I am from the United States, and to visit Vietnam was initially something I thought would be difficult to say the least. I was unsure of how I would be treated by the citizens, and how well the students would accept me given the history between our two countries that has happened during my lifetime. I am very pleased to say that my concerns proved to be unfounded. Indeed, I have been made to feel more than simply comfortable, but respected and even admired for where I come from, and the students have even given cause to feel almost like a celebrity here.
While I may receive the occasional stare from the people on the street, my students and the people who I have spent even a small amount of personal time with have been amazing in their kindness, generosity, and willingness to share a smile. James is the primary reason for all of it. By opening himself to the differing cultures and personalities of those of us who are foreign volunteers, James has enabled the creation of what we now call our Vietnamese family. From the Vietnamese staff of Stand by You to all of the instructors, we have created a friendly, fun and engaging group who look after one another to sometimes great lengths. None of this would be possible without James’s openness, generous nature, and good spirit.
I cannot imagine how my Vietnamese experience would have been without coming to Stand by You, without James, or the staff of our school. I do know that it would be so very different, and much much less rewarding. I will leave this country feeling like I have a second home now. For that, I can only offer my deepest and most sincere thanks to James.
James is a man of gentleness, kindness, and infinite generosity. He is due nothing less than my full support and endorsement for what he has created.
Sincerely,
Michael Seymour
United States of America
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