Walking around Ho Chi Minh this morning felt quite different. Although we could still hear the incessant honking of horns, see the erratic van drivers and watch the millions of never yielding motorbikes, what we really noticed was how lonely it feels without all of you. Three months have come and gone in a flash, and as you all return to your lives back on the other side of the world, we hope you continue to reflect on and learn from the time you spent here together.
Thank you all for putting your hearts into this experience. It was your energy, enthusiasm, initiative and curiosity that made the trip as fantastic as it was. Remember to dance with village ladies every so often. You never know when you’ll be invited to perform at a Thai hospital in exchange for free toothpaste. Have patience for the Akha chickens that wake you up every morning before sunrise. You might need to rest when you mix cement all day long. Breathing in, know that you are breathing in. Keep learning from the people you meet about resilience and never stop wearing your elephants pants.
Anika, we are looking forward to seeing your pictures…all 3000 of them.
Dana, never let your enthusiasm for life diminish. And always dance head first.
Miriam, we heard the bakers of SE Asia are writing you a gratitude card.
Malick, easy with the hammers and the kayak paddles and the bike, and the glass tables…
Sophia, may everyday be Halloween and all cupids be creepy.
Kaitlyn, you can relax your grip on the van armrest now, you’re back in the United States.
Drew, maybe you should wash your elephant pants…
Finn, if life in NYC isn’t working for you, remember you can always move to Pun Pun…
Tristan, they keep blasting Closer in the street, maybe it IS the best song ever.
Keelan, we’re watching to see if checkered silk scarves become the next fashion trend in Portland.
Katie, how is it being the instructor during deviation?
Siena, we just saw you on a billboard in Ho Chi Minh City. Hope the photographer paid you up front.
Don’t forget you are the ant and the log, the mosquito and the frog, and you are each other. Lean on each other, when you’re not strong, we’ll always have our memories and this group to help us carry on.
Good morning. We love you.
D&S