May 9th and 10th: leaving Hoian

May 9^th and 10^th: leaving Hoian

This morning we leave Hoian, and start the 2^nd half of this journey. It has been an amazing trip so far. I am so appreciative of the work and support from the 8 chaperones, and for the attitude of the 43 students. They have truly challenged themselves through stretching their “comfort zone,” in whatever form that takes, be it interacting with the Vietnamese people or trying a new food.

Yesterday was such a powerful day. In the afternoon, after our last lesson, we rode our bikes to the beach, reserved a quiet spot, circled up, had a little meditation on how we are all connected, regardless of the geographic distance, and then shared the letters that the parent wrote for their children. Students found space alone on the beach to read their letters. In the debrief afterwards, students shared how this process brought up a lot of strong feelings of both missing their families and appreciating all that their families do for them.

On the bike ride home, I had a conversation with one student about how relative time is. At first, after our first three days in Ho Chi Minh City, it was almost inconceivable that we had only been there for three days, for our senses were being overwhelmed with sights, sounds, smells and tastes. And now, it is just as inconceivable how quickly time has flown by, with half the trip over. It is easy, at this point in the trip, to start thinking about the end of the trip and about missing family. The only advice I can ever give to students when they are worried about how quickly the trip is going is to be present. Use your senses to ground you in what is happening right now. Pay attention to everything. Be grateful for what you have, and for what you are a part of right now.

This morning we divided into two groups: those who want to visit the Cham ruins of My Son, and those who want to visit the caves of Five Marble Mountain. The two buses will meet up at the airport in the afternoon. See you in Hanoi.