Ninja

"1-2-3 Ninja!"
Silent chops whistled through the air.
Faces were still and attentive.

Right lunge.
Backward slash.
Left step.

Maria bursted out laughing.
We joined in.
The game did make us look silly and the trickling crowd of persons coming to St. Peter's Tết Trung Thu Festival were puzzled by our frozen non-sensical postures.

Our iSPY youth group had moved chairs, inserted candles into the paper lanterns, and got the stage ready. We were waiting for the dragon dance which marked the beginning of the festivities. We were ahead of schedule.
It was time for "Ninja!"

Minutes sped by.
Nacho cheese and jalapenos were scooped into bowls.
Hot dogs in creamy white buns were placed into guests' welcoming hands as they got hungry from watching the show and breathing in the clear night air.

The moon shone in its golden glory as clouds drifted past its surface.
Tommy served everyone with a huge smile.
Hương and Magdalene stayed faithful to the beverages post.
Hùng Anh, Andy, and Luân devised plans to empty the trash more efficiently as the carnival slowed its pace.

It was amazing to be around teens with a huge joyful spirit.
It was humbling to be around adults who was there to help the kids help.
It was astonishing that Chị Hồng drove home to make brownies for the kids as a midnight snack.

The moon was gorgeous that night.
More gorgeous were the hearts that gathered under that moon.

ps1. Photo of our ninja game.
ps2. In honor of the iSPY youth group, their parents, and all adult staff (official and unofficial).

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