Sorry we are a bit behind with our admin ... downloaded 330 + 159 photos ... and put some on Facebook .... https://www.facebook.com/CVSG.Vietnam/photos
Saturday pick up time was 7 am, we had breakky in the room, ready to face a long day. We were just about one kilometer from our hotel when we witnessed an accident ... two Hondas collided. One driver was a girl, but she did not get up ... was carried to the foot path by someone ... hope she is alright.
After about 2 hours we arrived at a primary school in My Trung. The principal was expecting us. We discussed the children we support and he showed us around his school and gave each of us a green hat.
We then continued to the church in My Trung, half an hour away by car ... so many arms of the Mekong to cross, then we had to use a ferry.
"Don't pay the ferry man" ... and we did not ... then on the Honda for 2.5 klicks.
After a short meeting we visited the housed of three students we provide with educational support.
First house was Van Anh, right on the river side, very poor set up. Van Anh got a desk last year, that was the only recognizable piece of furniture in the "HOUSE". We met with her mother and father.
After a short walk we arrived at Thao's house. Combination of brick and mortar with traditional style house.
Her parents were very friendly and Thao showed us her school certificates. Thao is one of the best students in the district ! ! !
Only a short walk away was Kim's house. She was awaiting us in her Ao Dai ... the traditional white outfit for high school girls. Very nice. When we saw Kim in January she told us we are now part of her family.
When she greeted us today she said "Hello father and mother". She made such a lasting impression so I was able to remember her name. Lucky me!!!
Her parents are framers, they have a bigger house, it doubles up as storage for machinery and equipment.
Kim gave us her school certificates, she is top of her class, average B+.
Back to the church. Meanwhile all the 20 students had arrived. Four of the boys had written a letter and handed them over to us. Then it was Kim again who got up and addressed us on behalf of all the 20 students.
Her speech was again very moving. We both thanked all the students, Kim especially, for their efforts and encouraged them to study even harder and also to continue their journey with God to become good Christians. Time for a group photo.
Us being tall, we were standing in the back, Kim next to me. While the photos were taken Kim grabbed my arm and lent against me. Word fail to express my feelings ... I hid my tears of joy from and walked away for a quiet moment. Praise the LORD !!! We are achieving something here ... this is wonderful.
Lunch ... with the kids ... and the priest and father Duong, our contact in My Tho. Before we left we took more photos and were farewelled by singing and clapping students.
See https://www.facebook.com/CVSG.Vietnam/photos for more photos.
Next stop ... Ba Ton. Another twenty children were awaiting us. Photo of Ngoc Hong, she had bile cancer but looks beautiful,happy and healthy.
The students were pretty timid compared to our last visit. Again the girls were the one's who stood up and addressed us, first Hien,
then Ngoc Hong. In January we visited her at her house after she had chemo therapy. It was a real WOW factor ... she looks so good and healthy now and her hair has grown back ... you would not know what she has been through.
Matt thanked them all for coming and for being good students, especially Ngoc Hong, her school results were remarkable considering she missed so much school. WE also encouraged them to become good Christians and to lead a good Christian life.
Amazing, only the girls ... so Matt challenged the boys, it will be their turn next time.
The Ba Ton students farewelled us with a sing and clap song too. More photos.
Then we walked to the car. Uli had one girl on each hand, and me, I was walking hand in hand with HIEN. She came from behind and just grabbed my hand.
"Oh what a feeling ... thanks JESUS ! ! ! "
On the way back into town ... My Tho that is, it was poring. Dark black clouds ... we arrived at our hotel late afternoon, ready for a good rest and digest!!!
Had some difficulty finding a restaurant, we simply walked in the wrong direction, had a good dinner, then a cupper at a coffee shop across the road. The Lipton tea with milk arrived, half the cup was condensed milk, had to drink very carefully not to disturb the milk.
Next morning we were picked up be Father Duong for a Mekong river cruise ...
which was absolutely wonderful. Enjoyed it to the max ... then back for another meeting and lunch. At 4:30 pm we arrived at our hotel in Sai Gon, short time later we had a power cut ... until 10pm. A circuit breaker near our hotel had exploded ... and it all takes time.
What a wonderful, wonderful weekend !!!
No comments:
Post a Comment