Another noisy night … this time the receptionist came and cleared the deck … after we called her at 0:30 am.
Anyway, sun was shining … Matt got up at 6:30 and went for a walk. Lots of people already in the park exercising, dancing, walking …
Had an appointment at the Hy Vọng Trường (HOPE school). Sure enough we had a funny taxi driver. He wanted to go in the opposite direction … so Matt told him which way … and he than beat the normal price.
However we were 5 minutes early. As the door opened we saw the students in the yard, as they just had a break. The twins were the first one’s to recognise us. VUI signs all round. See photo - the twins have grown !!!
Had a good meeting. Funny stuff happened. Nguyen, who comes from the Mekong delta, he was moved to another school by his mother. The school caters for disabled children, but he was the only hearing impaired. After three days he told his mother he wants to go back to Hy Vọng Trường – Hope School. We were asked whether we would still support him ... Of course ... so we had discussed his case.
At the next meeting we will discuss finances, that is why we want Hien to be there, she is so good ... she is a successful business woman after all!!!
Then we talked about computers. Yes they need more lap tops ... but assigning them to the children to take home ... not a good idea ... the off chance it would simply disappear seems to be very high. However, there is a need, and we might be able to fill it.
On another note, the school can not afford bottled water. Only one of the two water despensers is currently working. At lunch time and with 100 thirsty students it’s on it’s last legs. $430 buys two brand spanking new hot and cold water despensers. Another visit to the bank tomorrow will fix it.
Some of the ceiling fans in the lunch area have broken down. Will be replaced by wall-mounted fans. Easy peasy. 250.000 Vnd ~ $ 13 each; we bought 10!!!
Smiles all around. On the way out we met with Than’s daughter. She is the artist who created the wonderful painting, which was presented to us last year.
After lunch we took the big bags full of clothes, caught a cab to the Peace Orphanage. Dr Nhi was busy, so we had a chance to catch up with OUR kids on the third floor. Shy little Diep was the first one to recognise us and she waved at us. Then Than came around the corner … and a big ‘HIGH FIVE” was in order, he almost lost his balance. It was soooo good to see how they are all growing and progressing. Soon Thanh has to go to school !!! Some children have moved on, sweet little Thui is now living with her parents, which is great; but … we miss her, but she now has a chance to have a normal life.
Later on we met with Dr Nhi and the head of the Peace Orphanage. Had a good chat about what has happened in the last year and where we stand. We can visit the children as often as we like … which is good. Normally foreigners need a visitors permit. It takes about four weeks to get.
Nhi thanked us for the clothes and for our support and told us we were welcomed any time.
It is now 8pm and still poring. I wonder what’s for dinner tonight.
Nightlife …
Our way!!! You know what we do … type, edit, cut, paste … download photos, and write e-mails and blog stuff. It’s a hard life, but someone has to do it … for the children!!!
Outside our window is a big NEON SIGN … TRUST BANK. Do you trust a bank with a NAME like that??? Trust BANK – I don’t.
On this bomb shell we say "Tạm biệt" or good bye till tomorrow.
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