Long overdue (or Movin' on up - part 2)

When I think about the circumstances that brought me to Richmond, VA, in June 2005, and my initial reaction to being there, I never could have predicted that I would grow to love (and now miss) it and its people so much. It truly is a special place with a big city heart and a small town feel. On its own, Richmond could be any city. It has all the requisite ingredients for an urban landscape... large and small businesses, real estate, mass transit, restaurants, sports teams, arts and culture, etc. But what makes it special is, of course, the people.

So,this is my long overdue thank-you-love-letter to Richmond, Virginia and all who dwell there, especially those I had the pleasure of knowing over the past seven years. And it was indeed a pleasure.

Theatre IV/Barksdale Theatre and the Richmond Theatre Community

I spent the first month and a half in Richmond unemployed. I was lonely, homesick, and (I'll just go ahead and say it) miserable. I had farmed out my resume to practically every arts organization in town as soon as I got there. Each and every time, the response was, "we're not hiring now, but we'll keep your resume on file." Not exactly music to my ears, especially with mounting expenses.

In late July I answered an ad in the paper for a part-time gig working for a Business Consultant and Executive Coach, Rich Russakoff. [I am probably the last person on earth who got a job answering an ad in the paper.] The work was interesting, helped pay some bills and Rich was wonderful to work with -- we still keep in touch. But I still needed something full-time.

Enter Michelle Prior, former Director of Development at Theatre IV/Barksdale Theatre. She called me one day in August. She was one of those people who "kept my resume on file." She had taken a job elsewhere and they were looking for an Annual Fund Manager. I interviewed with Michelle, Phil Whiteway and Bruce Miller, was hired, and started work on August 19.

I have never loved a job as much as I loved working at Theatre IV/Barskdale. Sure, it had its ups and downs, as does any job, particularly any non-profit job. But the ups far outweighed the downs, and I am grateful for each moment I got to be part of that remarkable staff, not to mention the opportunity to appear on stage. Truly a gift.

Thank you, Phil and Bruce, for taking a chance on me, and to all my former coworkers who made each day a joy -- Jennings, Liz, Tony, Kate, Katie, Brittany, Chase, Lucas, Tracy, Sara, Natalie, Andy, Ford, Jeanie, Gordon, Ronnie, Eric, Janine, Shannon, Laine, Jillian, BC, David, Jessica, Joy, Deejay, Sue, Sarah, Lynn, Marcia, Hans, Luke, Bruce, Wendy, Doug, Jenna, Derek, James, & Tom. Thank you, Richmond actors, directors, designers, technicians -- my FRIENDS -- for embracing me with open arms and becoming such an important part of my life. I think about you daily.

Rock Band

On my list of "wish-I-woulda"s before leaving Richmond would have been getting to know the local music scene a little better. It seemed like the indie music culture wasn't as in-your-face as I had expected, and to uncover it required some sleuthing. I did, however, get a chance to play a couple times in a "party band" for lack of a better term, thanks to a Theatre IV coworker, John, discovering that I played the piano. I played keyboards with The Nixon Years, which is how I met Greg, Ceci, Jesse, et. al. -- music loving friends who accepted me into their circle even though they constantly reminded me how "young" I was. 

Penny Lane Pub

I honestly can't remember the first time I went to Penny Lane Pub on 5th and Franklin. I know it was with Billy Christopher Maupin, and maybe some others, although the memory is lost in a haze of ale and cider. But it was early on in my Richmond life, and it was there that I got to sew my wild karaoke Hall & Oates. If I had a mantle, my Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year trophies would be on it.

Not only did I find my voice at Penny Lane, I found some great friends as well, namely Catalina, Pipe, Joe, Karen, and of course, KJ of the century, Jason Power. Some of my favorite Richmond memories happened at Penny Lane, so I thank you all for making that possible. 

Area 10 Faith Community

Through my friendship with Catalina and a well-placed neighborhood flyer, I learned that there was a new church starting up that was meeting at the Byrd Theater in Carytown. So I went. And I liked it. And a little while later I joined the worship team. And I liked that too. And then a couple summers later I volunteered on a service trip to Vietnam. And that was life-changing.

