Our plane was delayed from HCMC and we ended up taking off at 8:10pm and arriving in Danang at 9:10pm. The flight wasn't the best, I'm just glad it was a short one. Several components of that plane needed some WD40 stat!
We collected our baggage and I saw a lady holding up a home made sign and recognised the World Vision logo instantly. Only, when we got closer, she had three names on the paper - Christine, Michelle and Catherine. So we just walked past thinking it wasn't for us. Only to realise a couple of minutes later that the paper listed our middle names!
So we went over and introduced ourselves to Ms Hong. She had been waiting for us since our original arrive time of 8:10, poor thing. She explained to us that she has been working for World Vision for 17 years!
The taxi picked us up and I got my first look at Vietnam outside an airport. The streets are filled with motorbikes who ride typically 6 abreast on the road. Our cabbie is on the horn tooting and flashing his lights (which I gathered was his way of saying "move over") and sometimes, he got a little too close to them for my liking!!! There are people everywhere outside shops, enjoying some food and I saw a few people playing draughts. Busy, noisy, but I get a real sense of community.
A few minutes later we arrive at our hotel which is really nice. I am so surprised... I'm currently sitting on my king sized bed typing on my laptop using the free Wi-Fi. Albeit the Wi-Fi for my level (Level 9) doesn't connect well, but Level 8 works a treat. The air con wasn't on when I arrived, so I got that cranking quick smart.. It's about 26 degrees and muggy outside, and in my room it would have been at least that, but something tells me after being up since 6am this morning and right now my body is telling me it's 1:43am, I don't think I'll have trouble sleeping! Even the fact that this bed is rock hard won't deter me I'm sure.
We haven't eaten since the last meal on the plane which was about 2pm Aus time. The best tip I think I was given before I left was to pack snacks! So I've pulled out my stash of muesli bars, cuppa soups and fruit bars to tuck into some food.
It was great talking with Thurza on the plane hearing about her stories from all her travels to the field. She told me that she met a man who worked for WV Uganda, whose brother was killed by the LRA. After this man came to work for World Vision, he was asked to go and pick up some children and adults who had escaped the LRA. One of these escapees was responsible for killing his brother. Instead of showing anger, he showed compassion and forgiveness. He said to this man, you need to forget this happened. If you didn't kill my brother, they would have killed you.
Thurza said she sometimes wonders where God is in times of disaster and conflict like the LRA and after hearing this story, she knew that God was right there, in this man showing this ex-LRA soldier compassion.
It made me wonder how I would react if I were in his shoes....then I realised that I have no idea how I'd react because I've never had to walk a day in this man's shoes. It really made me appreciate how lucky I really am, to live in a wealthy country where we are free from conflict such as that of the LRA.
Anyway, I should be getting some sleep, another big day tomorrow. And I'm really looking forward to it! Night night (or good morning for you guys!!)
xx