Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (2016)

This little side trip to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay from our Bangkok adventure back in 2016 turned things around for me. We came with zero expectations, having only booked that flight because it was on sale, Frances wanted to make the most of her Asian vacation, and personally I had some extra savings (heard it wasn't too expensive in Vietnam) and terminal leaves. Without any detailed itinerary, the morning of our arrival we Googled then listed whatever we could feast our eyes and bellies on, opportunities to take in the history and culture of the towns we were visiting. And so, we explored for three full days...

Chicago, Illinois: 3 Arts Club and RH

Couldn't have asked for a better way to spend the last day of my best year ever!

Took the early morning train to meet up with my good friend Tin for brunch in the city, which eventually lasted for the good chunk of our December 31st...the entire beautiful, sunny day, actually! All thanks to six long yet ever so faithful years' worth of life stories to catch up on since our last Bible study together! It was an amazing chance to look back on all the blessings God has showered us with, not just in 2016, but on all the time we were apart, dedicating ourselves with school and work while trusting in Him.

Mukilteo, Everett, and Lake Stevens in Washington

Right off the bat, if someone asks if I'd move to the Pacific Northwest, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. And I've only been here for seven hours...?! Man, what a record!

Chicago, Illinois: Bucktown and Wicker Park

Brief but blissful

I can't recall much about my second visit to Bohol two years ago, it felt as quick and productive as the first time I've been. But what I do remember, I will never forget: