oldies out, newbies in!

July 31st, 2009 by Elizabeth

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!