tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49402409043352659052024-03-13T21:38:34.132-07:00Fr John's Trip to VietnamFr. John Kerns, Pastor of St. Juan Diego Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon travels to Vietnam with Fr. Peter Binh Hoang, Pastor of St. Stephen Parish in SE Portland. January 24, - February 24, 2011Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-89264764148423062612011-02-24T07:44:00.000-08:002011-02-24T08:14:05.780-08:00Across the Mekong River February 22, 2011Tuesday morning started by concelebrating 5:30am Mass at the Saigon convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity (of Bắc Ninh), Sr. May’s community. After breakfast we drove for six hours southwest of Saigon, across the Mekong River to the Province of Kiên Giang and the town of Kenh 7. That is where Fr. Thinh, an amazing man, operates a parish, a free clinic for the poor (that is a collaborative effort of five different religious groups), and a small orphanage.<br /><br />The clinic specializes in Eastern medicines and treatments (which we would call supplementary or alternative) that involve herbal remedies and acupuncture. One of our reasons for making this trip was to deliver gifts from SARA. But another reason was to deliver Sr. May, meaning that we introduced her to the pastor who would oversee her studies of the healing arts there for the next 3 months to a year. I believe it is the plan for her to bring those skills back to the clinic her community operates (funded by SARA) in Bắc Ninh, in the North.<br /><br />We toured the grounds and activities, which are abundant. Then we had dinner, after which we were treated to an impromptu talent show that Fr. Thinh called into action earlier in the day. It was amazing and fun.<br /><br />The next morning we had to rise early (again!) for Mass at 4:45am. There were men women and children, four priests and three altar servers for this middle-of-the-week Mass. The church was almost full. I continue to be amazed at the devotion of these Vietnamese Catholics.<br /><br />We drove back to Saigon, after stopping by the parents of Quang (our Saigon host) who live in the area. The Quang family hosted us for a last Vietnamese supper and then we made our way to the airport and, eventually, Oregon. It has been an incredible month, but I do miss the comforts of my own home. I really miss the parish and my family. But I am grateful for all God has shown me of his amazing people in Vietnam.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU8pV6BpAy8KZa-GgLNuPwE4wsnmHwipBUCVa6Bmv_dX3qMKHQ519L7ovwuHjG6fCWUhz9OER58b15_qqZTa-YRQNkpm7zmu2gw5eps0Cs0jnMS6HvQNQ06UwYAlnN9TE_L3wepp0LGoJ/s1600/01+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283969836007074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU8pV6BpAy8KZa-GgLNuPwE4wsnmHwipBUCVa6Bmv_dX3qMKHQ519L7ovwuHjG6fCWUhz9OER58b15_qqZTa-YRQNkpm7zmu2gw5eps0Cs0jnMS6HvQNQ06UwYAlnN9TE_L3wepp0LGoJ/s400/01+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>Boats of all sizes fill the Mekong River. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason as to traffic patters. All kinds of small boats hurried across the path of the ferry. </p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21Yw8WmYG2PWc9qFOGL2A77JybfDM64Eo-R1RIcgwino8l36ZP00BGVXtPlAqCIy_xOr3YD5c8X26p1FWH5Ud0WKEmduB9HEyokRcy8_f83ZBYdaN4kUYWnQRuLNaLz8HJw57GGjD-Izh/s1600/02+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283967004141810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21Yw8WmYG2PWc9qFOGL2A77JybfDM64Eo-R1RIcgwino8l36ZP00BGVXtPlAqCIy_xOr3YD5c8X26p1FWH5Ud0WKEmduB9HEyokRcy8_f83ZBYdaN4kUYWnQRuLNaLz8HJw57GGjD-Izh/s400/02+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fr. Thinh shows us the clinic in the Province of Kiên Giang. Here there are ultrasound heat treatments being offered. (At least, that is what I think was translated.)<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjworLRbIoEUbHP3UxMhnb-_ZL2Q5CeCc8CFaReZtKGuOiTDlfaW9uRq2MqrhHG7wO6di5uc2js-dvbPz6LrP2g2lByItsoRfO1cYNFkWn8lZsrZ_7gHAl_Xy1nvO4y5T7iH3ZLXJDPSnFO/s1600/03+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283966556252946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjworLRbIoEUbHP3UxMhnb-_ZL2Q5CeCc8CFaReZtKGuOiTDlfaW9uRq2MqrhHG7wO6di5uc2js-dvbPz6LrP2g2lByItsoRfO1cYNFkWn8lZsrZ_7gHAl_Xy1nvO4y5T7iH3ZLXJDPSnFO/s400/03+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fr. Thinh demonstrates back muscle therapy on me. It felt great!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPOk24ol3Cic4UsVXM0uuWi0-mCfGmzo2ty3_S16UMn33AfSEERYYtn2AOHTB_4sl8obzSaw5CK86PGhl09Z9oy9KTalN68VEM2AC0qHuzjX8y1Vg6qv0z5enR_XL87coGe460ip9nyq7/s1600/04+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283959220533650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPOk24ol3Cic4UsVXM0uuWi0-mCfGmzo2ty3_S16UMn33AfSEERYYtn2AOHTB_4sl8obzSaw5CK86PGhl09Z9oy9KTalN68VEM2AC0qHuzjX8y1Vg6qv0z5enR_XL87coGe460ip9nyq7/s400/04+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>This woman is undergoing a form of acupuncture.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8QiEHuguPJKAi2DAIlXVw0kC2HWhtn5KbhowbsdhTGKDcLjsk2SVvFN6LYNM86BntZSIolpuORGOCo6NRY1V1f-Mjyr5GThdjg7PavFwjNkEifpY4rsdvya3jvfczJeyAPkK7nAVPQEM/s1600/05+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283656603046754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8QiEHuguPJKAi2DAIlXVw0kC2HWhtn5KbhowbsdhTGKDcLjsk2SVvFN6LYNM86BntZSIolpuORGOCo6NRY1V1f-Mjyr5GThdjg7PavFwjNkEifpY4rsdvya3jvfczJeyAPkK7nAVPQEM/s400/05+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Many forms of physical therapy are being employed at this clinic.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Zg3NlqE0L5OL0UH8MzNtyX6UOfBqQ_HD4a5qncBwHRjS_lo0YsrJ5eVhsxti98VBh5O-tUXNvQuEC0fERTF1piFKs2ZALNcMMzhwIsFoyd6jgibjhU7iu0G8-YhuQ8ce_Iop2xUFwuX/s1600/06+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283647306615858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3Zg3NlqE0L5OL0UH8MzNtyX6UOfBqQ_HD4a5qncBwHRjS_lo0YsrJ5eVhsxti98VBh5O-tUXNvQuEC0fERTF1piFKs2ZALNcMMzhwIsFoyd6jgibjhU7iu0G8-YhuQ8ce_Iop2xUFwuX/s400/06+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> The physical therapy gym seems to be well outfitted.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUcF716ZvevsMTMPto5yTHZv6BCzbOvj0oadLqZIj6_RX8_bdvZWjanj9DsKFdT3pJpzWcZqowqG7uBuDAxmTxlsi85Mriz3Zdww6wXOav8g5MGXS-yTDLWZSJN6bH0OOOnb63t36_5Zg/s1600/07+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283648530294578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUcF716ZvevsMTMPto5yTHZv6BCzbOvj0oadLqZIj6_RX8_bdvZWjanj9DsKFdT3pJpzWcZqowqG7uBuDAxmTxlsi85Mriz3Zdww6wXOav8g5MGXS-yTDLWZSJN6bH0OOOnb63t36_5Zg/s400/07+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Almost all the cooks for the clinic are volunteers who provided meals with out charge for the free clinic. Here is a large, multi-tray rice steamer.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS3wr3t6PIr1pPiKwtZhFnfgzO8c35eKancYZZxIUURNHea1UVc_kNgO10v9gECe51M8P3bjWiZebnOa7nsamZ98wGJ5EBLv77dxMCRmjj_bzMwlA4dPgqJJa02MXFv4uwePa9m2vN735/s1600/08+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283644000937650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS3wr3t6PIr1pPiKwtZhFnfgzO8c35eKancYZZxIUURNHea1UVc_kNgO10v9gECe51M8P3bjWiZebnOa7nsamZ98wGJ5EBLv77dxMCRmjj_bzMwlA4dPgqJJa02MXFv4uwePa9m2vN735/s400/08+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Vegetables being prepared by one of the enthusiastic volunteers.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpXHilbNvFfpwaYO77n-lYc99oLVL7daPmNW1_c7lsFmEOj365Zbx6aDyGYZveOh7p3nCXn395UECu76k3Mvgia5LW5Xx-46WqnsxF8WL2Rrm-2GjdEL9RRgeqziMHWoWsDtvYDoS9t8z/s1600/09+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283637222782450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpXHilbNvFfpwaYO77n-lYc99oLVL7daPmNW1_c7lsFmEOj365Zbx6aDyGYZveOh7p3nCXn395UECu76k3Mvgia5LW5Xx-46WqnsxF8WL2Rrm-2GjdEL9RRgeqziMHWoWsDtvYDoS9t8z/s400/09+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Much of cooking any meal is all the prep work. These women are slicing and dicing. In the background are very large rice fields, owned, planted and harvested by the parish for use at this hospital.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-fcGZ-HyAGFHL6i_riZuOSgT6tJ2XGnUWUxfKYMKqPW38R4kciMOEfeJc8duoO7L7GW-v0En_qvEdJuEvjlxbZ18IzZpktOQqOKXgF-bfTZbSx4b0CNEuOGI1gUMtZ_cCmFvvKsefQNH/s1600/09+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbtjARgoxThJYJ36YohoIuQ0tvoudNJC6FwJNOeeWjUt6Bgz_Yk9_SMDKsgwj-iF-gYuMsKh_3h_Cw2oHlZcAUgvpFdl_9IuMrqY6HcMT6S2erxoU8-zSYyOtW3pA8px3W_dwPi8Vj8sZ/s1600/10+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283323931342658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbtjARgoxThJYJ36YohoIuQ0tvoudNJC6FwJNOeeWjUt6Bgz_Yk9_SMDKsgwj-iF-gYuMsKh_3h_Cw2oHlZcAUgvpFdl_9IuMrqY6HcMT6S2erxoU8-zSYyOtW3pA8px3W_dwPi8Vj8sZ/s400/10+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Hospital beds. By American standards, these beds may seem inadequate, but a mat on a board bed is a very common way for Vietnamese to sleep. The sisters, in some of the convents we toured, sleep on straw mats. This is just as ‘comfortable" as home for the patients. In addition, the patients are served generously and compassionately.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp94iaOpi7KKGmIy2cR-e2sXLKkUcF7OcZl5FIKtrx6dBzteYNk_QyLp6i8MlLTeijbM3zmbchKF-MxhDagJ9uC60-eMeTS2j0aTrOp5Wc9YCzqC2rpCjhPiipFAq0R6iknNDQx9yfJ_i/s1600/11+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283322673350834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixp94iaOpi7KKGmIy2cR-e2sXLKkUcF7OcZl5FIKtrx6dBzteYNk_QyLp6i8MlLTeijbM3zmbchKF-MxhDagJ9uC60-eMeTS2j0aTrOp5Wc9YCzqC2rpCjhPiipFAq0R6iknNDQx9yfJ_i/s400/11+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Typical parking lot in Vietnam. The truck is used rarely to transport larger amounts or items.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb61NQYGJxWEUKhTsYDkIT9QbuBWkGnocqZ4TrjZl2e8XFDAdqUhcsDfxrpG_fgQEM6xf0NR7Kj8mT2HBBE4aOOE7oW9p2jPem7gGyAhSZbhBKm7pcmYFaG3UTPevN3pHrrWBIB4nBQzNs/s1600/12+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283312769661954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb61NQYGJxWEUKhTsYDkIT9QbuBWkGnocqZ4TrjZl2e8XFDAdqUhcsDfxrpG_fgQEM6xf0NR7Kj8mT2HBBE4aOOE7oW9p2jPem7gGyAhSZbhBKm7pcmYFaG3UTPevN3pHrrWBIB4nBQzNs/s400/12+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Another demonstration of a treatment that Sr. May (far left) will be learning about during her stay here.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX32n7PqVNg42rSjZ7vA38gAKl1wyWFqYmbWaK8oo6Gh8nBwzmBMzQWjhLixQxg6IB0zu0nUcY5et3c19s0nyjtJeE-_9-19fKx7YmhYDubfAa_R46rR-inGH-ITmR6LOku3ovethglJ9l/s1600/13+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577283309636793442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX32n7PqVNg42rSjZ7vA38gAKl1wyWFqYmbWaK8oo6Gh8nBwzmBMzQWjhLixQxg6IB0zu0nUcY5et3c19s0nyjtJeE-_9-19fKx7YmhYDubfAa_R46rR-inGH-ITmR6LOku3ovethglJ9l/s400/13+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sr. May with one of the children in the orphanage classroom.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10FNjCUg18dNFAVRAMCwjmH5JQMrrrUq-7gFoBbyXL7hly5YDr6FWjZ4k0Lp4cNIJ1v6bmCSycdhwxZ32KDj_YJgQg4qt8M_lxrpSanZzQ2YGP0j0R9yNI_Udm89WGLfy-TszNBf4JU0v/s1600/14+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577282984344149058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10FNjCUg18dNFAVRAMCwjmH5JQMrrrUq-7gFoBbyXL7hly5YDr6FWjZ4k0Lp4cNIJ1v6bmCSycdhwxZ32KDj_YJgQg4qt8M_lxrpSanZzQ2YGP0j0R9yNI_Udm89WGLfy-TszNBf4JU0v/s400/14+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>The camera is a lot more interesting than me or the school subject matter. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1n29M8DtRo04VUcJF4L5FMWCF-s1JfHTUVyfeIWUDQP4RxRMpAo4Yg-3NdpXK03orMVk_bHRJfjHYdOr9W9xiqOeixESitwQZi60ImH1I0JP2LHw66B7w87hsQM9l_WRxQY3p0sJr3ED/s1600/15+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577282986054463954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1n29M8DtRo04VUcJF4L5FMWCF-s1JfHTUVyfeIWUDQP4RxRMpAo4Yg-3NdpXK03orMVk_bHRJfjHYdOr9W9xiqOeixESitwQZi60ImH1I0JP2LHw66B7w87hsQM9l_WRxQY3p0sJr3ED/s400/15+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>At an impromptu talent show (that Fr. Thinh only called for earlier in the day!) some of the staff perform a traditional dance with fans and drums. </div><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxXmG2dpqzag2WLBZIEwn5IHG3lBSjhd_gVtNtBrAF6J5dp8n5M_fWgMWFIwUHdrndK-Enu2HRB2mGzlI1bIg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Video of the Drum Dance.</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yW7-amXK7PsN7Yzesxd-r4WlxS_emuns0nWlQWrpuBiD8JrkDiWMyssBwYgpVYisanZGxWkvKCm0GbAjrRsx_tQsgBvPFhz6sHNTLrkAVvANjtT5PbXsyF9bcnoDY-_2pj_JED0I9a1P/s1600/17+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577282982459378562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yW7-amXK7PsN7Yzesxd-r4WlxS_emuns0nWlQWrpuBiD8JrkDiWMyssBwYgpVYisanZGxWkvKCm0GbAjrRsx_tQsgBvPFhz6sHNTLrkAVvANjtT5PbXsyF9bcnoDY-_2pj_JED0I9a1P/s400/17+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>The staff (doctors and nurses) ham it up in a skit to the delight of the patients.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpZ1-rb5rQmsyw3j_Xg9_bwu7GqMBYMzS4lsC0Vso_gEsBSC38Qs8e1NM4gP6D4UIRDubkoYmCCX15nr3bFa2-0a6iY3wY72APRPKPrKNIRJuR5J7QV8ZASIboC5TJOqem-Jrtb0nv80s/s1600/18+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577282980270908802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpZ1-rb5rQmsyw3j_Xg9_bwu7GqMBYMzS4lsC0Vso_gEsBSC38Qs8e1NM4gP6D4UIRDubkoYmCCX15nr3bFa2-0a6iY3wY72APRPKPrKNIRJuR5J7QV8ZASIboC5TJOqem-Jrtb0nv80s/s400/18+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fr. Thinh does the old "put-a-man-in-chains-tie-him-in-a-bag-lock-him-in-a-box-and-have-him-magically-trade-places-with-the-lovely-assistant" trick. He made it look easy and Fr. Bình was a volunteer in the audience who attested to the security of the chains and box.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf9kdyy15nUlN71QR7aCn1SiSSKl3DUMZhSOmPyxPaTWlLLRa1eTFCRK7wD2bxIHyiZcD_Hb7E6HCCZy5WY7cby17aRvkZQit1y0s0udQ3dHZnk1cEudb5u9gyMEfqzAVlVz33hvhRXv3/s1600/19+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577282975409894002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf9kdyy15nUlN71QR7aCn1SiSSKl3DUMZhSOmPyxPaTWlLLRa1eTFCRK7wD2bxIHyiZcD_Hb7E6HCCZy5WY7cby17aRvkZQit1y0s0udQ3dHZnk1cEudb5u9gyMEfqzAVlVz33hvhRXv3/s400/19+Mekong+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> A group photo at the end of the show, after we had presented a financial gift to the hospital. The woman in the ao dai (pronounced OW-dzai, a traditional Vietnamese dress) was the Emcee of the show. She also is a physician who used to be a Buddhist nun. After working a few years at the hospital, she became a Catholic.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-18598332612658669292011-02-24T07:26:00.000-08:002011-02-24T07:43:31.488-08:00Đà Nẵng February 20-21<div align="left">Friday evening we arrived in Đà Nẵng for a few days with Fr. Bình’s family. The house where he was born is tucked into a neighborhood like most others, but inside had more than average space, which was necessary for his parents to rear him and his 10 brothers and sisters. We met his brother-in-law, Luan, who lives in Oregon, but still owns a bakery in his neighborhood run by his daughter and son-in-law. Luan was back in Vietnam (like a lot of people) for the Lunar New Year. Fr. Bình’s niece, Suong, and her husband, Qua, live in the family home with their two beautiful children. They run a hair salon in the front. It is quite common for families to run a shop of some kind in the front of their house (homes are side by side along the city streets, usually sharing a wall). In American city planning this would be called “mixed-use”. But it means that everything is close. You know your neighbor who cuts hair, or has a diner, or sells motorcycle helmets, or has an internet café, or operates a travel agency out of is home.<br /><br />After dinner Fr. Bình wanted to show Sr. May, Huong and myself “The Lonely Madonna”. It is a shrine to Mary out by the water front that is enough by itself, not attached to a church, that she looks alone. We went there to pray. There are signs of prayer from flowers, incense sticks and “thank you” messages inscribed in stone for prayers answered.<br /><br />The next day we visited the cemetery to pay respects to Fr. Bình’s father’s and his eldest brother’s graves. Then, Sunday afternoon, Fr. Bình and I con-celebrated Mass at his home parish. It was nice to see him walk down the street in his old neighborhood and hear people call his name.<br /><br />We flew out late Monday night to Saigon to prepare for a Wednesday night departure. But there was 24 hours left and opportunity to do more charity work across the Mekong River southwest of Saigon.<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E-zwWj9fgm0USYpjaRYfqd5nyvJt0YDJ3lqcrDUJ2JHWhAfbBK5m0zoWbhLzvbOCVIHEbLURBmkn8tjg04XPVE-M5TZSGGoRBmZY60hMV93gwoILI81l4mXcifvpEA0sYH4h6oF3B2py/s1600/01+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577279285503118946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E-zwWj9fgm0USYpjaRYfqd5nyvJt0YDJ3lqcrDUJ2JHWhAfbBK5m0zoWbhLzvbOCVIHEbLURBmkn8tjg04XPVE-M5TZSGGoRBmZY60hMV93gwoILI81l4mXcifvpEA0sYH4h6oF3B2py/s400/01+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>The Lonely Madonna, named for its location all by itself near the sea. This shrine is a famous local landmark. We went there to pray.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_3oriMF71yCTmanEhPYZloVQTLPTzyZD272cD5WTsVMU_zfuOhRDShc0LYJLwWJfeWgJv7zsPgHdcRfZvOn31nZJ-BYk83uicU7RJ-8mrKP5AkE4mIXpDQGuFpp8Swv4jNsE3UWCpbAZ/s1600/02+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577279281264211458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_3oriMF71yCTmanEhPYZloVQTLPTzyZD272cD5WTsVMU_zfuOhRDShc0LYJLwWJfeWgJv7zsPgHdcRfZvOn31nZJ-BYk83uicU7RJ-8mrKP5AkE4mIXpDQGuFpp8Swv4jNsE3UWCpbAZ/s400/02+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a> Visiting the grave of Anton Hoang, Fr. Bình’s father. We also went to pray at the grave of Fr. Bình’s eldest brother who died this past year. In Vietnam it is customary to leave burning incense sticks as well as flowers at a grave. One usually has enough sticks to then place them at other graves nearby.</p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxT-R6K_kHz_iv6rZAwrjTPQYD3CkjPIM-o18Pep1NMK_JaL5k_5nVY1ez6VmTS-1YjP54DAsGlMDCbD3exbtH81RgD3UfaEMk7DIOwCrLzjzDUGcEHCaDgwxkw8D6G7qOXxNUg01pv-f/s1600/03+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577279275400369762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxT-R6K_kHz_iv6rZAwrjTPQYD3CkjPIM-o18Pep1NMK_JaL5k_5nVY1ez6VmTS-1YjP54DAsGlMDCbD3exbtH81RgD3UfaEMk7DIOwCrLzjzDUGcEHCaDgwxkw8D6G7qOXxNUg01pv-f/s400/03+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>Standing at the grave of Anton Hoang are Huong, Sr. May, Fr. Bình, his brother-in-law, Luan, and me. Photo taken by Qua, the husband Fr. Bình’s niece.<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU14s2HGCGdLPCrxmFZ60VjfamyxkGp-T7hvND59nFDvLkrSPF6CIMO2XOMBmdVaviQISftyo5sQ0e7eca7UWRTH9U-ghADQeaqa2f98d1N7lNb2m_al836qZoBDKq32Us_BVSg_RscEXT/s1600/04+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577279277413516482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU14s2HGCGdLPCrxmFZ60VjfamyxkGp-T7hvND59nFDvLkrSPF6CIMO2XOMBmdVaviQISftyo5sQ0e7eca7UWRTH9U-ghADQeaqa2f98d1N7lNb2m_al836qZoBDKq32Us_BVSg_RscEXT/s400/04+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sr. May drives the motorcycle. Everyone needs to be able to operate a motorcycle as it is the primary mode of transportation.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rC0cFxWS7DLYjywGR6TsNyYZnjX-H0zQ-n6UxxajWfuUn189wqutgM-uKtO8Ih1PYxzPIwTTN7eng9xHGAHsU2iQWWrFZmMG622FAyuivSrkvgyHwos0DSgNaOnMfgOrgjbhPb5pu0pA/s1600/05+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577279003200260306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rC0cFxWS7DLYjywGR6TsNyYZnjX-H0zQ-n6UxxajWfuUn189wqutgM-uKtO8Ih1PYxzPIwTTN7eng9xHGAHsU2iQWWrFZmMG622FAyuivSrkvgyHwos0DSgNaOnMfgOrgjbhPb5pu0pA/s400/05+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>Since the motorcycle is the only mode of transport for most people, one needs to be able to balance many different items on the back (and front, and sides).</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObhITrs3Ko1-QfZthmHHfl8RdfCIFrcwvtcYMH7gGoy48ZXdhgby-_1-KYtsNfRCTUQ7EP6c0EGuEXgcKC9a45GKdMK9e4QDMNI9rQD17gkgUEScfB5Pwxy36AL19S6p16qdxUYWLXztC/s1600/06+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577279004706623778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObhITrs3Ko1-QfZthmHHfl8RdfCIFrcwvtcYMH7gGoy48ZXdhgby-_1-KYtsNfRCTUQ7EP6c0EGuEXgcKC9a45GKdMK9e4QDMNI9rQD17gkgUEScfB5Pwxy36AL19S6p16qdxUYWLXztC/s400/06+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình’s home parish.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4-rwywR61HkH4QPcuGErtTvMiVE0o4E_ha_OQWaNA-31fDu35GP9KOqU2DeZob3lh2H18Hl4cSxsT2FSworG86o9k162Fs8u4mZ1M-_CYaKk2NvJ9Dva_lbYmkt3vpKsO8CUMrZLRjNQ/s1600/07+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577278998740953682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4-rwywR61HkH4QPcuGErtTvMiVE0o4E_ha_OQWaNA-31fDu35GP9KOqU2DeZob3lh2H18Hl4cSxsT2FSworG86o9k162Fs8u4mZ1M-_CYaKk2NvJ9Dva_lbYmkt3vpKsO8CUMrZLRjNQ/s400/07+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>A shrine to St. Peter is on the property because this is a fishing town with excellent seafood. In fact, Fr. Bình’s Christian name is Peter.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5Yxss79BSjXJMNxYvys0CBsEciQEq5NH8WCORyhXCBxcvYEKrGSo8pO7q9zMgm4DjEcNuy55uI89L73LWE6NjsoRXYNVPk-zfFmyUx5-846Yp8CROAb_nYxStrvMtW523cRcvE91MX4K/s1600/08+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577278994603799970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5Yxss79BSjXJMNxYvys0CBsEciQEq5NH8WCORyhXCBxcvYEKrGSo8pO7q9zMgm4DjEcNuy55uI89L73LWE6NjsoRXYNVPk-zfFmyUx5-846Yp8CROAb_nYxStrvMtW523cRcvE91MX4K/s400/08+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>Every parish seems to have an outdoor shrine to the Blessed Mother.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iL3wzJk8xiS8D20CUNkf-Vjm_a1EQici9U5cK2Fg1o02_axBKxQL4antN7fxQrR1_xdc-k4dNXeoFgNbLUk8xvQ4te6ZM-rtK9q6ljpmh9oV0vmxsnEUTzd9oO0APm10Y62e77qtZNaJ/s1600/09+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577278998247510066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iL3wzJk8xiS8D20CUNkf-Vjm_a1EQici9U5cK2Fg1o02_axBKxQL4antN7fxQrR1_xdc-k4dNXeoFgNbLUk8xvQ4te6ZM-rtK9q6ljpmh9oV0vmxsnEUTzd9oO0APm10Y62e77qtZNaJ/s400/09+%25C4%2590%25C3%25A0+N%25E1%25BA%25B5ng+%2528Large%2529.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>At our last dinner in Đà Nẵng we enjoyed a local favorite, broken pot rice. It is more crispy on the edges. See video. </p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzlL1lv8os8UBcNfxZl-v-p4FjMfgfzgJwj4tMMDM18G7eIb2W1V4pF8v23ywsLxJGA-V34KBVyuRcRBubrPA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="center">The presentation of broken pot rice, a Đà Nẵng specialty.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-16103506280111337122011-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:002011-02-23T09:55:04.248-08:00Húê February 19, 2011<div align="left">We, again, rose early for Mass. I can understand that a convent might have Mass before 6am, but that is true of every parish.<br /><br />Today the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Húê (pronounced: hWAY) were offering a free clinic at their motherhouse. The timing worked perfectly for us to distribute our gifts from SARA to those who were coming for the free clinic. But then, the free clinic, in part, was also a gift from SARA because some of the medical equipment used at the sisters’ small medical facility was provided by SARA. For example, we were shown a new urine analysis machine and a blood testing machine that analyzes for everything from uric acid to cholesterol. The sisters offer these clinics in outlying areas as well.<br /><br />The number of volunteers was impressive: doctors, nurses and medical students, not to mention the sisters, some of whom are nurses, medical technicians, or doctors. They do this on a monthly basis and have some volunteers who are there every time. One cardiologist had been helping for many years.<br /><br />We gave out the gifts we brought from SARA to those who had been designated by the sisters, based on family need. Then, after receiving our gift, people were moved a few feet away to a makeshift waiting area in the courtyard, or on the porch. Names were called and somehow it was all organized. All I know is I saw sisters everywhere, calling names, moving chairs, directing people, directing me. They made everything work efficiently.<br /><br />Most importantly, children and the elderly received basic medical treatment that they would not have been able to procure in any other way. The Sisters – in allegiance with SARA and all the volunteers – were providing what should be a basic human right. Those who received these services seemed quite grateful.<br /><br />After lunch that involved speeches of gratitude for SARA, a taxi arrived to take Fr. Bình, Huong, Sr. May, and myself to Da Nang (which is Fr. Bình’s hometown) for a weekend of R&R. We bid farewell to Kim Dung and Nguyệt Le. It has been an amazing few days. I don’t think we will see each other in Vietnam again on this trip, but I hope to see them in Portland some day.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjRBuGuHfd0Nf3Zv3qK8ekzUsY2s_zcAuGnhvgDxnw-VnC2iva5MmGNM5d56XwPlY0hnFOCjcizH1X_C06lG6f5q0M-cxryDqqZN9KhTV5FjhRJzwhhvCoVuIrmY6zfODDvw3IOR1EYu6/s1600/01+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576943771978340962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjRBuGuHfd0Nf3Zv3qK8ekzUsY2s_zcAuGnhvgDxnw-VnC2iva5MmGNM5d56XwPlY0hnFOCjcizH1X_C06lG6f5q0M-cxryDqqZN9KhTV5FjhRJzwhhvCoVuIrmY6zfODDvw3IOR1EYu6/s400/01+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a>Fr. Bình with a group of people who came for the free clinic at the motherhouse of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Húê. We distributed our gifts from SARA as the first order of business when people arrived.</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgL_x-y4r9Chyphenhyphen3RHvwev4bW6AMw-oPA9UMiYKJBLmMPWVqdM5w1cOVscGv5l6W2diTSP-pP5hmQeu9XLW1-jVyfwlBElzeXpgva3f2RjrTH7LzY5-nIbGPGy39dlBpSohf1IboaCwyH2p/s1600/02+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576943770471034178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgL_x-y4r9Chyphenhyphen3RHvwev4bW6AMw-oPA9UMiYKJBLmMPWVqdM5w1cOVscGv5l6W2diTSP-pP5hmQeu9XLW1-jVyfwlBElzeXpgva3f2RjrTH7LzY5-nIbGPGy39dlBpSohf1IboaCwyH2p/s400/02+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> Many brought their children with disabilities or other ailments.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeX_hLF1VTJeQ7ElXiVk8GdYuGYOLGk4MegLRMIslE0aoiG8wKbovw-yCPHH9T9cLHsyFN7iirUJVGsomUNUKiE2glMyABSh7Kd9t3nFjqdMCOJAzdYl8vxsBbt6gXDW_yJDS3IzKaEiA/s1600/03+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576901133578903890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeX_hLF1VTJeQ7ElXiVk8GdYuGYOLGk4MegLRMIslE0aoiG8wKbovw-yCPHH9T9cLHsyFN7iirUJVGsomUNUKiE2glMyABSh7Kd9t3nFjqdMCOJAzdYl8vxsBbt6gXDW_yJDS3IzKaEiA/s400/03+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sr. May presents a gift to a boy who was present for the free clinic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FUSSaEleDHhw3S_d-NNgMotcWw1L_CwGK1Vf-3wQWd-J4TrmaVGTk-3dliQZEeD-PzB6WSZQ3pYZ_Dw9rQWYVyhj2wA7Lx7fWylzpYMAuJx_NR9U2CjIgArOhFP-c-aIps7rwkxupRT8/s1600/04+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576901128268577634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9FUSSaEleDHhw3S_d-NNgMotcWw1L_CwGK1Vf-3wQWd-J4TrmaVGTk-3dliQZEeD-PzB6WSZQ3pYZ_Dw9rQWYVyhj2wA7Lx7fWylzpYMAuJx_NR9U2CjIgArOhFP-c-aIps7rwkxupRT8/s400/04+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> The elderly woman, and many like her, found it very beneficial to receive the blanket, rice, oil and candy SARA distributed as well as a free medical check up. All in one day!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGFe276ecfa62vppMMWpaL-aNpzxuOdZDppxWA8A7zlPmiXFcB3h-4RN3vXTlAwMIOZrAj_hJOawgPhdXmBwbcXT0N_Z6GC5Kp_EoqrXbmkj_gNGcZwah28WWY3-lkGKn66iOCH3cik_h/s1600/05+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576901127312696962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGFe276ecfa62vppMMWpaL-aNpzxuOdZDppxWA8A7zlPmiXFcB3h-4RN3vXTlAwMIOZrAj_hJOawgPhdXmBwbcXT0N_Z6GC5Kp_EoqrXbmkj_gNGcZwah28WWY3-lkGKn66iOCH3cik_h/s400/05+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nothing makes Kim Dung happier than the sight of people who are in great need being served. She is delighted that the medical equipment donated by SARA is being put to good use at the sisters’ free clinic.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31Q_IT7Bpldt3n8SFhXnMXfcSL9gzysTyNykIPoOBrpLnFX9gFBjC_pxwB-rykuF0BFcToVXpnyFRIaQROHLeQZxEuLQ_XHDhedeB4FTJkDd48Nz-jN-pKM4MLVFQspPCdiAehAozsTjC/s1600/06+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576901125192135042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31Q_IT7Bpldt3n8SFhXnMXfcSL9gzysTyNykIPoOBrpLnFX9gFBjC_pxwB-rykuF0BFcToVXpnyFRIaQROHLeQZxEuLQ_XHDhedeB4FTJkDd48Nz-jN-pKM4MLVFQspPCdiAehAozsTjC/s400/06+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> The table is still full of SARA gifts. Those who already received those gifts now sit in the waiting area for their medical appointment.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HAjjc5RW4m3E2UkiS4wIev-bDZJY4PXSGNhx0a3Zm14j1zci9WV0ZuCvYouWw-X9V6t3QjglhLHRtFIqxJkzdVUT2YdlabTXAN3vLIfL8vbRBnrgKjYiSm0LY7a_UVX6XLiYpcxHLORQ/s1600/07+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576901120228697698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HAjjc5RW4m3E2UkiS4wIev-bDZJY4PXSGNhx0a3Zm14j1zci9WV0ZuCvYouWw-X9V6t3QjglhLHRtFIqxJkzdVUT2YdlabTXAN3vLIfL8vbRBnrgKjYiSm0LY7a_UVX6XLiYpcxHLORQ/s400/07+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fr. Bình "works the crowd" who are waiting for their appointment. Each room on the left, off the porch, is busy with aspects of the free clinic. A sister calls out names for who is next.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fsym8b3Smp4_3tgTGeL71ffu0GaygEm2rdV2OpbM2fMer8usGWVMDCTvjzrCwC7GmnM89fa_T_QQ2Cp8zk-Rmxrjchgwf1F0rTKVsia9dWO3pbC8XrVeEaAnGpYsX1L_gGAUFn5SljMK/s1600/08+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576900655668826642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Fsym8b3Smp4_3tgTGeL71ffu0GaygEm2rdV2OpbM2fMer8usGWVMDCTvjzrCwC7GmnM89fa_T_QQ2Cp8zk-Rmxrjchgwf1F0rTKVsia9dWO3pbC8XrVeEaAnGpYsX1L_gGAUFn5SljMK/s400/08+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> Many of the sisters are nurses and some are doctors who assist at the clinic.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap0qiX3LTg3afg6Mmvkcusnwbg28YbmL0YlI-EBwdcST0OIOsyLkDZndWuduR534u3r8YS9RtEjozAyJXJKCvvAgswhj0oLL0Qp389h9YvIxalbcVYFEcjvcP7YEkKP8H7xid38_JGnmp/s1600/09+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576900651145193810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap0qiX3LTg3afg6Mmvkcusnwbg28YbmL0YlI-EBwdcST0OIOsyLkDZndWuduR534u3r8YS9RtEjozAyJXJKCvvAgswhj0oLL0Qp389h9YvIxalbcVYFEcjvcP7YEkKP8H7xid38_JGnmp/s400/09+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a>Parents are comforted to know that their children’s health can receive professional attention.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83GnG6MkntIuNV0FWW5gJ2bW1u3DxS9iuH2wx96twU_QDd9j0dr0ZrNZQ3SwZXMoGQeai5OWp7qG4oqvQSrlOJLXLG_B86XTW_XVKtaR8QaZosEAkjfTFXR5Lgo96nF9-gICSFsIIVL5Q/s1600/10+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576900648152115442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83GnG6MkntIuNV0FWW5gJ2bW1u3DxS9iuH2wx96twU_QDd9j0dr0ZrNZQ3SwZXMoGQeai5OWp7qG4oqvQSrlOJLXLG_B86XTW_XVKtaR8QaZosEAkjfTFXR5Lgo96nF9-gICSFsIIVL5Q/s400/10+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a>A volunteer physician (in suit jacket) who got his medical degree in Germany has taught all the volunteers how to operate the equipment. The three young adult volunteers standing are medical students. The far end of the table holds a urine analysis machine. The larger machine in the foreground analyzes blood samples.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukIXCnATr3pBEADWZuJe-GpGXfODQCC79pm9AJkQ7tF9c4VP7ojf_dqTr5vieS8rsD2pbC8J-pYYzaHM_cZR_42PnF-ku-bDq5cEd1xuk9_r1LazpS9YmYCMRf9CnYlAtZgioVTOxGA83/s1600/11+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576900649657603650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukIXCnATr3pBEADWZuJe-GpGXfODQCC79pm9AJkQ7tF9c4VP7ojf_dqTr5vieS8rsD2pbC8J-pYYzaHM_cZR_42PnF-ku-bDq5cEd1xuk9_r1LazpS9YmYCMRf9CnYlAtZgioVTOxGA83/s400/11+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a> After a check up, complete with labs, the patients can attain the pharmaceuticals they need from these sisters who are trained to distribute the meds (with a smile).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiV447F3xkcB9CrgSJ71lUN6AgsZUAGlhpMqbtXevn2cAPLR48yzpy58XibUcfr1xxs0nmWZPghmxjotNJ7cHfuvIl4xgSTrMzgNkF0Dn2p6rrHs7oXI53M2N2coB1ZJXJSOhUwva9-mL/s1600/12+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576900645735795202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiV447F3xkcB9CrgSJ71lUN6AgsZUAGlhpMqbtXevn2cAPLR48yzpy58XibUcfr1xxs0nmWZPghmxjotNJ7cHfuvIl4xgSTrMzgNkF0Dn2p6rrHs7oXI53M2N2coB1ZJXJSOhUwva9-mL/s400/12+H%25C3%25BA%25C3%25AA.jpg" border="0" /></a>The sisters also operate a day care. For families in great need, the care is provided for free. When I ask questions like, "How is all this funded?", the answer is always the same: "God provides." </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-45324747675495575442011-02-22T15:32:00.001-08:002011-02-22T16:02:01.590-08:00La Vang February 18, 2011We awoke at 5am in Quảng Bình as guests of the sisters who operate an orphanage for disabled children. Mass was at 5:30 and some of the children were there as well as all the sisters, including novices and postulants. As noted before, people go to Mass very early in Vietnam. I thought it had to do with being the cooler part of the day, but it is cold all day in North Vietnam. I think it is like anything, if you put your mind to something, and the expectation is clear, and there is a custom around it, then you can do anything. That is just the time that people expect for Mass to be offered.<br /><br />Before breakfast (we ate on the road) we headed south to Minh Cầm where the pastor, Fr. Giáp (whom Fr. Bình knew from years before), greeted us. He had gathered into the parish courtyard those families he knew were in greatest need. The area had experienced severe flooding in the past year and its subsequent economic devastation. Kim Dung and SARA had visited this community in years past.