After our day in Ha Noi with Connor's family, he and Patrick traveled back to Thai Nguyen to visit the villages of their births (what Connor's family called "returning to the homeland"). Connor to Phu Lac, where the whole village turned out to welcome him. Patrick to Lang Lam, where he surprised the entire Hoang clan, whom we had been unable to reach and who didn't know we were in country (we'd met them before). Imagine their surprise when this young man they hadn't seen in eight years, and didn't immediately recognize, says, "hey, it's me." A celebration ensued. Two days, two reunions. Two homecomings.
Wishing all our friends a peaceful and happy Holiday season. May your blessings be as bountiful as those we have experienced the last few days.
