Long overdue U P D A T E . . .

We had a good new year, it was fairly quiet, but outside the locals and the tourists had a lot of fun. The busy intersection Bui Vien - De Tham street was completely blocked for an hour. No traffic, not even motor bikes could get through.No drunks, just good clean fun!!!
New years day, being a Sunday was pretty quiet too. Monday we went to the bank ... no luck. Like Australia, we had another day off.
Coming Tuesday I feel better ... and the BANK was open. We finally were able to transfer money, i.e. to the HOPE School for the Christmas party.
Later on we went with Sang and Jenny to the EDEN Café, also Eden church in Tu Duc district. We support Sang with $$$ for the TET holiday appeal for about 100 poor people in Tu Duc district and 20 people from his church.

Wednesday we met with Hoan ... to discuss educational support of up to 15 students she and Lien where teaching in an extremely poor area in district 8. Some hurdles have to be overcome ... but that is normal ... just another CHALLENGE!!!

The kids are between six and twelve years of age; the challenge is some of the kids are already working and so contributing the the families monthly income. When the kid goes to school the family is earning less money!!! We have to find a way ... In some cases the mother is earning money by prostitution.

Hoan is working out a solution with the leader of the ward. The local government might be able to assist by reducing school fees etc. Possible start of school for the children will be September 2012.

On Thursday we meet with Claude and Bao. They picked up all the kids clothes and other stuff for the kid, i.e. two train sets for the shelters ... just fun toys !!! Had a good chat and then they took off, a bit overloaded on the Honda, but not for Vietnamese standards.