I'm going to Vietnam in Dec2010!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Hi friends! Not much longer and I'll be departing Vietnam...currently just got the boarding call at the airport for our flight. I'll have so much to share. Hope to post pictures soon after I get back to the states.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Da Nang Vietnam: a quick entry

Wow! Between all the travel on planes, boat, and bus AND all the amazing work and cultural experience we are getting I haven't had much computer time.
The group just arrived at Da Nang in the Central part of Vietnam. We had been up in the mountains with a minority group. For those who are following the itinerary, that was where we stayed on a house on stilts. We found out the stilts are to keep vicious animals out like...Tigers!! No tigers spotted though, only spiders, roosters, dogs and pigs....and a few others. There aren't many of those tiger creatures left and none in the populated areas. So at this time they make the houses out of tradition. It was really amazing.
We've held hundreds of babies, taught dozens of caregivers and connected with lots of people. We were the first Americans ever to enter one of the government orphanages in the Mekong Delta. I'll have lots more to tell about that later.
It has been tiring but I'm staying well and the group I'm with is amazing. We are great support for each other.
I don't have much time on the computer but have been trying to journal and photograph so I can tell more once I've returned. Again thanks to all of you who have been support. Being here is still sureal and I feel the love.
I'll end with a quote from one of our guides who helped us to the hundreth degree...
"Faith gives hope, hope give love, and love is beauty."

Friday, December 10, 2010

We Made It!

A quick check in for those who are following...WE MADE IT! After about 33 hours of travel and airport time our group is in Ho Chi Mihn City Vietnam. It is exciting to be with such a cool group and start seeing the sights. Tomorrow we start working with the kids in a facility that has around 350 kids ages 4 months to 14.
Tonight I had red snapper in a sweet and sour sauce, and in case you want to know, the price of tea in China is about 78 yen (at the airport)
I can't get onto facebook so this and email will likely be my main source of contact.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Meet Jack!


Meet Jack!

To teach infant massage we use a doll to demonstrate the different motions. For the orphanages and child care facilities in Vietnam we will be using some very special dolls. One of my colleges going on the trip and her sewing club made each of us a ‘gingerbread man’ shaped doll. Each of us were delivered or sent a doll and encouraged to decorate it. I took mine to LEEP Forward and had the kids I work with decorated it. So here’s the result! Meet Jack!


I'm currently in LA and meet the group this afternoon to head to the airport! Very excited!!!!! We are off this evening!!!!