Thank you, Chris Barras, and thank you Laura, Gwenyth, Marci, George, Keith, Brittany, Helen, Marissa, Jessica, Terry and Bob for experiencing Vietnam with me and sharing the joy of the orphans of SS3. And thank you Bic, Pink, Dat, Thao and Xu for sharing your beautiful country--and your beautiful selves!

Mr. Jones, Ms. Freim, The Pattersons and the Other Joneses

[Of course I have to acknowledge my now-husband in this espistle!]

I met Robb at a New Year's Eve get-together five and a half years ago. We quickly became friends and it was just in time, because my life began heading in a direction I never would have anticipated. I leaned on his friendship a lot as I muddled my way through a divorce, drawing comfort from the fact that he too had been through a similar situation. A few years later, our relationship progressed to the point of a marriage proposal on October 29th, 2011 in Rodanthe, NC and we got married 5 years to the day after we first met. (It was the perfect example of Romans 8:28.)

Through Robb, I got to meet and become part of the lives of some other wonderful people -- his family. I owe a huge thank-you to Elaine Freim, Robb's sweet and generous mother, who has a heart bigger than Texas and is always willing to share it; Robb's sister, brother-in-law, nephews & niece -- Jennifer & Bill Patterson and Caleb, Nathan & Eleanor -- who graciously let me share their brother and uncle, [especially Caleb who, as he pointed out, has known Uncle Robbie since birth, which is longer than I have... duly noted] and who never hesitate to extend their love and hospitality; and finally Robb's dad, Don, and step-mom, Vicky, who lovingly ushered me into the world of "pickin'" and in the case of Don, provided me a glimpse as to the origin of some of Robb's traits. I am grateful to all of you for accepting me into your family and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Contrary to how it may have appeared, the decision to move to Minnesota was far from easy. I was finally at a point where I was content calling Richmond "home." But, it was time to go. While the move has presented its share of challenges, Robb and I both feel confident that it was the right decision at this point in our life together. Who knows... maybe we will be led back to Richmond in a year or two? Or Albequerque? Or Tanzania? Or Greenland? (Right, Nate?)

There are so many others who I could thank by name who made a lasting impact on me during my time in Richmond... my friends at the Mill, my Sanders family, my Quilters sisters, and so many more... suffice it to say that I love you ALL very much. And so I leave you with a scene that quite appropriately sums up how it felt to leave:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmkG6pnr7-g

(I couldn't embed it because of copyright, blah blah blah.)

Love you all!

XOXO

Tạm biệt, Việt Nam

Had breakfast at the hotel and then went to the bank to exchange some money. Went to SS3 after that to say goodbye to the kids and bring them the personal care items (soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, etc.). Some of the kids were at school when we got there so we didn't get to see them (including Zoom, boo). But Tee and Yen and An were there and lots of other familiar faces.

We also got a chance to spend time with the babies and hold them. I held an infant girl who was four weeks old. So sweet. I didn't want to let her go.

It was difficult to leave the orphanage... but at least we know the kids are in good hands and also that Area 10 will be continuing the relationship there.

After SS3, we at lunch at Pho 24. It was ok, but not as good as Pho 79 in RVA, in my opinion!

We went back to the hotel and had a debriefing with Tan (who is taking over for Sherman at GVI) to talk about the past week, and also discuss plans for next year.

We had some time to go shopping afterwards and get massages! I got a bunch more souvenirs for my sponsors.

For dinner, we went to Al Fresco for a western meal. I got pepperoni pizza. It was DELISH.

We left for the airport at 8:00 p.m. Dat, Pink, Xu and Bic came along and said goodbye to us at the airport. I got teary.

I was thinking about the likelihood of going on this trip next year... I just don't know. I told Marci that I could save up for a year and if it worked out that I did go, I'd have the money; and otherwise I would be able to donate what I'd saved toward the team that does go. Just have to wait and see what God has in store over the next year.

We're now on the plane from Hanoi to Seoul and will land within the hour. We have a 5-hour layover in Seoul before we board to fly 15 or 18 or however many hours it is back to Dulles. In all, we will have traveled 25 hours to get back to the U.S.!! I will probably sleep all day tomorrow, when I get back... or will it be yesterday...or today?!

At any rate, I'm so glad I was able to go on this trip. It has been an eye-opening, heart-moving experience and I am looking forward to writing more about my thoughts when I get back.

