Breakfast, crafts, picture frames and the slap game made for a fun morning. The wind from earlier has died down somewhat so we are going to the beach before lunch.
Gwenyth [Gaba] and I had a good conversation with Dat [translator] and Pink at breakfast about God and theology. Gwen and I were having a challenging time overcoming the language barrier and conveying our thoughts. But I'm glad that Dat & Pink felt comfortable enough discussing the topic with us. I talked to Bic and Thao about it at the beach this morning, and Thao had some great insights. She is such a sweet, caring person who is so genuine with her faith.
After breakfast, we went to the beach, then came back for lunch. After lunch, Laura & I walked around a bit and took pictures. We were again photographed by Vietnamese locals wanted to pose with Americans. :)
We played more games and did more crafts with the kids, then went back to the beach this afternoon. Some of the kids flew kites, including Zoom who had a big smile on his face the whole time. That made my day. Bic also told me later that Yen (ee-EN), who has cerebral palsy, said this was the first time in her life people have paid attention to her for reasons other than her disability. That alone makes it totally worth our being here.
After dinner tonight (which we had outside at the shelter), we had a sharing time (w/candy and ice cream!) with the kids and GVI staff (all but Thao, who had to go back to Hanoi). They all expressed how much fun they've had and how they consider us part of their family. Their openness and graciousness is humbling.
We played some more games and sang some songs after that and are now finally going to bed. Sad that tomorrow is the last day at Do Son with these kids. One more trip to the beach in the morning, then lunch and on to Cat Ba for our team and Bic.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Carnival & bonfire
Ate dinner (more calamari) and then and then had the carnival with the kids tonight. Played football toss, bowling, egg-on-spoon, 3-legged race. All the kids got prizes and had a blast. We ended the night with a roaring bonfire. Since it had been raining, the wood was wet, so they ended up pouring fuel on the logs and then burning styrofoam... when that didn't catch, they dumped almost a whole box full of chopsticks on the fire. :) The kids loved it.
During some of the games, I talked to a man who was hanging around the activity. He was with another group on vacation at the hotel. He told me he was a teacher in a high school about 10 years ago. He wanted to know what we were doing, so I explained to him about the kids and GVI and SS3. He said that everyone could tell we were doing good because the children all looked so happy. He said it was good that we were here and that we should come back year after year. He also said that they hear a lot about the U.S. all the time (which made me think about how influential the U.S. really is globally, and what our country is showing the rest of the world, good and bad). Hopefully we are revealing to the Vietnamese people we've encountered so far that there are Americans who care about more important things than MTV!
We closed the day with a group meeting in Laura's & my room. Thao [another GVI interpreter] prayed for everyone, both in English and Vietnamese. It was so moving, listening to her pray. She is so sweet and sincere and passionate.
Last full day at Do Son tomorrow.
During some of the games, I talked to a man who was hanging around the activity. He was with another group on vacation at the hotel. He told me he was a teacher in a high school about 10 years ago. He wanted to know what we were doing, so I explained to him about the kids and GVI and SS3. He said that everyone could tell we were doing good because the children all looked so happy. He said it was good that we were here and that we should come back year after year. He also said that they hear a lot about the U.S. all the time (which made me think about how influential the U.S. really is globally, and what our country is showing the rest of the world, good and bad). Hopefully we are revealing to the Vietnamese people we've encountered so far that there are Americans who care about more important things than MTV!
We closed the day with a group meeting in Laura's & my room. Thao [another GVI interpreter] prayed for everyone, both in English and Vietnamese. It was so moving, listening to her pray. She is so sweet and sincere and passionate.
Last full day at Do Son tomorrow.
No beach
The waves were too large so we didn't go to the beach this afternoon. We did do crafts outside at the shelter and the kids played in the water that was splashing over the retaining wall. The kids made sun visors and bracelets/necklaces and we also had nail polish, which girls AND boys had a ball with. We sang a few songs and played games, then took a break before dinner.