<br /><br />From there we went further south to Gia Hưng, to a parish also impacted by the flood. Kim Dung said this was the first time she had visited this community. The pastor met us and welcomed us in the usual style. He had parish leaders help him contact those in greatest need from the neighborhood and have them all at the church in time for our arrival. The flood was so deep that the water was up to the keyhole on the church, and the church is sitting in a higher spot in the village.<br /><br />After distributing our gifts we had lunch with the pastor, Fr. Vinh, and an unexpected guest, Fr. Hửu, the pastor of a neighboring parish who happens to be a younger cousin of Fr. Bình. Fr. Hửu got word that his cousing would be in the area.<br /><br />After lunch we headed for La Vang, one of the key spots we had planned to visit. It was here in 1798 that Our Lady appeared to Catholics who were facing persecution for the faith – by edict of the king – and who were forced to flee and to hide in the forest. They were also starving and had some very ill members. Mary appeared to them under a tree and encouraged them in their struggles, then she taught them how to use herbs to heal their maladies. <br /><br />We prayed at the contemporary-styled shrine depicting Mary under a Banyan tree. I prayed specifically for those who are still in need of healing from the Vietnam War: for the people of Vietnam, especially those whom we have met who are still struggling from the devastating side effects of the war. I prayed for all American Vietnam war veterans suffering from post traumatic syndrome (PTSD), especially for those whom I know. Someone had given me a small medal with the POW/MIA insignia that said “Lost, but not forgotten.” I prayed for those POWs and MIAs and all those Americans who did not come home. I put the small medal at the feet of Our Lady.<br /><br />This shrine suffered its own devastation during the war. It surprised me that there is no church on the site, only a stage and arena sitting for outdoor Masses. Apparently, there is a plan to build a church. In the past, there was a large church which had been completed in 1928, and that had been designated as a minor basilica in 1961 by Pope John XXIII. It was destroyed during the war due to a battle in 1972. The only thing that wasn’t destroyed in that battle was the main shrine you see in the pictures. The statue shrine was only completed in the late 1960s. Vietnamese Catholics are VERY devoted to Mary, especially under the title of Our Lady of La Vang.<br /><br />We ended our day by going to Hue (Hway), the former capital of Vietnam under the kings, and a center of Vietnamese culture. We went for a boat ride on the Perfume River that featured traditional Vietnamese music (see video).<br /><br />We stayed the night as guests at the motherhouse of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Hue.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXK9pg4TMv7g5uKOB_V7i9iaHobRNQclAqlYciLQiFQyP2ruKxeekMIdUYrEy9qVklF0lGZOfnNKiPX0bIh9OWTXfOBsgVtdfHKAmtbG7hiFBQxsk1VWsvFJYd6VPuKhZI7XL1IP2pJvR/s1600/01+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXK9pg4TMv7g5uKOB_V7i9iaHobRNQclAqlYciLQiFQyP2ruKxeekMIdUYrEy9qVklF0lGZOfnNKiPX0bIh9OWTXfOBsgVtdfHKAmtbG7hiFBQxsk1VWsvFJYd6VPuKhZI7XL1IP2pJvR/s400/01+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663282888864402" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình preaching during 5:30am Mass at the orphanage. Yes, some of the kids were there!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAUKOxHJRT2YrtW_hJTGti-RpPFCgRKfWYzRVzi_xgo41oU2riXhiNN6_NfWcrMxObqQmSbT7VECaGXTF9scwJYAujMgOb29llcm82gfG5gNZ2P4SfkB7o0FE0ROR0hZPcsdXWeMl5HJ-/s1600/02+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAUKOxHJRT2YrtW_hJTGti-RpPFCgRKfWYzRVzi_xgo41oU2riXhiNN6_NfWcrMxObqQmSbT7VECaGXTF9scwJYAujMgOb29llcm82gfG5gNZ2P4SfkB7o0FE0ROR0hZPcsdXWeMl5HJ-/s400/02+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663276258930082" border="0" /></a>Group photo of the SARA volunteers with the children and the sisters who operate the orphanage.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv5v7v4hR0O59gONP9yS8gvbuiTj0z478vvdP3qKWbGCVWXwr3jUbsCj-Sprj1IJ6RPVU-dkUoDhRtzd337EsScEc2wCp4P5EgTWRqCYX_32X9O3j1Wfr3dkyGgQ-brifLKTo82SEQSup/s1600/03+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv5v7v4hR0O59gONP9yS8gvbuiTj0z478vvdP3qKWbGCVWXwr3jUbsCj-Sprj1IJ6RPVU-dkUoDhRtzd337EsScEc2wCp4P5EgTWRqCYX_32X9O3j1Wfr3dkyGgQ-brifLKTo82SEQSup/s400/03+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663272158666290" border="0" /></a>Not the Oregon Ducks, but the Vietnamese Ducks!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh6jGU4NkdWsmb0SYscR7OqQ4nm65rreiLKbTy9-a9yzjsqfvoLUWduQN6p8QFOPdo2hCX6f1tfqDFG5783vjj3bVrSA_7APJoN5sbZW7mA9a1lCqx8xURkccEEmreEkuZ_bw2WvhjFB2/s1600/04+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh6jGU4NkdWsmb0SYscR7OqQ4nm65rreiLKbTy9-a9yzjsqfvoLUWduQN6p8QFOPdo2hCX6f1tfqDFG5783vjj3bVrSA_7APJoN5sbZW7mA9a1lCqx8xURkccEEmreEkuZ_bw2WvhjFB2/s400/04+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663274815858162" border="0" /></a>Meetings at Minh Cầm where the pastor, Fr. Giáp (whom Fr. Bình knew from years before), greeted us and gathered into the parish courtyard those families he knew were in greatest need so that they could receive our gifts.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtg3PnWl9tDJ-7MtZkTHM9tAbge7QcMlv7rvfgeQ6qoCFHO79nDsxyqU78-xHDaetlacaDwHdhU407D29gJZdoKcx1uRRtmm_OI5CnH9U1CjT61hDKqT71nuhm6-auoEFoPBbK-lgdqR3/s1600/05+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtg3PnWl9tDJ-7MtZkTHM9tAbge7QcMlv7rvfgeQ6qoCFHO79nDsxyqU78-xHDaetlacaDwHdhU407D29gJZdoKcx1uRRtmm_OI5CnH9U1CjT61hDKqT71nuhm6-auoEFoPBbK-lgdqR3/s400/05+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663270691792018" border="0" /></a>It is scenery like this that I saw in movies that made me want to come to Vietnam.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PUndsKUg3Vf6fXYPlz0uApruFoRllhqgwmaESLE-gHdEKgseYgB0n6Wwl_zSMxQx-kTzAgtRYw1L9Y_PaoBMTCPp2jT5lKkiu7uYU-XFqCnb8VMmOI0l5hJKeh34YmdWeGLgxnf69Nvk/s1600/06+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PUndsKUg3Vf6fXYPlz0uApruFoRllhqgwmaESLE-gHdEKgseYgB0n6Wwl_zSMxQx-kTzAgtRYw1L9Y_PaoBMTCPp2jT5lKkiu7uYU-XFqCnb8VMmOI0l5hJKeh34YmdWeGLgxnf69Nvk/s400/06+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663013967161586" border="0" /></a>The church in Gia Hưng. In the last year, floods put water as high as the keyhole on the door, just above the window sill.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK4E22djLGk8EPt8Ci8i4I_WFgwg2G4PhCYUjKTy_3U-SaftQh_3ipuhniw94mI1LccXkVd5WEvc3Rk3EuLp7gZsEq2Q-fy2rXkBGoyTwKN8S0HUE2_3lj_8uTc0K18eheKZ02g5kZmmi/s1600/07+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK4E22djLGk8EPt8Ci8i4I_WFgwg2G4PhCYUjKTy_3U-SaftQh_3ipuhniw94mI1LccXkVd5WEvc3Rk3EuLp7gZsEq2Q-fy2rXkBGoyTwKN8S0HUE2_3lj_8uTc0K18eheKZ02g5kZmmi/s400/07+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663013843027522" border="0" /></a>One of the enthusiastic young members of this parish who is vision impaired and mentally challenged.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawkxG8b9kttp1PAjbClnz55LZ5Eh8RdYhBh4r2-lyuzL39qHvr16uQSLKWolfEKpKg5uHmWE5-1ezMhPzgorI-X00uhQwD61g8_5f3DGizYgNW4_Q9XReGsa6kdUkYgBwaQtLxzyOMXt_/s1600/08+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawkxG8b9kttp1PAjbClnz55LZ5Eh8RdYhBh4r2-lyuzL39qHvr16uQSLKWolfEKpKg5uHmWE5-1ezMhPzgorI-X00uhQwD61g8_5f3DGizYgNW4_Q9XReGsa6kdUkYgBwaQtLxzyOMXt_/s400/08+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663007014278114" border="0" /></a>Catholic parents were always anxious for us to bless their children.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDdK1NRHqTr2uoOh22uUvYqBjt17KcNB-S6v-7QjoiB_kp3IgyC-vj_TM593U16px5tA4eMkgqZgLqmsNoWyVKa4iSNkY1fkHEQgADINI_Xe3c9xxC6A8C2vplGlTrd4c2WwczGHDiv31/s1600/09+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDdK1NRHqTr2uoOh22uUvYqBjt17KcNB-S6v-7QjoiB_kp3IgyC-vj_TM593U16px5tA4eMkgqZgLqmsNoWyVKa4iSNkY1fkHEQgADINI_Xe3c9xxC6A8C2vplGlTrd4c2WwczGHDiv31/s400/09+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663008595412178" border="0" /></a>Many in this area live with disabilities, like this man whose feet are dramatically out of position.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8pKYUALaiyTgxyOmMwPAsVq9b1MeCM7ODCyEK6TR7l1gswcjd9bdcSScqHX_OhTJ5WDYudk7_lWLltYFNzsFZ91uokW2Z_drw3DWFQhh-6wUr82GUowkYO3UmqGjkZFME0oXdECBKCX6/s1600/10+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8pKYUALaiyTgxyOmMwPAsVq9b1MeCM7ODCyEK6TR7l1gswcjd9bdcSScqHX_OhTJ5WDYudk7_lWLltYFNzsFZ91uokW2Z_drw3DWFQhh-6wUr82GUowkYO3UmqGjkZFME0oXdECBKCX6/s400/10+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576663004385169986" border="0" /></a>This boy rides on the back of his father’s “rowing powered” wheel chair. I saw a lot of these in Vietnam. One pushes and pulls on the steering wheel to be propelled forward.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vGvDaRDhCna83LSjoa_l5EVZaWbXitGE_iMrRrW2-5cFQ9UbjTlpVNLTVGkMLF5zv6q9LEG4M6B-a7oLubMhsr7rkJM9KiDEB6dlmeiFCSjBx-awN5ZNuI1nZRKboIB4c5yv__75m9Sa/s1600/11+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vGvDaRDhCna83LSjoa_l5EVZaWbXitGE_iMrRrW2-5cFQ9UbjTlpVNLTVGkMLF5zv6q9LEG4M6B-a7oLubMhsr7rkJM9KiDEB6dlmeiFCSjBx-awN5ZNuI1nZRKboIB4c5yv__75m9Sa/s400/11+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662277604366562" border="0" /></a>A woman receiving a gift from Huong Nguyen<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOC0LHmoCqqp-7oVtobdgmD9Fxx_DROax9iMbrU8bu2TZ6JtO7t84hYN4oNB9PEcA9I2qgmNDvkckSWz7T5yG26hfZThcmQL76_rozX5e60bknxjChLzmorNIMpnvmwVco49Bi0NRB7tU/s1600/12+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOC0LHmoCqqp-7oVtobdgmD9Fxx_DROax9iMbrU8bu2TZ6JtO7t84hYN4oNB9PEcA9I2qgmNDvkckSWz7T5yG26hfZThcmQL76_rozX5e60bknxjChLzmorNIMpnvmwVco49Bi0NRB7tU/s400/12+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662275478579378" border="0" /></a>Children and women are especially hurt by poverty and disaster.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dMSHCICe367t8FZUIqnJ4p98zn-JeCSO7pftR2K02Cg9MsTjLL6L2ee8YSUWkmHYgN78dhbkKCCHgI9Y6iV_sX_5gqB7f8IUz0csSlFB-C-r5AvCs0LU4-jHUSRErC-J15Z1zkDCTz74/s1600/13+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dMSHCICe367t8FZUIqnJ4p98zn-JeCSO7pftR2K02Cg9MsTjLL6L2ee8YSUWkmHYgN78dhbkKCCHgI9Y6iV_sX_5gqB7f8IUz0csSlFB-C-r5AvCs0LU4-jHUSRErC-J15Z1zkDCTz74/s400/13+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662273937590066" border="0" /></a>Its hard to tell whose eyes are bigger. This little girl stole everyone’s heart.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYXIqGUR9arBAy-86RVlfFivZOsHKZKHvLdLAopk4xhvwjxdplSb8h8fMfRmAY55Az4PG1ener2zHlGRrEDnVIF7Rawzt4eVdAgwmgqiz-QbzSV5vc5-xgtOT64X37AqaFEQo91c21mgi/s1600/14+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYXIqGUR9arBAy-86RVlfFivZOsHKZKHvLdLAopk4xhvwjxdplSb8h8fMfRmAY55Az4PG1ener2zHlGRrEDnVIF7Rawzt4eVdAgwmgqiz-QbzSV5vc5-xgtOT64X37AqaFEQo91c21mgi/s400/14+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662270727427506" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình blesses another child.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtwRlpFSbwhOfgiNgPoBmKwXG_2ihGNSCbkV_tuvJo0G5RmRFT2ieutKzr0FTvV22w73I6KBcwTviorswg3vYJfJyxafpcFmsI3NM6nqiclx08YGE43YIO4Kf_YS1lQlNxlamBb5Qa_Os/s1600/15+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtwRlpFSbwhOfgiNgPoBmKwXG_2ihGNSCbkV_tuvJo0G5RmRFT2ieutKzr0FTvV22w73I6KBcwTviorswg3vYJfJyxafpcFmsI3NM6nqiclx08YGE43YIO4Kf_YS1lQlNxlamBb5Qa_Os/s400/15+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576662263663599010" border="0" /></a>After lunch we pose for a picture in Gia Hưng. L to R: A volunteer from the parish, Fr. John, Sr. May, Fr. Bình, Kim, Fr. Bình’s cousin, Fr. Hửu who is pastor of a neighboring parish, Huong and Fr. Vinh, the pastor.