Cat Ba

A long bumpy ride and two ferries later, we are in Cat Ba! It's beautiful here -- the rocks in the water are spectacular. As we were approaching Cat Ba on the ferry, Chris and I shared his iPod earphones and listened to Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah." It was appropriate. :)

We ate dinner at the hotel and then went out for karaoke. I am feeling a lot better, despite the cough, but I still have laryngitis. Even so, I was able to squeak out a couple songs.

On the bus ride to the hotel, we were playing and singing a bunch of Christian songs. I wonder what Mr. Tu thought!

Tomorrow is a trip to Monkey Island and some sight seeing before we go back to Hanoi.

Goodbye Do Son, Hello Cat Ba!

Woke up with a cough. BOOOO! Laura said I coughed during the night too.

Had breakfast and played some more games with the kids while Laura printed photos so the kids could put them in the picture frames they made yesterday. Laura's little photo printer was quite popular among the hotel staff too and they kept asking for photos of themselves and their kids. It occurred to me that maybe photos aren't such a common thing here??

We went to the beach one last time. Today is hot and sunny. The kids didn't want to come in. We had lunch and packed up our things. We said goodbye to the older kids who we won't see on Wed. when we go back to SS3. It was emotional!!

Now we are on the way to Cat Ba on a tour bus with a tourguide named Mr. Tu and bus driver named Mr. Tee. haha

Last full day at Do Son

Breakfast, crafts, picture frames and the slap game made for a fun morning. The wind from earlier has died down somewhat so we are going to the beach before lunch.

Gwenyth [Gaba] and I had a good conversation with Dat [translator] and Pink at breakfast about God and theology. Gwen and I were having a challenging time overcoming the language barrier and conveying our thoughts. But I'm glad that Dat & Pink felt comfortable enough discussing the topic with us. I talked to Bic and Thao about it at the beach this morning, and Thao had some great insights. She is such a sweet, caring person who is so genuine with her faith.

After breakfast, we went to the beach, then came back for lunch. After lunch, Laura & I walked around a bit and took pictures. We were again photographed by Vietnamese locals wanted to pose with Americans. :)

We played more games and did more crafts with the kids, then went back to the beach this afternoon. Some of the kids flew kites, including Zoom who had a big smile on his face the whole time. That made my day. Bic also told me later that Yen (ee-EN), who has cerebral palsy, said this was the first time in her life people have paid attention to her for reasons other than her disability. That alone makes it totally worth our being here.

After dinner tonight (which we had outside at the shelter), we had a sharing time (w/candy and ice cream!) with the kids and GVI staff (all but Thao, who had to go back to Hanoi). They all expressed how much fun they've had and how they consider us part of their family. Their openness and graciousness is humbling.

We played some more games and sang some songs after that and are now finally going to bed. Sad that tomorrow is the last day at Do Son with these kids. One more trip to the beach in the morning, then lunch and on to Cat Ba for our team and Bic.

Carnival & bonfire

Ate dinner (more calamari) and then and then had the carnival with the kids tonight. Played football toss, bowling, egg-on-spoon, 3-legged race. All the kids got prizes and had a blast. We ended the night with a roaring bonfire. Since it had been raining, the wood was wet, so they ended up pouring fuel on the logs and then burning styrofoam... when that didn't catch, they dumped almost a whole box full of chopsticks on the fire. :) The kids loved it.

During some of the games, I talked to a man who was hanging around the activity. He was with another group on vacation at the hotel. He told me he was a teacher in a high school about 10 years ago. He wanted to know what we were doing, so I explained to him about the kids and GVI and SS3. He said that everyone could tell we were doing good because the children all looked so happy. He said it was good that we were here and that we should come back year after year. He also said that they hear a lot about the U.S. all the time (which made me think about how influential the U.S. really is globally, and what our country is showing the rest of the world, good and bad). Hopefully we are revealing to the Vietnamese people we've encountered so far that there are Americans who care about more important things than MTV!

We closed the day with a group meeting in Laura's & my room. Thao [another GVI interpreter] prayed for everyone, both in English and Vietnamese. It was so moving, listening to her pray. She is so sweet and sincere and passionate.

Last full day at Do Son tomorrow.

