After six months in Asia, one sees things not previously noticed. Some things.
I had truly expected most people to express interest in our living in Việt Nam – but for only about 5 minutes. That proved to be true for the most part, but in the past few days, we have had sincere and deep questions about our experiences. Our core of close friends have been great – and the additional pounds around the waist from too many dinners with friends are good evidence of the deep caring we experienced.
I knew it would happen, and it did. I choked on the materialism of my country. This is a picture of four beautifully restored rare automobiles. I was told the approximate value is about $450,000. The owner keeps them well maintained, but hardly ever drives them – seldom visits them.
$450,000! Incredible!
Of course, average Americans aren’t pikers either. Here’s a shot of a parking lot full of autos, most of which are huge, and are occupied by one person. And - I got a little tired of the kvetching I heard about oil prices. </rant>
Good Vietnamese food is available in South Texas. Find Hop Tung on 10th Street
in McAllen for some good bun cha gio and phỏ. Both are as good as we get in Hué – just a lot more expensive. That’s not a complaint – labor, air conditioning, and paint all cost money.
Our students assume we are cowboys merely because we live in Texas. We’re not, but I may have difficulty convincing them we’re not cowboys once they see this picture taken in front of our church.
Denver may be at 5,550 feet (1,700 meters), but it was hot! 100 degrees (38 Celsius), but we survived it – only to intentionally drive back home towards Hurricane Emily.
Kitties remembered us after six months. Critters are smarter than I thought.
Those of us who were new teachers to Asia need validation of our experiences. We talked to a fellow “former newbie” today about her time in China – and her return to America.
I miss my students and friends in Hué.
Visiting the two elderly mothers was a picture of things to come. I didn’t like the image.
Visiting our son and his family energized me.
I am truly enjoying my evening cigar and having a comfortable chair to read books in. I found I didn’t miss television much in Việt Nam, and can’t say I’ve watched all that much of it back home.
Talking to old friends – even if only on the phone – is great. Some old friends are doing fine. Others still need prayer.
I’ve learned (again) that life is good – just as the Creator intended it to be.
