Happy Mother's Day!
It is Mother's day here in Vietnam. I arrived a little later than normal to Felicks' house because it is Sunday and we don't have class. To my surprise, the boys had made a beautiful floral arrangement for me with a card saying "Happy Mothers Day" in English. They sang and took photos. I am blessed! Now they are preparing a special lunch.
And guess what other blessing I have this morning??? Cramps, haha never thought I would say this, but I look forward to menopause!
So what can I say about the best Mothers I know? You have taught me so much. I am a better mother because of you. I thank you for your love, your guidance, the challenges and your gifts of friendship. Some lessons have been tough, some easy, some beautiful and some extremely challenging. Raising our children in a technological, busy, fast world can be challenging. Thank you for keeping me grounded and sane. I have balance in my day to day. The knowing that I can call each one of you for support, love, even just a laugh brings me peace. We have cried, laughed and shared so much together.
I am who I am because of you.
Thank you
With much love and admiration,
Your daughter, sister, friend,
Kathy
With all the choices we make in life, choose happiness.....Kathryn A. Emerson
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Please Don't Laugh, but.....................
A few weeks ago, I went home early. I was feeling extremely tired. We were planning on leaving the next day after teaching to travel to Dalat and Bao Loc. It is a 9hr trip by bus. I went home to get plenty of rest so I would be fresh and ready for the exciting day. I went to bed around 6:30pm. I was fast asleep when I heard this noise in my ear like a crying bug, please don't ask me what a crying bug sounds like, it's not something I ever want to hear again. I shot up and looked at my pillow like maybe a mouse was under it.....but as I looked, the noise was still in ear............I stood up and could hear it lodging, going deeper.....making noise.........I started pulling on my ear........still noise..........I was banging on my head as if I had water in my ears............still movement.....I felt my breathing getting faster, I stopped for a second and asked myself if I was dreaming. After pinching myself and biting my tongue I had to face the facts, I had something crawling in my ear...........I knew Felix had a lot of work to do before heading to Dalat so I really didn't want to bother him. After 30 minutes of freaking out, I finally sent him a text message........."Felicks......please don't laugh, but I have a parasite in my ear.........."
He called me right away, "Ka-tee-mon, what is happening?!?" he shouts into the phone with his strong Indian accent. "I don't know what it is, but something is in my ear and it's not happy, I'm freaking out!" I tried to say with out crying. He assured me he was coming right away. I went downstairs to wait for him. The family I am staying with don't speak any English, they were watching TV. I wanted so desperately to have someone help me but how do you explain that a bug is in your ear without using words??? So I casually played with the 3yr old granddaughter while trying to remain calm and not start pounding on the left side of my head to force the creature out. I don't want them to think I am strange, but on the inside, I AM FREAKING OUT!
Felicks showed up within 10 minutes which of course seemed like an eternity. He ran into the house, I wasn't sure if I was going with him to his house or what the plan of attack was. He asked the owners if they had a "torch" which turned out to be another name for a flashlight, thank God. We ran upstairs to my room. Oh great, I have a priest in my room. People are so proper here, having a priest in your room at 9pm is a little questionable. At this point though, I really didn't care. I sat in a chair, he ran downstairs and asked them for warm salt water. The bug was still moving around, sounding like it was crying. He poured the warm salt water into my ear, but of course it was just spilling on me. He said in such an innocent way, " I'm sorry Mon, but you have to put your head on my lap" and he sat on my bed, putting my pillow on his lap. Now really, if the owners walked by my room NOW, with my head on his lap................OMG, it was a comic act...........I know it is to help me, but how do you explain this position with out using words??! I got up from the chair and locked the door just in case. I gave him tweezers to try to grab it while I held the torch. The tweezers are needle sharp. He was trying, but it was uncomfortable and he couldn't see anything. This wasn't working. All the while, he is saying I have a soccer match going on in my ear. We went downstairs and asked the owners if we could borrow the torch, he tried to explain the best way he could speaking broken Vietnamese. I could see the woman was concerned but had a look like this is common here.
Felicks said he was taking me to a place that cleans ears. I really didn't understand what he was saying, but agreed to go. This is where the story gets better. Here in this area of Vietnam, there are a lot of beauty salons. They are not like the salons we are use to. The room is small, the chairs are old and it is usually dirty. So during the day, they will cut your hair, give you a shave, clean your ears etc. During the night, when you drive by, the women are wearing seductive outfits, sitting in the chairs facing traffic with their legs open and a pillow covering their money makers.
We leave my house on the motorbike. His house is to the left, but we turned right. He pulled into a salon.......I didn't want to get off the bike. I wasn't sure if he was asking them for tweezers or for advice. When we walked in, they must have been wondering what it is we wanted, a tall black Indian and a white American walk into a massage parlor late one night................sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. A woman stood up wearing a sexy red top and short shorts made of silk. A man and another woman came out of the back room. I could tell he was in charge. He was dressed like a business man and she was wearing something Madonna may have liked from the early 90's. Felicks is asking them if they could look in my ears. They looked confused as if asking why does she want her ears cleaned now? They were saying no, the salon down the road will clean my ears. I couldn't wait to get out of there. These salons are wide open, close to the road, motor bikes driving by constantly, I was concerned for Felicks' reputation as a priest, what are the parishioners going to think if they see us standing there?? We stand out as it is so people are constantly looking at us. We leave there to go to the other one, the whole time I am saying I don't want to go into the salon, but also felt desperate. We entered the other salon, the woman was wearing something black and revealing. A couple other women come out from the back wearing similar outfits, I could feel their eyes checking us out. Again, I hope you can envision this, Felicks is a very tall, black man from southern India and I am a white American, we are the only ones of our kind in this large neighborhood so we stand out! The funniest part of this whole thing is that the women were prepared to "please" us in so many ways and yet when they realized I had a bug in my ear, they recoiled and looked at me like I was dirty.............uuhhhh, hello........whose really the dirty one here???! haha I'm sure if I asked them for something sexual, they would have performed very well, but heaven forbid, I need you to check my ear and you think that is gross?? So funny! We left there and went back to Felicks house, Tuan held the flashlight and Felicks tried to retrieve the criminal that trespassed into my ear. Tung came in and told us that we have to go to the hospital. By this time, I was ready to go. My imagination was getting the best of me. I have watched too many episodes of, "Life in the ER" on the Lifetime channel. I'm picturing a large caterpillar laying eggs and then traveling to my brain to eat and rest. Now I know my brother is going to say something fresh like the caterpillar will starve in there so HAHA Carl, very funny. We get on the motor bike and speed to the hospital. When I say speed, it is way scarier than you can imagine. We are sharing the road with hundreds of motor bikes, trucks, dump trucks, tractor trailers and bicycles. Tung is in front, leading the way, we are following, weaving through traffic like we are on fire, I am crying, sounding like a siren on an ambulance, holding on for dear life to the back of the bike. After spending time in the hospital, I made them promise me that if I am in an accident, please, throw me on the next plane heading for the USA. The hospitals in this area are so different from ours. Ours are clean, organized, sterile, beds with privacy etc. Here, you get seen sooner if you tip the nurse, the beds are dirty, holes and stains on the sheets, people are laying in the open room with about 30 beds without screens. Quite a few people were there with injuries from crashing on the motorbikes. One man had a broken leg, he still had his pants on, blood everywhere, they had wrapped 2 white sticks that were full of dirt and looked like they have been used many times before to brace his leg. Another man was vomiting in a bed down from an elderly woman that had her top lifted up and suction devices from the 60's to measure her heart rate. I felt like I was on a scene of MASH. After 20 minutes of waiting, they called my name and took us to another wing in the hospital. Every room we walked by had 5 or more people laying in dirty beds, room after room, it was actually frightening for me. We walked up a few flights to a hallway with rooms full of people. There were chairs against the wall for us to wait. After 15 minutes and only a nurse walking back and forth, a young woman from a room started running down the hallway screaming, "Bac si! Bac si! Doctor, Doctor!" She was very distressed. Tung said he heard her say that blood was coming from the eyes of the patient in the room. The nurse came out and walked slowly to the room. Then she walked back, standing in the hallway as if this happens all the time. There was a lot of crying and panic and yet no one was there to help, just a nurse that was too interested in her fingernails than the patient. A doctor came down the hallway in flip flops, an old hospital jacket that use to be white and was obviously too big for him. He dragged his feet getting to the room, in his hand was a wooden tongue depressor and one of those lighted-ear-magnifier-thingys.....like my use of technical terms??.....he was in the room for less than two minutes, came out and started walking down the hallway to leave. Thank God we had Tung with us to speak Vietnamese. He ran down the hallway, said a few words then waved us down to a room. I sat down in a chair. The room was from the 60's, dirty sinks, old pictures on the wall, drawers that don't close all the way. He grabbed the same ear thingy, not clean, and started to put it towards my ear.............I noticed the light was not clean, had a reddish tint to it, oh man, oh man, is that blood?? I cringed as he put it in my ear, yes, I let him put it in my ear. He looked and looked, pulling on my ear and pushing it further, heading to China, actually, I am close to China, heading to USA! He couldn't find anything. I was relieved and a little nervous, what if it moved too deep and couldn't be seen?? The noise had actually subsided. I was just happy that he took that thingy out of my ear and with out wiping it, threw it back into a drawer full of dirty instruments, pens and pencils. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I think what happened is that when Felicks poured the salt water in my ear, it was coming out when I was on the motor bike, I kept wiping my ear. It probably came out then. Either way, it is out and I have not had any problems since. I wear ear plugs to bed now. I have had ants on my mat that I sleep on, one night I woke up with hundreds of them! (I will admit, I cried, I was so tired and hot and sweaty and now I had all the ants.) I don't have any food in my room so not sure why they were there. One of the Sisters said that having ants in your ear is common here. If it happens again, plug your ear for a minute and the ant will want to come out.....as she calmly puts a finger in each ear to show me how..............gooooooood advice
He called me right away, "Ka-tee-mon, what is happening?!?" he shouts into the phone with his strong Indian accent. "I don't know what it is, but something is in my ear and it's not happy, I'm freaking out!" I tried to say with out crying. He assured me he was coming right away. I went downstairs to wait for him. The family I am staying with don't speak any English, they were watching TV. I wanted so desperately to have someone help me but how do you explain that a bug is in your ear without using words??? So I casually played with the 3yr old granddaughter while trying to remain calm and not start pounding on the left side of my head to force the creature out. I don't want them to think I am strange, but on the inside, I AM FREAKING OUT!
Felicks showed up within 10 minutes which of course seemed like an eternity. He ran into the house, I wasn't sure if I was going with him to his house or what the plan of attack was. He asked the owners if they had a "torch" which turned out to be another name for a flashlight, thank God. We ran upstairs to my room. Oh great, I have a priest in my room. People are so proper here, having a priest in your room at 9pm is a little questionable. At this point though, I really didn't care. I sat in a chair, he ran downstairs and asked them for warm salt water. The bug was still moving around, sounding like it was crying. He poured the warm salt water into my ear, but of course it was just spilling on me. He said in such an innocent way, " I'm sorry Mon, but you have to put your head on my lap" and he sat on my bed, putting my pillow on his lap. Now really, if the owners walked by my room NOW, with my head on his lap................OMG, it was a comic act...........I know it is to help me, but how do you explain this position with out using words??! I got up from the chair and locked the door just in case. I gave him tweezers to try to grab it while I held the torch. The tweezers are needle sharp. He was trying, but it was uncomfortable and he couldn't see anything. This wasn't working. All the while, he is saying I have a soccer match going on in my ear. We went downstairs and asked the owners if we could borrow the torch, he tried to explain the best way he could speaking broken Vietnamese. I could see the woman was concerned but had a look like this is common here.
Felicks said he was taking me to a place that cleans ears. I really didn't understand what he was saying, but agreed to go. This is where the story gets better. Here in this area of Vietnam, there are a lot of beauty salons. They are not like the salons we are use to. The room is small, the chairs are old and it is usually dirty. So during the day, they will cut your hair, give you a shave, clean your ears etc. During the night, when you drive by, the women are wearing seductive outfits, sitting in the chairs facing traffic with their legs open and a pillow covering their money makers.
We leave my house on the motorbike. His house is to the left, but we turned right. He pulled into a salon.......I didn't want to get off the bike. I wasn't sure if he was asking them for tweezers or for advice. When we walked in, they must have been wondering what it is we wanted, a tall black Indian and a white American walk into a massage parlor late one night................sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. A woman stood up wearing a sexy red top and short shorts made of silk. A man and another woman came out of the back room. I could tell he was in charge. He was dressed like a business man and she was wearing something Madonna may have liked from the early 90's. Felicks is asking them if they could look in my ears. They looked confused as if asking why does she want her ears cleaned now? They were saying no, the salon down the road will clean my ears. I couldn't wait to get out of there. These salons are wide open, close to the road, motor bikes driving by constantly, I was concerned for Felicks' reputation as a priest, what are the parishioners going to think if they see us standing there?? We stand out as it is so people are constantly looking at us. We leave there to go to the other one, the whole time I am saying I don't want to go into the salon, but also felt desperate. We entered the other salon, the woman was wearing something black and revealing. A couple other women come out from the back wearing similar outfits, I could feel their eyes checking us out. Again, I hope you can envision this, Felicks is a very tall, black man from southern India and I am a white American, we are the only ones of our kind in this large neighborhood so we stand out! The funniest part of this whole thing is that the women were prepared to "please" us in so many ways and yet when they realized I had a bug in my ear, they recoiled and looked at me like I was dirty.............uuhhhh, hello........whose really the dirty one here???! haha I'm sure if I asked them for something sexual, they would have performed very well, but heaven forbid, I need you to check my ear and you think that is gross?? So funny! We left there and went back to Felicks house, Tuan held the flashlight and Felicks tried to retrieve the criminal that trespassed into my ear. Tung came in and told us that we have to go to the hospital. By this time, I was ready to go. My imagination was getting the best of me. I have watched too many episodes of, "Life in the ER" on the Lifetime channel. I'm picturing a large caterpillar laying eggs and then traveling to my brain to eat and rest. Now I know my brother is going to say something fresh like the caterpillar will starve in there so HAHA Carl, very funny. We get on the motor bike and speed to the hospital. When I say speed, it is way scarier than you can imagine. We are sharing the road with hundreds of motor bikes, trucks, dump trucks, tractor trailers and bicycles. Tung is in front, leading the way, we are following, weaving through traffic like we are on fire, I am crying, sounding like a siren on an ambulance, holding on for dear life to the back of the bike. After spending time in the hospital, I made them promise me that if I am in an accident, please, throw me on the next plane heading for the USA. The hospitals in this area are so different from ours. Ours are clean, organized, sterile, beds with privacy etc. Here, you get seen sooner if you tip the nurse, the beds are dirty, holes and stains on the sheets, people are laying in the open room with about 30 beds without screens. Quite a few people were there with injuries from crashing on the motorbikes. One man had a broken leg, he still had his pants on, blood everywhere, they had wrapped 2 white sticks that were full of dirt and looked like they have been used many times before to brace his leg. Another man was vomiting in a bed down from an elderly woman that had her top lifted up and suction devices from the 60's to measure her heart rate. I felt like I was on a scene of MASH. After 20 minutes of waiting, they called my name and took us to another wing in the hospital. Every room we walked by had 5 or more people laying in dirty beds, room after room, it was actually frightening for me. We walked up a few flights to a hallway with rooms full of people. There were chairs against the wall for us to wait. After 15 minutes and only a nurse walking back and forth, a young woman from a room started running down the hallway screaming, "Bac si! Bac si! Doctor, Doctor!" She was very distressed. Tung said he heard her say that blood was coming from the eyes of the patient in the room. The nurse came out and walked slowly to the room. Then she walked back, standing in the hallway as if this happens all the time. There was a lot of crying and panic and yet no one was there to help, just a nurse that was too interested in her fingernails than the patient. A doctor came down the hallway in flip flops, an old hospital jacket that use to be white and was obviously too big for him. He dragged his feet getting to the room, in his hand was a wooden tongue depressor and one of those lighted-ear-magnifier-thingys.....like my use of technical terms??.....he was in the room for less than two minutes, came out and started walking down the hallway to leave. Thank God we had Tung with us to speak Vietnamese. He ran down the hallway, said a few words then waved us down to a room. I sat down in a chair. The room was from the 60's, dirty sinks, old pictures on the wall, drawers that don't close all the way. He grabbed the same ear thingy, not clean, and started to put it towards my ear.............I noticed the light was not clean, had a reddish tint to it, oh man, oh man, is that blood?? I cringed as he put it in my ear, yes, I let him put it in my ear. He looked and looked, pulling on my ear and pushing it further, heading to China, actually, I am close to China, heading to USA! He couldn't find anything. I was relieved and a little nervous, what if it moved too deep and couldn't be seen?? The noise had actually subsided. I was just happy that he took that thingy out of my ear and with out wiping it, threw it back into a drawer full of dirty instruments, pens and pencils. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I think what happened is that when Felicks poured the salt water in my ear, it was coming out when I was on the motor bike, I kept wiping my ear. It probably came out then. Either way, it is out and I have not had any problems since. I wear ear plugs to bed now. I have had ants on my mat that I sleep on, one night I woke up with hundreds of them! (I will admit, I cried, I was so tired and hot and sweaty and now I had all the ants.) I don't have any food in my room so not sure why they were there. One of the Sisters said that having ants in your ear is common here. If it happens again, plug your ear for a minute and the ant will want to come out.....as she calmly puts a finger in each ear to show me how..............gooooooood advice
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Passing.........
A young woman of 76 died yesterday, Anna Maria. She is the wife of the landlord and a mother of 10. I went to visit her a few times to sit with her. She was suffering from stomach cancer. Every time I went, her daughters would be there, sitting with her, fanning her. She had a beautiful smile. I would sit with her and hold her hand, I would close my eyes and picture love coming from God, through me, to her. She spoke very softly to me. There was always someone there to translate. They live only a few doors from us. The landlord was actually at our house discussing the rent when some of the family members came running to the house to beg him to come home, his wife was passing.
Later the same evening, we went to their home. There were tables set up outside with water bottles on them. A sound system was set up in the yard. A large banner with Anna Maria's picture and information was hanging. We walked up the steps to the open room. Inside, Anna was laying on a low bed. She was dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothes and a white linen was covering her face. I could see she had lipstick on. Roses of all colors surrounded her. She had on blue slippers with silver rhinestones on them. At the head of the bed was a table covered with white linen. A large cross with Jesus was on there with a bowl of sand holding lots of incense sticks. Hanging from the tall ceiling was a large purple cloth with Jesus standing with open arms and Vietnamese writing. The cloth was large enough to separate the two rooms. Being a mother of 10, she had plenty of grandchildren running around. We entered the room, stood around the bed, shoulder to shoulder with everyone present. Thien, one of the young men staying here, started the prayer. We sang a few songs then sat down on mats and repeated the rosary, all in Vietnamese. The husband would wipe his tired eyes every once in awhile. The process lasted almost an hour. I was touched by how the family must have bathed her, dressed her, did her hair and makeup. Once she became sick and up to her death, her family never left her side. The following day, we were to go back to bless the coffin and two days later, she will have a Mass and head to her hometown of Voom Tau for her burial.
We went to their house the next day. Anna was surrounded by so many friends and family. Felicks started the blessing using a wireless microphone they had provided. There was a man there video taping with a camera large enough for a TV station. Being a foreigner and affiliated with The Servants of Charity, they brought me to the front both days. I was touched. While Felicks finished the blessing, a woman, the local kindergarten teacher, started passing out linens that were tied with a satin bow to the family members. The men and women put on the linen pants and shirts. I'm assuming those were the direct relatives of Anna. The grandchildren tied white bands around their heads. The women put on the white linen bonnets. Once the blessing was finished, two men dressed in white suits with heavy embroidery walked in and at the same time, a band full of horns started playing loudly a sad, sad melody. The family started wailing, crying out and pounding their chests. I found myself walking away to stand on the lawn. I wanted to respect them and give them space to say their final goodbyes. Felicks, the boys and myself stayed for a few minutes sitting at one of the tables drinking water.
On our way home, we walked quietly. Thien stopped at a market shop so I waited for him, watching the rest walk back to the house. He is the main chef here so he was purchasing fresh vegetables. While walking back, we were talking and giggling, he has a great giggle, sounds like a girl. A young girl stopped us and gave us a beautiful large fish that her mother just cleaned.
And that is what makes the world go round. Living here in poverty, you see the important choices in life much more clearly. I see infants growing fast, young children run up to me and jump into my arms, neighbors smile and wave now, business owners want to give freely, etc. And during all this, we have birth and death. Life goes on. We feel joy, happiness, content, free, compassion, empathy mixed in with anxiety, sorrow, and sadness. Our basket was empty this morning, we woke with sadness and then, here we are, eating fresh fish that was given to us, sharing the thoughts about the day and plan for tomorrow.
Sleep in peace and hug the ones you love.
Later the same evening, we went to their home. There were tables set up outside with water bottles on them. A sound system was set up in the yard. A large banner with Anna Maria's picture and information was hanging. We walked up the steps to the open room. Inside, Anna was laying on a low bed. She was dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothes and a white linen was covering her face. I could see she had lipstick on. Roses of all colors surrounded her. She had on blue slippers with silver rhinestones on them. At the head of the bed was a table covered with white linen. A large cross with Jesus was on there with a bowl of sand holding lots of incense sticks. Hanging from the tall ceiling was a large purple cloth with Jesus standing with open arms and Vietnamese writing. The cloth was large enough to separate the two rooms. Being a mother of 10, she had plenty of grandchildren running around. We entered the room, stood around the bed, shoulder to shoulder with everyone present. Thien, one of the young men staying here, started the prayer. We sang a few songs then sat down on mats and repeated the rosary, all in Vietnamese. The husband would wipe his tired eyes every once in awhile. The process lasted almost an hour. I was touched by how the family must have bathed her, dressed her, did her hair and makeup. Once she became sick and up to her death, her family never left her side. The following day, we were to go back to bless the coffin and two days later, she will have a Mass and head to her hometown of Voom Tau for her burial.
We went to their house the next day. Anna was surrounded by so many friends and family. Felicks started the blessing using a wireless microphone they had provided. There was a man there video taping with a camera large enough for a TV station. Being a foreigner and affiliated with The Servants of Charity, they brought me to the front both days. I was touched. While Felicks finished the blessing, a woman, the local kindergarten teacher, started passing out linens that were tied with a satin bow to the family members. The men and women put on the linen pants and shirts. I'm assuming those were the direct relatives of Anna. The grandchildren tied white bands around their heads. The women put on the white linen bonnets. Once the blessing was finished, two men dressed in white suits with heavy embroidery walked in and at the same time, a band full of horns started playing loudly a sad, sad melody. The family started wailing, crying out and pounding their chests. I found myself walking away to stand on the lawn. I wanted to respect them and give them space to say their final goodbyes. Felicks, the boys and myself stayed for a few minutes sitting at one of the tables drinking water.
On our way home, we walked quietly. Thien stopped at a market shop so I waited for him, watching the rest walk back to the house. He is the main chef here so he was purchasing fresh vegetables. While walking back, we were talking and giggling, he has a great giggle, sounds like a girl. A young girl stopped us and gave us a beautiful large fish that her mother just cleaned.
And that is what makes the world go round. Living here in poverty, you see the important choices in life much more clearly. I see infants growing fast, young children run up to me and jump into my arms, neighbors smile and wave now, business owners want to give freely, etc. And during all this, we have birth and death. Life goes on. We feel joy, happiness, content, free, compassion, empathy mixed in with anxiety, sorrow, and sadness. Our basket was empty this morning, we woke with sadness and then, here we are, eating fresh fish that was given to us, sharing the thoughts about the day and plan for tomorrow.
Sleep in peace and hug the ones you love.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Happy Birthday Kyle!
On April 7th, 1990, I gave birth to my first son, Kyle. He was 8lbs, 7oz. To hold a newborn is an amazing experience in itself, and to hold your first is unforgettable. Tears of joy replaced the tears of pain. My life has never been the same. Kyle was very blond, tall and lanky as a child. The loudest one on the playground or basketball court. Always listening to music and singing. Even though he suffered with asthma, ear infections, pneumonia most of the first 5 years of his life, he was always happy, loving, giving. He has overcome many obstacles. Graduating high school with high honors was one of the proudest days of mine and I think of his. Attending UCONN has been challenging and rewarding for him. Kyle is the type of son that can have an honest conversation with an elderly person as well as a child. He is comical by nature. He brought joy into our lives instantly....and still does.
[Kyle Fortin's Birthday] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6L0wUAYf3A
[Students Happy Birthday] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZkc8PKoEqs
[Kyle Fortin's Birthday] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6L0wUAYf3A
[Students Happy Birthday] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZkc8PKoEqs
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Mekong Delta
I was asked by Felix's friend named, Twinkle, if I wanted to travel with a bunch of people from the bank he works at. They were volunteering their time to help an organization called Viet Nam Scholarship Foundation VNSF. They were planning on handing out scholarships to poor children along the Mekong Delta. It was a 3 day journey, going to 3 Provinces, visiting schools and the homes of some of these children. Of course I would love to help! The cost was $2,000,000.00 vnd, that price included everything, transportation, hotel, and food. Don't worry, haha, 2 million vnd is only $100.00 usd.