I went with Marci, Laura, Terry & Marissa to the coffee shop across the street from the hotel. It was nice being able to have some down-time for conversation.
I'm feeling a lot better now and it seems like my voice might be coming back -- yay!!
I went with Marci, Laura, Terry & Marissa to the coffee shop across the street from the hotel. It was nice being able to have some down-time for conversation.
I'm feeling a lot better now and it seems like my voice might be coming back -- yay!!
Tropical storm
Slept so-so last night, restless dreams. But, felt pretty good when I got up. Still have laryngitis. :/
The tropical storm has brought wind and rain but right now (after lunch) the sky has cleared off a bit.
We were supposed to go to the beach this a.m. but the rain kept us at the hotel. We were still able to play games and make drawings with the kids outside under the shelter. The storm surge was 20 ft. high and came up over the retaining wall of the hotel. The kids (and adults!) had a blast playing in the water and confronting the huge waves head-on.
I learned a little of the background of some of the kids. One boy named Tri (pronounced "Tee") was found when he was 2 years old, abandoned at a lake. They had no idea who his parents were or where he came from, so he was named after the lake where he was found. Another girl, Be (pronounced "Beh"), who is a bit older, was left at a train station with her older brother. A gangster claimed them and gouged Be's eye so she could beg on the street. The police caught him and took the kids to SS3. Be's brother ended up getting an education and a job as a chef. He sends his sister money and visits her at the orphanage often. I'm sure each of these kids has a heartbreaking story, but the staff doesn't share any of that with them (understandably).
Apparently, when GVI started working with SS3, the kids were sad and listless, but over the course of a a few years of interaction, they were transformed into the happy, loving kids we are encountering today. GVI is incredible.
The sky looks to be clearing a little bit so we might be going to the beach this afternoon.
The tropical storm has brought wind and rain but right now (after lunch) the sky has cleared off a bit.
We were supposed to go to the beach this a.m. but the rain kept us at the hotel. We were still able to play games and make drawings with the kids outside under the shelter. The storm surge was 20 ft. high and came up over the retaining wall of the hotel. The kids (and adults!) had a blast playing in the water and confronting the huge waves head-on.
I learned a little of the background of some of the kids. One boy named Tri (pronounced "Tee") was found when he was 2 years old, abandoned at a lake. They had no idea who his parents were or where he came from, so he was named after the lake where he was found. Another girl, Be (pronounced "Beh"), who is a bit older, was left at a train station with her older brother. A gangster claimed them and gouged Be's eye so she could beg on the street. The police caught him and took the kids to SS3. Be's brother ended up getting an education and a job as a chef. He sends his sister money and visits her at the orphanage often. I'm sure each of these kids has a heartbreaking story, but the staff doesn't share any of that with them (understandably).
Apparently, when GVI started working with SS3, the kids were sad and listless, but over the course of a a few years of interaction, they were transformed into the happy, loving kids we are encountering today. GVI is incredible.
The sky looks to be clearing a little bit so we might be going to the beach this afternoon.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Talent show
Dinner was... interesting! I ate miniature whole squid (plural)!! And more shrimp and morning glory. It is so sweet eating with the kids -- they always put rice in our bowls first and then use their chopsticks to put food on top. They always make sure we have food in our bowls.
After dinner was the talent show outside under the large shelter. The hotel had a sound system and played lots of techno music for dancing. Before it actually started there were other kids with parents and adults hanging around and they all wanted to take pictures with the "white American girls." So we posed with men and kids for a good half hour before the talent show actually started!
I have no voice right now. Just croaking. So very bummed. I really wanted to participate in the talent show. But, not having a voice made me think of the bigger picture... and how, metaphorically, these orphans often have no voice. At least until now -- GVI is doing wonderful things for them and bringing attention to their needs. It is such a great organization. Having laryngitis also made me realize that this trip isn't about me showing off and drawing attention to myself. It's about me loving the kids and making THEM feel special!!
