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Goodbye Vietnam.

Today we left one of my favorite stops on the World Race.  A great place to spend my birthday, as I they sang “Happy Birthday” to me in 6 languages, I am glad I got to celebrate another year in Vietnam!  As we boarded the bus to Cambodia, sadness overcame me…I’m going to miss the incredible people that we served alongside there.  As our time progresses to our last stop of The World Race, I have to wonder why I have had 2 consecutive stops that were difficult to leave.  Thailand was an amazing month, one that will also go down as one of my favorites…I’d have to say it’s a close race between Thailand and Vietnam as my favorite places on earth…but in Vietnam I actually ate dog meat…so that’s that…no, it does NOT taste like chicken…haha!

Join me as I remember just a few of the dozens of people that I will long to see again (if you want to come with me to see them let me know…I’d love to take you!)

Taim (sorry, I don’t know how to actually spell his name!), our incredible friend at Exodus served us as an incredible friend every time we walked into his restaurant.  When in Ho Chi Minh I strongly recommend stopping into his restaurant for a cup of coffee, lunch, dinner, ice cream, or my favorite, a smoothie…I recommend “The Morning Starter” a smoothie that is extremely good!  He is extremely nice and was always fun to talk to when we’d get a chance to sit down and talk with him.  I love the atmosphere of his restaurant as well as his welcoming personality.   A small place with great food, what I loved was his willing ways to help us out.  Whether we needed directions or help, he was always one I could count on.  When it started raining while I was there, he gave me a raincoat.  It’s people like him that make me love Vietnam.

To my guys who’s names I dare not even try to spell, I will never forget them.  Through countless games of Uno, a night filled with Karaoke, and some time spent working with you at the elderly home, I can’t express my love for them!  You’ve got a great future in front of you!

I remember you during karaoke night, you were shy, you sat in the sofa, singing quietly into the microphone when our team walked in…I knew then that you had more of a voice in you…I love the Vietnamese people for their timid ways, hiding behind a sea of being shy, yet begging to come out of their shell and be free to sing and dance as they please!  I remember when we all got up to sing “We Will Rock You” or “Y-M-C-A” and really have some fun!  I remember every time that we were making jewelry at the elderly home you were there, offering up some help…your service to the world is noticed and appreciated!
 
 

Bamboo…with an awesome name like that, who wouldn’t have to take a moment to get to know you?  (Truth is, most have english names to help us “foreigners” out, otherwise we’d never know how to say the names)  I absolutely can’t explain this girl.  She’s full of spunk and sparks.  She’s ready to laugh at anything anytime.  Her smile will light up a room and will gladly help out with anything and give of everything.  I remember each time I went to help the elderly make jewelry she was there, ready to help and serve.  She has a heart of gold that I will not forget…my prayers are with you, Bamboo!

 
Hahn, a girl who really seemed shy to me at first as she sat somewhat quietly next to the door on karaoke night.  I found out through countless games of Uno that she is anything but shy.  She is ready to take on the world.  I love Hahn for her simple ways and willingness to share her life with us.  I’m convinced that she is going to make some intense changes in this world in the years to come, and I can’t wait to meet up with her again someday.
 
 

Win Win…you’ve captured many of the hearts of our team.  Her wacky ways fit right in with our team instantly.  She was simple to count on for a great laugh or an intelligent conversation.  I appreciate your friendship because I know it is genuine.  She really loved spending time with us and it showed.  Win Win has an insanely bright future, and I can’t wait to see her again someday! 

Blessie was has such a sweet, quiet way of serving this world.  Helping us with so many things, she never ever asked for any attention.  My appreciation to the ways that she helped us during our stay grows deep into my heart.  She has such a soft heart and truly deep running personality.  Thank you for showing us the true Vietnam!

Fuga became an instant friend and is a girl that words simply cannot describe.  Desiring to squeeze every drop out of life, she is ready for a good laugh at any moment…or a deep conversation.  Her indescribable personality consumes you as the intelligence she brings to the world will forever impact the Kingdom of God.  She shines brightly everywhere she goes.  She is one of the few extreme extroverts we met in Vietnam, not being afraid to act wacky and wild at a moment’s notice, yet served us selflessly in every situation during our stay.  Fuga became a great friend who I long to see again soon…

Hannah…yet another beautiful woman that words struggle to describe.  Her inwardly shy ways were nothing but easy and simple to get draw out and show her true self.  She loves a good laugh while really longing for deep conversation.  I will struggle in life to find someone as dedicated to seeking out the ONE individual who is crying out at the time.  She has eyes to see the unseen in every situation. There were so many times that she shined in the 2 1/2 weeks we stayed in Vietnam.  I could list endless times that I observed her helping people that my eyes were blind to.  Always seeing the one person who was off on their own, her concerned heart always asked me if they were alright or not.  Never seeking any attention in life, and probably getting embarrassed if you draw attention to her (like this paragraph!), she served us selflessly during our stay in Ho Chi Minh City.  There was never a time that I asked her a question or favor that she didn’t cheerfully help our team out.  Hannah is one of the most genuine people I’ve met thoughout the year (which says a LOT as we’ve met some really REALLY genuine people this year!).   I simply cannot wait to meet up with Hannah again.
 
 

I could go on for pages about the people I met in Vietnam that changed my life…if I left you off this list it is NOT because I have forgotten you, it’s simply too much to go through.  I long to see each of you again.

Funny…I’m writing this while floating across a river in Cambodia on a bus…wow.