Day 26 & 27 The Little Things

It is definitely more fun to be part of a group. Eating lunch and dinner by myself is not as exciting as eating it with all the girls. However, it is giving me time for introspection and prayer, which is very good and a blessing to have right before I go back to the states...which is happening so soon. It is Tueday morning and I leave next Tuesday night! How the time has flown.

Ten things I am excited about going home because of:

1. My family. They are my number one supporters and encouragers. They are the ones that are going to push me to get over my jet lag, make yummy food for me, smother me with hugs and kisses, harass me to follow through with my exercising, and support me in every way they can to return here again.
2. My New England friends. I cannot just say "my friends" because you are spread throughout the country and around the world! The Newenglanders are pretty fantastic though. Hopefully the early cold won't be able to stop us from getting outside in one of the prettiest places in the world.
3. My car. Now those of you who know what kind of car I have might think it is just me missing my car. The thing I am really excited about though, is independence. Being able to go anywhere I want without having to walk or get a ride from someone.
4. My church. I have really enjoyed getting to know other believers and see how church is done of the other side of the world, but I miss my home body! So excited that I get back Wednesday morning and get to be at Cafe my first day home.
5. Smoothies! I love good thick smoothies sometimes with fruit, sometimes extra healthy with lots of greens. They do have smoothies here, but they are never thick and often have a lot of water and sugar.
6. A kitchen. I love cooking, and so far all I have done here was help flip pancakes one morning. I am excited to make salads and stir-frys exactly how I want.
7. Colder weather. I know, I know you all probably think I am crazy right now. I am enjoying the heat, but I am also excited for cozy sweaters and not sweating every time I walk out the door.
8. Outdoor activities. Biking, kayaking, surfing, running, hiking!
9. Fast internet. This does exist here in Vietnam, just not at my hotel.
10. Phone calls. I love being able to talk to far away friends. Being able to call my mom when I see or hear something that would interest her, or if I need some advice. I technically can do that right now, but it will be free again when I get back to the states.

Day 26

Went to church at the international fellowship again. It was delightful. They have been so welcoming and inclusive to me and I really appreciate it! Most of the friends I have made here attend and I will really miss them. That afternoon some of us had lunch together and went to the new Left Behind movie. It was really good, and rather frightening, which is apparently a very American way to do a movie. Judy said if it was a New Zeland movie, it would be a lot gentler.

A fresh coconut with lunch? Yes, please!

Day 27

It was a quiet day. I was at the office all day sorting envelopes and sealing the appropriate ones with glue. Another thing that is slightly different here, the envelopes are not peal and stick or lick and stick, they are, go find a glue stick if you want to shut me. It was not a task that people get awards for, but it was necessary. Sometimes it is the small things that are the most important, and the most neglected. I was happy to have a relaxing day bringing excellence to envelope sealing.