GlocalNet

How old were you when you first started coming to Northwood?

*
I was 4 years old, so i have been going to Northwood for about 20 years now.

What impacted has Northwood had on you?

*  Without Northwood’s influence I can say I would probably wouldn’t have
lived in Vietnam this past year.  Growing up in Northwood I saw how the church
itself changed and became more outward focused.  As I got older I realized that
my faith was not all about me and I began to look outwards.  After I graduated
from high school I went with Northwood to work with orphans in Vietnam.  At that
time my eyes were really opened to see how much bigger the world is and I fell
in love with Vietnamese people.  I knew that one day I would go back.

What have you been doing this past year?

*  This past year I have been living in central Vietnam teaching English at
Vinh University.  I taught speaking to the first year English students there. 
It has been such an adventure living in Vietnam.  It is so different being there
and just living day to day life.  It was hard getting adjusted at first to life
there but in the end I really ended up loving it.

Did you have to raise money to go?

*  I did have to raise my own support to go over and teach in Vietnam.  I know
that there are some Asian countries where you can make money if you go and teach
there but Vietnam is still a developing country.  They need good teacher to
serve their country.  Last year I have to raise about $19,000 and this next year
I will have to raise around $15,000.  This summer while I am home in Texas, I am
working on raising money for this upcoming year.

What are some of the key lessons you learned?

*  I have learned so much this year.  It is hard for me to just list a few.  I
think the biggest thing I have learned is how big and different this world is. 
There are so many cultures in this world and they were all created so beautiful. 
Just seeing that just because I do something a certain way doesn’t mean that is
the only way to do it.  I love how Vietnamese culture is so community based.  I
truly believe that Vietnamese have some of the biggest servant hearts of any of
the people I know.

How can we be keeping you in our thoughts?

*  I would ask people to be lifting up that this summer while I am home I
would be refreshed and recharged.  Also, next year I will be a new city in
Vietnam, Hai Phong, and I would love it if you could be lifting up safety and
preparing new relationships that will be formed.  I am excited for next year and
I am so grateful for all of the people this past year who have been so faithful
in lifting me up.