THANK YOU to all those who donated items and made monetary gifts to the children in Vietnam. Jay and Jessica, Kidro, Jay, Taylor, Kate, Patty Larson, Betsey, Ellis, Molly, Erik and Robyn, Ashley, Mom and Dad, and Doug – thank you for all your donations! The baby clothes, underwear, books, bottles, babywipes, topical meds, toys, and multivitamins were all used during my visit. The money was put toward purchasing new supplies for the children, fruit and milk, doctor visits, pillows, medications, etc. THANK YOU ALL so much for your generous contributions!

It has been a big adjustment back into American life…I miss Vietnam very much and look forward to returning again someday. Volunteering for GVN was an unforgettable experience! I encourage you all to check out the website and consider volunteering at one of their many sites. It is an opportunity of a lifetime – seize the moment! 

If you are interested in purchasing greeting cards for $10 a pack as a fundraiser for the children of Red Cross Vocational Center, please let me know as I will be placing an order soon so the cards arrive by Christmas! They make great gifts!

Elizabeth

Today was a perfect day to end my perfect stay in Vietnam. I spent the morning walking around Hoi An with a few new volunteers, and then went to An Bang beach near Hoi An with my new BF Jen! What a BEACH! It was like the most perfect paradise I have ever visited – it even beats My Khe beach near My Lai! Beautiful white sand, dark blue water, a row of cafes serving food and beverage, lounge chairs under thatch huts…it was ideal. The sun was shining and the temperature was hot (as always) – it made for a perfect day. A few of Jen’s friends were nearby and I was able to meet some Westerners that now call Vietnam their home and have established careers in Hoi An and DaNang, working in the orphanages. I gotta say, I was very inspired. It got me brainstorming on how I can incorporate my nursing career with the children in Vietnam – I have some ideas… We relaxed at La Plage cafe for much of the day and early afternoon, before returning by motorbike back to DaNang.

Back in DaNang, Jen and I had the impromptu invitation of Mr. Kai (our security guard) to go across the street to join the neighbors for beer and beef! Another unique experience in Vietnam: dining with 4 Vietnamese elder men that LOVE their food, beer, and new friends. We sealed the deal of a group photo that I promised to send to them as a “souvenier.”

I have learned so much here in Vietnam – I cherished every moment and loved every day. This place feels like a new home. The entire experience with the children has changed me, specifically how I view myself, my needs and goals, and my career as a nurse – I will never see nursing the same way again! It has been a blessing to be here in Vietnam, and a month that I will never ever forget!

A few lessons I have learned in Vietnam (in no particular order):

1. I am only ONE person and cannot save the children of DaNang in 5 weeks. But it is because I am ONE person that I have the power to make a difference in someone’s life.

2. More valuable than possessions or money or fame or success, is family and community.

3. Smiling and saying “hello” is probably the most simple but most powerful task you can complete in a day.

4. All children, regardless of where they are born, are the same. And they are wonderful.

5. Hugs and kisses is a universal language.

6. Money is only as valuable as you believe it to be.

7. Regardless of how corrupt the American healthcare system may be, be grateful it exists and that quality healthcare is available.

8. Receiving an education is a privilege. Be grateful for the opportunity!

9. The clothes I wear do not matter. Not even a little bit.

10. Friendliness takes no effort. On the contrary, actually, friendliness creates energy!

11. Love is a hug from a 15-year-old handicapped boy name Lagu.

12. The Vietnamese do not prize fast cars or flashy diamonds or fancy clothes. Houses are simple and practical. Belongings are only the essentials. The Vietnamese value relationships – whether they be with neighbors, family, or co-workers, WHO YOU KNOW is far more significant that WHAT YOU HAVE.

13. Living simply can solve big problems.

14. Travelling across the globe can teach me about my own home.

15. Every person on this earth has a reason for existing. I found part of my reason here in Vietnam.

Thank you all for reading my blog during my adventure in Vietnam. Stay tuned for more updates about fundraising and opportunities to get involved in Global Volunteer Network. I appreciate all of your support! Thank you!

www.volunteer.org.nz/vietnam/orphanage

Love from Vietnam,

Elizabeth

In an effort to take advantage of every last moment in Vietnam, I took off with a handful of new volunteers, and Jen to Hoi An on Saturday afternoon. I got the V.I.P. ride on the back of Jen’s motorbike, which turned out to be extra adventurous when it began to downpour 20 minutes outside of DaNang. We were soaked within minutes, there was a swift breeze when on the motorbike, and for the FIRST TIME in Vietnam I was actually chilled! My body had forgotten what it was like to NOT be HOT! I gotta say, I wasn’t too thrilled about being cold; I’ve learned to love the sun and heat!

