---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Justin Nguyen <justinnguyeny2k@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 4:11 PM
Subject: Day 1: The Never Ending Story- Debrief
To: Jeremiah Dao <jsondao@gmail.com>
From: Justin Nguyen <justinnguyeny2k@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 4:11 PM
Subject: Day 1: The Never Ending Story- Debrief
To: Jeremiah Dao <jsondao@gmail.com>
*sqquueee* goes the twin jumbo jet engines as liftoff, touch down, lift off and touch down once more becomes routine to our anticipated sojourners. Korea proved to be a wondrous opportunity to become accustomed to culture shock: for some of our friends, a chance to witness a world apart for the first time. Soon, we were able to disembark from our final plane rode to be fully immersed in that heavy, humid, yet strangely familiar climate of Vietnam.
Our welcome was quickly greeted by Thai, a TLC brother living in Vietnam, and Chi Loc and Anh Tris, members of the accompanying welcome group. PIling into the taxi vans with damp shoulders and high spirits, we were on our way to Thien Thao, the hotel which we would pronounce as home. A light laying of the hands, rest of the eyes, and we dove headfirst into the hustle and bustle to meet Ba MS Nguyet, or Esther, to break bread, have a luncheon and fellowship, and Chi Trinh, our Youth program coordinator, quickly gathered our attention after full bellies to relay the week's schedule.
One important detail that I personally noticed, as simple as being a passenger was: Vietnam is a country that reads between the lines. Michael pointed out that despite all the developing buildings, honking of traffic, and chaos, the real transactions were happening between the buildings and in alleys. "That's hella sus," I piped up (to no one's approval).
But it's true. For just within these short hours of burning daylight, I would describe Vietnam in one word: adaptable. The culture-sounds and smells, a greeting, a grin after taking a bite- can be overwhelming at first. But the obstacles, potholes, sudden tragedies that come out of nowhere like an unbeknownst Vespa, that dare cross our path- better believe that our team will "continue to work your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose." (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV)
I beseech you, true believers: please continue to pray for our steadfastness in the Spirit. These next few days of preparation will, well, *prepare* us for the upcoming retreat to the college students of Ho Chi Minh City.
Stay tuned for more details!
Your friendly neighborhood bạn (friend),
Justin H. Nguyễn