Full Circle

The past two months have been amazing. I still haven't had enough time to fully reflect on all that I've seen, or as Jackie put it "fully unpack" all the thoughts and memories that have accumulated during my travels. The last two months have been crucial in terms of preparing me to follow my dreams of starting a non-profit. I am still unsure if I want to work on the local, national, or international level, but one thing is certain - I don't have to pick any single option and it is very possible that I may do all three. What is certain though, is that I am going to find a way to help this world as best as I can.

I've come to understand poverty in its truest form. With my own eyes I saw desperation and suffering, the economic impacts of foreign trade, the sick and dying, the poor and forgotten. At times it was depressing and impossible to handle, I didn't know how to sort it all out and I still don't. There is nothing more scarring than seeing a young child with amazing potential be lost to AIDS. There is nothing more saddening than seeing a community leader losing his life to cancer. Through all the suffering I see here, there is a hope that prevails through it all, a chance for survival, a wish for a better day.

Realistically, I can't solve all of these problems and I can't prevent other peoples' suffering. It would tear me apart to take responsibility and share the burden of so much suffering, but it would also be wrong for me to ignore it. What's the solution? I can try as hard as I can to make good of what I've seen, to use all of my photographs, clips and memories to share the stories of the amazing families I've met. The stories of Ba Sau, Co Tam, Thanh Thi and of all the strong people I've met will never be forgotten in vain. I can't put an end to all the suffering that I see, but I can damn sure try.

My study abroad trip has been a journey more than anything. As this journey nears its end I can only reflect on what I've seen while being present for the finale. Tomorrow, I'll be stepping onto a plane back to the US, but a part of me will always remain in Vietnam, more than words can say and more than pictures can hold.

We'll see what the future holds, not just for me, but for this country and these people as a whole.