Chapter picked me up on his motorbike at 5:30am, Friday, March 18th. He drove me to Twinkle who was in a taxi down the road. He didn't know where I lived so Chapter came to get me and brought me to him. I will say, that while waiting for him, I stood on my balcony to listen to the area so early in the morning. There were plenty of people taking a walk before the heat and humidity came, some women jogging, even some dogs roaming the streets, looking for breakfast.
Chapter and I picked up another woman and we drove to the pick up point. There, we filled the two vans waiting for us with brand new backpacks and stacks of new journals. We were each given a hat and shirt with VNSF on them. There was a little confusion as to where we were going because less than 24 hours ago, they received a phone call letting them know that we were not welcome in Ca Mau. That if we went, there would be government officials opposing us openly, maybe even fighting. Our leader did not want to put us in any danger. It is a time of voting for them, so it is a political fight. The VNSF was upset because Ca Mau was the Province that needed us most. They are hoping to return in May when things have calmed down. The plan was to have us split into 2 groups, into 2 vans and visit 2 different towns in ea. Province and meet up in the evenings. Now the plan was to still go into 2 groups in 2 vans, but on the last day, instead of Ca Mau, we will travel together to the same school.
The vans are loaded, we have our seats, so off we go. We will be driving for hours before arriving at our first destination in the Tan Chau District. There, we pulled up to a church, students were congregated outside. You could feel their excitement. The head priest came to greet us. We started to remove backpacks and fill each one with 2 journals. The students were seated outside. One of the leaders called each one by name off of a sheet he brought with him. They sat in the order that they were called. This is such a special day for them. The scholarship is not just for one year. Most have been receiving this for a few years. If they keep their grades up, it is guaranteed for the next year. This is a promise from VNSF to them, that if they apply themselves and study hard, they can receive funds to allow them to go to school and college. The scholarship will allow them to graduate college! These kids are living in such standards that it is hard for them to attend school. Their family may be so poor that the children need to help work on the farm to survive. Or school may be so far away for them that walking is too far. So the VNSF will provide them with a bicycle. It is an amazing organization and I am so honored to be a part of it. There was 30 of us altogether, volunteering our time. Paying $100.- towards our expenses. Almost all of the money donated goes to these students. Out of the 30 of us, only one was a paid full time employee for the company. And she was great! VNSF will travel to the homes of these children to make sure they are in need. We visited a few homes, amazing how they live. I have attached some photos for you. We traveled across the Mekong Delta by ferry, we also rode the Mekong Delta for fun. We were in homes that you cannot imagine surviving in, and still we learn that 9 people are living in the tiny house with out a bathroom or sink, just a faucet to wash in. No beds, just mats, rolled up on top of each other. On the wall, I noticed some artwork, small drawings with pencil and ink. The boy was about 12, using my hands, I asked him if he did the work, he nodded, so I took his photo standing next to his friend with the artwork in between. The look these boys had were kind of sad. I didn't see them smile once, very shy, and when they spoke, it was in a whisper. I don't think they were sad. Maybe this is such an important day for them, they don't want to lose their opportunity to get out of this lifestyle. And maybe the fear of not knowing what the "other" lifestyle is like.
Handing out these scholarships was a highlight of my trip to Vietnam. I met a girl, now 22, named Tuc. When she was born, her father died. Her mother remarried shortly after. Her stepfather started beating her when she was still a baby. As she grew, he would beat her more. The day she met members of the VNSF, she still had a puffy face from the stepfather. She was about 16. Soon after getting her scholarship, she left her home. She found shelter in a rice shop, sleeping on a mat in the back of the room. If there was some rice left over from the day, the owner will give her some, if not, she goes hungry. I got to meet her on the last day. She is graduating next year as a nurse and wants to go on to become a doctor. She is amazing, such hope and strength. I sat with her and with another to translate and I promised to help her. It will only cost me $10 a month to help her. I also told her that if she wants to study in the states, she is welcome to stay at our house. This young woman is just one of the stories you may hear about while here.
During the van ride, I sat next to a woman named Wien, she spoke broken English. She is small, cute and I'm guessing close to 24. We shared a room together too. I brought my small backpack, filled with my essentials for 3 days. Wien dragged in her large red suitcase. She is so cute. She will tell you something but will try to say it nicely. For instance, we were at a school all day. We got to the hotel around 4pm. We are exhausted, so we go to the room to take rest. I shower and wash my hair. No hair dryer available so I put on a headband. We are meeting everyone downstairs in a few minutes to find a local cafe for dinner. We find a place close by, there's 30 of us, and the cafe starts moving tables together for all of us to sit. If we were in the states and wanted a table for 30, we would have a long wait, or would be turned away without a reservation, and yet, within minutes, we were seated, enjoying another hot pot of wonderful veggies and fish. When we were done, we decided to go to a local market for an hour. That's when Wien leaned in and said, "Lassnite you heauh loo betta, mmmmm, nowa it loo flat, no pweety, fit it" which translated means, "Lastnight your hair looked better, now it looks flat, not pretty, fix it." I looked at her in disbelief, how funny! I said, "It looks flat?? If it bothers you, you fix it" and gave her a couple of barrettes, haha. She looked at me like I should be thankful that she told me. I went out to the van and tried to FIT IT, but alas, the headband won and I really didn't mind. My feelings were not hurt and I was not self conscious. Thank God I have worked through any self image issues I may have had when I was younger. I know it is her age too, she had packed dresses, lots of shoes, make up, lotions, etc. I was wearing the same jeans I had worn the last couple days. The next morning, I have on skinny jeans and a yellow polo. She looks me up and down. And ever so politely, she says, "ooohhh, you shurt you wea yeterday lookt nice.........." I look at myself in the mirror............I ask, "Do you like this shirt?" "Dis shurt too sort for yuuu" (OOhhhhh, the shirt you wore yesterday looked nice on you, this shirt is too short for you) No kidding I'm thinking, I bought this shirt here and it's an XL. I did change the shirt and put on the shirt they gave us before loading the van, she started laughing like I was playing a joke...........and I wish you could have seen her face when she realized I was really wearing it, it was classic! I have taught myself to be happy and comfortable in my life. This was a chance for me to feel uncomfortable, to feel like I don't fit in. I've already lived for years like that. And please don't think I was upset with her, I honestly enjoyed it. It showed me how far I've come and I'm thankful for that. We are in different times in our lives, what is important to her is not as important to me. My appearance is very important to me, but not because I feel uncomfortable, there's a difference. I don't change my appearance to feel accepted. I have accepted myself and that is the most important lesson one can have. Love and acceptance of yourself allows you to love and accept all walks of life.
In the end, we made a difference in 113 lives. They are all going to school, some are even receiving bicycles to get there. We met wonderful families that are so thankful for the gift of education. Education to them is their ticket to a better life. Not just a life of surviving day in and day out, but to live and grow and be able to give back.
I am attaching a link to VNSF, I was told it is being updated shortly with information about our trip. If you have time to donate, I highly recommend it: www.vnsf.org
https://picasaweb.google.com/103691188319770375535/MekongDelta?authkey=Gv1sRgCLL87ZnNx5Xf6wE#
Chapter picked me up on his motorbike at 5:30am, Friday, March 18th. He drove me to Twinkle who was in a taxi down the road. He didn't know where I lived so Chapter came to get me and brought me to him. I will say, that while waiting for him, I stood on my balcony to listen to the area so early in the morning. There were plenty of people taking a walk before the heat and humidity came, some women jogging, even some dogs roaming the streets, looking for breakfast.
Chapter and I picked up another woman and we drove to the pick up point. There, we filled the two vans waiting for us with brand new backpacks and stacks of new journals. We were each given a hat and shirt with VNSF on them. There was a little confusion as to where we were going because less than 24 hours ago, they received a phone call letting them know that we were not welcome in Ca Mau. That if we went, there would be government officials opposing us openly, maybe even fighting. Our leader did not want to put us in any danger. It is a time of voting for them, so it is a political fight. The VNSF was upset because Ca Mau was the Province that needed us most. They are hoping to return in May when things have calmed down. The plan was to have us split into 2 groups, into 2 vans and visit 2 different towns in ea. Province and meet up in the evenings. Now the plan was to still go into 2 groups in 2 vans, but on the last day, instead of Ca Mau, we will travel together to the same school.
The vans are loaded, we have our seats, so off we go. We will be driving for hours before arriving at our first destination in the Tan Chau District. There, we pulled up to a church, students were congregated outside. You could feel their excitement. The head priest came to greet us. We started to remove backpacks and fill each one with 2 journals. The students were seated outside. One of the leaders called each one by name off of a sheet he brought with him. They sat in the order that they were called. This is such a special day for them. The scholarship is not just for one year. Most have been receiving this for a few years. If they keep their grades up, it is guaranteed for the next year. This is a promise from VNSF to them, that if they apply themselves and study hard, they can receive funds to allow them to go to school and college. The scholarship will allow them to graduate college! These kids are living in such standards that it is hard for them to attend school. Their family may be so poor that the children need to help work on the farm to survive. Or school may be so far away for them that walking is too far. So the VNSF will provide them with a bicycle. It is an amazing organization and I am so honored to be a part of it. There was 30 of us altogether, volunteering our time. Paying $100.- towards our expenses. Almost all of the money donated goes to these students. Out of the 30 of us, only one was a paid full time employee for the company. And she was great! VNSF will travel to the homes of these children to make sure they are in need. We visited a few homes, amazing how they live. I have attached some photos for you. We traveled across the Mekong Delta by ferry, we also rode the Mekong Delta for fun. We were in homes that you cannot imagine surviving in, and still we learn that 9 people are living in the tiny house with out a bathroom or sink, just a faucet to wash in. No beds, just mats, rolled up on top of each other. On the wall, I noticed some artwork, small drawings with pencil and ink. The boy was about 12, using my hands, I asked him if he did the work, he nodded, so I took his photo standing next to his friend with the artwork in between. The look these boys had were kind of sad. I didn't see them smile once, very shy, and when they spoke, it was in a whisper. I don't think they were sad. Maybe this is such an important day for them, they don't want to lose their opportunity to get out of this lifestyle. And maybe the fear of not knowing what the "other" lifestyle is like.
Handing out these scholarships was a highlight of my trip to Vietnam. I met a girl, now 22, named Tuc. When she was born, her father died. Her mother remarried shortly after. Her stepfather started beating her when she was still a baby. As she grew, he would beat her more. The day she met members of the VNSF, she still had a puffy face from the stepfather. She was about 16. Soon after getting her scholarship, she left her home. She found shelter in a rice shop, sleeping on a mat in the back of the room. If there was some rice left over from the day, the owner will give her some, if not, she goes hungry. I got to meet her on the last day. She is graduating next year as a nurse and wants to go on to become a doctor. She is amazing, such hope and strength. I sat with her and with another to translate and I promised to help her. It will only cost me $10 a month to help her. I also told her that if she wants to study in the states, she is welcome to stay at our house. This young woman is just one of the stories you may hear about while here.
During the van ride, I sat next to a woman named Wien, she spoke broken English. She is small, cute and I'm guessing close to 24. We shared a room together too. I brought my small backpack, filled with my essentials for 3 days. Wien dragged in her large red suitcase. She is so cute. She will tell you something but will try to say it nicely. For instance, we were at a school all day. We got to the hotel around 4pm. We are exhausted, so we go to the room to take rest. I shower and wash my hair. No hair dryer available so I put on a headband. We are meeting everyone downstairs in a few minutes to find a local cafe for dinner. We find a place close by, there's 30 of us, and the cafe starts moving tables together for all of us to sit. If we were in the states and wanted a table for 30, we would have a long wait, or would be turned away without a reservation, and yet, within minutes, we were seated, enjoying another hot pot of wonderful veggies and fish. When we were done, we decided to go to a local market for an hour. That's when Wien leaned in and said, "Lassnite you heauh loo betta, mmmmm, nowa it loo flat, no pweety, fit it" which translated means, "Lastnight your hair looked better, now it looks flat, not pretty, fix it." I looked at her in disbelief, how funny! I said, "It looks flat?? If it bothers you, you fix it" and gave her a couple of barrettes, haha. She looked at me like I should be thankful that she told me. I went out to the van and tried to FIT IT, but alas, the headband won and I really didn't mind. My feelings were not hurt and I was not self conscious. Thank God I have worked through any self image issues I may have had when I was younger. I know it is her age too, she had packed dresses, lots of shoes, make up, lotions, etc. I was wearing the same jeans I had worn the last couple days. The next morning, I have on skinny jeans and a yellow polo. She looks me up and down. And ever so politely, she says, "ooohhh, you shurt you wea yeterday lookt nice.........." I look at myself in the mirror............I ask, "Do you like this shirt?" "Dis shurt too sort for yuuu" (OOhhhhh, the shirt you wore yesterday looked nice on you, this shirt is too short for you) No kidding I'm thinking, I bought this shirt here and it's an XL. I did change the shirt and put on the shirt they gave us before loading the van, she started laughing like I was playing a joke...........and I wish you could have seen her face when she realized I was really wearing it, it was classic! I have taught myself to be happy and comfortable in my life. This was a chance for me to feel uncomfortable, to feel like I don't fit in. I've already lived for years like that. And please don't think I was upset with her, I honestly enjoyed it. It showed me how far I've come and I'm thankful for that. We are in different times in our lives, what is important to her is not as important to me. My appearance is very important to me, but not because I feel uncomfortable, there's a difference. I don't change my appearance to feel accepted. I have accepted myself and that is the most important lesson one can have. Love and acceptance of yourself allows you to love and accept all walks of life.