No beach

The waves were too large so we didn't go to the beach this afternoon. We did do crafts outside at the shelter and the kids played in the water that was splashing over the retaining wall. The kids made sun visors and bracelets/necklaces and we also had nail polish, which girls AND boys had a ball with. We sang a few songs and played games, then took a break before dinner.

I went with Marci, Laura, Terry & Marissa to the coffee shop across the street from the hotel. It was nice being able to have some down-time for conversation.

I'm feeling a lot better now and it seems like my voice might be coming back -- yay!!

Tropical storm

Slept so-so last night, restless dreams. But, felt pretty good when I got up. Still have laryngitis. :/

The tropical storm has brought wind and rain but right now (after lunch) the sky has cleared off a bit.

We were supposed to go to the beach this a.m. but the rain kept us at the hotel. We were still able to play games and make drawings with the kids outside under the shelter. The storm surge was 20 ft. high and came up over the retaining wall of the hotel. The kids (and adults!) had a blast playing in the water and confronting the huge waves head-on.

I learned a little of the background of some of the kids. One boy named Tri (pronounced "Tee") was found when he was 2 years old, abandoned at a lake. They had no idea who his parents were or where he came from, so he was named after the lake where he was found. Another girl, Be (pronounced "Beh"), who is a bit older, was left at a train station with her older brother. A gangster claimed them and gouged Be's eye so she could beg on the street. The police caught him and took the kids to SS3. Be's brother ended up getting an education and a job as a chef. He sends his sister money and visits her at the orphanage often. I'm sure each of these kids has a heartbreaking story, but the staff doesn't share any of that with them (understandably).

Apparently, when GVI started working with SS3, the kids were sad and listless, but over the course of a a few years of interaction, they were transformed into the happy, loving kids we are encountering today. GVI is incredible.

The sky looks to be clearing a little bit so we might be going to the beach this afternoon.

Talent show

Dinner was... interesting! I ate miniature whole squid (plural)!! And more shrimp and morning glory. It is so sweet eating with the kids -- they always put rice in our bowls first and then use their chopsticks to put food on top. They always make sure we have food in our bowls.

After dinner was the talent show outside under the large shelter. The hotel had a sound system and played lots of techno music for dancing. Before it actually started there were other kids with parents and adults hanging around and they all wanted to take pictures with the "white American girls." So we posed with men and kids for a good half hour before the talent show actually started!

I have no voice right now. Just croaking. So very bummed. I really wanted to participate in the talent show. But, not having a voice made me think of the bigger picture... and how, metaphorically, these orphans often have no voice. At least until now -- GVI is doing wonderful things for them and bringing attention to their needs. It is such a great organization. Having laryngitis also made me realize that this trip isn't about me showing off and drawing attention to myself. It's about me loving the kids and making THEM feel special!!

SO, the talent show included many songs in Vietnamese; a fashion show -- Pink designed costumes out of newspapers and origami, which some of the younger kids then modeled; George [Belden] and Bob [Gluck] juggled; Marissa [Rapone] taught the kids the Cupid Shuffle line dance. Everyone seemed to have a really good time.

I crashed maybe an hour before it was over. Totally hit the wall and have been really emotional. I do not want to be sick anymore!!!

Not sure what the plan is tomorrow. There is a tropical storm off the coast, which might change our plans!

Just have to say again how sweet and loving these kids are. What a blessing!

We're at the beach!

Met the kids at a rest stop and had a snack of longan berries. The kids seemed weary of being on the bus and not quite as energetic as they had been the day before.

We had lunch in the hotel dining hall as soon as we got to Do Son. The meal was ALL seafood... clams, shrimp (with the head and legs still attached :P), whole fish... I at it ALL!

We had a little down time after the lunch. I started feeling lousy again, so I took a nap while the rest of the team played games with the kids outside. Again, I felt bad to be missing out and letting everyone down. :(

Did go to the beach after the nap with the group. The beach is about a 5 minute walk from our hotel. The beach itself is fairly large. The water was calm, no large waves. Water is also very brown. Was kinda surprised how much trash was around and in the water.

The little kids and older boys had fun -- the older girls didn't swim. We had beach balls and inner tubes in the water and some kids played in the sand on the beach. Tons of umbrellas along the length of the beach and vendors on bikes.

