Happy Ending

August 1st, 2009 by Elizabeth

Today was a perfect day to end my perfect stay in Vietnam. I spent the morning walking around Hoi An with a few new volunteers, and then went to An Bang beach near Hoi An with my new BF Jen! What a BEACH! It was like the most perfect paradise I have ever visited – it even beats My Khe beach near My Lai! Beautiful white sand, dark blue water, a row of cafes serving food and beverage, lounge chairs under thatch huts…it was ideal. The sun was shining and the temperature was hot (as always) – it made for a perfect day. A few of Jen’s friends were nearby and I was able to meet some Westerners that now call Vietnam their home and have established careers in Hoi An and DaNang, working in the orphanages. I gotta say, I was very inspired. It got me brainstorming on how I can incorporate my nursing career with the children in Vietnam – I have some ideas… We relaxed at La Plage cafe for much of the day and early afternoon, before returning by motorbike back to DaNang.

Back in DaNang, Jen and I had the impromptu invitation of Mr. Kai (our security guard) to go across the street to join the neighbors for beer and beef! Another unique experience in Vietnam: dining with 4 Vietnamese elder men that LOVE their food, beer, and new friends. We sealed the deal of a group photo that I promised to send to them as a “souvenier.”

I have learned so much here in Vietnam – I cherished every moment and loved every day. This place feels like a new home. The entire experience with the children has changed me, specifically how I view myself, my needs and goals, and my career as a nurse – I will never see nursing the same way again! It has been a blessing to be here in Vietnam, and a month that I will never ever forget!

A few lessons I have learned in Vietnam (in no particular order):

1. I am only ONE person and cannot save the children of DaNang in 5 weeks. But it is because I am ONE person that I have the power to make a difference in someone’s life.

2. More valuable than possessions or money or fame or success, is family and community.

3. Smiling and saying “hello” is probably the most simple but most powerful task you can complete in a day.

4. All children, regardless of where they are born, are the same. And they are wonderful.

5. Hugs and kisses is a universal language.

6. Money is only as valuable as you believe it to be.

7. Regardless of how corrupt the American healthcare system may be, be grateful it exists and that quality healthcare is available.

8. Receiving an education is a privilege. Be grateful for the opportunity!

9. The clothes I wear do not matter. Not even a little bit.

10. Friendliness takes no effort. On the contrary, actually, friendliness creates energy!

11. Love is a hug from a 15-year-old handicapped boy name Lagu.

12. The Vietnamese do not prize fast cars or flashy diamonds or fancy clothes. Houses are simple and practical. Belongings are only the essentials. The Vietnamese value relationships – whether they be with neighbors, family, or co-workers, WHO YOU KNOW is far more significant that WHAT YOU HAVE.

13. Living simply can solve big problems.

14. Travelling across the globe can teach me about my own home.

15. Every person on this earth has a reason for existing. I found part of my reason here in Vietnam.

Thank you all for reading my blog during my adventure in Vietnam. Stay tuned for more updates about fundraising and opportunities to get involved in Global Volunteer Network. I appreciate all of your support! Thank you!

www.volunteer.org.nz/vietnam/orphanage

Love from Vietnam,

Elizabeth