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!