Joy holding the chick.
This mother and her calf wandered by while we were at Bee's house.
This was one of the tables after the meal!
This man was so kind. I just had to have a picture!
Bee and her husband receive our gifts.
Bee's new house.Hello, all--
We are ever-learning the customs of Vietnam. A couple weeks ago, Bee brought us a handwritten invitation to a gathering at her new house. The "party" was this past Sunday. I would describe it as a "housewarming" although the main activity was a full meal for 60-70 guests. Christians here use this time also for a prayer of the home's dedication to the Lord, asking for His protection and blessing. The prayer time took place on Saturday, since Bee's house is about a 30-minute motorbike ride from her church in Danang, and the pastor could not get to her house easily after the morning service. Joy surprised us all by wanting to spend the night with Bee on Saturday night before the party. She had a great time!
To prepare for this event, Bee must have cooked for at least a couple of days. There was rice, shrimp, chicken, beef, vegetables, soup, and more. Bee and her husband had rented round tables and plastic stools for the guests, and had moved all their furniture outside beside the house to make room.
It is customary to bring gifts and money to the new homeowner, specifically, money to offset the expense of the meal. This is also the custom for the wedding reception. The gift should be at least 6-70,000 dong per guest ($3-$4). All gifts are given to the family upon arrival, but none of the packages or envelopes are opened in the presence of the guests.
We were, of course, somewhat of an attraction, since only one or two others at the party spoke any English at all.
Bee lives out in the countryside--we saw many rice fields and several farm animals. The house across the street held a treasure for the girls' attention: chicks. Oh, how they begged to bring one home! (No, I did not give in!)
It was a great afternoon. I could tell that it meant so much to Bee and her husband for us to attend. It was a joy to honor her in this small way.
May your life, too, be blessed with good friends and may we all have the good sense to appreciate them and honor them whenever possible!
Grace and peace!
