s squad spent their third month in vietnam, just like my fusion family did. AND – i went with a team of essies back to the same city in which i had served the year prior!
SCM 2.1: back to vietnam
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we landed in ho chi minh city from our kuala lumpur layover! the immigration process at the airport took a significantly longer time than expected, but we always find ways to be entertained. after a quick meal at the airport, several teams continued in travel to the bus station where we could catch our sleeper bus to da nang!
SCM 2.2: vietnam sleeper bus
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my experience with a sleeper bus last year during my time with the world race left a significant memory. so, i was partially pumped and partially terrified to do it again. ;0) nearly 22 hours of vietnam scenery, bus stop restaurant stalls, movie watching, napping, and snacking later, we arrived to da nang!
SCM 2.3: ladies’ night in vietnam
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to kick off our time in da nang, vietnam, the ladies of the unsoundables headed out to explore the vibrant colorful city by nightlife rooftops, by skyline and ocean views, by spontaneous dance parties, and by some delicious feasting.
*episode dedicated to danielle miller-schuster, who serves as one of the most enthusiastic redbirds i know in the illinois state university community. as a graduate student there, i saw the impact that danielle brought to campus through her work as a senior professional and through her joyful and vivacious spirit. and her investment in others is so beautifully significant and strong – i have been enriched by her encouragement, both during my time at iSU and in the years that have followed. thank you, danielle, for the joy you exude to make an impact on others and the light you share to glorify G0D!
SCM 2.4: vietnam luxury day on a budget
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we returned to the hotel where my team – LiFT – stayed last year during our time in da nang! and we found that a coffee shop had just opened in the lobby, which served free drinks as a promotion! additionally, the ladies set out to enjoy a $3 pedicure. so, overall, it was a very budget-friendly way to treat ourselves in the orientation to vietnam. :0)
SCM 2.5: da nang coffee crawl with the unsoundables
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i served alongside the unsoundables, one of the eight teams that makes up s squad, during the month in vietnam. to get to know each one of these incredible brothers and sisters in CHR!ST, i invite you into our down town da nang coffee crawl [with games!] team time, hosted by kimmy!
SCM 2.6: making connections through beach volleyball
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as a part of our cultural exchange in vietnam, we used early beach volleyball pick-up games to meet and connect with local people.
*episode dedicated to my fusion squadmate, hilary, who has a heart and gift to connect with people. i watched and learned from the way hilary loves like J3SUS and i have been able to adapt her practice throughout this journey to share the light of the L0RD through my interactions with others.
thank you, hilary, for your partnership in G0D’s work abroad. and thank you for your example of living out how we care called to love our local and global neighbors.
SCM 2.7: morning aerobics with chainh
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we first jumped into early morning beach aerobics out of pure whimsical, playful entertainment. once we were identified and instructed by one of the local women [with incredible patience for those who lack rythem! ;0) ], we were committed to a regular attendance! and over time, we developed a sweet friendship with chainh that extended beyond our morning exercise!
SCM 2.8: sunset beach volleyball
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to continue our work with building relationships with people through our cultural exchange, we went to the beach at sunset for a pick-up game of volleyball. there, we met new friends with whom we would build lasting connections.
SCM 2.9: delicious da nang
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follow three mini adventures to seek out some of the highly-coveted coffee and cuisine by racers in vietnam!
SCM 2.10: celebrating jonathan’s birthday
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we had the privilege to celebrate jonathan on his 29th birthday while in da nang. and a classic american-style burger and birthday cake was the best way to do it!
