We had a photoshoot in a Hindu temple

in

Two weeks ago we visited a village on the island of Bali at the request of the village leaders. We got the opportunity to teach English to the kids, as the first outsiders to be welcomed into the community.  The village is full of artisans that sell to tourists, but its always been a transactional relationship. This time was different. This time we got to work together. 

One of the ways they paid us was with a photoshoot in traditional Balinese wear. We sweated in the rice fields in traditional poses, as the village leaders helped arrange us. Here's a few of my favorites: 

 

 

By Mang Khris

By Mang Khris

Knoxville I love you.

It's December 6, and I have less than a month left in Knoxville. It's been a wild eight years in my adoptive city, and I'm sad to leave it. Knoxville is where I've lived my entire adult life.

Here I was dropped off for college, started walking with Jesus, became a post grad, made a few friends, made friends that feel like family, started jobs, ended jobs, said, "yes!" to crazy whispers from the Lord, cried, laughed, felt like it was the end of the world, woke up to new sunrises, got flat tires, ate cupcakes on parking garages, mourned friendships and lives, celebrated new life, danced, danced, danced, sang at the top of my lungs, failed at a lot, picked myself up again, talked about life, talked about love, talked about death. Knoxville, I'm going to miss you.

It's kind of fitting that I get to end Knoxville during Advent. It's the season of expectancy. Of waiting. Of preparing. 

I'm waiting. 

(Featuring Kiwi)