Exciting Things

Today was one of those days where exciting things just keep happening! At the start of this week I was very unsure about orientation, but it has been good so far if only to help get me more excited about Viet Nam. It helps being surrounded by people who actually know what they are talking about. Well, at least more than I do. So here are the three things that made me excited today:

1. This evening we went on a field trip to the Mennonite Resource Center (MRC). In of itself this was not necessarily the exciting part, although it was fun. But it is just another fact in a long line of new things I've learned that makes me really appreciate and respect MCC (Mennonite Central Committee for those who don't remember the acronyms). A big part of orientation has been learning what MCC actually is and what it represents. I love it. The three big areas of focus are relief, development and peace. It's is exciting to learn about these things in the big picture and to know that I will see all three in progress in Viet Nam. I saw even a little bit today at the MRC. There was so much happening there! They do:

• paper recycling to create revenue to be used for MCC projects
• school supply kits to be sent globally
• health kits (tooth brush, towel, etc.), often sent to refugees or relief situations
• newborn kits (blankets, cloth diapers, safety pins, clothes)
• hygiene kits for a family of 4
• AIDS caregiver kits
• meat canning (they actually have a mobile cannery that drives around the country 7 months of the year to can meat that is donated!)
• quilting to be auctioned off
• comforters to be sent away
• rugs made of old cloths, particularly ties!

There is a lot more happening there as well. It's an amazing place that is constantly addressing pressing needs around the world. I'm in awe of how MCC does what it does. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this organization. Which leads me to exciting things #2...

2. I was talking to a man here who knows a little about MCC Viet Nam. I mentioned that part of my job was being an intern for Max, one of the workers in Ha Noi. The man's response was, "That's great! Max is like a legend here at MCC". That is high praise coming from an already great organization. But something I forget that part of my job. Max has been doing field work in peace and peace advocacy for almost 30 years. That's a long time. I have so much to learn from someone who has seen and experienced so much. How exciting that learning from him is my job!

3. And the third...maybe the most exciting....drumroll please......

I have a family to live with in Ha Noi! And they are only 1km from my office! And I am fortunate enough to get my own room! With air conditioning (I didn't even have that in Seattle)! All great things!! I don't know much else, but it is just comforting to know that someone is expecting me in Viet Nam. I have a home there :)