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8LqS_MiQaQTYu9SMVluNNz2sUCMaqER5H7JlfwOPHnbsb4J6OKfyKdXln45oVI2fa0vQ3VeuF542dQ6bFKrHvH7QI6Sw6sp5BNXS2D827WbGURRquos8eotskItqYcL-6w5R_JkfhgNu/s1600/16+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8LqS_MiQaQTYu9SMVluNNz2sUCMaqER5H7JlfwOPHnbsb4J6OKfyKdXln45oVI2fa0vQ3VeuF542dQ6bFKrHvH7QI6Sw6sp5BNXS2D827WbGURRquos8eotskItqYcL-6w5R_JkfhgNu/s400/16+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661855237154354" border="0" /></a>The scenery in the Quang Tri province is spectacular.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID6I0zeXe4W69oS2GkpkAECKeCAI2kuAnA2LFiPUmPUMNiNYoG1vMxmuaT9VbvZ8cCisJIl7zMZOwlgjkere5IrS-HafxT7X0dRKgxFYKJWJBOOqQU_4EvvW7ehcJZSQ1ZDYGEDIXeWeD/s1600/17+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID6I0zeXe4W69oS2GkpkAECKeCAI2kuAnA2LFiPUmPUMNiNYoG1vMxmuaT9VbvZ8cCisJIl7zMZOwlgjkere5IrS-HafxT7X0dRKgxFYKJWJBOOqQU_4EvvW7ehcJZSQ1ZDYGEDIXeWeD/s400/17+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661849037839394" border="0" /></a>The 1993 movie Heaven & Earth (about a Vietnamese woman’s struggle to survive in time of war) depicted scenery like this and made me want to come to this amazing country.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCOKTj0dzutfhh0iHakrksuH07gazV73DpDME_OwF0kxHMLdAjG5kpXJ3D3C5ZBi4pYy0MM-Ao7t4KMwOo7MwFcnC3efR5PQ0I2OSTfRxyztpjxi9OHezTQOZPThqATtfiEEL0Oq4u1WY/s1600/18+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCOKTj0dzutfhh0iHakrksuH07gazV73DpDME_OwF0kxHMLdAjG5kpXJ3D3C5ZBi4pYy0MM-Ao7t4KMwOo7MwFcnC3efR5PQ0I2OSTfRxyztpjxi9OHezTQOZPThqATtfiEEL0Oq4u1WY/s400/18+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661845519712546" border="0" /></a>I finally made it to Our Lady of La Vang shrine.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbwQ_sJ7NdJy5hX04Wr6pvzpwsWU3zEqW6kcrprz-5-etfHdWEI6mlhl75dSe8hyXPXmXFeaIdDaNIJc3UJ3tLxoYIjtttZaoEq45XnGcudf2DquJOlKaTb2mQJ3_-x5ZCgBuznhrYiTA/s1600/19+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbwQ_sJ7NdJy5hX04Wr6pvzpwsWU3zEqW6kcrprz-5-etfHdWEI6mlhl75dSe8hyXPXmXFeaIdDaNIJc3UJ3tLxoYIjtttZaoEq45XnGcudf2DquJOlKaTb2mQJ3_-x5ZCgBuznhrYiTA/s400/19+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661842209030114" border="0" /></a>A painting depicting the 1798 apparition of Mary to persecuted Catholics hiding in the forest of Central Vietnam.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqlwJ4nRkrhJxiTBHYpbu3rno1rW2U5iO8OXndfXVH_AiTJAI0FBGaS29JoxRB8RJglMeaoo-2FStxmv0e8GgluPCgELTUetewx_8fyEn1R8VfbMzfFnOIqwwHDDAu6iTd1WKE1NQhKUy/s1600/20+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqlwJ4nRkrhJxiTBHYpbu3rno1rW2U5iO8OXndfXVH_AiTJAI0FBGaS29JoxRB8RJglMeaoo-2FStxmv0e8GgluPCgELTUetewx_8fyEn1R8VfbMzfFnOIqwwHDDAu6iTd1WKE1NQhKUy/s400/20+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661839446747906" border="0" /></a>Close up of the statue of Mary and Christ. The shrine in which this statue is displayed was completed in the late 1960s.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXrWPDM3q_qeTbPqZD0NeWprLpH5NWNDjOSotmFo1CCsKY_RxD_JxOBqiVV6OyBtzaJkzAtHFXcen8H5UuES8obAf8GbGmk27Gd9UsLdae-nh201S8xUf1o6l3Fdl-5cq0zt568PnJpL8/s1600/21+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXrWPDM3q_qeTbPqZD0NeWprLpH5NWNDjOSotmFo1CCsKY_RxD_JxOBqiVV6OyBtzaJkzAtHFXcen8H5UuES8obAf8GbGmk27Gd9UsLdae-nh201S8xUf1o6l3Fdl-5cq0zt568PnJpL8/s400/21+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661181846280274" border="0" /></a>Huong, Nguyệt, Kim and Sr. May praying at the shrine.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDfpC-cjQ3qDHL_EkMxFAS34XexXiDtrHnJSe1cmDFDyFLuRGdSj1R36dEuzOWFNCpUtuFRfJnNVewAD58obwxcburvHXd93owWCyooQjnqwZsnE-jcFImUHWcpy86QB0Xl6e36-u9FsO/s1600/22+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDfpC-cjQ3qDHL_EkMxFAS34XexXiDtrHnJSe1cmDFDyFLuRGdSj1R36dEuzOWFNCpUtuFRfJnNVewAD58obwxcburvHXd93owWCyooQjnqwZsnE-jcFImUHWcpy86QB0Xl6e36-u9FsO/s400/22+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661177719032162" border="0" /></a>L to R: Sr. May, Fr. John, Huong, Fr. Bình, Kim and Nguyệt at the shrine of<br />Our Lady of La Vang.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBrh23P4JDhLbHgufLYGittP7DbPUguuEi_qNNGd2U1eyX7rtK5UVsMkvN-SKcTguUaJSzJApwCC7QdPZLPJ1il4F-1U5v1HgxyH4NLdA6_aZOotUp6xiRZZf1EJmiEj1aZBCEuL19Rzq/s1600/23+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBrh23P4JDhLbHgufLYGittP7DbPUguuEi_qNNGd2U1eyX7rtK5UVsMkvN-SKcTguUaJSzJApwCC7QdPZLPJ1il4F-1U5v1HgxyH4NLdA6_aZOotUp6xiRZZf1EJmiEj1aZBCEuL19Rzq/s400/23+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661178771763778" border="0" /></a>Releasing floating candles on the Perfume River in Hue (Hway), Vietnam.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRkRGZHglz_k1D12uJCx_PtrUUPHSwe7NZjYUSHNcMyOFo9gYlhrYEMPUyj0npHFbHfBv0mi-qSiq_wAyj-UouW3jB4uUYhJtloCbTzWJgUY8OGU-svived1MzBEHYMvj_lcWeU2yllM/s1600/24+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRkRGZHglz_k1D12uJCx_PtrUUPHSwe7NZjYUSHNcMyOFo9gYlhrYEMPUyj0npHFbHfBv0mi-qSiq_wAyj-UouW3jB4uUYhJtloCbTzWJgUY8OGU-svived1MzBEHYMvj_lcWeU2yllM/s400/24+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661175544208850" border="0" /></a>Sr. May, Nguyệt and Kim.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ah-jeQXTTtINkZ1eKNKlR7aXBimIA5DvfIHRxm_0V9xO55qHy0lyxAYQ__dFvQ5fLl-aHvjtWpL7vzhSd3ErGRZ44D9MEOWmplxZ4lkveuWYJRcZBD_XFJl4z3ziEZaAJzOuNCZhGnYJ/s1600/25+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ah-jeQXTTtINkZ1eKNKlR7aXBimIA5DvfIHRxm_0V9xO55qHy0lyxAYQ__dFvQ5fLl-aHvjtWpL7vzhSd3ErGRZ44D9MEOWmplxZ4lkveuWYJRcZBD_XFJl4z3ziEZaAJzOuNCZhGnYJ/s400/25+LaVang+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576661168949521250" border="0" /></a>Hue by night along the Perfume River.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKzaJ8CyBkqfxvGgoZ6BqRVMv2EcZHFsrqRfYu6fMnU_N8hmixrWfk4h1yMGxW9Kov1ax9KSqOkvBleCp8dQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div>Traditional dancing that used to be performed for the King. These nighttime boat shows are a tourist standard in Hue, Vietnam.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-30312167031300003792011-02-21T07:24:00.000-08:002011-02-22T15:32:03.959-08:00Thanh Giã February 17, 2011<div style="text-align: left;">This morning we left the convent of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thanh Hóa at 5am (We never did see the motherhouse in the daylight.) to visit a leper community further south in Quynh Lap. Like the other leper communities we have visited, this one is operated by the government, but unlike the others, this one is further along in the growing trend to let religious workers on site. In fact there are two of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Vinh whom we met who live on site and serve the patients there. Furthermore, one of the buildings has a small Catholic chapel where Fr. Bình and I celebrated Mass around 8am. Incidentally, there is also a Buddhist temple in another small building near the chapel. The sisters and a few residents attended the Mass.<br /></div><br />The sisters gathered all the residents, who were physically able to gather, to meet together and we distributed the gifts we brought. One of the residents told us that she have been grateful over the years for the consistent help they have received from SARA. Again, they receive a bottle of cooking oil, some rice, some candy and matching sweatshirt and pants: very practical in this cold, Northern Vietnamese weather.<br /><br />After leaving Quynh Lap we made our way to Thanh Giã where there is a large parish church and school. There is an outreach to the disabled who live in the area and over 100 people showed up at the invitation of the parish (a diocesan priest and Vincentian sisters) to receive the gifts we brought. There were also many children, beautiful to behold. The sisters served us lunch. There was also a young Vietnamese-American woman from Texas who was spending 7 months there as a volunteer. She was glad to have someone to whom she could speak American English. Being from Texas (that is, a football fan) she tried desperately to find the Superbowl game on TV a few weeks ago, but to no avail. She was left to watch a few replays with Vietnamese overdubs.<br /><br />We receive a very warm reception everywhere we go and it is due to Kim Dung’s 17 year relationship with some of these communities. They look forward to seeing her. She comes at least once, if not, twice a year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XlmNmaCLX__cy-GV0K9xCh8T4MZQvknYygSsI_KSexcrNqDgzCjGZAl-la4bWJyYpLCIPVuJNmaXXyqQjJE-YGJT5deKXwHm5UWreLDKGxxAm1Z2_N1c4rW-vLdKXPpXZkMGz99sFoG9/s1600/01+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XlmNmaCLX__cy-GV0K9xCh8T4MZQvknYygSsI_KSexcrNqDgzCjGZAl-la4bWJyYpLCIPVuJNmaXXyqQjJE-YGJT5deKXwHm5UWreLDKGxxAm1Z2_N1c4rW-vLdKXPpXZkMGz99sFoG9/s400/01+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165633123975634" border="0" /></a>In the time I have been here I know a few greetings in Vietnamese, but people keep talking to me as if they think I am fluent. The people have been so very gracious to me.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN_F8MC9mI_TNYcac-5AkHeJGnpsCgF2h0jGmhv5wVAgOCG_wSu1kZHFye3WM7L8kGJ5CergBFKwtU6rP6GHIA5Ywo9kFa8FE5HEfXEWXGZFBg-mCONdA2PE3FZv9rW04a04F0lotCg_M/s1600/02+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLN_F8MC9mI_TNYcac-5AkHeJGnpsCgF2h0jGmhv5wVAgOCG_wSu1kZHFye3WM7L8kGJ5CergBFKwtU6rP6GHIA5Ywo9kFa8FE5HEfXEWXGZFBg-mCONdA2PE3FZv9rW04a04F0lotCg_M/s400/02+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165622878685170" border="0" /></a>Kim addressing the residents of the Quynh Lap Leprosy Community.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJbegbe6cMYEDf2B4ebv8C8UxOw0rqFyKwVfnPG_CDClH57jFGeC-hUMgM2X5VS-ihyphenhyphenh6dkUf3Lrzc7achaMrs6UJCGP0hssZ6xjuX4vJL4On9mQsB0_uMgk8NSRbm0S6fHUZsd3hau3A/s1600/03+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJbegbe6cMYEDf2B4ebv8C8UxOw0rqFyKwVfnPG_CDClH57jFGeC-hUMgM2X5VS-ihyphenhyphenh6dkUf3Lrzc7achaMrs6UJCGP0hssZ6xjuX4vJL4On9mQsB0_uMgk8NSRbm0S6fHUZsd3hau3A/s400/03+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165616056448642" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình works the crowd like a “politician” kissing all the babies. ;)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE27YuanBOV125_MWONFJQ2ExZafvSaVwTjfBCjXzH1zCrrRJHghaUDsqEYAIMTSpWbthpDQVlli1cQU0Ihl0ro-hNPxXcdvE7BPz36SieiL2uN5eBQAOAR014oiLd6Ma2vLE2tvmuY2V/s1600/04+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE27YuanBOV125_MWONFJQ2ExZafvSaVwTjfBCjXzH1zCrrRJHghaUDsqEYAIMTSpWbthpDQVlli1cQU0Ihl0ro-hNPxXcdvE7BPz36SieiL2uN5eBQAOAR014oiLd6Ma2vLE2tvmuY2V/s400/04+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165457547021842" border="0" /></a>Huong must have brought a suitcase full of candy. She always had enough for all the children.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDa8WWHM7fFZbdpheX0zRpf9bYQPqjxqyLZUHSy270tfz5t6U3WTnhWA9PV4pBcF-0-nNEXSAlF49ClK87lmRqSMOPGkI_Rwc4-zhXVipOEeRXDEVqvdNwqPnIh7m7nmpdTmKLBRQU64V/s1600/05+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDa8WWHM7fFZbdpheX0zRpf9bYQPqjxqyLZUHSy270tfz5t6U3WTnhWA9PV4pBcF-0-nNEXSAlF49ClK87lmRqSMOPGkI_Rwc4-zhXVipOEeRXDEVqvdNwqPnIh7m7nmpdTmKLBRQU64V/s400/05+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165451659847362" border="0" /></a>The government now provides some space for a chapel at this camp where Fr. Bình and I could concelebrate Mass. There are also two Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Vinh who live on the grounds and minister to the residents.