In the end, we made a difference in 113 lives. They are all going to school, some are even receiving bicycles to get there. We met wonderful families that are so thankful for the gift of education. Education to them is their ticket to a better life. Not just a life of surviving day in and day out, but to live and grow and be able to give back.
I am attaching a link to VNSF, I was told it is being updated shortly with information about our trip. If you have time to donate, I highly recommend it: www.vnsf.org
https://picasaweb.google.com/103691188319770375535/MekongDelta?authkey=Gv1sRgCLL87ZnNx5Xf6wE#
Monday, March 28, 2011
I feel like a giant
I've never thought of myself as big. I feel average. I am 42, 5'6" and 130lbs (no, I am not shy about my age or weight, haha.) However, I have had big feet since 6th grade. And like my ears, I have grown into them, thank God. When I was a child, the kids would call me "Dumbo" because my ears stuck out quite a bit. When it was time to buy new shoes for school, Mom would have to take me to the boys department. No pretty sandals for me, my shoes were from the men's department at Kenney's. I looked like I was wearing flippers for snorkeling. Often I would trip over my own feet!
Now, I had forgotten most of this, until I tried to buy some sandals here in Vietnam. I was on a trip with the VNSF when we went to a market one night. I saw a shoe store and figured I could find a nice pair of inexpensive sandals. 3 of us walked arm in arm down the main rd to the store, speaking broken English/Vietnamese. Walking into the store was like stepping into shoe heaven. So many lovely pairs, all sorts of styles and colors, I wanted to try on every one. I am limited on cash, so I sorted through to find a nice Mary Jane style, my favorite. The sizes run differently. This says 37 and it looks very small. I ask for a larger one. They bring me a 39, still too small. I ask for a larger one...........then I see it........a look.........from the store clerk...........she is looking at me like I am one of the attractions from a circus.............the "Girl With Big Feet"...............honestly, she stood there and stared at my feet! Looking at the feet of the other women, yes, my God, my feet are HUGE. I asked for the biggest size they had in any style and yet, even those were too small. The only pair that fit were the Teva Velcro kind that really made my feet look like a mans. I couldn't bring myself to purchase them. I wasn't in need of a pair, I was looking for a pair as a treat. I have been wearing the same flip flops every day now for over a month, and these were pretty worn out before I got to Vietnam. We left that shop and ventured to another. There was a Men's Shoestore that I walked into and the girls started laughing at me as if I didn't know it was a MAN's shoestore. I said I knew, I was just looking for a size that fit me. Then all the memories of my childhood came back to me, such large manly feet at such a young age...........big feet and not a sign of needing a bra until my second year of high school, oh yeah, I was a tomboy through and through. Within a few minutes the van was ready to go back to our hotel. No shoes for me tonight. The real funny thing is that a woman on the van insisted I go to the Russian Market since I have "very large feet." I imagined a lot of women there walking around with large feet and feeling a bond, haha
I went on another occasion with my friend Anna to find some clothes for myself. I have brought enough clothes with me, but a lot of my tops are sleeveless. And shorts are out of the question in my position. I am a teacher to Sisters and Brothers, and covering up is important. Shorts and tank tops are out of the question. Wearing a dress or skirt is hard because I often ride as a passenger on the motor bikes............if you know what I mean. I do see women riding side saddle wearing a dress but I haven't gotten up enough courage to try that, plus most of the women riding that way are pregnant. I hang on for dear life on these motor bikes, I can't imagine riding sideways, I'll sound like a siren, screaming the whole way. Anyways, Anna was kind enough to take me into the city to some markets. We took the bus to get there.....an interesting experience in itself. When it's time to get off, get off, or else the door will close, the bus hardly even stops when you are getting off, it is honestly still rolling!
We got to the first market, I was promised cheap prices and lots of choices. It is inside a building with different entrances. The "shops" are small open areas with clothes hanging and folded in semi neat piles. It's not like a mall. The shops are also on top of each other. And the clerk will hover over you while pulling out blouses, holding them next to you, trying to convince you that this is what you are looking for. And trust me, some of them are God-awful. After a few places, I found a blouse that I liked. Anna asked, "Bao Nhieu?" (How much?)..............the clerk looked at her, then at me..............."For who??" the clerk asked. Wow, is that legal?? Anna is from the Philippines, long dark hair, beautiful skin, etc. I am a white tall girl presumably a tourist............which means..........I presumably have money. Anna tried to talk her down, but the girl was firm. When we added a few other tops to purchase, she came down a little with the price. Then Anna taught me something..........make sure you look over the tops carefully. This one had definitely been sitting in the sun....on a dirty road...........the other one had coffee stains on it.........etc. We asked for new ones, which they do keep handy, but of course even those has stains. So onward we went. Searching for at least one top. We ended up at a few different markets in the same area. I had to laugh because it was so hot and muggy, I found a top that I liked so I wanted to try it on. It was size large and it still looked small. Anna asked if I could try it on. I was looking for the changing room when all of a sudden the clerk took a sheet and hung it on the wall in a corner. Okaaaay...........this will be interesting. The shop itself is smaller than a closet and now I am changing in the corner, with people trying to look at the clothes behind me.............AND, I am much taller than most here, so the sheet is hung way too low to cover me............I had to squat to have any privacy and even then, my head was still visible. The top I was wearing was stuck to me like wet swim trunks because of the heat. I am bumping into the wall of clothes behind me, I am giggling to myself, I truly feel like a giant in a small persons world. Then I couldn't believe it...one....size LG and XL were too small for me...and two....a woman opened the curtain and started taking off her top right next to me, our bodies so sticky and now, touching each other...........I honestly started laughing out loud! "Well, hello there, do i know you??" I said, knowing she had no idea what I was saying. I struggled to put my blouse back on, wiped the sweat from my forehead and moved on, starting to realize shopping for clothes here is no easy task.
I asked Anna to take me back to the grocery store to be able to purchase a few things to bring back to the house. There I found some Tommy Hilfiger polo style shirts, men and women sizes. The XL in womans size is okay for me. And they were only a few bucks so I bought a couple. Got the same feeling as shopping at the Ocean State Job Lot for clothes.
Now I was happy to wear the new shirt on Monday.........until I heard.........."is that a new shirt Kathy? You are starting to look more and more like a Nun"..............................Anna!!!..............Please help meeeeee............maybe they have something for me at the Russian Market!!
Now, I had forgotten most of this, until I tried to buy some sandals here in Vietnam. I was on a trip with the VNSF when we went to a market one night. I saw a shoe store and figured I could find a nice pair of inexpensive sandals. 3 of us walked arm in arm down the main rd to the store, speaking broken English/Vietnamese. Walking into the store was like stepping into shoe heaven. So many lovely pairs, all sorts of styles and colors, I wanted to try on every one. I am limited on cash, so I sorted through to find a nice Mary Jane style, my favorite. The sizes run differently. This says 37 and it looks very small. I ask for a larger one. They bring me a 39, still too small. I ask for a larger one...........then I see it........a look.........from the store clerk...........she is looking at me like I am one of the attractions from a circus.............the "Girl With Big Feet"...............honestly, she stood there and stared at my feet! Looking at the feet of the other women, yes, my God, my feet are HUGE. I asked for the biggest size they had in any style and yet, even those were too small. The only pair that fit were the Teva Velcro kind that really made my feet look like a mans. I couldn't bring myself to purchase them. I wasn't in need of a pair, I was looking for a pair as a treat. I have been wearing the same flip flops every day now for over a month, and these were pretty worn out before I got to Vietnam. We left that shop and ventured to another. There was a Men's Shoestore that I walked into and the girls started laughing at me as if I didn't know it was a MAN's shoestore. I said I knew, I was just looking for a size that fit me. Then all the memories of my childhood came back to me, such large manly feet at such a young age...........big feet and not a sign of needing a bra until my second year of high school, oh yeah, I was a tomboy through and through. Within a few minutes the van was ready to go back to our hotel. No shoes for me tonight. The real funny thing is that a woman on the van insisted I go to the Russian Market since I have "very large feet." I imagined a lot of women there walking around with large feet and feeling a bond, haha
I went on another occasion with my friend Anna to find some clothes for myself. I have brought enough clothes with me, but a lot of my tops are sleeveless. And shorts are out of the question in my position. I am a teacher to Sisters and Brothers, and covering up is important. Shorts and tank tops are out of the question. Wearing a dress or skirt is hard because I often ride as a passenger on the motor bikes............if you know what I mean. I do see women riding side saddle wearing a dress but I haven't gotten up enough courage to try that, plus most of the women riding that way are pregnant. I hang on for dear life on these motor bikes, I can't imagine riding sideways, I'll sound like a siren, screaming the whole way. Anyways, Anna was kind enough to take me into the city to some markets. We took the bus to get there.....an interesting experience in itself. When it's time to get off, get off, or else the door will close, the bus hardly even stops when you are getting off, it is honestly still rolling!
We got to the first market, I was promised cheap prices and lots of choices. It is inside a building with different entrances. The "shops" are small open areas with clothes hanging and folded in semi neat piles. It's not like a mall. The shops are also on top of each other. And the clerk will hover over you while pulling out blouses, holding them next to you, trying to convince you that this is what you are looking for. And trust me, some of them are God-awful. After a few places, I found a blouse that I liked. Anna asked, "Bao Nhieu?" (How much?)..............the clerk looked at her, then at me..............."For who??" the clerk asked. Wow, is that legal?? Anna is from the Philippines, long dark hair, beautiful skin, etc. I am a white tall girl presumably a tourist............which means..........I presumably have money. Anna tried to talk her down, but the girl was firm. When we added a few other tops to purchase, she came down a little with the price. Then Anna taught me something..........make sure you look over the tops carefully. This one had definitely been sitting in the sun....on a dirty road...........the other one had coffee stains on it.........etc. We asked for new ones, which they do keep handy, but of course even those has stains. So onward we went. Searching for at least one top. We ended up at a few different markets in the same area. I had to laugh because it was so hot and muggy, I found a top that I liked so I wanted to try it on. It was size large and it still looked small. Anna asked if I could try it on. I was looking for the changing room when all of a sudden the clerk took a sheet and hung it on the wall in a corner. Okaaaay...........this will be interesting. The shop itself is smaller than a closet and now I am changing in the corner, with people trying to look at the clothes behind me.............AND, I am much taller than most here, so the sheet is hung way too low to cover me............I had to squat to have any privacy and even then, my head was still visible. The top I was wearing was stuck to me like wet swim trunks because of the heat. I am bumping into the wall of clothes behind me, I am giggling to myself, I truly feel like a giant in a small persons world. Then I couldn't believe it...one....size LG and XL were too small for me...and two....a woman opened the curtain and started taking off her top right next to me, our bodies so sticky and now, touching each other...........I honestly started laughing out loud! "Well, hello there, do i know you??" I said, knowing she had no idea what I was saying. I struggled to put my blouse back on, wiped the sweat from my forehead and moved on, starting to realize shopping for clothes here is no easy task.
I asked Anna to take me back to the grocery store to be able to purchase a few things to bring back to the house. There I found some Tommy Hilfiger polo style shirts, men and women sizes. The XL in womans size is okay for me. And they were only a few bucks so I bought a couple. Got the same feeling as shopping at the Ocean State Job Lot for clothes.
