Homecoming

I've arrived! After 30 hours from door to door, I am finally here! What a celebration in itself! Consider that I could have faced delays in both Minnesota and Chicago with the ongoing snow/sleet/rain and the many combinations of such. Consider that I could have missed my plane on either transfer or that I anticipated being heavily questioned by Vietnamese customs (becuase of the large suitcase full of donated hopsital equipment). I thought of the many potential pitfalls. But as luck would have it, it has been a splendid trip here. Aside from no delays and no questions, I was delighted with with the comfort of international travel because of the small tv attached to the seat in front of me. Watching a handful of American movies and doing a bit of HSCV/mission work kept the time going by fast. Plus I was fed reasonably well (for airplane food) and kept hydrated and stretched, making the trip overall pleasant. Then finally, I arrived late last night in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon for a short 36 hours visit with my family (before I head into Hanoi for the mission and visiting HSCV)

Vietnam is so much better than I had remembered. It has been 7 years since I have come back. The airport is clean, new and spacious. Previous trips, you stepped off the plane, descended down the stairs to a shuttle that took you to the baggage claim. No more, now there's the typical gate that leads you into the terminal. The roads are more developed and there are so many more cars in place of mopeheads. Yet there is so much that is familiar, inside the buildings and hotels there is still that lingering smell of smoke, there is still the street merchants selling food late into the night, and it is still shockingly hot when you step out those airport doors. I woke up this morning (at 6:30 am mind you) to find four local men playing cards, gambling, and smoking cigarettes in the lobby. They were kind enough to invite me to join, but I politely declined. This is the Vietnam that brings a smile to my face, just feels so pleasantly and simply being among friends that I've missed for a long time. Feels like sort of a homecoming!