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJbqisox4LvIqz9REHpXr0foyTea-0FK1rCva6YVtaooFYNhb70l6lKL4m3PApziN2cHF00STcZGfT4xQ5OQT3Rxda0h3RUHwBHz1Z6xoZQkTIHvfjEiKsp_UHZG5Ph7Pbo-ErnolR5GF/s1600/06+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJbqisox4LvIqz9REHpXr0foyTea-0FK1rCva6YVtaooFYNhb70l6lKL4m3PApziN2cHF00STcZGfT4xQ5OQT3Rxda0h3RUHwBHz1Z6xoZQkTIHvfjEiKsp_UHZG5Ph7Pbo-ErnolR5GF/s400/06+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165443441148466" border="0" /></a>The camp also provides for a Buddhist Temple. Most Vietnamese are Buddhist.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFE45Ov2pD1QMO4bx3foplhyphenhyphenXTg-BkjfynL6ilaQK5DAUUcv7eQfhhkQs2k98bsbv6J5lC3B5I46dZReR5f7FdHfFCcpu2a6IlJ6jt_UZH54DnzdYxLS0gr9uqDQWG0x0Vbs-i6XKp7aL/s1600/07+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFE45Ov2pD1QMO4bx3foplhyphenhyphenXTg-BkjfynL6ilaQK5DAUUcv7eQfhhkQs2k98bsbv6J5lC3B5I46dZReR5f7FdHfFCcpu2a6IlJ6jt_UZH54DnzdYxLS0gr9uqDQWG0x0Vbs-i6XKp7aL/s400/07+QuynhLap+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165433762720082" border="0" /></a>This man was delighted by my beard and could not stop laughing as he played with it.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39Zxb8G4Yyl_ZlWTbEi9e0m7omTiF1Uuoslt-2uPmNzzTwodI6kMQBBrcl4ed3ZvIcpcyVGWPJHEHqK7k85_PBGpEMwc8CzotZ08B6pUpiQ_tyYkitM8EePPtbZ6_DYXD6I061e2G0bis/s1600/08+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39Zxb8G4Yyl_ZlWTbEi9e0m7omTiF1Uuoslt-2uPmNzzTwodI6kMQBBrcl4ed3ZvIcpcyVGWPJHEHqK7k85_PBGpEMwc8CzotZ08B6pUpiQ_tyYkitM8EePPtbZ6_DYXD6I061e2G0bis/s400/08+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165432908227522" border="0" /></a>The church at Thanh Giã.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUMEtBg3CI0joQIR9azQixf2sQTSRVZudx78tMbO56VFoa_Q-E4IDGEFLFspo8aTlEuRXqlWQ62ZWpQ9NXd6a3ExigP3e9vtc3dQx0CADXC9PZSApkJhtheJ3Ryrw-L6ZHWnIDWI99kvS/s1600/09+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUMEtBg3CI0joQIR9azQixf2sQTSRVZudx78tMbO56VFoa_Q-E4IDGEFLFspo8aTlEuRXqlWQ62ZWpQ9NXd6a3ExigP3e9vtc3dQx0CADXC9PZSApkJhtheJ3Ryrw-L6ZHWnIDWI99kvS/s400/09+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165177791089842" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình entertains the children in a class that was taking place when we arrived.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE40kVeHkj5Djh5yfdZY6vi-kfZ20Nh8kE0ILiWPpV2zmJlC9pTI6sNXyVs99R9MBEkMStijqJSgqmiheXCGbBc-ryh4Y5JOXzChG7fznPM83Pf6AcShSFw6TeF6dM-0AnRzWaY4a3CeV/s1600/10+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE40kVeHkj5Djh5yfdZY6vi-kfZ20Nh8kE0ILiWPpV2zmJlC9pTI6sNXyVs99R9MBEkMStijqJSgqmiheXCGbBc-ryh4Y5JOXzChG7fznPM83Pf6AcShSFw6TeF6dM-0AnRzWaY4a3CeV/s400/10+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165177842626002" border="0" /></a>Faces of appreciation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXx06ydxNDEnwP8_zirozJMiN_n3bXUTuY4jC4eL8nZWS6aT-crcY_IJeSzyM1gnKMUwHc4eK2DJac5E9eZtV74TOHCzD1R25-XKAdLsQU0OFAjYOEbwDwm7seYU4GCjz8MGJORBfYrmL/s1600/11+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXx06ydxNDEnwP8_zirozJMiN_n3bXUTuY4jC4eL8nZWS6aT-crcY_IJeSzyM1gnKMUwHc4eK2DJac5E9eZtV74TOHCzD1R25-XKAdLsQU0OFAjYOEbwDwm7seYU4GCjz8MGJORBfYrmL/s400/11+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165172637632434" border="0" /></a>There are few places I saw that were in any way accessible for those with disabilities. This only isolates further and adds to the sense of “disability”.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUvuzzMnSqRL-KjlknK5_g-bwtTCaYzBrwIXASM3p_KFGz0tK4MUBF43_rpfXTkzWKxvJPisXB_Fp22TeqK4FeQ_XVZ-I_JaMA0e0A1auII6Y-1AxozN-0Yz67spypRBgYYRYUauzGw9e/s1600/12+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUvuzzMnSqRL-KjlknK5_g-bwtTCaYzBrwIXASM3p_KFGz0tK4MUBF43_rpfXTkzWKxvJPisXB_Fp22TeqK4FeQ_XVZ-I_JaMA0e0A1auII6Y-1AxozN-0Yz67spypRBgYYRYUauzGw9e/s400/12+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165170047430034" border="0" /></a>Again, Kim is attentive to the family members who care for their loved ones living with disabilities.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK6oiH0Niet_x8598C81kwne_9GUiu2jXuVESXbYBqoNjCu4_XWMN7f9qKMJ9vL-OH8mtb7ky8VUtWY1VXf77lxgyDimzgKbWTvRb0312ZIHw8uOZsQsJQPy9wPey_TDBb7JQ1_HVE7n6/s1600/13+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK6oiH0Niet_x8598C81kwne_9GUiu2jXuVESXbYBqoNjCu4_XWMN7f9qKMJ9vL-OH8mtb7ky8VUtWY1VXf77lxgyDimzgKbWTvRb0312ZIHw8uOZsQsJQPy9wPey_TDBb7JQ1_HVE7n6/s400/13+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576165166329243058" border="0" /></a>Again, Huong gives out candy to every child.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy5cpk8en6qeVHZhVY9VmWgwED2TXHa0tjKYs5YHx2cFY-J1G_997PJ_L6e4Zr4yfvq4oDfN5cbshfg0iQAHA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div>There was often singing when we would meet the people for whom we brought gifts. It has been my experience that Vietnamese LOVE to sing and to listen to singing.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyco7lcm_WVqx2U_j5CWRwA1eUf7c2ewwiOyXSLH3k1JWgrEzonKUlQNYjLRCSSR_eUsSxLDhE7uJPo9NL-' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These videos give a glimpse of how we would distribute the gifts.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxX-TIN-uXebyHrUPPEpy9B_2SuVruy1szsHV8i0lmBd33o0eBqfp6IqqEd-diPX8emcmK5Z1_51vX1NE0CQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fr. Bình is very good with the children.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wj98H1wHzyW7rX-tHxDd4tszGmLB6pv7iuQiM8lXy9kKAgwXt0Qu5ZYkP4z48MW4c7mGVn0-o2jQ2a98wB9HSstzzi6muNLJwUvwsYlwVF6c3g_bG0NkjzydVSzRVkSCGAPGjsqDB1Cy/s1600/17+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wj98H1wHzyW7rX-tHxDd4tszGmLB6pv7iuQiM8lXy9kKAgwXt0Qu5ZYkP4z48MW4c7mGVn0-o2jQ2a98wB9HSstzzi6muNLJwUvwsYlwVF6c3g_bG0NkjzydVSzRVkSCGAPGjsqDB1Cy/s400/17+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164884014458034" border="0" /></a>There were always a lot of children present at our gatherings.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWvhdAZRBD0IdpgFxFHgGNsyYeGGU3C8sgzIlkfz2ZgQcqVOeK_OePWrWBc3GDMFwYME23t76ybeXsj5TCbAesPY9x4PsO3b5GTvsL-ZysvxUtSzsZGOK79X1Y035-50icDojTwu1Ev4N/s1600/18+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWvhdAZRBD0IdpgFxFHgGNsyYeGGU3C8sgzIlkfz2ZgQcqVOeK_OePWrWBc3GDMFwYME23t76ybeXsj5TCbAesPY9x4PsO3b5GTvsL-ZysvxUtSzsZGOK79X1Y035-50icDojTwu1Ev4N/s400/18+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164875268900450" border="0" /></a>This childcare program provided for the Vincentian Sisters is another way to help those most hurt by poverty: women and children.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-O0BP-xuhZRiXn5gpVN8TBgRYjzZATUKsbjBQCy2eBThdeo0eDVfvDClILuZEQNaFDifBN7Q6PBASbhyphenhyphenLR6X0cHGwcjNCvfngBWnB1b1X5ShWQVOnQs11ewQ0ph983AJ_rVbVOqU1Usb/s1600/19+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-O0BP-xuhZRiXn5gpVN8TBgRYjzZATUKsbjBQCy2eBThdeo0eDVfvDClILuZEQNaFDifBN7Q6PBASbhyphenhyphenLR6X0cHGwcjNCvfngBWnB1b1X5ShWQVOnQs11ewQ0ph983AJ_rVbVOqU1Usb/s400/19+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164866957849938" border="0" /></a>Beautiful faces of the smallest ones we got to meet.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-g_AHc0V-Pu-ZprlJ4wrSWg97wTyhAqd211owLnIIqN5OLw-zouFeksVWRavjihkZiu7pNrWMrwjzyILkpoQipjVoQZiJbis5BX2MPuHPeKCZgajtUv1LVFT1g1dozS63mD4DZsleQAY/s1600/20+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-g_AHc0V-Pu-ZprlJ4wrSWg97wTyhAqd211owLnIIqN5OLw-zouFeksVWRavjihkZiu7pNrWMrwjzyILkpoQipjVoQZiJbis5BX2MPuHPeKCZgajtUv1LVFT1g1dozS63mD4DZsleQAY/s400/20+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164861626078466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv3wByJQRNDdBLYIVhWXe5COv0MVtSDVVQZL8RPVbWJPXr4sL3SiTPeuP0D87xt7a80sXZxIPAbLYDOArHdC9l44SWtXljlaPe_WeSKlMRIubIUBbC0kx33izc2l8ACc6Ib9qUaBlT8TX/s1600/21+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv3wByJQRNDdBLYIVhWXe5COv0MVtSDVVQZL8RPVbWJPXr4sL3SiTPeuP0D87xt7a80sXZxIPAbLYDOArHdC9l44SWtXljlaPe_WeSKlMRIubIUBbC0kx33izc2l8ACc6Ib9qUaBlT8TX/s400/21+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164853759716290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8Z0upx2Zdh5g9tBDUl3qC9tNEQerP3T5t-DYAfto18fSRWwBjS7BUD91VXiAlgs7DsXnmg80PcueWRAVamttEr3auYxyEQF743sDGwYbHSW_HNRXBtgJh2dNNoQVSVZ1swTNzNtgEV2r/s1600/22+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8Z0upx2Zdh5g9tBDUl3qC9tNEQerP3T5t-DYAfto18fSRWwBjS7BUD91VXiAlgs7DsXnmg80PcueWRAVamttEr3auYxyEQF743sDGwYbHSW_HNRXBtgJh2dNNoQVSVZ1swTNzNtgEV2r/s400/22+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164566677934098" border="0" /></a>Nap time is a communal issue.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIlmhbD1B0-AW7wVlgUo77mh0qXSt6Pag6Zv510jCfJvifXN8UsM2HiVIfhwpWVj6SyxIpGIy0k7Jg42snTdRYOluPW-k1xIhP9PCKjwiwmzvZrOe74asbBK7TwY7grnwbh4mQblOkRZw/s1600/23+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIlmhbD1B0-AW7wVlgUo77mh0qXSt6Pag6Zv510jCfJvifXN8UsM2HiVIfhwpWVj6SyxIpGIy0k7Jg42snTdRYOluPW-k1xIhP9PCKjwiwmzvZrOe74asbBK7TwY7grnwbh4mQblOkRZw/s400/23+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164552046909394" border="0" /></a>This proud mother and her child.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P4JLPQUF1g8cG651uBrQrBcNsZNa022A_W2dod5DIjCBRtSwtP4MSqmT5S03FPWkpwyEa6Hjf0uORKIiEd2zY1vTo7cohvsWEK-ZD7-OrJOfTMvfJIyG7ib55D7SHolBWRB_9AQUTMe-/s1600/24+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P4JLPQUF1g8cG651uBrQrBcNsZNa022A_W2dod5DIjCBRtSwtP4MSqmT5S03FPWkpwyEa6Hjf0uORKIiEd2zY1vTo7cohvsWEK-ZD7-OrJOfTMvfJIyG7ib55D7SHolBWRB_9AQUTMe-/s400/24+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164545615237714" border="0" /></a>Kim and one of the disabled adults we met.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3arY_dc4UnBGdltNFoqfnes6RtVIhyphenhyphenx-neuoOMO84xgwryz0x0GfLpMEOyxtE_9wAx_SB1oeNbTAlALxwm-putDoHnwE7SXfRXIPHSkTNFFdLNPIjVvvV5wFsY5olcauofQcjGPK3r1F/s1600/25+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3arY_dc4UnBGdltNFoqfnes6RtVIhyphenhyphenx-neuoOMO84xgwryz0x0GfLpMEOyxtE_9wAx_SB1oeNbTAlALxwm-putDoHnwE7SXfRXIPHSkTNFFdLNPIjVvvV5wFsY5olcauofQcjGPK3r1F/s400/25+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164535985091858" border="0" /></a>At the convent where we stayed the night at the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Quảng Bình. They care for children there.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fviC9L7cnipYVqpNqGIgGdZZEQgxq_MbDFIbQ0CVaPPGjXJIcPYjjJzTU4eY5zPPDUpaZ_wcfaH53tk537ye00RuhM4Wat7B3oT2ycccvXcGaF6n2kGEvm_wRgB6R0y56uIOCmchpPQw/s1600/26+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fviC9L7cnipYVqpNqGIgGdZZEQgxq_MbDFIbQ0CVaPPGjXJIcPYjjJzTU4eY5zPPDUpaZ_wcfaH53tk537ye00RuhM4Wat7B3oT2ycccvXcGaF6n2kGEvm_wRgB6R0y56uIOCmchpPQw/s400/26+Thanh+Gia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576164530843546578" border="0" /></a>The older children help with the smaller children, but that is what my older sisters did for me when I was a little tyke.