We had a great dinner at Mango restaurant last night in Hoi An, - kinda fancy and very memorable appetizers and desserts! The new volunteers for DaNang seem to be excited and enthusiastic about meeting the children. I hope they all can continue the programs and practices that I (and others) have worked hard to enforce during the month of July. All of the newbies in DaNang have experience teaching or working with disabled children, which is going to be a huge advantage to them! I expect great things to come from their work in the month of August.

The group then visited a couple of lounges along the river to grab a beer, and toast their arrival (and my departure) in Vietnam. Today in Hoi An will be lots of walking, a little window-shopping, and laying on the beach with Jen. My plan afterwards is to take the always-interesting bus ride back to DaNang to visit Dung and the other babies at AOV2. I miss them!

The new volunteers have arrived, and the old ones are slowly trickling back to their homes. I’m glad to be here through the weekend, to help with orientation, see the babes at AOV2 one last time, and hang out with Jen and friends on Saturday night.

Last night the group of us had one LAST ‘hoorah’ at the local cafe/bar, where we drank cheap beer and ate Pho. Then, we retired to the rooftop for a little impromptu dance party until 1am. It was such a memorable night!

Today, however, was a little rough saying “goodbye” to the children at Social Support. We performed our usual routine…breakfast, brush teeth, toilet, practice dressing, handwashing, crafts/games, walks around the compound, music and dancing! All the children were very active and seemed to enjoy the busy morning. Tam got teary-eyed and had some wonderful things to say about me, that he communicated through the interpreter. I was a sloppy tearful mess when I left Social, after giving every child one last hug!

I did some last-minute errands with Co Queyen today on the motorbike (LOVE that ride) and found some fun silk shops down by the river. Travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is the ONLY way to go (as long as you go slow, wear a helmet, and not do anything stupid). Co Queyen is a great tour guide around the city, taking me to the markets for the locals, where we barter in Vietnamese and everyone smiles and stares at me as I walk past. She knows everything there is to know about shopping in DaNang, plus she is silly and sweet, and has family members in every market in the city that give me great deals.

Before I forget, I have to write about an experience at the computer repair shop in DaNang. Last week I went with Mr. Viet and Jen to get their software updated at the Computer Hospital. Indeed, it is a hospital for “sick computers” and the technicians and software guys where white coats, with white surgical caps, and a little red cross on the hat! No kidding! The repairmen are “computer Doctors” that work at the “Computer Hospital.” I just about died laughing.

I also have to say that I received compliments tonight at dinner with my chopstick-handling skills. Apparently it only takes a month to fully master the art of eating properly with chopsticks.

Now all of the new volunteers have arrived in DaNang and are ready to begin orientation tomorrow morning. It is funny to see them arriving, knowing that one month ago I was in their exact position and thinking “what on earth am I getting myself into!” As it turned out, the month went enormously fast, I learned so much, and had one of the best months of my life here in Vietnam. Oh I wish I could trade places with these volunteers and experience this month all over again!

Tomorrow will be a full day of orientation and teaching with the new volunteers. I’m looking forward to talking a bit about cerebral palsy, baby care, proper feeding techniques and infection control. It won’t be hard work, but a long and HOT day, as they often are. I’m also planning on stopping over at AOV2 one last time to see Dung and the other babies. I just can’t get enough of those kids!

I am nearing the end of my journey in Vietnam, and am having trouble saying goodbye. This month has been unforgettable and life-defining. (Note: I have had the most trouble trying to put my feelings into words. I have written and re-written this post several times, trying to express my incredible gratitude toward GVN and those that contributed to this trip’s great success. Please excuse its disorganization.)

“Resolve to take Fate by the throat and shake a living out of her.” -Louisa May Alcott in 1889. In other words, take a chance: take a leap of faith; put yourself out there to new experiences and learning. Do not let fate decide your destiny; take the reigns and lead yourself to the life that you desire.

Sometimes, I need to put “real life” aside and follow a silly dream…take my life into a new direction…put caution to the wind and take a chance!… Coming to Vietnam was taking a chance and it has opened a door for so much exploration and opportunity.