Now I was happy to wear the new shirt on Monday.........until I heard.........."is that a new shirt Kathy? You are starting to look more and more like a Nun"..............................Anna!!!..............Please help meeeeee............maybe they have something for me at the Russian Market!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dreaming of the seasons
I hope you are all doing well and you are healthy. I have been in heat and humidity for over a month now. Just sitting brings droplets of sweat. Taking a rinse in the shower 2 or 3 times a day is almost a necessity. Doing your hair is fruitless, headbands are a life saver. Now I understand why we sleep on mats, beds are too warm. I have been thinking about Spring and the other seasons, wondering what type of personalities do they have and this is what came to mind, enjoy. Feel free to comment on what you feel of the seasons, your favorite one and why.
Is Spring showing it's wonderful face?? Out of all the seasons, I think Spring is shy. Winter is strong, brutal at times, but also dainty and dazzling, winter has so many different faces, doesn't it? Think of all the ways it snows, light, heavy, ice, hail, and it changes the landscapes accordingly. My absolute favorite scene of winter is after a heavy snow, in the early morning hours, the sky is clear, the sun is creating shadows as it rises so you can see the pure white heavy snow, laying on the tree limbs and on the tree tops and yet the tree trunks look dark, such contrast. If you have ever wanted to visit a Fairyland, now is the time. As you walk in the deep powder, it glitters for you like a treasure. By the time the sun rises, the snow usually starts to melt and fall off the limbs in chunks, the cars have created a dirty mess along the roads and the canvas is forever changed. I force myself out of bed after a big storm just to catch a glimpse of this, it only lasts a few hours, but makes me feel closer to God.
Spring is shy because it comes slowly, showing signs of warmth, then hiding for a few days. A lot of people like to celebrate their weddings in the Spring. A time for love and laughter, new growth, the celebration of sorts that we survived the long demands of Winter. A crocus could be interpreted as a giggle and an offering of joy from the shy Spring. The Robin appears and the birds start to cheer with each sunrise. With the help of the sun, Spring gently caresses the trees to produce buds. Spring may even surprise you with a hug, otherwise known as a warm breeze on a cool day. Close your eyes and say,"Thank you for that, Spring." Spring is one of the shortest seasons. You often hear people say that we didn't even have one; that Summer came overnight. Well, Summer can be that way. It's kind of pushy. I think of Summer as having a little bit of an EGO. It thinks we love it best. Summer may bulldoze Spring aside. It brings families together for picnics, kids get to play outside more, outdoor sports are in full swing. Fourth of July fireworks and the most important to me, open windows. Summer brings fresh harvest from our weed infested gardens and Farmers Markets if your garden is limited or none existent. Summer brings back memories of school break, going to the beach, singing in the car with the windows down, feeling the wind on your face and your hair blowing in the breeze. I love to think of sitting on a swing in the summer, enjoying ice tea with my sisters and Mum. Having a cook out at my friend Glenns house, enjoying the company of friends and family. To wear shorts and t-shirts, tank tops, flip flops, cute summer dresses with sandals. Allowing the fan in the window to put me to sleep at night. Laying on our hammock in the back yard, enjoying Mark's company at the Natchaug Forest stream in the evening. We love to go there after work and sit in the water discussing our day, maybe even eating take out and enjoying a beer....until the mosquitoes want to carry us away. The days are longer in Summer. I love that it is still light at 8pm on some nights. Summer takes us to Maine every year to enjoy friends, swimming, hiking. Even if we can only go for a long weekend, it is such a treat. One of my closest friends, Doreen, has a cottage that has been in her family for 3 generations in Camden, ME. It is so peaceful. Even if the small cottage is filled to the brim with family and guests, you still feel rested when you return home. Summer brings my Father home to spend time at his cottage in Woodstock, the next town over. I love going there to enjoy his company and the lake. I thoroughly enjoy our Friday morning breakfasts, sitting outside at Stoggy Hollow. My Sister, Lisa, will bring her 2 kids home in the summer and stay at our Father's house for most of the summer. That is such a treat!! To be able to spend time with her, my niece and nephew, and if we are lucky, my brother in law is able to come also. My other Sister, Karen, tries her best to visit also. She is a busy Mom of 5 so travel is timely and costly for them.( The news we have been waiting to hear has finally arrived, Karen and her family will be moving home to the East Coast this June after living all over the world benefits of the USAF!! Our prayers have been answered.) By August, Summer has showed it's stubborn side, taunting us by burning our skin, drying out our yards and gardens, bringing with it heat, humidity and hot leather seats. You will hear plenty of complaining about the heat. Air conditioners are all sold out at most Wal Marts.
Then, it happens, you can't remember where you are, or what day you see it, but you do...............a leaf..........turning red........usually a Swamp Maple attempts it first..............Summer is almost over, and Fall is right around the corner. Fall begins to come to us in an oh so quiet way, usually during the night. It puts its foot in the door by dropping the temperature. Summer fights back with warm days and Fall wins in the evening. The nights get colder and colder so the leaves start to turn color more and more. Summer is tired, it has given all it can. And in the end, it had bowed to Fall.
Fall is quiet but not shy. Fall is full of surprises, cold brisk mornings and evenings and yet, if we are lucky, Fall brings an Indian Summer. I think Fall feels our distaste for Winter in the sense that it seems so long, that it gives us Indian Summer to bring warmth to our hearts. And maybe even one last ride on our motorcycles without our heavy coats. Fall also brings with it a wonderful harvest of pears, apples, pumpkins, squash, scarecrows and mums. Berries of all colors. The bright colors of Fall, yellow, red, burnt orange, the leaves are truly breathtaking. Every Fall, I find a leaf and take the time to admire it. If you come to my house, you may find leaves propped on a windowsill or on the coffee table. Fall doesn't last long, so take the time and sit under a tree on a blanket with your love, with the leaves surrounding you. Bring some wine, cheese and crackers and make a date right in your backyard.
Once the leaves have fallen, the trees are bare, and all the apples have been picked, it is time to close the windows til Spring. Put away the lawn furniture, make sure the wood pile is high, "winterize" your car, your home. Check your supply of rock salt, ice scrapers, boots, hats, mittens. Is your shovel still in good shape, has the oil been changed in the snow blower? Have the blisters healed from the raking of the leaves? Get out the heavy blankets, the warm socks and Mom's favorite, thermal pants and tops. Sit next to the wood stove or fireplace and enjoy some of my beef stew and home made hearty bread. Place the laptop on top of the blanket you are under and do what I do best, start looking for a warm destination for you and your love to travel to. Winter is here again, lets have fun putting on our "winter weight!"
Is Spring showing it's wonderful face?? Out of all the seasons, I think Spring is shy. Winter is strong, brutal at times, but also dainty and dazzling, winter has so many different faces, doesn't it? Think of all the ways it snows, light, heavy, ice, hail, and it changes the landscapes accordingly. My absolute favorite scene of winter is after a heavy snow, in the early morning hours, the sky is clear, the sun is creating shadows as it rises so you can see the pure white heavy snow, laying on the tree limbs and on the tree tops and yet the tree trunks look dark, such contrast. If you have ever wanted to visit a Fairyland, now is the time. As you walk in the deep powder, it glitters for you like a treasure. By the time the sun rises, the snow usually starts to melt and fall off the limbs in chunks, the cars have created a dirty mess along the roads and the canvas is forever changed. I force myself out of bed after a big storm just to catch a glimpse of this, it only lasts a few hours, but makes me feel closer to God.
Spring is shy because it comes slowly, showing signs of warmth, then hiding for a few days. A lot of people like to celebrate their weddings in the Spring. A time for love and laughter, new growth, the celebration of sorts that we survived the long demands of Winter. A crocus could be interpreted as a giggle and an offering of joy from the shy Spring. The Robin appears and the birds start to cheer with each sunrise. With the help of the sun, Spring gently caresses the trees to produce buds. Spring may even surprise you with a hug, otherwise known as a warm breeze on a cool day. Close your eyes and say,"Thank you for that, Spring." Spring is one of the shortest seasons. You often hear people say that we didn't even have one; that Summer came overnight. Well, Summer can be that way. It's kind of pushy. I think of Summer as having a little bit of an EGO. It thinks we love it best. Summer may bulldoze Spring aside. It brings families together for picnics, kids get to play outside more, outdoor sports are in full swing. Fourth of July fireworks and the most important to me, open windows. Summer brings fresh harvest from our weed infested gardens and Farmers Markets if your garden is limited or none existent. Summer brings back memories of school break, going to the beach, singing in the car with the windows down, feeling the wind on your face and your hair blowing in the breeze. I love to think of sitting on a swing in the summer, enjoying ice tea with my sisters and Mum. Having a cook out at my friend Glenns house, enjoying the company of friends and family. To wear shorts and t-shirts, tank tops, flip flops, cute summer dresses with sandals. Allowing the fan in the window to put me to sleep at night. Laying on our hammock in the back yard, enjoying Mark's company at the Natchaug Forest stream in the evening. We love to go there after work and sit in the water discussing our day, maybe even eating take out and enjoying a beer....until the mosquitoes want to carry us away. The days are longer in Summer. I love that it is still light at 8pm on some nights. Summer takes us to Maine every year to enjoy friends, swimming, hiking. Even if we can only go for a long weekend, it is such a treat. One of my closest friends, Doreen, has a cottage that has been in her family for 3 generations in Camden, ME. It is so peaceful. Even if the small cottage is filled to the brim with family and guests, you still feel rested when you return home. Summer brings my Father home to spend time at his cottage in Woodstock, the next town over. I love going there to enjoy his company and the lake. I thoroughly enjoy our Friday morning breakfasts, sitting outside at Stoggy Hollow. My Sister, Lisa, will bring her 2 kids home in the summer and stay at our Father's house for most of the summer. That is such a treat!! To be able to spend time with her, my niece and nephew, and if we are lucky, my brother in law is able to come also. My other Sister, Karen, tries her best to visit also. She is a busy Mom of 5 so travel is timely and costly for them.( The news we have been waiting to hear has finally arrived, Karen and her family will be moving home to the East Coast this June after living all over the world benefits of the USAF!! Our prayers have been answered.) By August, Summer has showed it's stubborn side, taunting us by burning our skin, drying out our yards and gardens, bringing with it heat, humidity and hot leather seats. You will hear plenty of complaining about the heat. Air conditioners are all sold out at most Wal Marts.
Then, it happens, you can't remember where you are, or what day you see it, but you do...............a leaf..........turning red........usually a Swamp Maple attempts it first..............Summer is almost over, and Fall is right around the corner. Fall begins to come to us in an oh so quiet way, usually during the night. It puts its foot in the door by dropping the temperature. Summer fights back with warm days and Fall wins in the evening. The nights get colder and colder so the leaves start to turn color more and more. Summer is tired, it has given all it can. And in the end, it had bowed to Fall.
Fall is quiet but not shy. Fall is full of surprises, cold brisk mornings and evenings and yet, if we are lucky, Fall brings an Indian Summer. I think Fall feels our distaste for Winter in the sense that it seems so long, that it gives us Indian Summer to bring warmth to our hearts. And maybe even one last ride on our motorcycles without our heavy coats. Fall also brings with it a wonderful harvest of pears, apples, pumpkins, squash, scarecrows and mums. Berries of all colors. The bright colors of Fall, yellow, red, burnt orange, the leaves are truly breathtaking. Every Fall, I find a leaf and take the time to admire it. If you come to my house, you may find leaves propped on a windowsill or on the coffee table. Fall doesn't last long, so take the time and sit under a tree on a blanket with your love, with the leaves surrounding you. Bring some wine, cheese and crackers and make a date right in your backyard.
Once the leaves have fallen, the trees are bare, and all the apples have been picked, it is time to close the windows til Spring. Put away the lawn furniture, make sure the wood pile is high, "winterize" your car, your home. Check your supply of rock salt, ice scrapers, boots, hats, mittens. Is your shovel still in good shape, has the oil been changed in the snow blower? Have the blisters healed from the raking of the leaves? Get out the heavy blankets, the warm socks and Mom's favorite, thermal pants and tops. Sit next to the wood stove or fireplace and enjoy some of my beef stew and home made hearty bread. Place the laptop on top of the blanket you are under and do what I do best, start looking for a warm destination for you and your love to travel to. Winter is here again, lets have fun putting on our "winter weight!"
Ca Mau
Felix and I traveled with a family to Ca Mau. We started our journey at 10pm on Friday, March 11th. We went to Mrs. Yen's house. There, we climbed into a small van with her, her husband and daughter. They have rented 2 vans to take their relatives to celebrate a Mass in Ca Mau. Our plan was to drive all night and arrive there in the morning. Ca Mau is located south of here, near the Cambodian border. I was happy with the van, plenty of room, comfortable, etc. We started off on our journey. Within a few minutes, we stopped at another home to pick up the rest of the family. To my surprise, our van filled up with family. I could sense their excitement for this trip. I am surrounded by 15 of this family. Felix is in the front seat, so conversation was out of the question. The young girl next to me spoke some English, very little. She is cute, maybe age 19, she painted her nails in a crisscross pattern of black and white. Felix would tease her and she would give it right back to him, a spunky girl!