<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-10342342480852450702011-02-20T16:52:00.000-08:002011-02-20T17:02:26.280-08:00Thanh Hóa February 16, 2011We left Bắc Ninh after lunch and headed a few hours south for Thanh Hóa. When we arrived two Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thanh Hóa met us and took us to a small neighborhood convent where a few sisters live who care for disabled children and adults in the neighborhood. Their goal is to build a facility to provide for children whose parents are unable to care for them adequately. They are in need of $100,000 to accomplish this goal, a number that seems inexpensive for construction by U.S. standards, but is way out of reach here. But the need is great. <br /><br />The neighborhood in which the sisters live has an inordinate number of children who are born with severe disabilities. The sisters believe it is due to Agent Orange. This city was bombed severely during the war and, though the town is rebuilt and commerce takes place, the devastation from the war in the lives of these families is heartbreaking. <br /><br />One of the sisters told me that each impoverished household with a disabled family member only receives about $15 from the government. Again, that may go further here, but is still far too little to meet the basic needs. Comparatively, a bowl of phơ (Vietnamese noodle soup with meat) costs about $6 in the USA, and about $1 here). I just bought an SD card reader (multi-card reader) for $1.50 that would have cost me about $20 in the USA. That gives some idea that the government subsidy is proportionately worth about $100/month in the USA of buying value to care for a child with a severe disabilities. That is just a drop in the bucket.<br /><br />Here, there just aren’t the resources to which families can turn to find help to care for their children or adult family members with severe disabilities. The sisters do what they can by providing a little day care and visiting the neighborhood families in need.<br /><br />The sisters had gathered many of those whom they regularly serve at their convent so that we could meet them and pass out gifts of blankets, clothing, rice, oil and candy. After visiting two more families in the neighborhood, who were physically unable to come to the convent, we went to the sister’s motherhouse where we were welcomed affectionately, fed dinner, and given rooms for the night. I visited the English class of postulants so that they could hear American English. They usually are taught British English in schools in Vietnam. The young women asked questions and then sang beautifully for me at the end of class. They were VERY enthusiastic. <br /><br />The next day we rose at 4am for a 5am departure. It reminded me of Luke 4:43ff where Jesus leaves Capernaum one day at daybreak because he has many other towns and villages where he must proclaim the Good News.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvuGzleiIeJh_STK-89zPJh1urXIUW9faWMFJvzNVkmuXYJbBcwCCDlJgDGvGR0M73F9r7GgNNQ_Ox8N86UdXHklfOZXbzTN1TiIQtAzhO-c8PXFzPRal0HnJYK9bU1_cBgq4p5ZiNKKJ/s1600/01+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvuGzleiIeJh_STK-89zPJh1urXIUW9faWMFJvzNVkmuXYJbBcwCCDlJgDGvGR0M73F9r7GgNNQ_Ox8N86UdXHklfOZXbzTN1TiIQtAzhO-c8PXFzPRal0HnJYK9bU1_cBgq4p5ZiNKKJ/s400/01+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575940282958148882" border="0" /></a>Saying farewell to the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity at Bắc Ninh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr39KEPu9mjH4g7SuZ6s_P1gXlircRJGIpm4W0mvWoq0I1zBKrgmWmeVCQIlif-vJhVp4Z6ciSi3l4IrH-wci7HqnykI39HPr1bnezeusQWzdoYVQ82-WTdYgJca5iPfaEQdO33QBWN6cy/s1600/02+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr39KEPu9mjH4g7SuZ6s_P1gXlircRJGIpm4W0mvWoq0I1zBKrgmWmeVCQIlif-vJhVp4Z6ciSi3l4IrH-wci7HqnykI39HPr1bnezeusQWzdoYVQ82-WTdYgJca5iPfaEQdO33QBWN6cy/s400/02+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575940027698144194" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình leading a cheer among those who came to the convent to receive gifts. The sisters here serve those from the neighborhood who live with disabilities.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz8azFlqVe70g_z0ujdAclUDV47-paZ53aRMCIGLT3Hm7XioKyaM-0cHuYkn_d53goMPaUssG_CRr_Iou1TeGG9QP-HVzZ6DJ4YwjYtqJ7EEeM7o4AC68gGAvxS-LEromJ6E6KKPfmxkj/s1600/03+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz8azFlqVe70g_z0ujdAclUDV47-paZ53aRMCIGLT3Hm7XioKyaM-0cHuYkn_d53goMPaUssG_CRr_Iou1TeGG9QP-HVzZ6DJ4YwjYtqJ7EEeM7o4AC68gGAvxS-LEromJ6E6KKPfmxkj/s400/03+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575940024823680946" border="0" /></a>Everyone has a family member or individual who brought them to the convent and care for their daily needs.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenulEzP7pb5IbRNAaRS8fskAlhgpHaDepiejmGYJtwOG221zaCe2STciw9dUPLs3r30yYP0GCQpJSUo_YyAAbiGN67chxs_5Y1YjjuRq5KM-KKCwnHTr4npmEuY_LORwyczxb4cXJ0ETm/s1600/04+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenulEzP7pb5IbRNAaRS8fskAlhgpHaDepiejmGYJtwOG221zaCe2STciw9dUPLs3r30yYP0GCQpJSUo_YyAAbiGN67chxs_5Y1YjjuRq5KM-KKCwnHTr4npmEuY_LORwyczxb4cXJ0ETm/s400/04+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575940022636350162" border="0" /></a>There are an inordinate number of children and adults born with disabilities in this neighborhood. The sisters said it is caused by Agent Orange. This city of Thanh Hóa was all but obliterated by American bombing raids during the war.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkfNAgJ_O6pT_ht5ZO2DQwbTilHfoKJcf3SLAF51otFU4DzpyQRb-GsG0_Bs-xh0nRIfLfAUy4SKeCI63SUeaXsAGgFkusfL7OrrYrov7vqq_nhEYYgHWmYp3b7zfbhhaKwGXr3_eGpRZ/s1600/05+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkfNAgJ_O6pT_ht5ZO2DQwbTilHfoKJcf3SLAF51otFU4DzpyQRb-GsG0_Bs-xh0nRIfLfAUy4SKeCI63SUeaXsAGgFkusfL7OrrYrov7vqq_nhEYYgHWmYp3b7zfbhhaKwGXr3_eGpRZ/s400/05+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575940016807903106" border="0" /></a>Huong Nguyen, who works for SARA in Portland, distributing gifts.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak-7Je2ccSAKcLqcC51vi7v2q4yA1EWbowhBFhAQrovV7Uep8J3KiWUSZn5wPM0-4dtVj4vc5xY6FLBZsVAebhoLi3B27shf4c6fyAO5VPqx6RGmKV0tHMoiRmmnJX4bhoFY1zoUMnSiS/s1600/06+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak-7Je2ccSAKcLqcC51vi7v2q4yA1EWbowhBFhAQrovV7Uep8J3KiWUSZn5wPM0-4dtVj4vc5xY6FLBZsVAebhoLi3B27shf4c6fyAO5VPqx6RGmKV0tHMoiRmmnJX4bhoFY1zoUMnSiS/s400/06+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575940017031413746" border="0" /></a>Two of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thanh Hóa who live and work at this neighborhood convent.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIr_b9Z6o_Rqb-HN21j7zzAPQgiqi2LdilACTEg0lPUwbx7xEVvEzRs4Rb5vjL2EDD5zZx9unGCsDY3r6UXE9SSqmwXxmCIrRuA6N5CdA0TslTrEVMQfRNogOJMIiz47vyJfMur36QT-5/s1600/07+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIr_b9Z6o_Rqb-HN21j7zzAPQgiqi2LdilACTEg0lPUwbx7xEVvEzRs4Rb5vjL2EDD5zZx9unGCsDY3r6UXE9SSqmwXxmCIrRuA6N5CdA0TslTrEVMQfRNogOJMIiz47vyJfMur36QT-5/s400/07+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575939750558232290" border="0" /></a>Kim Dung is very attentive to the family members who make great daily sacrifices for their disabled loved ones.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NMkKBRugOaW9iL0G6gLOU5rTi_SMbZ1W_gMpoMimydzyQIpdmif9UekK3scPD3SIBxydyXIQkNSQsOaC6avvlR8iLBUujXFahUtX1RYBGCw6YKlniDu6BrEDSVAeIVAwTDyeFNMbfrnV/s1600/08+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NMkKBRugOaW9iL0G6gLOU5rTi_SMbZ1W_gMpoMimydzyQIpdmif9UekK3scPD3SIBxydyXIQkNSQsOaC6avvlR8iLBUujXFahUtX1RYBGCw6YKlniDu6BrEDSVAeIVAwTDyeFNMbfrnV/s400/08+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575939749253280786" border="0" /></a>We visited this man at his home. He received a head injury on the job and has few benefits. He is unable to work anymore. His disabilities are worsening. Recently, he lost his ability to speak. All he could do was sit in his be and look at us, expressionless.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH4L7mvM81HuNBjNb-bCiGVI9J3-cf8PsnSxq_aj7-gTMlmkZCBFdHRWN4iMuFU4rgXtEACaHOlniaFocwGrbX6Ucdm9KoDqleZ5G4bx8jNW8h-8p_PNT40jiToqrIw38qja2czvZEocZ/s1600/09+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH4L7mvM81HuNBjNb-bCiGVI9J3-cf8PsnSxq_aj7-gTMlmkZCBFdHRWN4iMuFU4rgXtEACaHOlniaFocwGrbX6Ucdm9KoDqleZ5G4bx8jNW8h-8p_PNT40jiToqrIw38qja2czvZEocZ/s400/09+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575939749955986450" border="0" /></a>Kim Dung comforting the wife of the man who was disabled in a work related injury.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7KeZdUUcnOaIZI5N2qQqgEpoDHvwxvgDR8COIzoXg71OSflruTx1jG-E_EGQNlYQm5MSfWhEEbZrh8D5IttELkqh_m8hgHFzxLdNQnRbWXEYZ56FAUfhyuDyp_HXxoeD0l3yKpBD-mJG/s1600/10+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7KeZdUUcnOaIZI5N2qQqgEpoDHvwxvgDR8COIzoXg71OSflruTx1jG-E_EGQNlYQm5MSfWhEEbZrh8D5IttELkqh_m8hgHFzxLdNQnRbWXEYZ56FAUfhyuDyp_HXxoeD0l3yKpBD-mJG/s400/10+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575939744807302098" border="0" /></a>At the motherhouse of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thanh Hóa SARA has provided for a clinic to offer free and inexpensive healthcare. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mfRoObXTAhCMIMQIXzxsLY_jEASYh-YOt7op5uFUKp7Ufue90ef3XdvQ00vcTq2oyVXa8E5jQDue_nzq-W19YgYz0UyOEpl4AOzEjbSiDaB4v0IkuBXaJbAz67Pweee3G7SADD8Ybf4O/s1600/11+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mfRoObXTAhCMIMQIXzxsLY_jEASYh-YOt7op5uFUKp7Ufue90ef3XdvQ00vcTq2oyVXa8E5jQDue_nzq-W19YgYz0UyOEpl4AOzEjbSiDaB4v0IkuBXaJbAz67Pweee3G7SADD8Ybf4O/s400/11+ThanHoa+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575939739132057362" border="0" /></a>This little one-year-old girl was left on the doorstep of the motherhouse when she was a baby. The sisters took her in and are raising her. One sister is her primary caretaker.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-78936690588574160702011-02-19T09:22:00.001-08:002011-02-21T07:24:04.812-08:00Cold Weather February 15, 2011<div style="text-align: left;">Vietnam is in the tropics, which makes one think that it is always hot here, but that is not so.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In the following pictures you will see people wearing layers of coats and sweaters indoors, with hats and wool scarves over their heads. That is because there is no central heating in North Vietnam or any kind of heat in most residences and buildings, nor anywhere in Vietnam, for that matter. The hotel where we stayed in Ha Long Bay was not heated. Homes we visited were not heated. The Church was not heated. The only heating in the hospital was in ICU, but the offices and examining rooms were not heated. The room where Dr. Le performs endoscopies and colonoscopies is not heated. The convents are not heated, the guestrooms were not heated. Nothing. It may be 90º in Saigon, but in the North the highs are in the low 60s and the lows in the high 40s. All the beds have thick comforters and for some reason the room and tile floors seem colder when I go to bed than when I get up in the morning. Very expensive hotels and International businesses may have heat, but most places do not. No one complains (except for me to myself and to you who are reading this). It is just the way things are here. Somehow I knew not to complain out-loud about it. Central heating is just another luxury that I take for granted. Snow is rare here, but it has been known to happen. In North Vietnam in the winter you just get used to wearing your coat all day long, outside, at your desk at dinner, etc.<br /><br />We visited another leper camp today and a home for disabled children.<br /></div><br />We had a unique and treasured opportunity to meet with the former Archbishop of Hanoi, the Most Reverend Ngo Quang Kiet. He is highly respected among the Catholics of Vietnam. I know it was a highlight of this trip for Fr. Bình. Kim Dung said: “The archbishop is my hero.” We were an hour late meeting him because we got delayed due to a back-up at a small, river-crossing ferry. But the archbishop waited up for us until 10:30PM at the Trappist monastery where he is in residence.