SO, the talent show included many songs in Vietnamese; a fashion show -- Pink designed costumes out of newspapers and origami, which some of the younger kids then modeled; George [Belden] and Bob [Gluck] juggled; Marissa [Rapone] taught the kids the Cupid Shuffle line dance. Everyone seemed to have a really good time.
I crashed maybe an hour before it was over. Totally hit the wall and have been really emotional. I do not want to be sick anymore!!!
Not sure what the plan is tomorrow. There is a tropical storm off the coast, which might change our plans!
Just have to say again how sweet and loving these kids are. What a blessing!
After dinner was the talent show outside under the large shelter. The hotel had a sound system and played lots of techno music for dancing. Before it actually started there were other kids with parents and adults hanging around and they all wanted to take pictures with the "white American girls." So we posed with men and kids for a good half hour before the talent show actually started!
I have no voice right now. Just croaking. So very bummed. I really wanted to participate in the talent show. But, not having a voice made me think of the bigger picture... and how, metaphorically, these orphans often have no voice. At least until now -- GVI is doing wonderful things for them and bringing attention to their needs. It is such a great organization. Having laryngitis also made me realize that this trip isn't about me showing off and drawing attention to myself. It's about me loving the kids and making THEM feel special!!
SO, the talent show included many songs in Vietnamese; a fashion show -- Pink designed costumes out of newspapers and origami, which some of the younger kids then modeled; George [Belden] and Bob [Gluck] juggled; Marissa [Rapone] taught the kids the Cupid Shuffle line dance. Everyone seemed to have a really good time.
I crashed maybe an hour before it was over. Totally hit the wall and have been really emotional. I do not want to be sick anymore!!!
Not sure what the plan is tomorrow. There is a tropical storm off the coast, which might change our plans!
Just have to say again how sweet and loving these kids are. What a blessing!
We're at the beach!
Met the kids at a rest stop and had a snack of longan berries. The kids seemed weary of being on the bus and not quite as energetic as they had been the day before.
We had lunch in the hotel dining hall as soon as we got to Do Son. The meal was ALL seafood... clams, shrimp (with the head and legs still attached :P), whole fish... I at it ALL!
We had a little down time after the lunch. I started feeling lousy again, so I took a nap while the rest of the team played games with the kids outside. Again, I felt bad to be missing out and letting everyone down. :(
Did go to the beach after the nap with the group. The beach is about a 5 minute walk from our hotel. The beach itself is fairly large. The water was calm, no large waves. Water is also very brown. Was kinda surprised how much trash was around and in the water.
The little kids and older boys had fun -- the older girls didn't swim. We had beach balls and inner tubes in the water and some kids played in the sand on the beach. Tons of umbrellas along the length of the beach and vendors on bikes.
Talent show after dinner tonight. I am supposed to sing a couple songs with Chris [Barras], but I now have laryngitis, so that will be interesting!?!
We had lunch in the hotel dining hall as soon as we got to Do Son. The meal was ALL seafood... clams, shrimp (with the head and legs still attached :P), whole fish... I at it ALL!
We had a little down time after the lunch. I started feeling lousy again, so I took a nap while the rest of the team played games with the kids outside. Again, I felt bad to be missing out and letting everyone down. :(
Did go to the beach after the nap with the group. The beach is about a 5 minute walk from our hotel. The beach itself is fairly large. The water was calm, no large waves. Water is also very brown. Was kinda surprised how much trash was around and in the water.
The little kids and older boys had fun -- the older girls didn't swim. We had beach balls and inner tubes in the water and some kids played in the sand on the beach. Tons of umbrellas along the length of the beach and vendors on bikes.
Talent show after dinner tonight. I am supposed to sing a couple songs with Chris [Barras], but I now have laryngitis, so that will be interesting!?!
Early riser
Feeling better!
