Day Nine

Today was truly an experience I never thought I'd ever have. A lot of people ask me what my background is, but it's always a long story to explain. My family history is not as simple as some people's, and I love sharing it with people... whether they want to hear it or not... If you ask, I'm gonna shpill. From my last name, most people that know the very common Vietnamese last names can guess what I am. In the past, if people asked what I am, I would simply say Vietnamese. But now, after visiting my family in Vietnam... which is not my parents' hometown, I don't feel 100% Vietnamese. My parents were born and raised in Laos, and when we visited the area in Vientiane that is predominantly Vietnamese-Laotian, I felt more at home. I can't explain what the feeling was exactly, but Vientiane felt more familiar than any of the parts of Vietnam we visited. I felt like an outsider in Vietnam. It made me believe even more that things happen for a reason, and I should appreciate what life has given me.

I had a similar feeling tonight. The feeling of not belonging to the motherland. The feeling of appreciation for my parents. The feeling that I am so blessed with the possibilities and opportunities that I have in my life. And so many other feelings that I still need to process and figure out. I went to help another team that works with Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong. I had no idea there was such a thing. When they told me we were going down "this" street, which was underneath a bridge, was THE street the Vietnamese refugees lived on. I thought we were going to walk pass this area to a legit refugee center. Like a building. With concrete walls and a ceiling. With beds and communal bathrooms. With electricity and running water. I. Was. Wrong.

These walls were constructed with pieces of wood boards and bed sheets. Rooms were divided with more wood boards and sheets. No electricity. No running water. I guess I was imagining the homes would be like shelters for the homeless in Houston. A roof and walls that at least keep out water from the rain. It's typhoon season! I'm not even sure why some of these people are here or how they even got here. I couldn't understand the man who was intoxicated and slurring his words. I could understand his complaints about the living conditions and how he wants to find a job but isn't able to because he doesn't have a HK ID card. 

There was just too much to take in tonight. I need more time to process. I am so thankful for my grandparents for leaving Vietnam when they did... and I am so thankful for parents for being so lucky to have found their way to the U.S. when they did... It wasn't easy. I've heard stories. They still blow my mind. Everyone with first world problems should really take the time to learn their family history and be fortunate for what they have. Don't forget where you are came from.