Goodbyes are not fun. This month has been the first time on the race that it’s hit me – we’re leaving and not going to see the people we’ve grown to care about. Something I have learned is to embrace the sadness, it’s ok to cry. This month my team watched a TED Talk about vulnerability and shame by Brene Brown. She talks about how its vulnerable to love, and care, and to risk. To live whole-heartedly is to be courageous, and to live courageously is what we are called to do. My team and I felt that this month in the friendships we made with university students, our host, and other friends we met along the way.
Right now we are back in Ho Chi Minh City with the rest of the squad having a time of debrief before heading on to Cambodia. Our leaders do a great job of giving us time for reflection and rest. Both are very important. Vietnam has been a hard month because our team is out of the “honeymoon phase” and we’re becoming more real with each other. It’s been tough walking through some things but it’s also been awesome to walk through them together and come out closer on the other side. This month was so full and rich in the relationships we built, and that’s what we will miss the most (not to mention the beach was literally down the street!). I will miss Vietnam, but hopefully one day I will be able to come back.
Until next time,
Malia
