 10 Days of Turning Back the Darkness
      • 10 Faces of Ho Chi Minh City
      • Districts of Ho Chi Minh City
      • 30 Day Prayer Guide for Viet Nam
      • 5x5x5 Prayer Guide for Viet Nam
    • Advocates
  • Partner
    • Serve
      • Share
      • Serve at home
      • Serve in Viet Nam
    • Churches
    • Projects
You are here: Home / Learn / Mountain clouds

Mountain clouds

November 30, 2015 by warvn Leave a Comment

These past few days, I have been in the clouds, literally. The elevation where I am currently staying is so high that I can watch clouds pass through the valley opposite of my hostel window. This week I am exploring Sapa, a mountainous region an hour south of the Chinese border. My time here has been my absolute favorite part of my travels in Vietnam, yet Sapa was not originally part of my itinerary. The further north I traveled in Vietnam, though, the more I heard about this incredible region full of colorful villages. I didn’t really have the time or money to visit Sapa, but I knew that I would regret it if I didn’t go. I prayerfully packed my bags, booked a motorbike tour company that employed locals as guides, and hopped on yet another overnight bus (two weeks earlier, I had incorrectly celebrated what I thought was the last overnight bus journey I would ever have to take).

A Red Dao woman navigates the wet streets of Sapa.
A Red Dao woman navigates the wet streets of Sapa.

The next morning, I woke up to a drizzly, miserably cold Sapa. I thought, “God, have I made a mistake?” It was still too early for my brain to think about that, so I grabbed my bag and started walking for my hostel. Half way through the 30 minute walk, it started pouring, and I hailed a taxi to take me the rest of the way. Disappointed, I was planning on contacting the tour guide to cancel, but instead the owner of the company called me and said there was sunshine on the other side of the mountain, if I could endure a 30 minute moped ride in the rain. I was skeptical, but agreed to meet my guide at 9:30am.

My guide arrived, we put on our rain gear, and headed for the other side of the mountain. I quickly realized that the tour owner must have meant the other side of the mountain range, as our 30 minute ride very slowly turned into an hour and a half in the bitter cold. I spent roughly half of the time praying for sunshine, and the other half complaining about the rain. When we finally arrived in the valley that was supposed to be sunny, it was still cloudy and drizzly. I wasn’t happy. Finally, we stopped at a café in our first village, and ordered hot tea and fresh fruit. I made a half-hearted effort to hide my bad attitude, but I doubt my guide probably was fooled. I decided that I would at least be a good sport for my kind guide. I excused myself for a few minutes to walk around. It wasn’t raining quite as hard, and I realized that the village and the people were still just as beautiful despite the poor weather. Around the time that I started adjusting my attitude, the rain stopped and the clouds slowly began to subside.

Lao Lu women walk to the fields to begin work.
Lao Lu women walk to the fields to begin work.
A Lao Lu woman smiles for my camera on her way to the fields.
A Lao Lu woman smiles for my camera on her way to the fields.

I headed back to the café, and we set out to explore. The rest of the day was unforgettable. I ate lychee in a family’s home, trekked through muddy fields to capture children riding on buffalo, watched as locals harvested rice, and saw incredible views of steep mountain passes and lush valleys.

phone_news
A Lao Lu woman chats on the phone while walking along the path.
Three generations of Lao Lu women. In Lao Lu culture, a black smile is considered a sign of beauty, so women dye their teeth black using vegetable dyes, while men dye their teeth red. Younger generations, however, no longer practice this tradition.
Three generations of Lao Lu women. In Lao Lu culture, a black smile is considered a sign of beauty, so women dye their teeth black using vegetable dyes, while men dye their teeth red. Younger generations, however, no longer practice this tradition.
curious_rvn
Lao Lu locals curious as to why I am in their village.

running_rvn

As we passed one valley, I saw a group of children riding buffalo in a field below. I asked my guide to stop, and I followed a gravel path down to the field. When I got to the field, I realized why all the children were on buffalo: anyone trying to walk through this field by foot would have to trek through ankle-deep mud. I was determined to get closer to the kids, though, and kept going. When I finally got close and pulled out my camera, the group suddenly became very shy, and made a game of avoiding me! When I put my camera down, they would smile at me, but the second I picked up my camera off of my shoulder, they would turn their heads or hide behind umbrellas.