Woke up a little before 6 a.m. this morning. Slept really well last night. Marci, Laura & I went for a walk at Hoan Kiem lake before Marci joined the rest of her fellow runners. Many people exercising and doing tai chi. Laura & I brought our cameras and it took awhile for the lenses to warm up after being in the AC -- kept having to wipe away condensation. But we got some nice shots.
We were walking back toward the hotel when two old women rushed up to us and pointed enthusiastically at the lake. We looked and there was something popping its head above the water, so Laura & I startede snapping pics. We had no idea what it was -- Hanoi's "Nessie" haha
Later, we learned it was an ancient turtle that is regarded as sacred. The myths of a giant turtle began in the 15th century -- a story similar to King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. The turtle is a rare species, one of only 4 or 5 left in the world, and is claimed to be over 100 years old. The Vietnamese consider it extremely good luck to see it. :)
Laura & I walked down a street and got lots of photos of street vendors. So many colors and textures and variety. It was SO humid -- we were only out for a little bit and were drenched when we got back.
Had breakfast at the hotel and then at 8:30 loaded up our stuff into the charter bus. We're en route to Do Son currently and it's a 3-hour drive. We're meeting the kids halfway at a rest stop.
Woke up a little before 6 a.m. this morning. Slept really well last night. Marci, Laura & I went for a walk at Hoan Kiem lake before Marci joined the rest of her fellow runners. Many people exercising and doing tai chi. Laura & I brought our cameras and it took awhile for the lenses to warm up after being in the AC -- kept having to wipe away condensation. But we got some nice shots.
We were walking back toward the hotel when two old women rushed up to us and pointed enthusiastically at the lake. We looked and there was something popping its head above the water, so Laura & I startede snapping pics. We had no idea what it was -- Hanoi's "Nessie" haha
Later, we learned it was an ancient turtle that is regarded as sacred. The myths of a giant turtle began in the 15th century -- a story similar to King Arthur and the Sword in the Stone. The turtle is a rare species, one of only 4 or 5 left in the world, and is claimed to be over 100 years old. The Vietnamese consider it extremely good luck to see it. :)
Laura & I walked down a street and got lots of photos of street vendors. So many colors and textures and variety. It was SO humid -- we were only out for a little bit and were drenched when we got back.
Had breakfast at the hotel and then at 8:30 loaded up our stuff into the charter bus. We're en route to Do Son currently and it's a 3-hour drive. We're meeting the kids halfway at a rest stop.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sick.
Got back to hotel and felt terrible. Awful sinus pressure and earache. :( The rest of the team sorted all the stuff we brought for the kids and I laid down.
After, Marci, Laura & Pink [one of the translators] went to the pharmacy and got me saline nasal wash and Tiger Balm. Terry [White] also gave me some Advil Cold & Sinus, which I took. While everyone else changed their money and was out & about, I took a nap.
I felt bad... not just because I was missing out, but also because I felt guilty having so much attention directed toward me and away from the focus of this trip. I have been trying really hard to stay positive and not complain!
I felt a little better after the nap. Our group went to Highway 4 for dinner. I debated about going but decided I would have felt worse if I had stayed behind.
We had a wonderful meal -- Bic ordered for all of us and we ate family style. Everything was delicious -- even the calamari. :) Had catfish springrolls, banana flower salad (which was my favorite), morning glory (like greens), chicken with seasalt & lemon, fried rice and corn juice (exactly what it sounds like!). I felt a LOT better after eating.
After Highway 4 we went to Fanny's Ice Cream, which is DELICIOUS!! I had "Autumn Leaf" which was chocolate,green tea & coconut ice cream with caramel and shaved coconut. YUMMY.
From there we walked back to the hotel. What I wasn't prepared for here is the number of people on scooters. Literally thousands -- usually two or more per bike. Crossing the street is a rite of passage (Keith [Polarek] did it, ha).