Talent show after dinner tonight. I am supposed to sing a couple songs with Chris [Barras], but I now have laryngitis, so that will be interesting!?!

Early riser

Feeling better!

Woke up a little before 6 a.m. this morning. Slept really well last night. Marci, Laura & I went for a walk at Hoan Kiem lake before Marci joined the rest of her fellow runners. Many people exercising and doing tai chi. Laura & I brought our cameras and it took awhile for the lenses to warm up after being in the AC -- kept having to wipe away condensation. But we got some nice shots.

We were walking back toward the hotel when two old women rushed up to us and pointed enthusiastically at the lake. We looked and there was something popping its head above the water, so Laura & I startede snapping pics. We had no idea what it was -- Hanoi's "Nessie" haha

Later, we learned it was an ancient turtle that is regarded as sacred. The myths of a giant turtle began in the 15th century -- a story similar to King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. The turtle is a rare species, one of only 4 or 5 left in the world, and is claimed to be over 100 years old. The Vietnamese consider it extremely good luck to see it. :)

Laura & I walked down a street and got lots of photos of street vendors. So many colors and textures and variety. It was SO humid -- we were only out for a little bit and were drenched when we got back.

Had breakfast at the hotel and then at 8:30 loaded up our stuff into the charter bus. We're en route to Do Son currently and it's a 3-hour drive. We're meeting the kids halfway at a rest stop.

SS3 & GVI

I slept kinda bad last night. Marci decided to unwrap and eat a granola bar at 3 a.m. hahaha It reminded me of people in the theatre slowly unwrapping hard candy during an especially quiet and poignant scene. Just tear it like a bandaid!

I'm still congested and my left ear is still plugged. Managing.

Went to SS3 this morning and met the kids. They were so excited to see us. It melted my heart. One 2 or 3-year old boy ran up to me, extremely interested in my camera. :) All our cameras and video equipment turned out to be very popular -- another boy, "Zoom," wore it around his neck and probably took over 100 photos of the other kids and our group. Was told later he has autism. Another boy, "Tee" also tried it out.

After SS3 we went to GVI HQ and met Sherman -- what an amazing man. Chinese decent, grew up in Canada & went to college there, speaks Mandarin & Vietnamese fluently. Learned he is moving to Hong Kong TOMORROW and someone else is taking over his position at GVI.

Had a brief orientation and learned more about the Vietnamese culture.

Ate lunch at a place called So:da -- Western-style food. Had a ham & cheese and a pineapple smoothie. :)

Back to hotel after, then possibly shopping.

Hanoi

Landed in Hanoi at 10:10 p.m. Was reading more Mother Teresa. Was inspired about things I could be doing back home in Richmond to help the poor. Will see if I have the guts to follow through when I get back.

Hanoi is humid. Exhaust fumes hang in the air. Hard to get a sense of it in the dark but have a feeling it will be bustling in the morning.

Bic [our translator] and some other GVI team members met us at the airport and rode the shuttle with us to the hotel, which is in the oldest part of the city.

Bic is great. Very sweet, funny, friendly. She says her favorite karaoke song is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" because she loves the Wizard of Oz. A girl after my own heart. :) Hoping we can sing karaoke while we are here.

We meet tomorrow morning at 8:00 to head out to SS3 Orphanage. Will be with the kids for about 90 minutes and then have time to see GVI headquarters and maybe do a little souvenir shopping.

Very crazy that we are FINALLY HERE!!

Was hard taking a shower without getting water in my mouth.

Hotel is nice. Sharing a room with Laura [Shibut] & Marci [Andrews].

In Seoul

[This is a journal entry from my recent trip to Vietnam]

Arrived in Seoul, Korea! We were welcomed by rain, lots of clouds and fog. The airport is supposedly huge, although we only got to see a small portion. Was able to use wi-fi to send an email to family.

The flight itself was about 15 hours. It was (overall) relatively bearable. The flight attendants looked plasticky-perfect. Asian Barbie dolls. The service was really great.

Watched a couple movies, "The Hairdresser" in German and "Toast," a Brit flick.

At this point, it feels so surreal to be on the other side of the earth... by the time we get to Hanoi it will be bedtime. We lost an entire day! Feels so bizarre.

