While I put my clothes in my closet, I imagined the friends I would make, the foods I would try, the sports I would play and the places I would go. The days, weeks and months since then have flown by so fast, I can hardly believe it. I’ve settled in here so quickly. It’s been such a fun time to interact with my students, neighbors, co-teachers and other members of the community. I meet new people every day, and they all teach me something about themselves, their language, their hometown or whatever else they’d like to share. I feel like I’m constantly learning, and that is exactly what I was hoping for when I moved here!
My days are busy now, filled with teaching, playing tennis and soccer, volunteering with children, learning Vietnamese, hanging out with friends and traveling to new places when I have days off. It has been incredible to integrate myself into the community in so many different ways in only a couple short months since getting here. The people here are so warm and welcoming, and I always have something to do, someone to talk to or something to think about. Even though the lifestyle is totally different from California, Vietnam has taught me how easy it is to be happy in a new place when you can contribute to the community in a positive way.
Sometimes it’s the little things, like the lady who makes my favorite bún xào knowing what I like to order. Other times it’s the big things, like having a friend invite you to their home for a big celebratory dinner with their family. Either way, these experiences make me appreciate where I am and the good people I have the privilege to be around.
Can Tho has become my home, and, let me tell you, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
