One typical day back in Nam we stopped into Starbucks so a few teammates could grab an energy booster. In lieu of my joy for making friendly conversation I started talking to the baristas about the desserts. Little did I know these baristas would show me a great deal of kindness and caring friendship. Over the next few days they would make special memories for my time in Vietnam.
It all started with a first free drink from the Starbucks menu. And then as I came back to visit and say hi again, I got offered another free drink and a tour guide exploration. We made plans for a Monday morning tour and authentic lunch. So they took Andrea and I around the place they lived. They showed us the culture, the market and spoke on our behalf when we wanted to buy things. Then they even offered to give me an authentic scarf to go with my collection for the race. After shopping we got to eat fresh coconuts on the side of the street, that were absolutely delicious. Then, one of their husbands made an authentic Vietnamese lunch for us. As we were sitting on their floor scrounging on fish soup, fresh fish and beef rolled in leaves I was humbled. I felt gifted by their amazing hospitality and welcoming spirit to show us and give us authentic opportunity.
A few days later my friend organized for her friends to drive our whole team to China town. The six of us showed up, jumped onto motos and began our friendships with our new found friends. They were so eager to show us around and to make sure we found the trinkets we were looking for. They gave us spicy rice paper to try, and flew through traffic to show us the city. We had a blast. The best part was seeing each teammate paired up with our friends and seeing how each personality of the pair evolved.
The list keeps going on how they blessed me. On thanksgiving we made plans for a last dinner to say goodbyes. Dinner with four of the girls was such a gift. They showed me how to eat a Vietnamese pancake and laughed at my silliness in the restaurant. They showered us with literal gifts as well as their friendship. I was given authentic scarves, coffee mugs, a headband and precious memories from all the adventures.
As I reflect on my new friends I’m grateful and blown away. I never knew that a simple conversation over desserts at Starbucks could turn into tour guides who would be my Vietnam friends. They showed me great care as they asked what we wanted to experience. They met me with joy each time I saw them. And they were gracious to continually hangout to make me feel like a ‘Siagonese.’