A part of me was anxious because we were now like sardines in this van, and we have to drive all night. I love my sleep, it is a necessity for me. I did bring my travel pillow earplugs and mask, which I was too embarrassed to use the plugs and mask, but tried to use the pillow. Now when you think of a road trip like this, you imagine entering onto the highway and going fast to your destination. In Vietnam, the "highway" is full of speed bumps and bumps before bridges so I think the top speed was 45. They also have about 6 low speed bumps in a row so the van vibrates every once in awhile. There is no sleeping soundly here. After a couple hours, I find we are pulling over into a large parking lot, a parking lot for nothing, just an open area that has been tarred. They open the door and everyone starts walking to the field, oh, okay, bathroom break. I didn't have to go so I tried to close my eyes. Felix came back to the van and asked if I went. I thought maybe I should try because I wasn't sure how much longer we would be driving. I climbed out and started to walk by myself to the field. A strong smell came over me, making me actually gag. A smell worse than a sewer. Maybe they fertilized this field? But it looks like a wild field. The dirt is dry as sand. There is a path like a stream may run through it during monsoon season, but now it was dry. In the distance I could see banana trees, either way, I am in the field now, the family has gathered near the van, chatting away, I am in plain sight. I don't want to go into the dry stream because it is so dark and I can't see the bottom, and why is the ground wet? Oh great, I am walking through their pee spots aren't I? And yes, I have flip flops on. UGH. Okay, I will pee here, do I pee facing the van so it is as if I am looking at them looking at me? or do I turn away and let them see my behind facing them?? So many questions and nobody to answer them and MAN! WHAT IS THAT SMELL??! I look at my arms, they are disobeying my orders to pull my pants down............just swallow your pride and pee Kathy, nobody is looking, they are busy chatting...........and still nothing, my arms hang at my side not even attempting to unsnap, unzip, pull down..........my legs start walking back to the van, well, I guess my questions have been answered, I am not peeing here in this field, haha.
At 3 in the morning, we pull into a makeshift cafe on the side of the highway in nowhere land. I can't believe it is open. The family wants to eat Pho pronounced "PHA" a noodle soup very popular in Vietnam. Have they slept at all?? The young spunky girl calls my name to takes me to the bathroom. There were stalls lined down the right, and a long sink like a trough lines the other side, people are washing their faces in it. I wait in line, trying not to breath. The floor is wet and yes, I am still wearing flip flops. The door opens, my turn, and by now, I did have to go. I walked into the stall and man, this is where I really have a hard time. I am a germaphobe. There is not a toilet, there is a tile platform with a round porcelain basin in the middle. There is a built in basin on the right filled with warm dirty water. You step onto the platform, pull your pants down without letting them hit the floor or basin, squat over the basin, aim and pray for the best. Once done, hopefully you brought your own toilet paper, and if not, hopefully you've got the "shake" down by now. There is not a flush, you have to reach into the water filled basin for the plastic container to fill with water and pour into the "toilet". Water goes everywhere. So now, you are wondering about the water on the floor, it is 2 inches deep and my flip flops are less than an inch thick. I am walking like a robot so I don't splash my pants even more. I am repeating quietly in my head, "oh my God, oh my God" as if the germs are going to asphyxiate me before I can get back into the van. I head to the trough to wash my hands, hoping there is soap, there has to be, people were washing their faces, but no, there is none. Mental note, when they are passing out fruit again on the van politely say no.
After staying there for almost an hour, we get back in the van and travel on. They eat so much! Where they put it I don't know. They eat white rice at almost every meal and yet their figures are so perfect. Well, perfect for their size. (Which I have another post on size.) We are traveling on and on and I must had fallen asleep because when I woke, it was 5:45am, the sun was just starting to rise. There are vans, buses, cars, motor bikes and people all over the place. A little chaotic. We are told to take all our belongings off of the van. We are marching through this field on the side of the road, God, I hope there are not any snakes in here is all I'm thinking....other than sleep. I may have an hour or two of sleep under my belt. We are walking towards some houses. The locals here open their homes and allow you to sleep on their floor. The house we chose had about 30 people in it, I was just following the family, feeling almost like cattle being herded into a milking parlor. I was guided to a large low table, we were filed like sardines onto it to sleep. I am wearing jeans and laying on my side was painful, but didn't want to take up any more room than I had to. I am a giant around them and take up a lot of room as it is. I forced myself to sleep. When I woke almost an hour later, there were only 2 of us sleeping on the table. People were changing into their church clothes, putting on makeup. One man was washing dirty glasses with the hose and a plastic basin, people were lined up to use the bathroom. I figured I would brush my teeth and change so I also got in line. After waiting all that time, I entered the bathroom and it was wet, and without a sink. I couldn't walk into it, I just stepped back and walked away. I grabbed my flip flops at the entrance of the house. I went into the back open room that was almost like a garage and hid to change. I am enjoying this occasion, don't get me wrong, but some of it is an eye opener of how people live. I am in no way making fun of anyone, just observing how they live. What is unbearable to me is second nature to them....they don't think twice about going into a bathroom with a soaking wet floor, because they are use to having a wet floor, their showers are not separate like ours are, they are on the wall in ea bathroom with a drain and a sink and a toilet, so everything gets wet.
We are now walking down the road a bit to get a coffee and maybe some bfast. We found a roadside cafe with tables and plastic chairs. I ordered an ice coffee with milk, which is delicious. Vietnamese coffee is wonderful. They make it with sweetened condensed milk and a strong coffee. I don't usually like my coffee sweet or strong, but for some reason, I love this. I also order Banh Kem which is bread made like a small french loaf with fried egg, cucumber and a sweet/spicy sauce. It is widely available and my favorite so far. Felix is heading to the church. He is one of the 20 to help celebrate the Mass. The Mass is to celebrate the life of a Vietnamese priest, named Truong Buu Diep, that was beheaded in 1946. His remains are at this church. This is a big deal for this area. It is not heavily populated and yet, every year at this time approximately 20,000 people come to pay their respects and celebrate the mass. I have a small video I will post on FB when I return for you. In it, some people have gathered near the coffin and are praying, sounds like a chant. It really sounds like a song. You'll notice people are touching the coffin and rubbing their heads and bodies as if to help them heal. There is also a large statue that they are touching and kissing. Such strong faith. We stand in the hot sun waiting for the Mass to begin. I see Felix and I am so happy for him. When it is time to receive the Body of Christ, he gets to come our way, I touched his arm and he saw that we were there in the crowd, he stopped and started to offer us the Body of Christ. People started crowding around us to receive it also. One woman even asked to have his bracelet of rosary beads, she pleaded for it. He reluctantly gave it to her, knowing that this was his second one he rec'd, his first one was also asked for and the Sister that gave it to him told him to KEEP this one for himself, don't give it away! haha.
After the Mass, I got to meet the Bishop and have lunch with the priests, I was very honored. We met up with the family soon after. I was hoping Felix could go out and see the church and surroundings, but the family was ready to head home. I saw a little disappointment on his face, but we were guests, so we started our long journey back. And what a long journey it was. So much driving in such a full van. I tried to follow the conversation, but the Vietnamese language is like no other. It is incredibly hard to understand.
I was very happy to have had this experience. To witness a tight knit family with such strong faith. Also, I can now say, I have been to Ca Mau to celebrate the Mass. It reminded me of what Sturgis must be like when they have the bike rally. A small town with a low population and bam, one day, it has over 20,000 people in it. Not that I saw any biker girls in Ca Mau, haha I have posted pictures in the album here, you may have seen them:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103691188319770375535/CaMau?authkey=Gv1sRgCKee5Y_D0dzh6QE#
A part of me was anxious because we were now like sardines in this van, and we have to drive all night. I love my sleep, it is a necessity for me. I did bring my travel pillow earplugs and mask, which I was too embarrassed to use the plugs and mask, but tried to use the pillow. Now when you think of a road trip like this, you imagine entering onto the highway and going fast to your destination. In Vietnam, the "highway" is full of speed bumps and bumps before bridges so I think the top speed was 45. They also have about 6 low speed bumps in a row so the van vibrates every once in awhile. There is no sleeping soundly here. After a couple hours, I find we are pulling over into a large parking lot, a parking lot for nothing, just an open area that has been tarred. They open the door and everyone starts walking to the field, oh, okay, bathroom break. I didn't have to go so I tried to close my eyes. Felix came back to the van and asked if I went. I thought maybe I should try because I wasn't sure how much longer we would be driving. I climbed out and started to walk by myself to the field. A strong smell came over me, making me actually gag. A smell worse than a sewer. Maybe they fertilized this field? But it looks like a wild field. The dirt is dry as sand. There is a path like a stream may run through it during monsoon season, but now it was dry. In the distance I could see banana trees, either way, I am in the field now, the family has gathered near the van, chatting away, I am in plain sight. I don't want to go into the dry stream because it is so dark and I can't see the bottom, and why is the ground wet? Oh great, I am walking through their pee spots aren't I? And yes, I have flip flops on. UGH. Okay, I will pee here, do I pee facing the van so it is as if I am looking at them looking at me? or do I turn away and let them see my behind facing them?? So many questions and nobody to answer them and MAN! WHAT IS THAT SMELL??! I look at my arms, they are disobeying my orders to pull my pants down............just swallow your pride and pee Kathy, nobody is looking, they are busy chatting...........and still nothing, my arms hang at my side not even attempting to unsnap, unzip, pull down..........my legs start walking back to the van, well, I guess my questions have been answered, I am not peeing here in this field, haha.
At 3 in the morning, we pull into a makeshift cafe on the side of the highway in nowhere land. I can't believe it is open. The family wants to eat Pho pronounced "PHA" a noodle soup very popular in Vietnam. Have they slept at all?? The young spunky girl calls my name to takes me to the bathroom. There were stalls lined down the right, and a long sink like a trough lines the other side, people are washing their faces in it. I wait in line, trying not to breath. The floor is wet and yes, I am still wearing flip flops. The door opens, my turn, and by now, I did have to go. I walked into the stall and man, this is where I really have a hard time. I am a germaphobe. There is not a toilet, there is a tile platform with a round porcelain basin in the middle. There is a built in basin on the right filled with warm dirty water. You step onto the platform, pull your pants down without letting them hit the floor or basin, squat over the basin, aim and pray for the best. Once done, hopefully you brought your own toilet paper, and if not, hopefully you've got the "shake" down by now. There is not a flush, you have to reach into the water filled basin for the plastic container to fill with water and pour into the "toilet". Water goes everywhere. So now, you are wondering about the water on the floor, it is 2 inches deep and my flip flops are less than an inch thick. I am walking like a robot so I don't splash my pants even more. I am repeating quietly in my head, "oh my God, oh my God" as if the germs are going to asphyxiate me before I can get back into the van. I head to the trough to wash my hands, hoping there is soap, there has to be, people were washing their faces, but no, there is none. Mental note, when they are passing out fruit again on the van politely say no.
After staying there for almost an hour, we get back in the van and travel on. They eat so much! Where they put it I don't know. They eat white rice at almost every meal and yet their figures are so perfect. Well, perfect for their size. (Which I have another post on size.) We are traveling on and on and I must had fallen asleep because when I woke, it was 5:45am, the sun was just starting to rise. There are vans, buses, cars, motor bikes and people all over the place. A little chaotic. We are told to take all our belongings off of the van. We are marching through this field on the side of the road, God, I hope there are not any snakes in here is all I'm thinking....other than sleep. I may have an hour or two of sleep under my belt. We are walking towards some houses. The locals here open their homes and allow you to sleep on their floor. The house we chose had about 30 people in it, I was just following the family, feeling almost like cattle being herded into a milking parlor. I was guided to a large low table, we were filed like sardines onto it to sleep. I am wearing jeans and laying on my side was painful, but didn't want to take up any more room than I had to. I am a giant around them and take up a lot of room as it is. I forced myself to sleep. When I woke almost an hour later, there were only 2 of us sleeping on the table. People were changing into their church clothes, putting on makeup. One man was washing dirty glasses with the hose and a plastic basin, people were lined up to use the bathroom. I figured I would brush my teeth and change so I also got in line. After waiting all that time, I entered the bathroom and it was wet, and without a sink. I couldn't walk into it, I just stepped back and walked away. I grabbed my flip flops at the entrance of the house. I went into the back open room that was almost like a garage and hid to change. I am enjoying this occasion, don't get me wrong, but some of it is an eye opener of how people live. I am in no way making fun of anyone, just observing how they live. What is unbearable to me is second nature to them....they don't think twice about going into a bathroom with a soaking wet floor, because they are use to having a wet floor, their showers are not separate like ours are, they are on the wall in ea bathroom with a drain and a sink and a toilet, so everything gets wet.
