Updating from Tokyo while I wait for my flight back home. When I first got to Vietnam two weeks ago I was more or less moping around throughout most of the first week and wishing I could just head back home already. I was tired, jet lagged, sick, itchy, couldnt stomach much and having allergic reactions to things. I was uncomfortable with meeting family members Id never even laid eyes on. Though everyone in my family that I met was kind to me, my youngest cousin made the biggest impression on me. The first few days, having to be around her all the time and share a bed with her etc. seemed quite annoying. The days passed and I spoke to her more, my Viet got better, we went shopping and walking and eating together every chance we got in Saigon city. It was the most fun Id had in a long time. Last night when I had to leave to the airport and head back to America she held onto my hand the entire ride there and was crying half the time over the idea of me leaving off for years. She left off crying after I hugged and held onto her for a good long while before I had to head towards the gates and reassure her Id always keep in contact. I cant get her crying face out of my head now and couldnt help tear up a lot last night when I had to leave her off. Here was this little 12 year old girl, who hardly knows me, who happens to share the same blood, and who showed me an unending amount of kindness and patience even when I was feeling absolutely horrible and moody throughout my first week there, here she was crying over me. It broke my heart. I was never particularly close to family members, but I bonded a lot with her over the last week or so and saw her as a sister. I miss her already. Next time Im going to make sure she smiles when I leave off knowing Ill be back.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:51:41 +0000