October 2010

October has been a historic month for Hanoi, as it celebrated 1000 years on 10/10/10.  On a much smaller scale, it was historic for us, being the first time we were not with Joseph to celebrate his birthday.  When we talked to him about his day, we were blessed by all those who made his day special.  The day before his birthday after his soccer game, girls from his college group sang "Happy Birthday" to him in 3 part harmony.  He was impressed.  The same college group took him out for supper and then on his birthday, our Pastor surprised Joseph and brought cake and ice cream after the college group meeting.  What a blessing to him and to us!

Brittany recently rediscovered her scooter, which was a perfect timing:
because of the 1,000 year celebration, the road near our house was nicely black topped.  At the top of the road there is a nice hill that Brittany is enjoying going down and seeing how far she can coast.  The pictures above and below show the old and the newly paved road.

Ann and I have been hosting the Alpha Marriage Course and we just finished our fifth meeting.  Wow, it is a great program!  We have been meeting at a restaurant - so we start off with a meal in a semi-romantic atmosphere, with each couple having their own table.  It is a little like a date night but with the purpose of learning new skills and ways to grow our marriage.  If anyone wants to join us, we hope to have it again sometime after the Lunar New Year (February).  Of course for some, the commute to and from the evening session would be a little tight - ha ha.

We cannot believe that October is almost over.  We hope to go and see the recently opened Citadel in Hanoi before they close it to the public (November 2nd).  It a Unesco World Heritage Site.  Here is one link if you would like to read more about it:  http://www.holidaysindochina.com/news_detail/51/114/Travel_Destinations/Hanoi_Royal_Citadel_Citadel_named_World_Heritage_Site_.html

This year has seen a lot of high level meetings, with lots of official processions being led by police cars clearing the traffic for the dignitaries.  A few times we have seen a special escort(never having a camera with us) of a group of police officers in special uniforms on Gold Wing motorcycles escorting the VIPs.  They sure look like fun to ride. Unfortunately, the legal max cc is 150.