Ha Long Bay and Good Bye Vietnam

Miro (IT), Roman (Policeman) and Anthony (Marketing) from Slovakia pose with new friend from U.S. We met people from Japan, Singapore and Korea on the boat as well. In talking to Roman for a couple of hours on the bus ride home, it was amazing how much he knew about America and Texas. As their country used to be significantly influenced by the former Soviet Union, they have a good understanding of repressive regimes. I told him he would make a good American.

 This village of boats are full time residents and even have a small school.

We agreed that we didn't get to spend enough time at SS 3.

Tram and Giang say goodbye...They help make the Hilton our home away from home. Tram appreciates our work and bends the rules just a little for us...late checkout was 5 pm and we will stay in the executive lounge until we leave for the airport. When discussing the soon to be open Hilton Garden Inn, she told me that while it's walking distance from the Hilton and it's okay to visit it, I'm not allowed to stay there.

She's such a cutie!

Big Day at SS3

Today a Senior Citizen Club from Hanoi came to SS3 and provided entertainment for SS3 elderly. There will not be a photo of me dancing on the blog...LOL. We were honored guests, gave 2 speeches. one about the celebration and partnering in the care of the elderly at SS3, another about care for elderly in America. Everyone was so gracious...at the end of every sentence they applauded, then the translator interpreted the statement (which they had just applauded without understanding) and they clapped again. Afterwards Laura and I were mobbed by the entertainers who wanted to have their photos taken with us. They actually pushed and shoved to be the one standing next to us, before finally taking turns. It was great fun for the two of us to be celebrities for a few minutes. Also pictured below some of you may recognize toys and sweaters/jackets that are now half way around the world from where they were given. I only wish all of you reading this could have been here in person to see the joy first hand. Enough of my words... (click on photos to enlarge)

Beautiful traditional dresses

Portrayal of mountain people (the men deserve kudos for wearing those outfits in the winter)

 Toys are a big hit

 These ladies were anxious to pose in their new cool weather gear.

 Hau (14 year old orphan) told Laura she loves her and never wants her to leave. I think at that moment Laura didn't want to leave either.

Laura and I easily blend in...see if you can find us. :-)

 

 

 

 

 

Morning at SS 3

From Texas to Hanoi

Approximately $500 worth of multi-vitamins for elderly and orphans thanks to generosity of people in California and Texas. This is not even all of them. Mr. Duc, Executive Director has become a friend over the years and has been at SS3 since 1999.

Recording vitamins by designation of elderly/men/women and orphans

 

One of the new bathrooms for elderly we participated in funding.

 

16 girls share this bathroom...the faucet is all they have for bathing.

 

Laura wanted to hold her all day.

 

We go back to SS 3 tomorrow to participate in an activity and see toys, clothes and other items in action that were delivered today. Tonight Laura and I enjoyed a fantastic traditional Vietnamese dinner at Tan's home...his wife is a great cook and the only thing better than the meal was the fellowship among friends that transcends distance and cultures. After we got in the taxi to return to the hotel it dawned on us that we forgot to take a photo. Nuts!

 

 

 

Relationships (Click on photos to enlarge)

After 27 hours in airports and planes (21 hours in the air, 6 in airports), Laura and I arrived at our hotel in Hanoi at midnight Monday. What a great feeling when we were greeted by name at the Hilton. Tuesday was a light day of visiting some of our best friends, the GVI staff and acclaimed artist Nguyen Minh Son. What a great start to our trip, sharing a meal and fellowship. Last year we took Tan and Minh Son on their first golf outing ever...now Minh Son has a set of golf clubs. He said next trip we need to reserve one day for golf and another for riding motorbikes in the countryside.  Easy to see why we are friends isn't it. Time spent with the GVI staff is always inspiring...it is always exciting discussing our shared vision for the future of elderly care in Vietnam. Laura and I just finished a walk in the French quarter of Hanoi... Dinner tonight at the Hanoi Press Club and tomorrow we get to deliver donated gifts to elderly and orphans at SS3.

Reflections

• Open doors and opportunities
• Two young ladies met in Ha Long Bay, from Ho Chi Minh City, who offered to volunteer when/if we go there
• Generous people who respond to needs
• Answered prayers
• Almost overwhelming needs
• Friends and Partners
• Smiling faces
• Hope
• Passion and Compassion
• Changing History

Hard at Work...

In case you thought all we do is work... We took friends Minh Son and Tan for their first ever golf outing. It was quite an experience for all. They showed great promise before giving out after 9 holes. Got first Vietnam birdie... Steve and I walked the 18 and decided when we get back to the U.S., we will look for a club that offers caddies for $5/round. It's a real advantage having someone line up those putts. Please be assured that the caddies were well tipped...The heat index was 102...we also kept them (and ourselves) hydrated. We agreed we've never played a more beautiful course.

Wow! Is it Thursday already?

Meetings are becoming a blur...National Geriatric Hospital, DOLISA, GVI, SS 3, etc. The photos below are just Thursday... People have responded so positively that they have offered to set up meetings with high ranking government officials and we have just run out of time...Friday we are meeting with the Vietnam Association of Enterprises, Business of People with Disabilities. We are most thankful for our friends who have set up these meetings for us...

Lunch (pho) after an excellent meeting with Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuan, Deputy Director of University of Labor and Social Affairs and Dr. Bui Thi Xuan Mai, Dean of the Faculty of Social Work.


Celebrating a generous gift of multi-vitamins for the elderly at SS3. Mr. Duc, Director, invited us to his home on our next visit. Our interpretor (Huong) was shocked...she's known him for 5 years and we are the first he's ever invited to his home.


The bathroom project is well underway...

You may recognize this little guy (recipient of a new shirt in previous post)...when he saw me he ran and jumped into my arms. I get undeserved blessings like this because of the generosity of others.

And our day was topped off by a wonderful dinner and time of fellowship with our friend Tan and his family.

Sunday and Monday

We arrived at the hotel about midnight Saturday... What better way to battle the 12 hour time zone difference and corresponding jet lag than visiting number 5 on the Wonders of the World list, Ha Long Bay.

Some our new best friends for the day...this started out to be a photo of Lisa, Steve and me...this made it more fun.

Monday with our friend Mr. Duc, Director of SS 3. He commented on how many times we have been to visit and expressed appreciation for our work.

This guy wouldn't let me touch the bag as he helps deliver therapy supplies for elderly and clothes for orphans.

This little guy sporting a new shirt...

Frequently, unknowing, but well meaning Americans tell me that there is not much of a need for improving elder care in Asia... After looking at some of the older posts one's opinion may change. New laws require that each elder has his/her own bed. This is not required for younger patients.

Almost Time To Go - Blessed

Encouragement and interest in the work in SE Asia has been surreal the last few days. Here are a couple of examples. Bruce and Jan brought clothes for infants and toddlers over. Today, donated therapy supplies came to the house in seven different boxes, so much in fact that some of it has to wait till next trip to go! Even checks and envelopes with cash arrived! All unsolicited! Others have sent emails of encouragement, called to ask how to pray for our trip...some even want to go with us on one of the next trips. People have called Vietnam and made appointments with high ranking government officials for us. The kindness and generosity of people is such a blessing, to people around the world and to me personally. Names that come immediately to mind are Bruce, Jan, Gina, Judy, Eric, Mike, Jeanne, Clint, Wendy, Larry, Joleann, Melody, Gary, Loan, Dr. Y Duc, Bill, Mark, Dave, and of course Paula. Steve, Lisa and I appreciate the encouragement, prayers and support as we embark on Trip 6. May God bless you!