The main way of transportation in Vietnam is by motorbike (or ‘moto’). Millions of people are zipping around the city on their moto’s, weaving in and out of traffic, and trying to dodge the sporadic cars, buses, bicycles, and food carts. It literally is like staring into chaos. Luckily, all of the ministries and daily activities I had been apart of during my time here have required me to either walk, ride the bus, or take a taxi. I have sat or stood in my modes of transportation, glad to have some type of blocker between me and the rest of the road.
The other night my luck ran out. Lindsay asked me if I wanted to join her for a birthday party for one of the students she had met during the week. I had no other plans so I decided to join her. After I had agreed to go, I asked how we would get there. She told me that two of the students were going to come and pick us up….on their moto’s! Since I had already agreed to go I knew I couldnt back out now; I had to give in and enter the chaos. Three of the students arrived at our hotel to pick us up, Anna, Marsu, and Thung. Lindsay road with Anne and I rode with Thung, and we convinced Kira to join us and ride with Marsu. As I climbed onto the back of the moto, Thung handed me his extra helmet, which had dalmation stickers on the back. I put my feet on the foot pegs and gripped my fingers tightly around the base of my seat. Suddenly we were off, zipping around the corner and jumping in to the chaos that is Vietnamese driving. I was a little tense at first, fearful of getting into an accident, but soon my fears flew away as we continued driving down the road. It was actually very exciting and fun, and a new perspective of the city. I loved being in the mix of the traffic and seeing the faces of all the people surrounding me. We drove all through the city to a part of town I had never been before. It was actually very residential, and calm. I didnt even know this existed in Vietnam. The streets were clean and peaceful and as we pulled up to Al Fresco’s cafe and were greeted by the rest of the group.
There was around of 10 of us, getting together to celebrate Hung’s 24th birthday. He had never had a party before and was excited we were all there. The cafe was really fun, and it had the sheets of paper over the table so we could draw on it. We had everyone write out there names and go around and tell an interesting fact about themselves. It was a wonderful way to get to know everyone. There was Anna, Marsu, Hannah, Fuga, Thung, Hung, and then the three of us girls. Everyone was in their 20’s and it was so amazing to just hang out with people my own age. We had an awesome time being silly, eating pizza, laughing, and being able to celebrate Hung. All of his friends went around the table and told him different ways they appreciated him and how much they valued his friendship. They all truly care about each other and I felt so blessed to be a part of this group.
After dinner we hopped on the moto’s again and went to a nearby park to play some games. We played this funny name game in which the losers were forced to do embarrasing things. We made Fuga count all the baskets in the grocery store, Thung had to propose to someone, Hannah recited the dictionary to strangers, and Lindsay had to do the funky chicken infront of a security guard. It was hilarious and it felt like hanging out with good friends at home. It reminded me of how similar we all are, no matter where we come from and I love that we were able to just hang out and enjoy each other.
The night ended with all of us sitting in a circle asking questions. All the students we were with are Christians and it was so great to be encouraged by them and have them be encouraged by us. One of the last questions of the night was asked by Fuga. She asked everyone to go around and say what their calling from God is and how they are responding. It was amazing to have this fun night of being goofy, but then be able to end on a note of hearing everyones heart and passion for the Lord. They are all so stoked to live for Christ and respond to the callings that He has put on their lives, even though they are all not completely clear. As we went around the circle hearing from everyone, I felt so blessed to be included in this group. They were sharing their hearts so openly and it was a great encouragement to me.
While I was riding home on the back of the moto I was just praying and thanking God for bringing me out that night. It was so much fun to be able to hang out and feel connected with all of these people and to end being totally encouraged by them. That night is probably one of my favorite experiences in Vietnam.
