Everything Changed in Just One Day

It will only be too late if you keep postponing it. 

by Jon Babb

As a man over fifty who was fed up with the attitudes, expectations, and disappointment of dating in the West, I invite you to join me in Southeast Asia. Just be done with dating in the West. I found happiness, satisfaction, and contentment, so can you.

Online dating sites were a constant disappointment. But when I came across the site, Vietnam Cupid, I signed up. It took me a few days to build my profile, and I didn’t have much hope for positive results. Boy was I wrong! 

Once my profile was ready and released, everything changed in just one day. I checked and pass, pass, nope, nope, and then I saw her. Her pose and the look on her face struck my heart instantly. As soon as I saw her, I felt it in me. This was she. I immediately hit the like button, and then read her profile. I sent her a message right away telling her she had found who she was looking for too, and she responded. 

My profile stated I was Christian, single, and looking for a serious long-term relationship leading to marriage. Her profile stated she was Christian, single, and looking for a serious long-term relationship leading to marriage. We were both on the site for only one day, and suddenly we met. 

Her name is Hong Thi Bich Chau, (pronounced Hown). She is a Vietnamese national, speaks English and worked selling shirts in the market. We started communicating that day and have talked to each other every day since. Despite the miles, (8201mi.), and the time difference, nothing could deter us. We made a commitment to each other right away, and I started making plans to go to Vietnam. 

Her modesty, demure nature, and beauty were exactly what I wanted. She told me many times, she told herself, this man right here is for me. We smiled and laughed and made life fun again. We video-chatted and texted daily on Viber and Messenger and got to know each other. We use Google Translate when necessary.

I learned about the money, got my e-visa and booked a premium economy flight on China Airlines. For that distance, you need to fly Business Class. I know it’s more expensive, but you will arrive feeling refreshed and alive, not like origami after 22 hours’ flight time. I didn’t tell anyone that I was going to Vietnam to see her. I was very excited to be going. I was doing something I had never done, never dreamed I would do, and I couldn’t wait to finally see and touch Hong IRL. 

I only took a backpack with me. I figured I would just buy whatever I needed once I got to Vietnam. We landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and after clearing customs, I exited the terminal, and Hong was right in the front row. I immediately saw her, and she was waving and calling, “My husband, my husband”. The feeling that went through me is indescribable. I felt so loved. I made my way to her, and we hugged. I don’t really know for how long, then we got a Grab and went to the Hotel Chau Thien Tu. We spent every moment together and it was, dare I say, bliss. What a man needs in his woman, I had in her. She is kind, polite, caring, funny, giving, hardworking, loves to cook, sew, and clean. Our prayers were answered as we had both been praying for this happiness. 

Now there was culture shock for sure. The weather, food, attitudes, beliefs, customs, were all strange to me. I looked up and studied the currency, (Dong), and exchange rate, before I left. (They don’t use coins or checks.). The weather is hot and humid, generally between 24-33 degrees. The food is delicious and strange all at once. There are very few things I wouldn’t eat, but some took getting used to. Noodles and rice come with every meal, along with leaves, chilies, and sauces. The drinks are usually weak tea and water. And beer. Neither of us drink alcohol or smoke. The people are courteous, respectful, hardworking, and can be pushy in crowds. Kinda like pardon me coming through. 

We are very thankful and blessed to have each other. We spend our time together having conversations that provoke thoughts and feelings. She tells me all the time that she feels younger now that she has me in her life. She acknowledges that it took a lot [for me] to come to be with her and she always expresses her gratitude. 

When my visa expired and I had to return to the States, it was very hard to do. We were so used to being together and then I had to leave. It really got to us both. We did get married though and now we are waiting for USCIS to process her visa so she can come to the States. 

Men do not continue to delay, wait, or procrastinate, in any way. Get yourself to Southeast Asia and enjoy the life you seek. If there is any assistance I can provide, don’t hesitate to contact me at www.jbabbconcepts.com I will answer any questions I can and provide suggestions and insights that may assist you.