Church.

A community place for prayer.

The Catholic church has invaded my life here in Vietnam. Every morning I am woken up at 4am and 6am by loud, insistent church bells only a few blocks away. My aunt and uncle's main decorative theme in their home consists of the Virgin Mary and Jesus on the cross. Holy water from different countries sit on their shelves, and several calendars depicting scenes from the bible adorn a wall in every room. 

Just next door, where the above photos were taken, is a covered alter where anyone can go to reflect or to pray. It has remained empty all but one time that I have walked by, but I like the idea that the community makes a place for prayer. On the eve of Tet, I attended Mass with my family. I enjoyed it for the most part. I don't know if it is sacrilege to say, but I found it pretty entertaining. At the end we were all given envelopes with a scripture inside that is thought to be a reflection of how our new year will be. Mine was something to the effect of getting along with others will bring me success. It was like a Catholic fortune cookie!

When I was younger I found the idea of attending worship of any organized religion offensive to my own spiritual beliefs, but now I find it enriches my experience of an unfamiliar place or culture. I'm grateful to be here with my family, to have them as guides, and to be allowed into corners of this country and this culture that have always been out of reach for me. The best part is that they want me to be a part of it. As much as I feel I have been missing this part of myself, they recognize that I am a piece of their life that belongs. It is often awkward, confusing, and sometimes sad, but knowing that I belong to people here means more than I am able to express.

Tet

A sample of what it looked like in central HCMC for Tet.

Last night I went into central HCMC to see the area that they decorate for the new year. The pictures aren't the best because it was nearly impossible to take a photo in the sea of people moving at me from all directions. Seriously. I have never seen so many people in one place. It was crazy. The thing about it is that I barely had a chance to enjoy it all because I had to keep moving which is kind of a bummer. 

I'm really not in the mood to write or narrate my experiences thus far, but I hope to feel a little more prolific later. 

   

One of those nights.

Yes, that's a gummy bear in a glass of wine. Don't worry. The person drinking it didn't even know it was there:)

It has been a very long day.

It was my first day back to student teaching after being sick for two days. It is always hard coming back to the school after a break because I feel like I'm so behind, and I feel like I've missed so much time that I could have been helping my students. Today was good though. I told two of my favorite Vietnamese students that I'm going to be applying for a job in Vietnam. They were so excited! They want to come with me. So cute.

After school I picked up two of my good friend's kids. You would think that I would be tired of kids after a whole day with them, but I love it. Her kids are so sweet, and I like the feeling of being a part of another family's life. It brings me a sense of community. It feels good.

Before I headed home I decided that I needed a bottle of wine, and my neighborhood grocery store just happens to be having a 30% off sale on all wines. So why not, right? Well, my idea became even more brilliant when I realized that the very drinkable wine that I get for $2.99 would be an extra 10% off if I bought a six-pack! Yes. I did it. I couldn't help myself! In my defense I did just break-up with a great guy last night, so I deserve a glass of wine or two. And a mini chocolate ice cream. With these things all injuries can be mended..........well, at least soothed for the time being.