My left ear is plugged from the first flight, which is annoying. Was hoping to kick the sinus/allergy malady before leaving Richmond but it looks to be lingering. Trying really hard not to complain (and realizing how much I do... need to change that!).

Full of anticipation about the next several days. I'm reading a book of the wisdom of Mother Teresa. What an amazing spirit she had -- and a Christ-like life. Her philosophy was "faith, love and service." Certainly one worth emulating.

May we "not waste our time in looking for extraordinary experiences in life, but live by pure faith, ever watchful and ready by doing our duties with extraordinary love and devotion."


Praying that God will shine through us.

Vietnam

Some of you might know that I am bound for Vietnam this summer. On July 26th, I will travel to the other side of the earth with a team from my church, Area 10 Faith Community. Our task is to provide critically needed supplies for and build lasting relationships with the staff and children of SS3, a state-run orphanage 45 minutes outside of Hanoi.

It might sound strange, but making the decision to go on this trip was both simple and extremely difficult -- simple, in that I have always wanted to do something like this and now felt like the time; difficult in that I knew there would be many hurdles to jump in order to make it happen (and if you know me, you know I'm no hurdler!). There was also no guarantee that, even if I threw my name in the hat, I would be chosen to go.

Ultimately, I chose to cast all the "difficulties" aside and trust the simple urge in my heart. I applied and was accepted. Next came the hurdles.

PASSPORT. Having never traveled outside the U.S. (besides Canada and Mexico, pre-passport requirement), I needed to obtain a passport. We would also need visas, but one of the team leaders was taking care of that for us; however, a passport was needed in order to get a visa, and the turn-around time for those was more questionable. In light of this, understandably, we were asked to get passports as soon as possible. I applied in early March, thinking that would allow plenty of time, as the "normal processing time" was four weeks. Others applied around the same time I did, and received their passports in almost exactly four weeks. I, on the other hand, waited. And waited. And waited. I knew the team leaders were getting anxious to submit the visa application paperwork. I checked with the passport agency, and there was nothing wrong with my application. The status was, "processing." I thought for a moment that this first hurdle might mean I would remain firmly planted on Virginia soil come July. Then, on May 7th (Norway's Independence Day, incidentally), I received my passport in the mail. Thank you God!

FUNDRAISING.  Raising money has been my 9-5 job for nearly 10 years. I have written grants and letters asking corporations, foundations and individuals for donations ranging from $10 to $1 million. But, I have never had to solicit my family and friends. I was nervous about how my "pitch" would come across. I certainly didn't want anyone to feel obligated or guilted into supporting my trip. At the same time, I wanted to make it clear that without their support, it would not happen. Chris, our pastor, regularly encouraged us to "get after it" -- "it" being fundraising; making calls, sending letters and emails, etc. Even with his prompting, I put off sending letters. And put it off some more. And then I realized that it wasn't really up to me. Going on this trip was a divine calling. And in order to go, I would need money. And to get money, I would have to ask and have faith that it would come. When I finally sent out my letters, I was overwhelmed by the response. In no time at all, I already had accumulated more than half my goal. Over the last couple months, some people have backed out of the trip for various reasons, which meant that the individual fundraising goals for the rest of us have been bumped up a couple times. The goal has gone from $2,200 to $2,700 per person. I'm nearly there and would still welcome gifts of all sizes.

SPIRITUALITY.  In my own mind, I've always been relatively steady in my faith. Of course, most everyone has their moments of doubt and uncertainty along the way, and I am no exception. But even through my more "worldly" years, I still turned to God for guidance. This trip has got me thinking hard about my faith -- in a good way. But it has also caused my insecurities and fears to bubble to the surface. Who am I to go halfway around the globe like some sort of Crusader? What difference can I possibly make in the lives of these people? Am I doing this for the right reasons? Am I in this for me, or am I in it for God's purpose? These are the types of anxious thoughts that have been swirling through my mind lately. But today, I was reminded of a wonderful quote by Marianne Williamson that addresses these very questions:

"We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

My prayer for this trip is that I, my team, and the people we serve in Vietnam not only would be liberated from fear, but that we would all recognize our uniqueness, our preciousness, and the invaluable roles we get to play in this world as children of God. 

Hòa bình!

(Peace!)