HO CHI MINH

“I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can’t read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can’t even reliably cross a street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses.” – Bill Bryson

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Previously called Saigon, this historic city was the location of our first volunteer project and is the first foreign city either of us have lived in and called “home.” It took a few days getting used to everything, specifically crossing the street. Every attempt felt like a near death experience as there is no break in traffic so you quite literally step into a street with cars, buses, and hundreds of scooters speeding directly at you. You then continue to play a frogger-like game as you slowly go step by step and the vehicles fly around you. Although tempting, no sudden movements or running which most tourists initially would think is the best strategy. As long as you go slow, no one will hit you. For an extra layer of security you can always throw up a strong stiff arm to let the oncoming stampede know you mean business. Of course, as the knight in shining armor I am, I always made sure I was on the side the cars were coming so that Princess Lindsey would be shielded and protected by my Captain America-esque stainless steel and sex appeal body frame in case a vehicle were to hit us (let’s keep it real – we all know Linds provides the muscle in this relationship). This may seem small, but conquering crossing the street was one of our first major victories.

Upon arrival at our volunteer house we were freaking out on the inside, all the while knowing that this was exactly what we signed up for. We felt overwhelmed and out of place. Culture shock to the maximum.

Once settled in, we came to really like our new digs. Located in the Phú Nhuận District, we were nestled far from tourist activity and were able to enjoy living like locals. The biggest surprise came when we were told the bedrooms were separated by gender and that despite having been together for 6+ years we would neither be sleeping together nor in the same room. Oh well. Bigger blow for Lindsey than me – for the first time in a while I was able to put my comfort first and not spend the first hour of bedtime scratching her head to make sure she falls asleep first. We both made out well though and were blessed with some phenomenal roommates who we now consider family. The volunteer house was filled with unique, genuine, and inspiring people of various ages from all over -Denmark, Austria, France, South Korea, Germany, Vietnam, Slovenia and, of course, America!

With no idea what to expect we were tossed right in and given three English classes to teach: two community classes of college-aged students and another at a nearby shelter with students aged 9-11. Each of them were at completely different levels of English speaking skills but all shared a similar eagerness to learn.

Some of the other volunteers were legitimate teachers – this frightened us given we have never taught before. After the first two classes we were pros and full of life. It was mind-blowing how quickly we became attached to the students and addicted to the raw feeling of elation when working with them. Every student in all three of the classes changed both of our lives in some way. They were all so attentive, dedicated, and grateful. In all seriousness, we have never experienced the extent and purity of the gratitude they exuded (see a few images of messages the students left us below). When we taught, there was no tomorrow…no yesterday… just pure submergence in the present moment. At home we are constantly thinking about the next meeting, the next client, the next bill, the next thing… not here though. These classes were a break from the multi-tasking lifestyles we lead back home. It was freeing to be able to dedicate 100% of our brain space to what was in front of us.

They say volunteering is all about giving back (and we are ecstatic that we were able to help them), but the truth is the magnitude of their impact on us far exceeded all expectations. They improved our perspective on life in more ways than they know. This experience was life-changing to say the least, and we are excited for what’s to come. If the subsequent projects are half as good as this one then we are in for a treat.

We’d also like to thank our CSDS family for everything they do and for taking us in. This organization is truly making an impact on the local communities in Ho Chi Minh City and we admire their drive to help others and make this world a better place. We look forward to keeping in touch, coming back, and continuing to hear about the positive differences you all continue to make!

• Saved: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Tagged: Experiences, Sightseeing, Volunteer