Global Volunteer Network is a catalyst for creating huge changes in the way we as a people treat and respect one another. I have never had such a deep respect for a benevolent organization in my life. More specifically, the staff of GVN-Vietnam, and their undying commitment to serving underprivileged children. I have had the incredible honor of participating in a humanitarian project that has direct, positive outcomes. GVN empowers me to want to continue serving my community, wherever it is that I reside. My experiences here make me want to be a better person.

The kind people I have served alongside here in Vietnam have created a wonderful community…a philanthropic community that I hope to continue to serve throughout my lifetime. Jen, Viet, Co Houng, Mr. Phuc, Co Queyen, Co Hai, Sandy, Shirley, Jess, Sara, Thuy, Kyle, Lisa, JD, Will… so many wonderful experiences I could never recreate in any other circumstances. Thank you so much for everything you have given me.

My experiences in Vietnam have surpassed all expectations. The children were more precious and wonderful than I ever could have imagined. They give me a new hope in Humankind, and I can see my life in a new way.

My heart feels a love I have never felt before. My cup overfloweth!

Well, my time in Vietnam is beginning to wind down now, and my fellow volunteers are beginning to disperse from GVN house and return to their home countries. Alison left this morning to do some travelling on her own, before returning to Canada. Nadia returns to New Zealand tomorrow. Most others leave at the end of the week. New volunteers will be arriving on Friday and Saturday for August orientation, and I am glad to be sticking around to help the newcomers get acquainted. I am grateful that I still have 5+ days to spend with the children!

I was interviewed by a Vietnamese television station today at Social Support Center. Apparently some local non-profit organization is making some donations to the center, in support of the individuals that take shelter there. It is not too clear to me when/how/where this interview will be broadcast on Vietnamese television, since the language barrier was a little overwhelming. But I spoke for about 2 minutes to a TV reporter and answered her questions while covered in paint, with stickers on my face, holding a childrens book and some lego blocks. I’m sure I looked VERY professional.

A translator will translate my dialogue into Vietnamese and the interview will be dubbed. I would love to hear the voice of the Vietnamese woman who dubs my voice. The questions were a little difficult to understand, given the language barrier, but I mostly spoke of my specific work at Social Support and why I volunteer there. Of course I only had good things to say in the interview, as Social Support is one of the most challenging and rewarding places I have ever worked.

Dung at AOV2 continues to do well and was especially smiley today! He just melts my heart. The other children seem to all be relatively healthy at this time (knock on wood) and not suffering from any major illness (double knock on wood). We did baths today and had lots of playtime. I was covered in baby and loving every second!!!

Of course there are always more supplies that are needed at the orphanages, and today was no different. I received a report that the babies need pillows, new nips for bottles, nappies, and baby wipes. We have an assortment of these supplies at the GVN house, but I find myself shopping downtown DaNang once or twice a week for more supplies. I would like to give a SHOUT OUT to Kidro and Jay, whose monetary donations have gone towards pillows, nappies, bottle nips, and some topical medications! Thank you for your donation!

I would also like to take time to advertise for a little fundraising happening here for GVN-Vietnam. The children that we work with at Red Cross Vocational center (a home and school for disabled adolescents) have made some Christmas cards that they are selling as a fundraiser for their home. The children designed the cards and screen-printed them by hand. There are 5 designs in a package of 10. Each package is $10. They are multicolored angels, hand prints, Christmas trees, etc. Pretty simple designs, but take heart in knowing they were designed and drawn by hand. Each card has the GVN logo on the back, as well as our website. If you would like to purchase a package of Christmas cards, please email me and I will bring them home to MN for you, and you can pay me $10 at that time.

A little more info about Red Cross center: There are 40+ children that live at the center, each has a different physical or intellectual handicap. They attend the Red Cross center to get an education and learn a trade of some sort, so they are able to make a living later on in life. They do needlework, sew, screenprint, etc. all while mastering their English skills. They are tremendous children that love to learn, play, and make new friends. Their profits from fundraising will go towards basic living needs: shampoo, clean clothes, toothpaste, and breakfast!

I’m in good health and good spirits and continue to fall in love with Vietnam more and more every day.

What a week it has been! Sick children, late nights, and of course my short getaway to Hue to see the Purfume River, Citadel and beautiful pagodas.

