Such Amazing Grace: 2004 Vietnam Aid Expedition

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

Day 10

Today was another full day. After a great breakfast buffet (lots of pastries and fruit) we took the bus to the Da loi Primary School in Dalat. It was coordinated by the VN Red Cross. We - ok, not me - whitewashed one of the buildings. They used brooms and mops to put the "paint" on. Wow. I was with the group that made up gift bags for 120 kids. We had SO much great stuff - crayons, pens, pencils, toys, candy and each kid got a teddy bear. The teachers fed us at 10:30 - did I mention we ate breakfast before we went? Then lunch at 12:30. Then we had the Completion Ceremony. The governor and mayor were there as well as other local officials. Then the kids started showing up. They were so cute in their school uniforms! They sang a few songs for us then finally we handed out the bags. They took their bag and sat back down but the teachers wouldn't let them open them so they were peeking in. Then it was back to the bus - along the way I took a few pictures of people who were standing out in front of their houses. On the way back down the hill we passed several kids running home - I'm sure they were anxious to open their bags!

A little background on the school we visited - it's about 40 years old and there are 3 classroom buildings. The parents pay for their kids to attend which costs them about $10 per month. They have room for more kids, but many families can't afford to send their kids. I imagine it takes nearly everything for the families that have kids there. We also learned that this was the first time that any Westerners had visited - that explains the stares from the children - and the kids had never received gifts from anyone besides their teachers. That made it all worth it.

We had a little bit of time before our next activity so a bunch of us went shopping at the market about 1/2 mile from here. 12 of us piled into a 6 passenger van!!! The driver was worried he'd get in trouble if the police saw him.

The market is kinda like a park and swap. Row after row of stalls with them kinda located by what they sell - food, shoes, souvenirs, etc. It's alot to take in. Very interesting though.

Tonight we went to a lodge/hotel just outside of Dalat for a campfire and cultural night with the Ethnic People. The teachers from the school joined us. We danced and sang and drank wine through a straw from a big moonshine jug. Too funny. It was an interesting evening. The location was absolutely beautiful. Nestled in among a bunch of trees and I have never in my life seen so many stars!

I think we're all running out of steam but have just a few days before we head for home.

Dalat is so beautiful and the cool weather is great. Tomorrow we leave to go back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Take care and thanks for all your emails.

Kathy