Nhớ Nguồn

I absolutely love this picture, not because of what you can see, but because of what you can't. What's missing are the hundreds of kids that go to this school on this completely normal Thursday afternoon. Where are they? In their classrooms taking a nap together, of course. As I walked through the strangely peaceful quad, I could imagine every one of those rooms with almost 50 kids inside, sleeping together on their chairs, on the tables, and on the floor. I couldn't stop the smile that grew on my face. 

1. Ho Chi Minh City will challenge your sense of adventure. Ho Chi Minh City is not a place you go to for an easy, safe life. This is the city where the population of people ranks barely above that of mosquitoes, and personal items disappear at 35km/h.  Today, modern day ninjas prefer plaid and surgical masks. And yet, despite these dangers, this city will surprise you every time you walk out your door if you’re willing to scratch beneath the surface. This is the city where you find three story outdoor cafés with a waterfall and wooden tables lit by tea lights at the end of alleys worthy of rape PSAs. This is the city where you can live out your teenage dream of riding a motorcycle without looking like you’re desperately trying to live out your teenage dream of riding a motorcycle. Speaking of motorcycles… 2. You finally have an excuse to get a motorcycle.  …they’re the only  way to get around this city. Taxis get expensive after a while and ...

...with beautiful people. 

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Few words have been spoken better. Thank you, Mr. Emerson. 

Given the current situation, I'm actually a little glad I'm halfway around the world right now.

They say that if you love something enough, you'll pour your heart and soul into it. As far as teaching in Viet Nam goes, I've given my heart, my soul, and everything else in between. How do I know that's the case? Because I've gotten to the point where I don't want more money, I want more sleep. 

One of my kids today tried to make himself look like a Dragonball Z character. So close, my friend.