Little baby Dung is back at the orphanage this evening; I reluctantly had to leave the dear one with his caretakers at AOV2 orphanage. I understood the enormous importance of having good translators today when trying to communicate with the caretakers about Dung’s healthcare needs and feeding/burping/etc. At first my instructions were not well-received and I was worried that I was returning Dung to the orphange too soon after his illness. But I feel confident now, after speaking with Jen, Ms Huong, and the translators, the mothers will properly care for Dung as he recovers from bronchitis. I was a nervous wreck leaving him there, since my perhaps over-the-top expectations for caring for an ill child are far different from those in Vietnam. I should mention that the Vietnamese mothers are certainly qualified caretakers – evidence of 80 million healthy people living in Vietnam today! All I thought was: “I’m going to need a prescription for Valium to calm my nerves, whenever I become a mother.” Mom: NOW I sort of know why you worry about me all the time!!!

Not gonna lie, though, I AM looking forward to a continuous uninterrupted night’s rest tonight (no 10pm or 3am feedings, no midnight nebulizer treatments!)

Despite my parental responsibilities, I was able to sneak away for a short getaway this past weekend. On Saturday, Jen took over all motherly duties for Dung, while I took off to Hue (2 hour bus ride north) with Kyle, Jess, and JD. I’ve read horror travel stories before, of people being crammed into tiny buses, unable to see their feet, having unknown hands jammed into tight spaces, no bathroom or window to speak of, and 6 hours of  hot, non-air-conditioned bus riding. Fortunately, most of these horror stories originate in rural China or Mongolia. Our ride wasn’t quite as uncomfortable, but I did arrive in Hue with numb feet and a wicked charlie-horse in my leg. The quarters were tight and I couldn’t really move from the moment I sat down, as people were seated or standing 360 degrees around me. I sweat off about “half a stone” as JD would say, but we arrived timely and safely.

Hue is quaint and quiet, in comparison to Hanoi, DaNang and Saigon. Few motorbikes and plentiful sidewalk space. Little cafes and bars sprouting up all along the Perfume River and hostel areas. We took a tour of the Citadel (old emperor’s quarters) and the remains of the Imperial Enclosure and Purple City. Hue took a heavy beating during the war, as it is only a few kilometers from the DMZ. Most historic buildings were toppled, and the city is still recovering. We then visited the Thien Mu Pagoda, where Buddhist monks currently reside, and I was fortunate enough to catch one of their prayer services. Beautiful chanting and prayers coming from monks of all ages, ranging from 12 to 70! Pretty remarkable.

Behind Thien Mu is an old Austin motorcar that became famous from a photograph taken in 1963 in Saigon. Remember the infamous monk who set himself on fire in protest of the policies of the South Vietnamese government? His fiery protest caught the world off guard and the photograph was known around the world within days. The car that transported monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his death was pictured in every one of these published photographs, and it sits on display behind Thien Mu Pagoda.

We took a boat trip of the Perfume River, and saw a village of fishermen and their families who live and work on their fishing boats. It was a remarkable scene. We did some shopping, ate some great grilled shrimp for dinner, and retired to ‘Why Not? Bar’ at the end of the evening. The waitress approached and asked if we wanted another round of drinks, and before we could answer she said, “Why not?” So we bought another round. I tried Vietnamese Dalat wine for the first time, and was impressed! Since I was expecting a wine that tasted like mouthwash, I was pleasantly surprised that it was only somewhat terrible. It couldn’t have been TOO bad since I polished off 3 glasses.

Where the real adventure began was during my walk to the bus station the following day. It was about 100 degrees and the sun was HOT on Sunday afternoon. The others decided to stay a little longer in Hue, but I missed baby Dung and wanted to get back to DaNang. According to my trusty Lonely Planet travel guide, the bus station was on the northwest corner of the Citadel, on the outskirts of the city. I could have taken a taxi, but decided to be old fashioned and walk. I left the hotel with my pack and began to walk. And I walked…and walked…about 6 km. It was HOT and muggy. No one was stupid enough to be outdoors like me; all the locals were inside napping in the shade, or drinking a cold beverage. I spent the first 30 minutes of my walk trying to locate a cold bottle of water. When I found one, I spent the next 60 minutes trying to find the bus station. I asked for directions a few times (of course had forgotten my phrase book in DaNang) to no avail. I was not lost, since I could locate myself on the map exactly. But the supposed bus station on the map, was NOT where it is located in real life!!! With the help of an empathetic Vietnamese woman who spoke excellent English, I flagged a motorbike taxi and eventually got to the correct bus station. (Note: the correct bus station was in the exact OPPOSITE direction in which I had been walking for 90 minutes). Just so you know, the Vietnamese woman looked at my map and agreed with me: the MAP was wrong. So, $3 and a 15 minute motorbike-ride later and I was boarding my bus.

