Home is where you make it

It's cliche, I know. But in a way it's true.

Some call it culture shock while others might consider it inhospitable territory. Growing up in the US, Vietnam is a little bit of both. Either way living in a new county requires an adaptive spirit.

Upon arrival there's distinct smells and the air is thick. Traffic seems scary, even crossing the street is considered an adventure. Sitting on little plastic chairs intended for kids feels primitive and uncomfortable. Littered streets and stained walls seem like war zone. Everything is new, exciting, and unfamiliar.

Then one day you wake up and it doesn't feel like you live in a different country. Sweltering heat and humidity hardly registers, the temperature "drops" below 80F and you feel cold. Getting cut off while driving goes unnoticed. Sudden downpours are the norm. Foul smells of unprocessed raw sewage and garbage are comfortingly familiar.

This is home.

But it's only the beginning of the process and journey. Now the real work and challenges begin.

Survival and getting by is one thing, however flourishing, prosperity, and success is another.

SP