-^-for posterity-^-

my last night living in ho chi minh city. i spent the time with ms. uyet, ms. loan and mr. quy. they took me out to a nice restaurant and we all talked and smiled and took pictures. it was wonderful and uncomfortable.

i was wearing jeans for the first time in a while. it was raining and wet and my pants stuck to my legs and were heavy. the night was thick and the air was thicker. i felt heavy. it didn’t help that ms. uyet told me that she thought my face was fatter than normal. people are fairly up front here and, at times, it’s refreshing.

the restaurant was open and the tables were thick and glossy. everyone ordered for me and it was a strange assortment of food. a little chicken, a little rice, a small bowl of something white. we ate and talked and it was wonderful. i guess it was my thanksgiving meal: they are the closest thing i have to family here.

the meal ended and they drove me home. everyone was sad and mr. quy was on the verge of tears. his eyes were swollen and he kept staring off in the distance. i shook their hands heartily and smiled. “i’ll see you in a month. i’ll be back here for christmas.” they said things like, “i hope you never forget us.” and, “life is not the same without you.” and, “forget-me-not.” and, “i like very much being your friend.” and, “you are special to us.” i couldn’t stop smiling. i felt all warm inside like i was really at home.

mr quy handed me a small box and then turned away. he was noticeably shaken. they left and i crawled up to my room. the box held a small gold pen and a note. the pen is heavy and metallic. i’ve never been a fan of fancy pens. i like cheap plastic pens that i can chew on. the note said, “for your friendship. love, quy.”

so, i leave for long xuyen. thanksgiving has past by quietly and i didn’t have the opportunity to watch the macy’s day parade. (it’s not all bad being over here.) i’m thankful for so many things. i’m thankful that i have a wonderful family back home supporting me. i feel wonderfully close to them. i’m thankful for friends in the states. i’m thankful that i’ve had the opportunity to experience this new land. i’m thankful for all the mistakes i’ve made in my life. i’m thankful for vietnamese friends who have embraced me in such a short time. sincerity is so disarming.

well, now i travel down to the mekong delta. the land with rice fields as bright as jade and skies as large as the ocean. what a wonderful, wonderful world.