Sunday, August 21, 2005
Hard to say goodbye
I write this from Hue, imperial capital of Viet Nam. This afternoon I left Ha Noi. A difficult farewell! As soon as I arrived at the airport I felt like crying. I already miss Thanh Trieu's home cooked meals. This morning I went to mass at Cua Bac, the church of the three martyrs. Ong Quyet took me via Xe Om. Afterwards he treated me to a big bowl of Pho Bo, the beef soup that is so popular. Then he took me to his home and stuffed me with more food! He gave me a beautiful picture of Mary, a statue that is just like one my mother gave me of a child and an angel, and a huge bag of tea to take home!
I am overwhelmed by the generosity of my neighbors in Phung Khoang. Last night we went to the mayor's house (he lives next door), to drop off a cake. His honor was out but his elderly parents were there and thanked me for my work with the disabled children and helping to heal the scars of the war.
As for the Trieus--as I told them at the airport through their son Ha, I cannot begin to thank them for their incredible hospitality in opening their home to me. They truly made me feel like a member of their family. Their kindness when I was sick and when I was well will never be forgotten! They always took time out to make sure I was comfortable and happy. And they gave me much too much going away gifts, including my prized lotus bean soup and the delicious Vietnamese coffee. If I had a million dollars, it wouldn't be enough to repay their kindness.
I am overwhelmed by the generosity of my neighbors in Phung Khoang. Last night we went to the mayor's house (he lives next door), to drop off a cake. His honor was out but his elderly parents were there and thanked me for my work with the disabled children and helping to heal the scars of the war.
As for the Trieus--as I told them at the airport through their son Ha, I cannot begin to thank them for their incredible hospitality in opening their home to me. They truly made me feel like a member of their family. Their kindness when I was sick and when I was well will never be forgotten! They always took time out to make sure I was comfortable and happy. And they gave me much too much going away gifts, including my prized lotus bean soup and the delicious Vietnamese coffee. If I had a million dollars, it wouldn't be enough to repay their kindness.