Finally, my instincts beat theirs, and I am able to get one clear shot of one of the children with his buffalo.
Finally, my instincts beat theirs, and I am able to get one clear shot of one of the children with his buffalo.

Feeling satisfied with my singular successful shot, I decided it was time to head back. By this time I was very far from the path back up the hill, and decided to climb straight up the steep hill covered in brush that led up to the road. The children laughed as I struggled to pull myself up the slippery, muddy slope. I had gotten pretty filthy on my short trek, but It made me happy knowing that they would remember my silly charade far into the future.

Three monkeys in a tree.
Three monkeys in a tree.

rice_rvn

To the hill tribes in Northern Vietnam, rice is life. For many farmers, the ability to support their families depends solely on this precious crop. The Lai Chau valley is home to some of the most fertile lands in the region. The families that migrated earliest to the region had their pick of the land, while families that arrived later pushed further south towards Sapa. Near Sapa, the land supports only one harvest per year, but in this especially fertile region, farmers can harvest twice or even three times per year. Lately, I am told, the seasons have become less predictable. In the last few years, the dry season has seen more rain, and the rainy season has been too dry. Rice production depends on these seasons, and unpredictable weather can destroy an entire crop. I heard of one family that owned only 13 rice terraces. This year, when the rain never came that the farmers needed to raise rice seedlings, the family had to borrow seedlings from neighbors whose fields had better access to water.

obvious_rvn

After I was finished capturing the rice fields, I saw this lovely man approaching. He was very generous in allowing me to capture his photo, but as I took his photo, he kept pointing to the scene behind me and saying, “No! No! Take pictures of the mountains!”

A White Thai woman joins the work to harvest the rice fields.
A White Thai woman joins the work to harvest the rice fields.
After an incredible day, it was finally time to begin the 60km journey back to Sapa. Along the way, we passed another group of children on Buffalo. This group was less shy than the last, and was exited to have their picture taken.
After an incredible day, it was finally time to begin the 60km journey back to Sapa. Along the way, we passed another group of children on Buffalo. This group was less shy than the last, and was exited to have their picture taken.

meat_rvn

A little later, we passed two boys standing on the side of the highway. I didn’t understand what they were doing with this animal, still alive, that was slowly being strangled to death. My guide explained that they were waiting for someone who would want to buy the animal and eat it. “In Sapa, most people only have access to a few kinds of meat, so they like to eat other types of meat when they can.” I felt bad for the animal, but I felt even worse for the two boys. I could see from how filthy they were that they had worked very hard to catch this animal. There was a look of desperation on their faces, almost as if they were afraid of something. What circumstances had led them to this point?

The road back to Sapa.
The road back to Sapa.

mountains_rvn

After such an incredible day, my heart was full. Earlier that morning, I had been unhappy and even a little angry about how the day was going, yet all along, God had an unforgettable day planned for me. In the end, the rain at the beginning of the day had only made the sunshine that much more beautiful. It made me wonder: how often do I get angry at God, thinking he has failed me, only because I am unwilling to wait for God to reveal the big picture?

Father, thank you for being faithful and loving, even when I am not.

Official hashtag:  #rachelsjourney

View this gallery of pictures on Flickr at https://flickr.com/reachingvietnam

Keep up with all of the Rachel’s Journey posts on reachingvietnam.com at http://bit.ly/rachelsjourney and through our social media channels of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

suitcasewhite

 

Filed Under: Learn, rachelsjourney Tagged With: #rachelsjourney, children, Sapa, scenery, travel, unreached, upg

Related Posts

  • Goodbye Saigon
  • Future face
  • Black H’mong
  • 36 Streets
  • Distinctive

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Road Blocks March 21, 2023
  • My Place of Safety March 16, 2023
  • Workers March 14, 2023
  • Neighbors March 9, 2023
  • Her Testimony March 7, 2023

reach Newsletter

Tags

#pray4vietnam #rachelsjourney 10 Faces 10/10 31 days of prayer Bible Buddhism business calling church planting culture demographics discipleship economy entrepreneur evangelism faith government Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City holiday language media minorities news obd opposition overseas Vietnamese partner persecution pray prayer prayer guide religion resource rural secret church spirituality travel trends unreached upg urban video youth

Instagram

Red light – stop and the gate goes down anticipa Red light – stop and the gate goes down anticipating a train coming down the track, blocking traffic from proceeding. 

