Background: From 2015 to now, 2020, I have been living out my tumultuous early 20’s abroad in SE Asia. For a while, I have known that it was time to pack up and leave. Though timeline as been quicker than anticipated, the feelings regarding this large change, remain the same. It’s a break-up, one which, from the moment the journey started, I knew would eventually come to an end. In these bittersweet final days in Vietnam, I’ve written this to help myself process the change, and perhaps those of you facing a change, or a moment of flux, too can relate to these words.

 

A little love letter to my life abroad: The end of an era.

 

Oh, my sweet Hà Nội. My last four years. 

 

My heart is heavy with change. 

 

Though, I know everyone’s life is changing in dramatic ways right now, I didn’t think our time would end like this.

 

I know it’s not goodbye, but instead, just, hẹn gặp lại. Yet, even with this knowledge, I can’t stop the tears.

 

The years I’ve spent here have been a time of healing, a time of adventure, and a time of growth. But, living in Neverland can’t last forever and so, it is time that we part ways. 

 

I am immensely grateful. 

 

Grateful for the lessons which you have taught me. 

 

Lessons in:

 

Patience

Empathy

Dedication

Discomfort

 

And grateful for your studies in: 

 

Perseverance 

Trust

Confidence

Chaos

And love

 

I will forever remember the moments which made up the years. The friendships, experiences, mishaps, and struggles.

 

I feel as though I am in mourning. For the person I was, and life, I led here. 

 

Was it all even real? 

 

Yes, it was. 

 

Yours always,

Kelsey