Thursday, July 8, 2010

Xin chao!

Traveling to the land of rice fields, motorbikes, noodles, heat and coffee was an incredible experience. While in Hanoi, Vietnam I was able to see several different aspects of the culture. I visited the jail where Americans (including John McCain) were held captive during the war, a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a language class, a music school and orphanage.

This 5-day trip totally changed my perspective on life. As a westerner, I have had the privilege of growing up in a safe, big and nurturing home. I have every technological advance at my fingertips. Growing up in a society that focuses on material-ism we often forget how to build relationship. When is the last time you sat down without TV, radio, internet and news and had a deep, meaningful talk with family or a friend?


I truly desire to become a relationship builder. I want to get past the surface level with people. I want to know their desires, goals and thoughts on life. Isn't that the life that Jesus had? While in Vietnam I noticed this is the life people live. They are comfortable sitting at dinner for hours in deep conversation. What is it inside of us that is scared to reveal our true selves and get past the surface level?

I enjoyed watching the traditional water puppet show. The musicians were talented and made me feel a part of the history of Vietnam. The water puppets would dance on top of the water and tell a story in Vietnamese history.

The children at the music school performed for us. Afterwards we performed songs for them. The children were filled with so much happiness and love. I can honestly say Vietnamese children are some of the most beautiful children in the world.

One morning the team got to go to a language class learning Vietnamese. This 2 1/2 hour class was very challenging but I learned a lot. I have adopted a new Vietnamese name, Song, which means River. I take this as a symbolic gesture that I am a representation of the life of Jesus.

The children at the orphanage were ages 6-15. In the past I have dealt with younger kids at orphanages so planning lessons and activities for older children was difficult. The first day the children were very hesitant and didn't really connect with the team. The second day we felt a real connection with the children. We had a time of storytelling then we let the children act out the sto
ry as a drama and then had a craft that related to the activity.

My whole experience in Vietnam was pleasant. Although the heat was unbearable I never seemed to think how uncomfortable I felt but how much I loved the people.

I made a video from my time in Vietnam, please check it out: Hanoi, Vietnam

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