Sometimes we have roadblocks in our life, and we do not
know the reason why.

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were prevented from preaching
God's Word in the province of Asia because the Holy Spirit had blocked them. Twice, they were not allowed to go in the direction they thought they would be heading.

“Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia
and Galatia because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” Acts 16:6-7

If you find yourself at a God-ordained roadblock, trust
God's plan and His guidance. Honor Him and give Him praise for being the provider, protector, and way-maker.

Pray for Vietnamese Believers to trust in God's plan and to
be courageous because He has conquered the world (John 16:33). #pray4vietnam

.

.

.

.

#train #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Lots of hats. Hats to shelter you from the bright Lots of hats. Hats to shelter you from the bright sun with a
with a wide brim and hats for protection on the road in case of an accident are found at this small shop. 

We look to God as the Psalmist reminds us, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.” Psalms 91:1-2

As the world trembles with earthquakes, unpredictable
weather, and catastrophic disease, our only hope is in the Most High God. 

Pray for Vietnamese to look to Him to find salvation from
their troubles and His gift of life with Him forever. #pray4vietnam

.

.

.

.

#hats #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
The morning rush is finished. Coffee for a little The morning rush is finished. Coffee for a little more than 50 cents and milk tea for less than $1 means there needs to be a good number of customers and cups sold to earn enough money. Thousands of drink sellers open early in the morning in hopes to make a living for themselves and their families. 

Jesus tells a parable from Matthew 20 about the vineyard workers. Workers are hired from early morning through the end of the work day. When wages were paid, workers hired last and for a short time received a day's wage. Those that were hired first in the morning also received the same wage and were upset. But the owner kept his deal with them to pay them for their agreed wage. The owner wanted to be generous to those hired late, not to slight those workers who had been there all day.

In God's divinity, He chooses the blessings and mercy we receive in ways that we might not understand. 

Our challenge is to focus not on what we perceive to be 'fair' but instead on developing a personal relationship with God that makes us thankful for every gift we receive.

Pray for Vietnamese to grow their relationship with God by reading His word and obeying as He directs. Ask for their hearts to be full of thankfulness for all His gifts. #pray4vietnam
.
.
.
.
#smallbusiness #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
It's a cold business to cut up ice. Big blocks of It's a cold business to cut up ice. Big blocks of ice and a band saw to cut into cubes provide ice to neighboring drink shops.

In the book of Luke, a religious expert tests Jesus by asking Him how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus knew the man's heart and challenged his definition of neighbor in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37.

Jesus tells us to love our neighbor. Is that only our geographic neighbor? There are 21-plus districts in Ho Chi Minh City. Pray for these areas that believers would love neighbors and show God's love. Your prayer makes the difference. #pray4vietnam
.
.
.
.
#smallbusiness #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
A surprise encounter down a quiet street with colo A surprise encounter down a quiet street with color and beauty to celebrate International Women's Day is not unlike Jesus' meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob found in John 4.

Jesus tired from his travels sat beside the well when He had the opportunity to talk with the woman of Samaria. Questions were asked and intriguing replies ended with the woman hurrying off to tell others in her town about Jesus. Those who heard her story, came quickly to meet Jesus.

“Many believed because of His word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:41

Tell your story about Jesus.

Pray for those who have recently heard the testimony of Jesus from other believers; ask God to bring belief and even more people to the knowledge that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world. #pray4vietnam
.
.
.
.
#women #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Innovative and entrepreneurial businesses take pla Innovative and entrepreneurial businesses take place on the sidewalk along the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. With little capital and makeshift furniture at times, a drink or food cart can be opened for customers. 