Tomorrow we go to the beach. Chris prayed for my health and asked people to pray via the blog. I am WILLING myself to be healthy!!!
After, Marci, Laura & Pink [one of the translators] went to the pharmacy and got me saline nasal wash and Tiger Balm. Terry [White] also gave me some Advil Cold & Sinus, which I took. While everyone else changed their money and was out & about, I took a nap.
I felt bad... not just because I was missing out, but also because I felt guilty having so much attention directed toward me and away from the focus of this trip. I have been trying really hard to stay positive and not complain!
I felt a little better after the nap. Our group went to Highway 4 for dinner. I debated about going but decided I would have felt worse if I had stayed behind.
We had a wonderful meal -- Bic ordered for all of us and we ate family style. Everything was delicious -- even the calamari. :) Had catfish springrolls, banana flower salad (which was my favorite), morning glory (like greens), chicken with seasalt & lemon, fried rice and corn juice (exactly what it sounds like!). I felt a LOT better after eating.
After Highway 4 we went to Fanny's Ice Cream, which is DELICIOUS!! I had "Autumn Leaf" which was chocolate,green tea & coconut ice cream with caramel and shaved coconut. YUMMY.
From there we walked back to the hotel. What I wasn't prepared for here is the number of people on scooters. Literally thousands -- usually two or more per bike. Crossing the street is a rite of passage (Keith [Polarek] did it, ha).
Tomorrow we go to the beach. Chris prayed for my health and asked people to pray via the blog. I am WILLING myself to be healthy!!!
SS3 & GVI
I slept kinda bad last night. Marci decided to unwrap and eat a granola bar at 3 a.m. hahaha It reminded me of people in the theatre slowly unwrapping hard candy during an especially quiet and poignant scene. Just tear it like a bandaid!
I'm still congested and my left ear is still plugged. Managing.
Went to SS3 this morning and met the kids. They were so excited to see us. It melted my heart. One 2 or 3-year old boy ran up to me, extremely interested in my camera. :) All our cameras and video equipment turned out to be very popular -- another boy, "Zoom," wore it around his neck and probably took over 100 photos of the other kids and our group. Was told later he has autism. Another boy, "Tee" also tried it out.
After SS3 we went to GVI HQ and met Sherman -- what an amazing man. Chinese decent, grew up in Canada & went to college there, speaks Mandarin & Vietnamese fluently. Learned he is moving to Hong Kong TOMORROW and someone else is taking over his position at GVI.
Had a brief orientation and learned more about the Vietnamese culture.
Ate lunch at a place called So:da -- Western-style food. Had a ham & cheese and a pineapple smoothie. :)
Back to hotel after, then possibly shopping.
I'm still congested and my left ear is still plugged. Managing.
Went to SS3 this morning and met the kids. They were so excited to see us. It melted my heart. One 2 or 3-year old boy ran up to me, extremely interested in my camera. :) All our cameras and video equipment turned out to be very popular -- another boy, "Zoom," wore it around his neck and probably took over 100 photos of the other kids and our group. Was told later he has autism. Another boy, "Tee" also tried it out.
After SS3 we went to GVI HQ and met Sherman -- what an amazing man. Chinese decent, grew up in Canada & went to college there, speaks Mandarin & Vietnamese fluently. Learned he is moving to Hong Kong TOMORROW and someone else is taking over his position at GVI.
Had a brief orientation and learned more about the Vietnamese culture.
Ate lunch at a place called So:da -- Western-style food. Had a ham & cheese and a pineapple smoothie. :)
Back to hotel after, then possibly shopping.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Hanoi
Landed in Hanoi at 10:10 p.m. Was reading more Mother Teresa. Was inspired about things I could be doing back home in Richmond to help the poor. Will see if I have the guts to follow through when I get back.
Hanoi is humid. Exhaust fumes hang in the air. Hard to get a sense of it in the dark but have a feeling it will be bustling in the morning.
