I am having an extremely fun and memorable time working with Giving It Back To Kids and Robert. So far, my stay in ?à N?ng has been quite an inspirational experience, whether it is staying in the Lighthouse at Legacy 1 and teaching the kids English, or visiting places outside in the city and the countryside. The friends I have made and the sights I have seen so far definitely make up for the sweltering heat that I love to complain about every day. The transition between my usual rainy and cold weather to the humid heat of Vietnam was definitely a hurdle to get over. However, the weather is the only thing I speak negatively of. The girls in the Lighthouse, especially my roommates, have been very kind and welcoming to me; they consistently make sure I am comfortable and feel included in everything. Whenever I need something, they would be there to provide it to me or help me with whatever problem without complaint. And, thanks to them, my Vietnamese has been steadily improving as they teach me new words. What I learned from living with the Lighthouse girls is how to live humbly but effectively. I especially loved learning about how to wash your clothes by hand, and hanging them up to dry. This is very different from my usual laundry machines, and it feels more natural, in a way. Also, sharing a bathroom with others is definitely a first, and one of my most memorable experiences at the home. It makes me happy when the girls sometimes close a bathroom door to save the bathroom for me to shower later, so that other girls wouldn’t take the bathroom.
This makes me think about how different Vietnamese culture is from American culture— sure, people in America are nice, but it’s hard to feel like you belong with them as quickly and as easily as with the communities in Vietnam. It especially warms my heart when the little children from the other Legacies hug me or hold my hand like they have known me forever— it’s a foreign feeling, but a welcome one.
My favorite place so far is Mary’s home, with all the younger girls. The first time we visited, the girls were incredibly friendly, always willing to try to make conversation even with their limited English. The younger girls would run out to greet us excitedly, taking us by the arms and welcoming them to their home. We played games with them and talked to them— their favorite discussion topics being the differences between Vietnam and America. At some point, the girls even asked if we preferred Mary’s home over Legacy 1, and we couldn’t answer, since it was such a difficult question, as we loved both equally.
Today, we did a Legacy 1 game-time with all the kids. The prospect of working together and building community was extremely fun. My group had won, and we were all happy together, smiling and congratulating each other. I had made many friends in just a few hours, and I am forever grateful for the chance to participate in these games.
All in all, my time in Dà Nang is a time I will forever keep in my memories and my heart. If I ever get the chance, perhaps next summer before college, I would like to return to relive all these wonderful experiences, and I am forever grateful to Giving It Back to Kids for allowing me to have a part in all of this.
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