The bus ride home was not as crowded or hot, and I could feel my feet the whole time. I couldn’t help but laugh, however, when a few of my fellow passengers back to DaNang were ducks.

An eventful week! Sorry about the delay in posting…

Baby Dung was much more ill last Wednesday, and I was very concerned about him. I spoke about my concern to the mothers and out translator, and then recruited Jen to get involved. Dung needed to see a doctor immediately and I wasn’t willing to wait. Fortunately, Dr. Ross is an Australian family practice physician who has a practice established here in DaNang. Many of his clients are western and he has provided frequent services for many of the GVN babies. Of course, being a Western physician his prices are NOT cheap and there is NO health insurance. But it is better that Dung be seen and receive proper treatment, than be admitted to the “free” hospital and stay there a week, only to be discharged with minimal improvement (and possibly other ailments as well).

So, Jen and I, along with a mother from AOV2, brought Dung to the doctor. The physician was very thorough and she used the terms “stridor and rhonchi” so I have confidence she knew her stuff. Viral and bacterial bronchitis was the diagnosis. He was started on bronchodilators in the form of Nebulizer treatments every 6 hr and antibiotics. Because of the risk of infecting the other children at the orphanage, and because the mothers could not understand Nebulizer treatments nor administer them correctly, Dung is living at Jen’s house this week. I volunteered to play “mom.” Jen and I are sharing parenting responsibilities. However, the first night at 10:30pm I was vowing never to be a single parent…taking care of a sick infant is tough work! Night times are the worst…

“It takes a village…” With ample help from a mother at Malnourished and one of our cooks, we were able to provide one-on-one 24/7 care for little Dung. His treatments and medication seem to be working, as he is improving every day. He still coughs quite a bit, but nebulizers are an expectorant, so I guess this is expected. His wheezes are gone and he sleeps better at night (thank God!) Waking up every 2 hours to a whimpering baby is not my idea of a good night’s sleep. I have learned that even in Vietnam, babies are expensive! Baby formula, disposable diapers and doctor visits are still costly over here!

Today we hope to deliver little Dung back to AOV2, where he will share a room with Mai, the little girl that was very sick and hospitalized a month ago. Since they are both immuno-suppressed, its best they remain out of the main bedroom as to not contract another virus/infection!

I’ve loved spending time with little Dung…its so great to wake up to a smiling baby in the morning!

We’ve been back at work with the children since Monday morning, focusing on activities and exercises for the children with cerebral palsy, and keeping the babies free of illness. Had a couple scares on Monday afternoon at AOV2 with some pretty sick babies. Treated them as I am able with my limited pharmacy, and hope to avoid any trips to the hospital this week. I suspect virus/flu, no bacterial pneumonia as far as I can tell. If a Vietnamese person gets sick there is no option but to go to the hospital. There are no clinics, no urgent care, no doctors’ offices. There are 2 inpatient hospitals in DaNang for a city of over 1 million people.

This week we have continued our routine of care/activities at the Social Support Center: breakfast, brush teeth, toilet, practice dressing, physical therapy, crafts, playtime and English lessons. Sounds simple by our standards, but carting around 11 children with varying degrees of intellectual disabilities and a few others with cerebral palsy can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with the help of 5 volunteers and a few “mothers” we always get the work done, and are seeing improvements! On Wednesday we focused on hand-washing and the kids seemed to enjoy it! They love any activity involving water!

Sandy, a physical therapist from Australia currently volunteering in Tam Ky, has come to visit us and work with the severely disabled children a couple times this month. Her instructions and recommendations have already made a profound difference. One child, Lu, is 16 years old and has moderate Downs Syndrome. He is a brand new resident of Social Support and we are starting at “square one” with the rehab, as he has been virtually immobile most of his life, without the opportunity to use his legs…until NOW! With Sandy’s instructions and our support, Lu took his first few steps this week - the first time he has walked in probably forever!!! It was astounding.

Another child, Lagu, is 14 and has some severe intellectual handicaps, probably as a result from deprivation and/or head trauma as a small child (but we don’t know for sure). He is very under-developed for his age, is nonverbal, and communicates with sounds and facial expressions. In recent months have been encouraging walks, exercise, and close one-on-one attention. I noticed this week his eye contact has improved, he is loving his walks/runs around the compound, he makes more noises, claps his hands and SMILES! Today, I actually received one giant, sincere HUG from Lagu. It was such an honest display of affection; an unforgettable moment for me. He looked at me with his deep brown eyes, squealed and smiled, and wrapped his arms around my neck. It was without a doubt the best hug I have ever received.