With a median age of 32 years, there are lots of opportunities for fresh, new ideas to be accepted.

“A farmer went out to plant some seeds. Some seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. As for seeds planted on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed produces a harvest.” Matthew 13:3, 8, 23

Pray for those working with entrepreneurs and young professionals to discover those willing to receive the new seeds of God, to understand and yield a harvest for God's glory. #pray4vietnam
.
.
.
.
#smallbusiness #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Bracelets and amulets to ward off ghosts are sold Bracelets and amulets to ward off ghosts are sold in the market, all year long and especially at the new year.

God Almighty is more powerful than ghosts. We only need to seek Him out for protection.

Someone may say to you, "Let's ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do." But shouldn't people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Isaiah 8:19

Pray for Vietnamese under the bondage of fear to find the True God of peace and protection. #pray4vietnam
.
.
.
.
#peace #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Dinh is an ordinary Vietnamese who works several j Dinh is an ordinary Vietnamese who works several jobs including Shepherding a small group that studies the Bible and worships the One True God. He follows the two greatest commandments of loving God and loving others.

Although serving others makes him happy, he would much prefer to satisfy his own needs and desires. His sacrifice is a gift to God of love that he knows is right.

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39

Pray for Dinh that God would bless him with provisions and give him a vision for doing more in the future. #pray4vietnam
.
.
.
.
#love #bibleverse #prayerchangesthings #gospel #vietnam
Load More... Follow on Instagram

RSS Viet Nam News

  • Vietnam Expo introduces domestic products to world - NewsPatrolling
  • Vietnam Veterans Day to be observed Saturday | Thestar | kpcnews ... - KPCnews.com
  • Vietnam is 65th happiest country in the world: report - asianews.network
  • Fraud case: CBI gets nod for letter rogatory to Vietnam - The New Indian Express
  • Vietnam, Belgium enjoy fruitful 50-year-ties: Ambassador - http://en.vietnamplus.vn/
  • Vietnam: Western Union Money Transfers Now Available On MoMo App | Crowdfund Insider - Crowdfund Insider
  • US companies including Netflix and Boeing join 'biggest' business mission to Vietnam - CNN
  • Vietnam introduces new criteria for product ratings - The Star Online
  • Japanese retailers expand in Vietnam, targeting affluent - VnExpress International
  • Ric De Azevedo Dies: TV Producer & King Family Singer Who Surprised Tearful Mom During Vietnam-Era Christmas Special Was 75 - Deadline

Visit our channel on Vimeo

Videos

https://vimeo.com/301550133?loop=0
https://vimeo.com/292677434?loop=0
https://vimeo.com/44379801?loop=0
https://vimeo.com/117669654?loop=0
reachingvietnam
Follow@reachingvn

Pray this week for Pa Hng and Phu Thai that they will be reached with the Gospel! bit.ly/3yMiriC 3 days ago

We are reminded by the Psalmist, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.” Ps 91:1-2 #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3YUlaBO 6 days ago

test Twitter Media - We are reminded by the Psalmist, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.” Ps 91:1-2 #pray4vietnam https://t.co/UThExUkNzQ https://t.co/oMLUTckIe8

Jesus tells a parable from Matt 20 about the vineyard workers, a great story about God's blessings and mercy. Pray for workers to be full of thankfulness to God for His gifts as they read His word and obey as He directs. #pray4vietnam bit.ly/3X0rJB3 1 week ago

test Twitter Media - Jesus tells a parable from Matt 20 about the vineyard workers, a great story about God's blessings and mercy. Pray for workers to be full of thankfulness to God for His gifts as they read His word and obey as He directs. #pray4vietnam https://t.co/6sezWAf3zp https://t.co/JoMLWo8WHY

Pray this week for the Gelao people of Vietnam to come to Christ! Pray also for the city of Can Tho to be reached with the Good News! bit.ly/3YICdWO 1 week ago

logo640-newGlorifying God by reaching all Vietnamese peoples with the Good News of Jesus Christ through the planting of indigenous rapidly multiplying churches.

Copyright © 2011 ‐ 2021 — reachingvietnam.com • All rights reserved.