Vietnam Day 8 (Goodbye Thanh Hoa hello Saigon)

We had a beautiful start to our day in Thanh Hoa, as we were invited to attend mass at the seminary, but it was the English mass for the seminarians to practice their English. It was beautiful to hear their singing as the sun was rising. After mass we went ate breakfast in the seminary. Again it was humbling to spend time with the priests and their men in formation. So much so they asked for me to stay and assist an English class. This was very intimidating for me since I was no English teacher, especially since I was wearing my grammatically incorrect shirt of all days. It said "Y'all need Jesus", lol........ Nevertheless God always has a way of humoring me.

Teaching English was a great experience and just as intimidating for the students since it's not often they get to practice with a person native to the language. We had a great time getting to know each other and building confidence in our communication. Every time I am in these situations, I imagine what it must have been like in early America when the explorers first came in contact with the Native American's. How did they possibly learn to speak each others language? It's just fascinating to me in these moments.

After breakfast we began to pack and prepare for out flight in the afternoon to Saigon, but before we left we had one more adventure to do, ride a motor bike. We decided to do this on our way to the cathedral for lunch with a group of     Vietnamese  sisters and Father Peter. They kindly prepared us a beautiful lunch, and gathering. We had some pork which was prepared in the traditional manner normally used for cooking dog. This has been one food I will not try due to many circumstances, most of all, simply being mans best friend :-] Everything was good as usual, the pork was a bit of a challenge to enjoy, but everything else was great, especially their company. As always the sisters are very charitable in their kindness. These ladies assist in feeding the seminarians. Reminded me of the good work which has begun in Charlotte, N.C. and their minor seminary. As I saw all the great success here, I could only hope for some of the same for my home diocese seminary and the Daughters of the Virgin Mary, both early in their endeavors.

After lunch we took a siesta and woke up ready to go to Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City). It was a little sad to say to goodbye to Father Joseph's hometown and family considering the kindness they showed me during my visit, and all of those he knew, but Saigon is the destination city most known in America, I was excited to finally see Vietnam's crown jewel and largest city.

We arrived in Saigon after a nice flight, and interesting ride to Father Joseph's community. Along the ride I sensed there was a change in conversation as things were a bit awkward and quiet verses the normal talkative time we had with the driver. After the ride it was revealed to me that the driver asked if we knew where we were going to play during our time in Saigon, a reference to the brothel style massages parlor's the area is known for. Father Joseph kindly told him we were here to visit some friends and left it at that in his kind ways that he is very well known for. I could tell there was something different about the conversation from when the driver first picked us up, and that's when it was explained to me. You could feel the awkward feeling continue as we arrived at the local Catholic Church lol, but it was hopefully a kind gesture planted with this man.

From here Father Joseph showed me around the area which he spent many years prior to moving to the United States to complete seminary and his formation, during which I met him shortly after his arrival. It was very kool to see all the great responses and surprised faces, including students he taught catechism to many years ago, who have since joined the Redemptorist community, following in Joseph's footsteps. The community extended that joy and kindness towards me and you could feel the wonderful energy in the group, similar to that of which I felt in Hanoi. That same love and kindness would overflow into the next day, but that's a kool surprise for tomorrow. After dinner we went to the common room where they had a couple slices of left over pizza which had crab, pineapple and another seafood, I believe was squid. It was interesting, and I should've probably warmed it up, but I enjoy trying the flavor profiles of hot food that is cold or at room temperature. It's like hot Chinese food verses cold, two different flavors.

The night finished up and we happily called it a night in fatigue, with some new jet lag, and more humidity. To add to that, we slept on wooden framed beds with simply a mat made from bamboo if i'm correct, it was humbling as I channeled my inner St. Francis of Assisi who was know for sleeping like this. I will admit though, I had some great air conditioning which he did not have or would use, that definitely made things very enjoyable. The weather here in the fall, is quite similar to Florida in the peak of the summer, I do enjoy the lack of mosquito's here though, so nice to walk around and not be a feast for a pest. As you can see the weather flat lines at 76 degrees in the evening but it still feels like 90 with the humidity. When you wake up, it's a challenge to breath in the early hours. More pictures are available on the link I provided in previous blogs, the internet is very slow at the moment, and I just want to get this one posted since I am behind again on my prayers and blog.