Elizabeth

On Saturday morning I got up early to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi for some exercise. Being that it was before 6am, I thought I would be one of few walkers. But to my pleasant surprise, hundreds have gathered! Exercisers! Walkers! Most of them over 40, many above 60 y.o. The way they exercise is hilarious – rubbing their bellies in circular motions, swinging their arms wildly for some apparent reason. They cough and spit chunks of phlegm onto the sidewalk, as part of their “cleansing” process. The motions they make with their bodies is quite unique, but it must work! No one is overweight and everyone appears quite healthy, ranging in age from 20 to 80+! It proves that just moving your body is exercise. Their exercise needs no order, rhyme, reason or rhythm (although maybe reasoning behind their movements does exist, its just beyond my comprehension).

 I saw others doing Tai Chi, and women performing slow, wave-like movements with red fans, kind of reminded me of pilates. It all looked very relaxing and invigorating. I saw a man boxing a lamppost, two older men doing karate, and an aerobics class! An actual class of 50+ women, with an instructor, and a stereo playing Jennifer Lopez. Some “body builders” brought their weights and were doing bench-pressing outside on the sidewalk, next to a lake. And of course many games of badmitton being played. My first introduction to Vietnamese exercise routines was quite entertaining.

 Our driver picked us up at our hotel at 8am and we began our 2 hour drive to Halong Bay to board our wooden junk and spend the rest of the weekend at sea. My only description for our drive through the North Vietnamese countryside is to say it is breathtakingly beautiful and diverse. Water buffaloes sunk up to their horns in muddy pools, taking a rest from their hot work in the rice paddies. People transporting logs attached to the back of their bicycles. A Vietnamese man perched atop a mule, pulling loads of God-knows-what on a wooden cart. Endless rice paddies, rolling green hills poking up on the western horizon looking more like cartoon drawings than anything real. And the thousands of water-filled craters made by American bombs; craters that the resourceful Vietnamese have turned into shrimp farms and fish ponds.

 Expecially in northern Vietnam, I found frequent reminders of the American War in Vietnam. (Note: no one calls the conflict the “Vietnam War”, as it was indeed a conflict between US Government and Communism. Hence, it was an American War.) The most remarkable discovery about the Vietnamese is their willingness to move on and accept the things we cannot change. In a country that has almost always been invaded/occupied by foreign governments, and has experienced almost continuous war over the past 1,000 years, they are a forgiving people. Life goes on…no use dwelling in the past…forgive those who caused harm…hold no grudges. Certainly they will never forget the atrocities of war, nor the 3 million civilians and family members killed in the 1960s and 70s. But they hold no grudges against Americans or the war veterans, and in fact invite us to Vietnam to forgive and make amends.

 And so on we drove across the countryside and arrived in Halong Bay just before noon. We boarded our wooden junk (a large wooden ship with big brown sails, holds about 30 guests and 20 crew) which would be our home for the next 2 days. We sailed in and out of 3,000 islands that stick out like fingers in Halong Bay. 3,000 ISLANDS! Many are small in diameter but several meters high. Some are large enough it would take an hour or two to climb to the top. A rope and rock-climbing gear would be the only way to reach the summit of most of the islands. So spectacular! We sailed for awhile, had an incredible seafood dinner (the first of four incredible seafood dinners we would have on the wooden junk). Then stopped on an island and walked through some old caves, and hiked one of the 200-meter high islands. Swam in the ocean a bit, relaxed on the beach, watched the sunset behind 3,000 islands. When it got dark that night, for the first time since I left Minnesota, I was able to see a sky full of stars. From atop the wooden junk, I saw FOUR shooting stars!

 The next morning was much of the same…slowly sailing around the islands, beautiful blue skies above. We took a small wooden row boat through a cave opening and were suprised to find the other end of the cave was an enclosed lagoon! I’ve never felt so much like Ariel from Little Mermaid: “Floating in a blue lagoon…ya ya…come on and kiss the girl…sha-la-la-la-la-la…” Sing along, you know the words!!!

Sunday night we returned to DaNang to begin work again Monday morning. I have fabulous memories of our relaxing weekend away, as it is by far my favorite place in Vietnam (besides the baby orphanage).