Blogging
From Abroad

I write this from the same Internet cafe with 1997 Dell computers & bootleg windows systems, but this place isn’t all bootleg. I had the luxury to enjoy a authentic Vietnamese meal tonight, with all the trimmings. Granted, the trimmings were all things I’ve never seen or eaten before, but it was great!

The people in this place are so similar to the people I know. Some have a good job and are secure with their present & future. Others have nothing and have to hustle from the bottom to make their way through this biological journey. I respect both equally.

I saw a man this morning, probably in his sixties. He was crossing the street, walking with his hands. Human curiosity encouraged me to look longer but my mind overruled that impulse as I assumed that his condition was a result of a terrible conflict of ideas that we were engaged in years ago. I’m not making a political statement, just a statement of observation.

I am however enjoying every minute of my time here with a passion. Earlier today we visited a refuge where “at risk” and escaped girls live. These kids are victims of human trafficking or susceptible to it. When we first entered the rusted gates in a dark Saigon neighborhood, I was concerned for what I might find inside. We sat down for a discussion with the coordinator of the shelter (through a wonderful translator and person named Phong Chi) for an honest talk about the issue. No cameras shooting, no notes being taken, just an old school sit down.

The conversation was amazing and enlightening. I asked what the biggest challenges the institution faced were. The response given was simple and timeless; trying to help people who don’t see a problem or refuse to receive help. It makes perfect sense, but wasn’t the answer I was anticipating as I sat sweating in the summer humidity with a group of 12 social workers and 5 high school student/translators.

What followed was a tour of the facility. The teal walls were offset by the stains of childrens’ dirty hands on the stairwell and water marks from leaks in the tin/plastic roof. The kids were simply amazing. Their faces pushed smiles through the rough exterior they were forced to adopt from the abuses they’ve endured.

I donned a bandanna a couple days ago as a way to discard my insecurities of a receding hairline, and take on another persona of sorts. (Yeah, I’m still honest :?) My group and the children sat in a large circle in plastic lawn chairs on the beautiful jade?tile floors. We sang together, played games, and most importantly laughed. I had a part in helping these children smile and laugh. I can’t express through words how this makes me happy.

When our time together was nearly finished, one of the translator?students approached me saying that this one little girl had a question for me. The girl saw me with my bandanna on and thought I looked like a hip?hop musician she couldn’t name. I was flattered of course. She asked me if I could dance, so I laughed inside and proceeded to give it a shot.

“When hip hop was young in the 80’s, this is how it was done,” I proudly stated. “Watch me…”

I proceeded to do the old school two step side to side with the clap in between. Adding a little more funk to the point of attempting a couple break dance moves on the Asian tile floor. I am getting old, I’ll admit that. But I gave it my all & didn’t come off too bad at all. I had the kids around me smiling and clapping with the beat playing in my mind. (Video will be posted soon :?)

They loved it, even though I wasn’t a great NYC breaker. It was the heart that counted. I did some minor flips and cartwheels to put it on for the kids. It was amazing to see their faces. I would attempt break dancing for an eternity just to keep a smile on their faces.

When all was said and done, I was fortunate to retreat to an air conditioned bus which transported our group today. The biggest thing I took away from this day of my life is the story you just read. The positive feelings I am feeling now are truly indescribable. I can only hope a bit of their essence shines through these words to give a hint of the truth. This world is amazing and the people in it are ALL a part of it. Sometimes you have to abandon comfort to find the truth about yourself and this life, and it is a fair trade. And a great author once said “In order to live free and happy, one must abandon a life of boredom: it’s not always an easy sacrifice.”

I couldn’t agree more. To all who read these words, good night & good luck on your journey, mine is going fine.

~Bobby Rizzuto