Today we met with Claude who is involved in the “Touch a Life” (TaL) project. TaL runs ten shelters in Sai Gon and six in different provinces including one shelter in Cambodia.
By taxi we went to the first shelter. It was in a quiet alley way and the kids were happy to see us. Most of the children are healthy but have no family; marriage break ups and other reasons. There were 15 children, (aged between 3 – 14 years) in this shelter, some already at school. The children were lovely, well behaved and we were sitting in a circle on the floor and played the crocodile game. Each one had to push down a crocodile tooth … until the croc snaps a finger, and then you’re out. It was good fun. The kids were singing songs for us.
The shelter had three sewing machines. The caregiver has sewn all the school uniforms for the kids and some of the older girls were already learning how to sew. Very good environment.
We then walked to the next project a beauty salon. TaL set up the salon and initially paid the rent. Now the salon is self sufficient Claude explained only occasionally do they help with rent payments.
The salon ... looks great and has got everything.
Another short walk to the main road, taxi to next shelter. Claude wanted to save some money; he asked us whether we would mind crossing the highway. No objections … so we got out at the right spot, only to find out that between the two major highway lanes was a lotus pond 6 meters wide, stretching as far as we could see.
Walking was the only option; in the mid day heat we walked approx. 2 km to find a crossing, then 2 km back.
Our crossing ...
We were sweating like pigs … if this is a proper comparison. Anyway, we arrived and immediately we had 20 children around us, the little one’s climbing up our legs like monkeys. Van the caregiver welcomed us. We had already met her and some of the kids on Saturday at the House of Grace. They had no power … it was very hot … no fans. After an hour Matt had to leave … it was just too much … Claude called for a taxi … but it did not arrive.
Someone crossing the ponds while we wait for a taxi
We were all waiting by the side of the highway. Waiting … calling … waiting. Nothing. After nearly an hour we finally managed to get a taxi on the highway. What a relieve.
Claude invited us to his house where we met with Bao again. At their home they look after 6 children, some as young as 18 month and the others up to 5years old.
The kids in Bao and Claude's care
The kids were great and we had a chat about the TaL project and how it is financed. Currently they need study books, note pads and backpacks for the kids, as well as lap tops. We will certainly support them. Before we left we exchanged details … and then back in a taxi again. Claude and Bao live in district 8, which is not far from D 1 where we reside. All in all about $ 25 just in taxi fares.
Skyline of Sai Gon from district 8 crossing the Sai Gon river.
Back in De Tham street, first lunch, it was already after 2 pm, then a big rest!!!
Afternoon admin time again … then we met with our friend Mrs Tam … had dinner and a drink in a piano bar.
Lights out at 10:30.
The girls at the Vietnamese restaurant
Mrs. Tam at the piano bar
2011 Progress report – so far:
We will support the following projects / children/ students / women:
- another 20 children in a different district in the Mekong delta;
- continue our support for the 20 My Trung children/students,
- buy 20 bicycles for the My Trung children;
- support 6 add. children @ the HOPE School for hearing impaired children Binh Thanh Distr;
- 3 children at Song Lo school, Binh Thanh district;
- 30 children in Binh Thanh district, some with school fees other just a donation;
- Buy Lap Tops for the HOPE School children;
- the newly opened Grace Centre (Hoa/Peter van Stone);
- Claude and Bao (Touch a Life) who run shelters
for orphans, pregnant & homeless girls / women
Teaching them the Christian way;
(over 200 children);
- Peace Orphanage – Phuong needs a lap top, she
is studying physio therapy
- and other project we can find which helps underprivileged children and adolescence.
So far we only spent VND 10.7 mill ($500) for urgent repairs and improvements at the Hope school.
The Bank will be busy soon!!!
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