Day 1

Day 1 in Hanoi was excellent.  Even though I didn't arrive at Sarah's (the other GEO volunteer with whom I am working) until 1 a.m., I still had a little trouble sleeping due to jetlag.  I did catch a few hours, though most of the time I lay there trying not to be too freaked out about being in a foreign country for the next 6 months.

I didn't need to be too worried.  After Sarah got up, we went for a walk to the campus where I will be teaching.  She showed me our office and I met a few students.  We made plans to visit the peach tree gardens (I think) on Sunday with a few of them.

After that we met up with J.P. and went to the NIN (National Institute of Nutrition) where LCMS WM has an office.  We went out to lunch for my first taste of real Vietnamese food.  My mind is now at rest about whether or not I like the food.  I love it!  My new concern will be about how much weight I will gain...

After lunch, I could feel my jetlag tiredness beginning to set in.  To counteract it, J.P., Sarah and I went (by motorbike! Also a new favorite thing) to the old quarter of the city to walk around.  It is the touristy area, but I haven't seen the "tourist-y" things of Asia yet, so it was all new.  The highlight was definitely finding the DVD and CD store.  I got the complete Stargate SG-1 and Scrubs series (18 seasons total) for approx. $31. (The exchange rate is about 20,000 dong to a dollar.  I am a millionaire here, but then so are a lot people.)

We left for J.P.'s house shortly after buying our DVDs.  We went on motorbikes (less fun during rush hour), and I met J.P.'s daughters Celeste and Bella.  Sarah and I went to dinner at Ted and Jacqueline's house.  I was really beginning to feel the jet lag then so I don't remember much except that dinner tasted really good.  We headed back to Sarah's room after that.

Today, we have meetings and lunch with the teachers at school in the morning, something in the afternoon, dinner at the Cima's, will hopefully get my luggage, and then I move to my own room!

Thank you to all who have been praying for my adjustment here in Hanoi.  I continue to need them, especially as I begin to navigate the city, learning the bus routes etc.  I also start class on Monday so please pray that it goes smoothly.

Peace, Hanna Faith