We are now walking down the road a bit to get a coffee and maybe some bfast. We found a roadside cafe with tables and plastic chairs. I ordered an ice coffee with milk, which is delicious. Vietnamese coffee is wonderful. They make it with sweetened condensed milk and a strong coffee. I don't usually like my coffee sweet or strong, but for some reason, I love this. I also order Banh Kem which is bread made like a small french loaf with fried egg, cucumber and a sweet/spicy sauce. It is widely available and my favorite so far. Felix is heading to the church. He is one of the 20 to help celebrate the Mass. The Mass is to celebrate the life of a Vietnamese priest, named Truong Buu Diep, that was beheaded in 1946. His remains are at this church. This is a big deal for this area. It is not heavily populated and yet, every year at this time approximately 20,000 people come to pay their respects and celebrate the mass. I have a small video I will post on FB when I return for you. In it, some people have gathered near the coffin and are praying, sounds like a chant. It really sounds like a song. You'll notice people are touching the coffin and rubbing their heads and bodies as if to help them heal. There is also a large statue that they are touching and kissing. Such strong faith. We stand in the hot sun waiting for the Mass to begin. I see Felix and I am so happy for him. When it is time to receive the Body of Christ, he gets to come our way, I touched his arm and he saw that we were there in the crowd, he stopped and started to offer us the Body of Christ. People started crowding around us to receive it also. One woman even asked to have his bracelet of rosary beads, she pleaded for it. He reluctantly gave it to her, knowing that this was his second one he rec'd, his first one was also asked for and the Sister that gave it to him told him to KEEP this one for himself, don't give it away! haha.
After the Mass, I got to meet the Bishop and have lunch with the priests, I was very honored. We met up with the family soon after. I was hoping Felix could go out and see the church and surroundings, but the family was ready to head home. I saw a little disappointment on his face, but we were guests, so we started our long journey back. And what a long journey it was. So much driving in such a full van. I tried to follow the conversation, but the Vietnamese language is like no other. It is incredibly hard to understand.
I was very happy to have had this experience. To witness a tight knit family with such strong faith. Also, I can now say, I have been to Ca Mau to celebrate the Mass. It reminded me of what Sturgis must be like when they have the bike rally. A small town with a low population and bam, one day, it has over 20,000 people in it. Not that I saw any biker girls in Ca Mau, haha I have posted pictures in the album here, you may have seen them:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103691188319770375535/CaMau?authkey=Gv1sRgCKee5Y_D0dzh6QE#
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Selflessness
I just have to share with you this touching moment.
We went to Huang Mai to play with the disabled children and I was also there to help clean their teeth. When I was almost finished, Thien came in and asked to take my camera. If you know me well enough, you know that I am pretty picky with who touches my camera. I could tell by the excitement in Thien's eyes that it was okay to lend it to him. I followed him within a few minutes to a room where a bunch of the children were sitting on the floor in a circle. One of the students came to me, a young man with thick black hair, came up to me and Thien said he wants Mother Kathy to sit next to him and share his birthday cake. I said, "Oh it's your birthday!" He has a hard time speaking let alone speaking English but he said,"Yes!" He is turning 16 today. Some of the Sisters had gone to a market and bought a cake for everyone to share. I got to sit next to him and help Sister cut the cake. We cut about 20 small pieces, started lining them up, and to my suprise, the eager kids started passing them down to each other. When I was a child and still to this day, you pass me some cake, I am digging in, I'm not even thinking about passing it down, haha. As I make this observation, I see a young boy standing up next to an older boy sitting on the ground. The smaller boy is feeding his piece to the older boy because the older boy cannot feed himself. The younger boy was laughing and getting icing on his face. Here are two young men that have such disabilities that they need constant care. One would think that they are use to taking care of themselves first, if at all possible and yet, here they are helping their brother in need first. The younger boy came back after feeding the older one his whole piece, then asked for some for himself. So what does helpless really mean?? I honestly had tears in my eyes.
I have posted the photos of this in the album Ca Mau
https://picasaweb.google.com/103691188319770375535/CaMau?authkey=Gv1sRgCKee5Y_D0dzh6QE#
We went to Huang Mai to play with the disabled children and I was also there to help clean their teeth. When I was almost finished, Thien came in and asked to take my camera. If you know me well enough, you know that I am pretty picky with who touches my camera. I could tell by the excitement in Thien's eyes that it was okay to lend it to him. I followed him within a few minutes to a room where a bunch of the children were sitting on the floor in a circle. One of the students came to me, a young man with thick black hair, came up to me and Thien said he wants Mother Kathy to sit next to him and share his birthday cake. I said, "Oh it's your birthday!" He has a hard time speaking let alone speaking English but he said,"Yes!" He is turning 16 today. Some of the Sisters had gone to a market and bought a cake for everyone to share. I got to sit next to him and help Sister cut the cake. We cut about 20 small pieces, started lining them up, and to my suprise, the eager kids started passing them down to each other. When I was a child and still to this day, you pass me some cake, I am digging in, I'm not even thinking about passing it down, haha. As I make this observation, I see a young boy standing up next to an older boy sitting on the ground. The smaller boy is feeding his piece to the older boy because the older boy cannot feed himself. The younger boy was laughing and getting icing on his face. Here are two young men that have such disabilities that they need constant care. One would think that they are use to taking care of themselves first, if at all possible and yet, here they are helping their brother in need first. The younger boy came back after feeding the older one his whole piece, then asked for some for himself. So what does helpless really mean?? I honestly had tears in my eyes.
I have posted the photos of this in the album Ca Mau
https://picasaweb.google.com/103691188319770375535/CaMau?authkey=Gv1sRgCKee5Y_D0dzh6QE#
Monday, March 21, 2011
Why am I here?
I get asked that question quite a bit. Why Vietnam? Why here in Go Vap? Why for 3 mos? And you know, there isn't a definitive moment that I can think of to answer why. Desire is one word. What connection do I have with Vietnam if any? The only answer I can give, is that growing up in Hawaii, I had a few Vietnamese students in my class. In 4th grade, Tinh was new to our class. He was tall, thin, black hair, and had the biggest ears I had ever seen. The boys would pull on them and tease him during recess. Tinh could not speak English, he followed orders by example. I wanted to be his friend, help him. We would play a little together, until one day, out of silliness, I wanted to show my affection so I did what every girl does, you punch or kick someone you really like, I pulled his ears while waiting in line after recess. I saw his face, he was hurt, and really frustrated. I will never forget his face. I hurt someone that I cared about and I couldn't say I'm sorry. At a young age, it left an impact on me. Here is a young boy, that is put into the school system with out knowing any English. How scary. Maybe he was scared, maybe he was happy to be out of Vietnam. Either way, I don't know because he couldn't talk with me. I still often wonder about him and his sister. I'm sure he doesn't even remember me, and yet, he had an impact on my life. Someone who faces his fears on a daily basis and grows from it. He faced bullies every day on the playground that judged him because of his nationality and because of his ears, and yet, he came to class every day to learn more.
I was also influenced by a Vietnamese family that moved into a home on Ilihau Street. The mother was kind. Her children were very young, not any age that I would play with, but the Mother was so kind to me. Always waving hi when I walked home from school, having a cool drink waiting for me as I walked by. I wish I could remember her name. I loved the smells from her kitchen, rice and fish sauce. I guess I was at a very impressionable age. The only other connection I have to knowing anyone from Vietnam is the girl that lived down the road from us in California. Her name was Wen. She was a year younger than me. I loved going to her house. There were 3 generations living in that one house. There was always cooking going on, children running around, her grandparents were kind. She moved to San Francisco one day. I was very sad. I loved her accent, her jet black hair, her family life. I loved that her hair was so long and one day, she gathered it up behind her and cut it in one swipe, wow, to me that took guts!! And it came out so nice!
And then there is the obvious, the war. I've always wondered what Vietnam looks like. We've all heard stories about the war and have seen photos. We all know someone that was in the war. I really don't know or understand why we were here. But I think it is amazing that people here are so welcoming and happy to see an American. And let me tell you, where I am, I haven't seen another one since I've been here. I do get the looks, the double takes. Some men yell at me. They yell because I am the answer to them getting out of Vietnam. I was told that I will be wooed from many to attempt romance, so that we can get married and then my new husband can come to America and live a happy life. I left America to find happiness here and they are dreaming of coming to America to find happiness there.
So the answer to the question still remains and maybe the only answer I can give that makes sense is that God put this desire in my heart and once I recognized it and took steps to achieve it, all the doors opened to make it possible. Here are just some of the amazing things that happened for me to get here: I met Anna, a wonderful woman that answered some of my questions I had posted online about coming here and volunteering. Anna is a teacher here in Vietnam. She is from the Philippines and has been here for 2 years. I started asking questions on TripAdvisor and she would give some answers. I then started to ask her directly on TripAdvisor. We started corresponding more and more. Now I consider her a dear friend. Anna met Felix one day while she was working as a guide at the Notre Dame Basilica in Ho Chi Minh City. She asked Felix if he would be interested in having an American come for 3 mos to help teach English. He was, so Anna gave me his email. We started to correspond. Then to make it easier, we started to use Skype to communicate. Felix is from India, he has been here teaching English for almost 2 years. He has 5 young men here studying and living in his home that he rents in the BenCat area of Go Vap. He is very dark, tall, thin, has a great laugh and a great disposition. He was interested in me helping him teach English in the morning every day during the week. He also asked if I could help clean the teeth of some disabled children and blind girls. Of course! So now I have a purpose. How long can I go for?? Well, Vietnam will only allow you to visit for 3 mos. I could get a learning certificate and stay longer but I was not interested in all that red tape. 3mos would be long enough. I was planning on leaving my Dental Assisting position and returning full time at the Diner that I work at. I told the Dr. my plans and at first he didn't take it too well. After a few days of letting it sink in, he asked me to come back after my visit and still work for him! Now to find a dental assistant to replace me. As luck would have it, an experienced dental assistant was looking for a job for only 3 mos because she is moving to FL in June, what are the odds??! And when I purchased my plane ticket, I figured I would have to spend almost 2 grand. I kept looking and looking at the flights. One night, I found one for $850.00, that's cheaper than flying to California and this was round trip! Next to find a room, by this time, I had sent out many emails to different locations to inquire about rent. Anna was even trying to get me a room where she rents, but the owner never responded. And now I am thankful because Felix found me a room to rent with a family that lives a few miles away for only $100.00 a month and I have my own bathroom. Now to make sure I have enough money.....I was given so many generous gifts of money that my rent was paid ahead of time. I was also given by Patti 2 boxes of toothbrushes and by Dr. Roth, 2 boxes of toothpaste. I found dictionaries and books at the second hand stores etc. This trip has truly been a gift. God has taken care of everything, all I had to do was find the courage to go. To trust and go. And to be honest, the day Mark took me to the airport, I cried, out of fear. I was feeling scared of what I was heading into. I was giving up so much to come here. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of the language barrier, the food, the weather, the family I am staying with, did I pack enough medicine? Did I pack enough feminine products?? Do they even sell that stuff here?? Through our tears Mark said, "any time you feel that you want to come home, you just let me know." It's funny because I do want to come home, I want to run home, screaming and laughing, like a child after school. But I am not ready to come home just yet, there is still something pulling at me and I think only time will tell what it is.
I was also influenced by a Vietnamese family that moved into a home on Ilihau Street. The mother was kind. Her children were very young, not any age that I would play with, but the Mother was so kind to me. Always waving hi when I walked home from school, having a cool drink waiting for me as I walked by. I wish I could remember her name. I loved the smells from her kitchen, rice and fish sauce. I guess I was at a very impressionable age. The only other connection I have to knowing anyone from Vietnam is the girl that lived down the road from us in California. Her name was Wen. She was a year younger than me. I loved going to her house. There were 3 generations living in that one house. There was always cooking going on, children running around, her grandparents were kind. She moved to San Francisco one day. I was very sad. I loved her accent, her jet black hair, her family life. I loved that her hair was so long and one day, she gathered it up behind her and cut it in one swipe, wow, to me that took guts!! And it came out so nice!
