Gratitude

For a country that lacks many of the modern conviences that Western nations enjoy, one thing the people do not lack is a genuine sense of joy. For many, life is tough. Yes there are some who enjoy luxuries of life... but they are the very few. Most live on very little in comparison to my family. We were told that a university professor makes $100/month; many, however, may only live on $1/day. Now you may say, "But they can buy so much more with $1." True, to some extent...but not the extent where they are fat and filled as we are - by they way, I have not seen even one overweight person in VN - not one. And its not solely due to their body types - its because their financial situation does not allow many to enjoy the blessings of 3 full meals a day.

There have been times in my painting business when I will make an entire Vietnamese year's income of in just one day!

One of the most challenging aspects of this trip has been the "customer service" of the hotel staff. We are not staying in 5 star hotels... nice, but not luxurious. yet, with how we are treated, you would think my wife and I were millionaires - in fact we are. At one point in time on the trip we had to carry in my pocket over $5 million DVN - vietnamese money. The hotel staff serve us so graciously, humbly, and I think with genuine joy. I will often tip a restaurante waiter or belle hop (spelling?) just $1, and you'd think I gave them $100... to them, I did.

Below are some pics in Siagon... warmer there than in Hanoi, so in my early morning walks (5am-6:30am) I would see people sleeping in the streets.




This was a common seen. Many street venders (sell all kinds of small items: food, drinks, gambling cards, magazines, etc) will literally sleep right on the street where they peddle their goods - perhaps that is the only place they have to lay their heads.


I have prayed that this trip would change me life, Kaya's life, Kim's life, and obviously Evan's. I'm sure the thoughts above are one part of God's humbling of my heart. I wonder what else he will have for us?