Bic [our translator] and some other GVI team members met us at the airport and rode the shuttle with us to the hotel, which is in the oldest part of the city.
Bic is great. Very sweet, funny, friendly. She says her favorite karaoke song is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" because she loves the Wizard of Oz. A girl after my own heart. :) Hoping we can sing karaoke while we are here.
We meet tomorrow morning at 8:00 to head out to SS3 Orphanage. Will be with the kids for about 90 minutes and then have time to see GVI headquarters and maybe do a little souvenir shopping.
Very crazy that we are FINALLY HERE!!
Was hard taking a shower without getting water in my mouth.
Hotel is nice. Sharing a room with Laura [Shibut] & Marci [Andrews].
Hanoi is humid. Exhaust fumes hang in the air. Hard to get a sense of it in the dark but have a feeling it will be bustling in the morning.
Bic [our translator] and some other GVI team members met us at the airport and rode the shuttle with us to the hotel, which is in the oldest part of the city.
Bic is great. Very sweet, funny, friendly. She says her favorite karaoke song is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" because she loves the Wizard of Oz. A girl after my own heart. :) Hoping we can sing karaoke while we are here.
We meet tomorrow morning at 8:00 to head out to SS3 Orphanage. Will be with the kids for about 90 minutes and then have time to see GVI headquarters and maybe do a little souvenir shopping.
Very crazy that we are FINALLY HERE!!
Was hard taking a shower without getting water in my mouth.
Hotel is nice. Sharing a room with Laura [Shibut] & Marci [Andrews].
In Seoul
[This is a journal entry from my recent trip to Vietnam]
Arrived in Seoul, Korea! We were welcomed by rain, lots of clouds and fog. The airport is supposedly huge, although we only got to see a small portion. Was able to use wi-fi to send an email to family.
The flight itself was about 15 hours. It was (overall) relatively bearable. The flight attendants looked plasticky-perfect. Asian Barbie dolls. The service was really great.
Watched a couple movies, "The Hairdresser" in German and "Toast," a Brit flick.
At this point, it feels so surreal to be on the other side of the earth... by the time we get to Hanoi it will be bedtime. We lost an entire day! Feels so bizarre.
My left ear is plugged from the first flight, which is annoying. Was hoping to kick the sinus/allergy malady before leaving Richmond but it looks to be lingering. Trying really hard not to complain (and realizing how much I do... need to change that!).
Full of anticipation about the next several days. I'm reading a book of the wisdom of Mother Teresa. What an amazing spirit she had -- and a Christ-like life. Her philosophy was "faith, love and service." Certainly one worth emulating.
May we "not waste our time in looking for extraordinary experiences in life, but live by pure faith, ever watchful and ready by doing our duties with extraordinary love and devotion."
Praying that God will shine through us.
Arrived in Seoul, Korea! We were welcomed by rain, lots of clouds and fog. The airport is supposedly huge, although we only got to see a small portion. Was able to use wi-fi to send an email to family.
The flight itself was about 15 hours. It was (overall) relatively bearable. The flight attendants looked plasticky-perfect. Asian Barbie dolls. The service was really great.
Watched a couple movies, "The Hairdresser" in German and "Toast," a Brit flick.
At this point, it feels so surreal to be on the other side of the earth... by the time we get to Hanoi it will be bedtime. We lost an entire day! Feels so bizarre.
My left ear is plugged from the first flight, which is annoying. Was hoping to kick the sinus/allergy malady before leaving Richmond but it looks to be lingering. Trying really hard not to complain (and realizing how much I do... need to change that!).
Full of anticipation about the next several days. I'm reading a book of the wisdom of Mother Teresa. What an amazing spirit she had -- and a Christ-like life. Her philosophy was "faith, love and service." Certainly one worth emulating.
May we "not waste our time in looking for extraordinary experiences in life, but live by pure faith, ever watchful and ready by doing our duties with extraordinary love and devotion."
Praying that God will shine through us.
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