"Silver and Gold is tested by fire but the Lord tests the heart."
What an ecstatic time we have had, although we did not experiance all of Vietnam we experianced the fullness of its people. On arrival in Hotch Chi Mihn city, we found a hostle. Vietnam is surprisingly humid. Robey mentioned the humidity is what gets to you not so much the heat.
We had a great couple first nights in the centre of town. Public Parks are available scattered across the city weaved inbetween the busiest roads you could imagine! Scooters swarm back and forth, uncautionary and location-bound, nothing can stop a vietnamese man on a scooter. Each scooter travels its own direction at a traffic circle, each swerving and dodging to come by with patient smiles. What amazed us was the fact that drivers, on whatever form of two wheel transport, would not grow impatient or scream at each other. Road rage isnt common here, anyone can push infront of anyone. If there is almost a collision they would hoot and move on.
Crossing the street is another challenge. It is necessary to close your eyes at times as you feel exausts racing past your legs. We realised we are at as much risk crossing the street then driving a scooter, a choice Vietnamese make every day to get along in life! Markets of variety small and large are everywhere, as a city is quite unique, what is most unique I would say in its people.
The hostel we stayed at was near central park of Hotch Chi Mihn. Warm and hungry we went looking for a near by local market for affordable local food. We then walked over to see the park with dinner and all and where welcomed by a couple vietnamese that want to practice their English by speaking to us. Each of us had well enough people to speak to, going out alone in any park, many times we would have to host a crowd. And if you weren't up for a conversation it was an interrogation. They would ask you proper questions and even some rather deep topics, which gave room for us to give testimony and share our own personal stories, our year journey and share of Gods Kingdom coming to earth! We pray that many where impacted and know that the words we gave where our very own first hand experiences of Gods own living presence taking hold of our lives! We prayed with some and had some who would even consider joining Global on a year journey.
We eventually found a cheaper hostle (probably the cheapest this year, thank you Jesus) on the outskirts of town and moved in. Our host, Sam, is a God-fearing Christian who has had this hostle over the years. He is an English teacher and studied Theology. He linked us up with the underground church in town. At the hostel, we taught some English to students of his and repainted the outer walls on the 2 storey building with sketchy bamboo ladders and rope. We even had enough time to paint a Table Mountain on an outer wall of the hostel.
Many of our days where spent in our bedroom talking, probably the most challenging time so far. So we did what us guys do, talk it out, no not fight it out but talk it out... Well mostly. This is part of being in unity after all. Johan mentioned something that i will never forget, unity isn't avoiding conflict but allowing reconciliation. For me it was a heavy time but so necessary!
I had so many doubts, so much weighing me down. Later i went into a park near by and gave all of this to God. At first i didnt know where to start except prayer, i told Him everything I struggle with. Not like He doesn't know ovecourse but I tell him trusting Hell listen and take my burden apon himself. As soon as i did that there was a comfort like i haven't experienced before, just such a peace.
Vietnam is a large part of the "Not for Pansies" part of the year I signed up for when joining Global. We had heaps of fun no doubt, sharing many stories and laughs.
Jesus said life in death not easy, it is in my doubt He trusts and in my fear He loves. A new adventure awaits in Austrailia, cant wait!!