The drive took longer than expected, due to road construction. 5 hours. I got there late, but they didn’t seem to mind. Shaun drove me to my dorm, otherwise, I would have to load my stuff onto one of those 2-wheeled carts and push them up the hill to the dorm.

On my application form, I stated that Dr. Irani was my reference. Obviously, he’s a regular member, and well-known here, because people refers to him by his first name. I feel ambivalent; probably more doubtful that this is just a New Age program. Lots of young american white kids. And some viet people, since this is a bilingual session conducted in english/vietnamese.

I’m sharing the room with another Viet woman my age. I don’t know what to expect. We shall see … I had a cot and a 2-inch thick foam mattress, a night table, and some hangers. Everything is organic, from the handsoap to the toilet paper. Clothes would have to be hand-washed and sun-dried. Water is drawn from the wells. Electricity is from the power generator. I guess this place is off the grid. Good thing I brought my blankie … I need something familiar to hang on to. I remember Eric and his first day in pre-school, with his fearful look, hanging on to his dinosaur.

On the way to the dorm, I encountered this vietnamese woman walking up the hill waving at me. Of all places, of all times, I ran into co Hai. Chu Thim Tho are my parents’ friends since Vietnam, pre-1975. She reminded me the last time she saw me was at my farewell party in December 1974. We didn’t have much time to talk; but she assured me that this is a good program and it’s her 3rd time doing it. She couldn’t complete the program the first time, and didn’t come back until 10 years later. I guess it was somewhat assuring knowing I was not going through this alone. Still …

We got “quy-y” at 8pm. Quy-Y means to be proselytized, to be converted into a religion. The translation used at the center was harsh and not completely accurate. Rather, we were admitted to the program, and were told to continue hanging on to to our own religion/faith.