Going on the world race we know we will be giving up a lot of things.
we gave up our closet full of clothes for a packing cubes.
we gave up our comfortable beds for a sleeping pads.
we gave up cosmetic beauty for the bare essentials
etc….
I was prepared to give all this up for a year. But I never thought of all the things that I would gain prize possessions on this trip. While some of those things are actually things I also mean immaterial things as well like friendships. As the month in Vietnam ended and we said our goodbyes I was completely amazed at how generous our newly made friends were. They had barely known us a month but they didn’t hold anything back. All they wanted to do was hang out as much as possible and on our last day we were showed with some amazing gifts that are so special to me.
These are my prized possessions. Not because they are expensive or elaborate but because the people who have gave them to me mean so much.
Bracelet from Linh – Linh I am so thankful that I was able to meet you. Your smile and attitude always made my day better. You gave up your free time to introduce us to the Vietnamese culture and show us around the city. Also seeing how strong your faith is in a country that won’t let you speak about it has taught me that my voice has power. Thank you so much.
Drawings from Nam – You left me speechless when you showed us the drawing you made for us. I cannot express how much I love them. I can see the love and care you have for us in those drawings. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. You are very dedicated and talented man – you will do great things!!
Button from Nick, Peter, and Tom – Your button will be on my bag forever. Thank you for everything you guys did for us. When I think back over our month in Vietnam almost all the good memories are with you guys. Thank you for showing us monkey mountain. Thank you Tom for driving me! Also thank you for taking us our to a wonderful dinner. You guys (and Nom) made english corner so much fun. We enjoyed every minute of it. You guys are amazing friends.
