Tatiana's Trip Around the World: Day 20 / The Work Continues

After a wonderful relaxing weekend, we were back to work today with yet another mural. The rest of the girls are leaving Saturday morning and as they talk about their last week I feel sad at my impending departure. I feel like this is home to an extent I cannot logically explain. There are many things that excite me about going back to the states, mostly people. However, I will also leave behind many people I love here. Enough of this melancholy, though! I will now attempt to go back to living in the present and eating up every moment I have.

Day 18

The day started with a lovely breakfast at Life Alive restaurant. We were supposed to rent motorbikes and go to Hoi An, however, it was rainy, so we delayed that trip until most likely Friday. After breakfast we went to the Big C. It is a shopping center with a huge grocery store. I was very happy to go because I was able to stock up on some fruit, including these fantastic bananas that are a lot smaller than the traditional ones we have in the states. Later in the day we had a movie marathon and I realized I am not that big into movies, especially super hero ones. Four in a row is a bit much for me so I did some other things like hanging out on the roof!

Day 19

I started by having morning quiet time on the roof again. I love it so much up there! It is peaceful and I have never seen anyone else. I am trying to memorize James now, and I just found out that three of the other girls are also trying to. Funny that we would all pick the same scripture.

I love that I can see so many different aspects of the city from the roof. I have the ocean to the east, the mountains to the north, the Han river is west, and the city rooftops stretch as far as you can see to the south. I love to be up there and pray over the city. I pray that I will be able to bring love to the people here, and that I will know how to prepare for when I move here.

After church I did my first couples photoshoot! I had so much fun and some of the photos turned out really cute. I wish I could show you, but I gave my word they could put them up first. Late in the afternoon Elissa took me out for froyo. She has become such a dear friend and a great source of valuable insight, from how one should behave in Vietnamese church, to great street food locations!

Day 20

Today, for the first time, we had a full day at Promise House! I love being able to see the kids again, and they remembered me! I was a little worried they wouldn't because it has been two and a half years, and maybe they do not all remember me, but the ones I was closer to last time do. Nghia is the sweetest little man now. And he speaks some more English! I am really hoping I will be able to find a Vietnamese tutor in the states so that next time I come I can converse with the people, especially the kids.

The real reason we went to Promise House, however, was so that we could paint another mural. Major props to Cori for her unending creativity in coming up with stellar designs!