And then there is the obvious, the war. I've always wondered what Vietnam looks like. We've all heard stories about the war and have seen photos. We all know someone that was in the war. I really don't know or understand why we were here. But I think it is amazing that people here are so welcoming and happy to see an American. And let me tell you, where I am, I haven't seen another one since I've been here. I do get the looks, the double takes. Some men yell at me. They yell because I am the answer to them getting out of Vietnam. I was told that I will be wooed from many to attempt romance, so that we can get married and then my new husband can come to America and live a happy life. I left America to find happiness here and they are dreaming of coming to America to find happiness there.
So the answer to the question still remains and maybe the only answer I can give that makes sense is that God put this desire in my heart and once I recognized it and took steps to achieve it, all the doors opened to make it possible. Here are just some of the amazing things that happened for me to get here: I met Anna, a wonderful woman that answered some of my questions I had posted online about coming here and volunteering. Anna is a teacher here in Vietnam. She is from the Philippines and has been here for 2 years. I started asking questions on TripAdvisor and she would give some answers. I then started to ask her directly on TripAdvisor. We started corresponding more and more. Now I consider her a dear friend. Anna met Felix one day while she was working as a guide at the Notre Dame Basilica in Ho Chi Minh City. She asked Felix if he would be interested in having an American come for 3 mos to help teach English. He was, so Anna gave me his email. We started to correspond. Then to make it easier, we started to use Skype to communicate. Felix is from India, he has been here teaching English for almost 2 years. He has 5 young men here studying and living in his home that he rents in the BenCat area of Go Vap. He is very dark, tall, thin, has a great laugh and a great disposition. He was interested in me helping him teach English in the morning every day during the week. He also asked if I could help clean the teeth of some disabled children and blind girls. Of course! So now I have a purpose. How long can I go for?? Well, Vietnam will only allow you to visit for 3 mos. I could get a learning certificate and stay longer but I was not interested in all that red tape. 3mos would be long enough. I was planning on leaving my Dental Assisting position and returning full time at the Diner that I work at. I told the Dr. my plans and at first he didn't take it too well. After a few days of letting it sink in, he asked me to come back after my visit and still work for him! Now to find a dental assistant to replace me. As luck would have it, an experienced dental assistant was looking for a job for only 3 mos because she is moving to FL in June, what are the odds??! And when I purchased my plane ticket, I figured I would have to spend almost 2 grand. I kept looking and looking at the flights. One night, I found one for $850.00, that's cheaper than flying to California and this was round trip! Next to find a room, by this time, I had sent out many emails to different locations to inquire about rent. Anna was even trying to get me a room where she rents, but the owner never responded. And now I am thankful because Felix found me a room to rent with a family that lives a few miles away for only $100.00 a month and I have my own bathroom. Now to make sure I have enough money.....I was given so many generous gifts of money that my rent was paid ahead of time. I was also given by Patti 2 boxes of toothbrushes and by Dr. Roth, 2 boxes of toothpaste. I found dictionaries and books at the second hand stores etc. This trip has truly been a gift. God has taken care of everything, all I had to do was find the courage to go. To trust and go. And to be honest, the day Mark took me to the airport, I cried, out of fear. I was feeling scared of what I was heading into. I was giving up so much to come here. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of the language barrier, the food, the weather, the family I am staying with, did I pack enough medicine? Did I pack enough feminine products?? Do they even sell that stuff here?? Through our tears Mark said, "any time you feel that you want to come home, you just let me know." It's funny because I do want to come home, I want to run home, screaming and laughing, like a child after school. But I am not ready to come home just yet, there is still something pulling at me and I think only time will tell what it is.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Photos
Just to let you know that when you open an album, after looking at photos, click on MY PHOTOS next to HOME, there are more albums.
And also, you may feed the fish on here by sliding the mouse over the water and clicking, it drops food, thanks for feeding them. Have fun!
And also, you may feed the fish on here by sliding the mouse over the water and clicking, it drops food, thanks for feeding them. Have fun!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The love of a son, and his sense of humor
This is a funny JibJab song Joshua made for me, it made me laugh so hard. It has "toilet" humor, your warned!
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/60qjmbdc9WlajSEv
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/60qjmbdc9WlajSEv
Monday, March 14, 2011
3-11-2011
https://picasaweb.google.com/103691188319770375535/3112011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLjDwo7Gs9atmQE#
Please let me know if you can access this photo album, I will be posting photos from here. You may have to open a free google acct to access.
Enjoy!
Please let me know if you can access this photo album, I will be posting photos from here. You may have to open a free google acct to access.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Part of my morning lesson
Here is an example of my morning. I get up every morning around 6. I stretch and exercise for about 30 minutes. I roll up the a cushion I put on the mat that I sleep on. Hang the mosquito net up. Get my clothes ready for the day. Take a quick bath, wash my undergarments from the day before in the basin that I took my bath in, and when I say bath, I mean, there is a shower in my bathroom, not one like what you and I have. It is a spicket coming out of the wall in the bathroom, next to the toilet. The drain is in the corner. There is a box that allows warm water to come if you turn it on. The water supply is a large water tank on the roof. You turn on a pump every so often to fill the tank from the main source. It is not clean water. The water in the tank uses gravity to work. I use the water sparingly. When I take a shower, I stand in a basin and allow the water to trickle just enough to get wet, I turn it off to soap up, then on again to rinse. Gone for now are the days of taking a long hot shower. I don't mind showering this way, I do not want to waste the water. It is so hot and muggy here that drying off is kind of a joke. Think of the hottest, most humid day you have experienced, then think worse. Honestly, I like this kind of weather. I don't even bother wearing makeup or doing my hair...........which has been a nice change for me. I am learning to wear makeup because I want to not because I feel I have to. I have been accepted here just as the way I am, no makeup, hair pulled back, forehead leading the way, haha. I didn't realize I was so self conscious of my appearance. There are not a lot of mirrors to see myself in. I will be teaching or visiting all day. Then I may catch a glimpse of myself and automatically think, " OMG, you look terrible!"........but really, that is only me that has felt that way for so long. I don't look terrible, I look like me, and that is how I want to look......like me, Kathy. I hope you are feeling beautiful on the inside and outside automatically, with out looking in the mirror to get the answer.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
That's not a bird!!
Back in my room the other night, I opened my balcony door to let in some fresh air. As I did a big black bird slowly flew by. I thought, "Wow, that is a big bird." Then quickly realized that is not a bird, that is a BAT! I couldn't close the door fast enough. Then I look at the netting covering my bed........hhmmm, is that really just for mosquitoes???!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Teaching spoken English
In the morning so far I teach English to a group of about 25. They know English but need help on pronouncing the words. The Vietnamese language is difficult. We speak English with our mouths and tongues. We don't have a lot of sounds as in pitches. The Vietnamese speak with their tongue, throat and nose, they have many pitches. One word might go up while the same word goes down but has different meaning. And sometimes the pitch is so slight that we may not even hear it. Someone's name might sound like Ung to me, but it is actually shjuuong, and you say it with out moving your lips. I didn't realize how much I watch someones mouth when they speak to hear them. Here, you have to really listen, because they are using their throat. My objective is to teach spoken English. To repeat words that they have a hard time with. It is very difficult for them to say words with F and V. I am going back to using skills I learned while teaching my son Joshua to speak. He had a difficult time using his tongue, it is attached to the floor of his mouth more than yours and mine. He has conquered this difficulty so well that you can't even tell, can you? Sorry, Josh, your secret is out, haha.
Tuang is very good with computers, I will ask him to help me post photos later today. I have been trying the last 2 hours. This blog is all new to me, wish I had Carl, Lisa or KD here to show me how!
Tuang is very good with computers, I will ask him to help me post photos later today. I have been trying the last 2 hours. This blog is all new to me, wish I had Carl, Lisa or KD here to show me how!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My morning ride
http://www.youtube.com/user/88kemerson#p/u
This is a video of the morning ride from my house to the house where I teach and where the young men stay with Felix, studying English. It is a little bumpy, sorry! Check out the streets, the homes, the people, the sights, it's only a glimpse of my daily life here. I am enjoying it immensely. There is so much hope, desire to learn and love. They have accepted me as a teacher, as a friend, but my favorite is that the young men have accepted me as their Mother. They are young and away from home and miss their Mothers. They call me "Mother Kathy" but it sounds like "Mudder Kat-tee" it is heart warming. Koi is son, I call them my son. There are 5 of them ages average 19, 20. One young man nicknamed "Chapter" is 34. They are learning English and they are teaching me Vietnamese. It is a difficult language to learn with 5 dialects, they speak with their nose, their tongue, their throat. A lot of sounds and pitches. Sounds a lot like "ounng"
The bell has rung, time for lunch.
This is a video of the morning ride from my house to the house where I teach and where the young men stay with Felix, studying English. It is a little bumpy, sorry! Check out the streets, the homes, the people, the sights, it's only a glimpse of my daily life here. I am enjoying it immensely. There is so much hope, desire to learn and love. They have accepted me as a teacher, as a friend, but my favorite is that the young men have accepted me as their Mother. They are young and away from home and miss their Mothers. They call me "Mother Kathy" but it sounds like "Mudder Kat-tee" it is heart warming. Koi is son, I call them my son. There are 5 of them ages average 19, 20. One young man nicknamed "Chapter" is 34. They are learning English and they are teaching me Vietnamese. It is a difficult language to learn with 5 dialects, they speak with their nose, their tongue, their throat. A lot of sounds and pitches. Sounds a lot like "ounng"
The bell has rung, time for lunch.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Hellooooo Vietnam!
Hello everyone,
Thank you for your comments. I arrived with little drama, but man, what a long flight. Will fill you in with more info soon, but wanted to let you know I am safe and happy, a little nervous and excited all in one.
Having a hard time connecting to FB, they will shut it down occasionally.
I am in the Go Vap area, close to the airport, it sounds like the planes are going to land on the roof when they fly over. I'm glad I brought ear plugs, freaked me out when the first one went over, haha.
Lunch is being prepared, smells delicious.
Sin chao,
Kathy
Thank you for your comments. I arrived with little drama, but man, what a long flight. Will fill you in with more info soon, but wanted to let you know I am safe and happy, a little nervous and excited all in one.
Having a hard time connecting to FB, they will shut it down occasionally.
I am in the Go Vap area, close to the airport, it sounds like the planes are going to land on the roof when they fly over. I'm glad I brought ear plugs, freaked me out when the first one went over, haha.
Lunch is being prepared, smells delicious.
Sin chao,
Kathy
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Time is flying by
Welcome to my blog,
I am still putting it together, creating is half the fun of it. Technology is amazing, isn't it? Mark and I were just having a conversation this morning about it. If someone would have told me 10 years ago that I would be texting, surfing and posting on FB, let alone having a BLOG, I don't know what I would have said! Maybe signed up for college courses to understand it all. Technology has allowed me to research so much information on traveling to Vietnam. I was able to meet Anna and Mr. Felick whom without their help, I wouldn't be as excited to go as I am. Skype is comforting. Cell phones are convenient. Blogs are fun. Email is essential. FB, well, come on, we all know it's addicting.
I am leaving Wed., Feb 23rd. I have a 27 hour flight, yes, you read that right, 27 hours. I will be returning on May 18th. My purpose is to volunteer and teach spoken English. I am looking forward to meeting the children, the elderly, the family whom I staying with, which btw, don't speak English. Anna and I have never met, but I already hold her in my heart as a dear friend.
I wonder if I can do a video blog here also? If not, I will post on Youtube and send you the link. I say I will, but being in a communist country, I wonder what my limitations will be. Should be very interesting.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my blog.
Let me know what you think,
Kathy
I am still putting it together, creating is half the fun of it. Technology is amazing, isn't it? Mark and I were just having a conversation this morning about it. If someone would have told me 10 years ago that I would be texting, surfing and posting on FB, let alone having a BLOG, I don't know what I would have said! Maybe signed up for college courses to understand it all. Technology has allowed me to research so much information on traveling to Vietnam. I was able to meet Anna and Mr. Felick whom without their help, I wouldn't be as excited to go as I am. Skype is comforting. Cell phones are convenient. Blogs are fun. Email is essential. FB, well, come on, we all know it's addicting.
I am leaving Wed., Feb 23rd. I have a 27 hour flight, yes, you read that right, 27 hours. I will be returning on May 18th. My purpose is to volunteer and teach spoken English. I am looking forward to meeting the children, the elderly, the family whom I staying with, which btw, don't speak English. Anna and I have never met, but I already hold her in my heart as a dear friend.
I wonder if I can do a video blog here also? If not, I will post on Youtube and send you the link. I say I will, but being in a communist country, I wonder what my limitations will be. Should be very interesting.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my blog.
Let me know what you think,
Kathy
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