<br /><br />Due to the distances we traveled to make all our visits that day, we were still hours from home. I finally got to bed at the motherhouse at 2am. We decided to delay the start of the next day’s activities until after lunch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h96bhynWGxnDYiIfHs5r3BwHT7FSAwIk9NAQRnvOafPSZyFQ-LglBXZO0DhKsmyIRe_Kw9VAHs5sgXMlFhloXSNV2FhEO648JRn_H_IOjXNWVjM0apqRpJUstJ6CO5iR7dADxlyNbJMi/s1600/01+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h96bhynWGxnDYiIfHs5r3BwHT7FSAwIk9NAQRnvOafPSZyFQ-LglBXZO0DhKsmyIRe_Kw9VAHs5sgXMlFhloXSNV2FhEO648JRn_H_IOjXNWVjM0apqRpJUstJ6CO5iR7dADxlyNbJMi/s400/01+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575456018916441682" border="0" /></a>Putting together the gift packets for those at the Leper Camps.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwLreZz5HJmvywnAk6LwBPSRKbb-JwkVORvk_QLM6BFgCv-01RYhVvNAPyWMt5DOPeJOMi_MhhftvzUN34zHS7S9h1wiTkArRMXa8KoCo0iHsQRj0foFpUJPik6x1etyLxC1nFnR-zP3t/s1600/02+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwLreZz5HJmvywnAk6LwBPSRKbb-JwkVORvk_QLM6BFgCv-01RYhVvNAPyWMt5DOPeJOMi_MhhftvzUN34zHS7S9h1wiTkArRMXa8KoCo0iHsQRj0foFpUJPik6x1etyLxC1nFnR-zP3t/s400/02+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575456014718602946" border="0" /></a>The local pastor, and chaplain to the leprosy community introduced us and took us around to meet the residents.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyh4ZPob_1Of3GUKsQzfNXO3AZyz0K2DBKXvboL2VP46UGW_u6mHPIQ9iQQi33WVoO6Qifg7biwyf48K19rRiGXk11qQrWiFgu21HWCwqfA2yNG9dJiPIGP5KndPpy3nMPscYsVt6lkhb/s1600/03+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyh4ZPob_1Of3GUKsQzfNXO3AZyz0K2DBKXvboL2VP46UGW_u6mHPIQ9iQQi33WVoO6Qifg7biwyf48K19rRiGXk11qQrWiFgu21HWCwqfA2yNG9dJiPIGP5KndPpy3nMPscYsVt6lkhb/s400/03+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455832864705378" border="0" /></a>One of our gifts is some “Lucky Money”, a traditional Lunar New Year’s gift. This woman has no fingers as a result of her struggle with leprosy. I eventually had to help her put the money in her pocket.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-QTSpgXIWyGAe8Lu2WbApr-s3UoVQaZMzQPmhHAyPIORksCE63HudKL1JnGzjXv3V5m-EfdshyphenhyphenmdgEC2wTj22hISSQGRLoHJV5qjYM0hzp_cOk8F6qPdWj04V4tXB07VB6Fa-FSLTAo0/s1600/04+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-QTSpgXIWyGAe8Lu2WbApr-s3UoVQaZMzQPmhHAyPIORksCE63HudKL1JnGzjXv3V5m-EfdshyphenhyphenmdgEC2wTj22hISSQGRLoHJV5qjYM0hzp_cOk8F6qPdWj04V4tXB07VB6Fa-FSLTAo0/s400/04+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455828807721282" border="0" /></a>Sr. May (left) of the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity in Bắc Ninh has worked with Kim Dung and SARA for 10 years.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEa5ChYZMnt9lmJ0lAS-wDNv7ESCmBXpHqnYMWMk7UKgrcp8tiF0BlyCIqfrhcdGrDYDyjI-dMkvqwVooIkBelNbgfrH9XifY3Xms7S2amqlNpZYIYqi4qjQXgXjorQd-mhbEBzXxF973/s1600/05+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEa5ChYZMnt9lmJ0lAS-wDNv7ESCmBXpHqnYMWMk7UKgrcp8tiF0BlyCIqfrhcdGrDYDyjI-dMkvqwVooIkBelNbgfrH9XifY3Xms7S2amqlNpZYIYqi4qjQXgXjorQd-mhbEBzXxF973/s400/05+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455824904871730" border="0" /></a>Kim Dung had a long and emotional conversation with this elderly woman. The video below is a brief portion of that conversation.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxsQt053BlQ4sAE01bzBLYPrwJFmqwsWZBq8448Ki9Z6Pi-jkIvpaeSOPeqeMpE-n8JPAYJFT3E3YQq7uD8GQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Video of a conversation with a woman living with leprosy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs7v_on97Yq84uXERl_wNzr7ObkNH5HwTAzvfoY6aSdkV2adM50i2m5Kt_eUC44rJU5EXRnYQZOnvIWf_Ckf0gDogodnOhN2qjfEmwexjKh_L4Ov0a3eHU-cMWsJMtBp_Ft5EVcXennV8/s1600/07+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs7v_on97Yq84uXERl_wNzr7ObkNH5HwTAzvfoY6aSdkV2adM50i2m5Kt_eUC44rJU5EXRnYQZOnvIWf_Ckf0gDogodnOhN2qjfEmwexjKh_L4Ov0a3eHU-cMWsJMtBp_Ft5EVcXennV8/s400/07+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455827332886978" border="0" /></a>It was often the case that I would stand patiently in the background as everyone discussed (in Vietnamese) the next steps. Eventually, someone would turn around and tell me what to do.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVpl1qAwjwapngd-q5mhPDS-uMr1heDDYf0F1686r0OZb5LPXIg1UBv8s3NoqLd0gIetvM4N9P22c-w9oQ_DsR_f2ChjtLK61BRmNjJ8mfZTjHkZ-GalB7_RdVP3TOutyoIhVOrQsv_86/s1600/08+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVpl1qAwjwapngd-q5mhPDS-uMr1heDDYf0F1686r0OZb5LPXIg1UBv8s3NoqLd0gIetvM4N9P22c-w9oQ_DsR_f2ChjtLK61BRmNjJ8mfZTjHkZ-GalB7_RdVP3TOutyoIhVOrQsv_86/s400/08+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455820443808194" border="0" /></a>Kim Dung and SARA have been coming to some locations for 15 years. These two men are wearing jackets that SARA provided during previous visits.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOIho0oZ6wMmr0_hC60tgf-xB4Lur85q8kSbJGnv0IwwQ8Or8kPhbEjI3wwtEt3OG5FyqcItghwAT-42GlyPv_TkAZ7hmef8bF6r2RrRHpztnKpGc_O8Y8aomckHf2Eu4JdjQtslYjTxf/s1600/09+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOIho0oZ6wMmr0_hC60tgf-xB4Lur85q8kSbJGnv0IwwQ8Or8kPhbEjI3wwtEt3OG5FyqcItghwAT-42GlyPv_TkAZ7hmef8bF6r2RrRHpztnKpGc_O8Y8aomckHf2Eu4JdjQtslYjTxf/s400/09+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455496552159762" border="0" /></a>At each leper camp there were greetings, introductions, expressions of gratitude and gracious applause. My only role was to say my one big line in Vietnamese (to thunderous applause and laughter): “Chúc mừng năm mới!” which is, “Happy (Lunar) New Year!”. Though the Lunar New Year started on February 3rd, it is still an appropriate greeting for about a month afterward.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wQxeoqylhGd8Kl6n1PhxBHDm-LmnZPgeXeg4x5xikUGhSDDL-lejBpoJH7q4clU5-oyvquRqyiLzLTc_5frDhcmjpdpj81ZhwlBkiWdy5kPNeoHvMShNh2kdSm2rf-Rv12XKasOEu87t/s1600/10+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wQxeoqylhGd8Kl6n1PhxBHDm-LmnZPgeXeg4x5xikUGhSDDL-lejBpoJH7q4clU5-oyvquRqyiLzLTc_5frDhcmjpdpj81ZhwlBkiWdy5kPNeoHvMShNh2kdSm2rf-Rv12XKasOEu87t/s400/10+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455496468512802" border="0" /></a>Westerners are rare in these areas so many were eager to greet me and say hello.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH6xZSvJHTrSOqPaDhxFmzqUEacNvJsIqy7Ls5mG2pyUXq0aB8EN8QyaDyVp4T_W5oEYwmOP3V-mZpo2npX5eOe_mQsYbWuGjt8Pqi4_DhpzD2gRhpHhmYKHi-iv5PkUWCEHAP5f4ilAh/s1600/11+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH6xZSvJHTrSOqPaDhxFmzqUEacNvJsIqy7Ls5mG2pyUXq0aB8EN8QyaDyVp4T_W5oEYwmOP3V-mZpo2npX5eOe_mQsYbWuGjt8Pqi4_DhpzD2gRhpHhmYKHi-iv5PkUWCEHAP5f4ilAh/s400/11+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455492175894754" border="0" /></a>Driving through the countryside we saw a lot of rice planting taking place.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAEE40EEI2GTqevojKKEb9UDt1YMusVfL2kPEYVvlcOnnzuRC2cR3bbU47iIeQ471q0Hd_fVl_CXhKiDgYt-eXNZS9IovvImze7pI1reOPtWXmwciUeisBnMxCz8Ye7WfvysOeSqHQ7NB/s1600/12+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAEE40EEI2GTqevojKKEb9UDt1YMusVfL2kPEYVvlcOnnzuRC2cR3bbU47iIeQ471q0Hd_fVl_CXhKiDgYt-eXNZS9IovvImze7pI1reOPtWXmwciUeisBnMxCz8Ye7WfvysOeSqHQ7NB/s400/12+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455486886044082" border="0" /></a>These farmers are separating the rice starts and planting them in rows in the paddies where they will grow until harvest.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gbq99K39FDJakWCjuNQRejm09Ymc4yxKIeBL6EpAv59Sk1eTHzlTSBmZ-5wHyYcyLPfEUymrUHkjLzHYMUnTPF_ujcGDKS0qjfYV4nZJj6bOVi7NgCpKK_-9ir0U_sF2DvwLt7Ipm2S0/s1600/13+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Gbq99K39FDJakWCjuNQRejm09Ymc4yxKIeBL6EpAv59Sk1eTHzlTSBmZ-5wHyYcyLPfEUymrUHkjLzHYMUnTPF_ujcGDKS0qjfYV4nZJj6bOVi7NgCpKK_-9ir0U_sF2DvwLt7Ipm2S0/s400/13+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455486890529074" border="0" /></a>This farmer was happy to allow me to take his picture.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNq6jArkE8yrGdAiGUJ93eyhlR_xj10F3aTGLIOVgzRD6ouj74hMEFZi5WqzKswm5SZEMbjIfrKZocCuXUYaZFB_oeMdAUeG9okOIQ8vxt7WAj6FmIPY9gugs6ENxpwCu1C5BnNDUKvwO-/s1600/14+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNq6jArkE8yrGdAiGUJ93eyhlR_xj10F3aTGLIOVgzRD6ouj74hMEFZi5WqzKswm5SZEMbjIfrKZocCuXUYaZFB_oeMdAUeG9okOIQ8vxt7WAj6FmIPY9gugs6ENxpwCu1C5BnNDUKvwO-/s400/14+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455185116064386" border="0" /></a>Very frequently we saw where deceased family members were buried right on the farm in a corner of the field. In that way the ancestors are always close and remain part of day-to-day life.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm6UE_-AqQWPng0nDKlsyQi4YoCCok_QtH5EJk3JaDOtRuuxSUeLoLgoVHOnGmdvqcC959od6sn2f1QfncoBFn7RN-OYBGu5P4UpTSA-EXE3oLjdLZhJTf04KzELhT6e76OFMX78H_Lcv/s1600/15+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm6UE_-AqQWPng0nDKlsyQi4YoCCok_QtH5EJk3JaDOtRuuxSUeLoLgoVHOnGmdvqcC959od6sn2f1QfncoBFn7RN-OYBGu5P4UpTSA-EXE3oLjdLZhJTf04KzELhT6e76OFMX78H_Lcv/s400/15+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455187346766098" border="0" /></a>During a long wait at a ferry crossing we saw one vendor had a pet monkey. This young woman who volunteered with SARA, Thật, is a postulant for the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity in Bắc Ninh. She has made a new friend.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxiYtnMyZ6fYz3JpbjhxSTGl71KCtkbcVKfS1aq_rBmhDpK_mESXvhBvTesYEblZakZw8rf9QVBgmwptj9VlQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Monkeys love bananas!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytjjrKY8OEOMqcoSGPORIGsjG9B4phW4k7Z8Tr9o2TRDg-Zlf2KTMi7KfB__UYN4bJTJkV3u9TK3KV0wZcvhBN1SYe28MAgOCjhoatjy2GfHlqxDa0M4WFHRMX59YK1w9fzJF0xuVeJ73/s1600/17+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytjjrKY8OEOMqcoSGPORIGsjG9B4phW4k7Z8Tr9o2TRDg-Zlf2KTMi7KfB__UYN4bJTJkV3u9TK3KV0wZcvhBN1SYe28MAgOCjhoatjy2GfHlqxDa0M4WFHRMX59YK1w9fzJF0xuVeJ73/s400/17+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455176191149970" border="0" /></a>Sr. May connected with this little girl at an orphanage for disabled children, which is operated by members of her religious community.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25gmCTs2sqiLq0BEyhRAotn4TEQd-6EExYmgu0qTADxsmNJ3uNwlpiF-tNuJFsv9AwjNbIvwZonQUsPhSTJObMu3xX8CXs72izKc5TUQT_pEM8o5haZcM3HHKFSGMOpY2p1sPaN1O1PQO/s1600/18+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25gmCTs2sqiLq0BEyhRAotn4TEQd-6EExYmgu0qTADxsmNJ3uNwlpiF-tNuJFsv9AwjNbIvwZonQUsPhSTJObMu3xX8CXs72izKc5TUQT_pEM8o5haZcM3HHKFSGMOpY2p1sPaN1O1PQO/s400/18+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455171488621570" border="0" /></a>Kim Dung visits with a bed-ridden child.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSOl7tv6eMOz4alicUvmPuMahZrq4ZufuoRqrZa3EXxfx9n7FCxWME-gtCVtcmgNwBlyqQEmMBmo2_YnF1gQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The local pastor showed us how these little boys could sing the Gregorian Chant, “Salve Regina”.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tSx4fxie46XcsPBLz3ZyNXIqc7WEr5km3eEoAANKWcogQHZ9pzNjvrDKad32b0YUCzHBJ7x85fHwUq0nD2LBmfGuQhDb8Dy46pdCyg_kbDEMW03tJRCenpSQMETCQrkCS33tg_5GyL2m/s1600/20+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tSx4fxie46XcsPBLz3ZyNXIqc7WEr5km3eEoAANKWcogQHZ9pzNjvrDKad32b0YUCzHBJ7x85fHwUq0nD2LBmfGuQhDb8Dy46pdCyg_kbDEMW03tJRCenpSQMETCQrkCS33tg_5GyL2m/s400/20+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575455173947113538" border="0" /></a>We had the privilege of meeting the former Archbishop of Hanoi, the Most Reverend Ngo Quang Kiet.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax48h0MjPYbOx2Q0ja0_Lr2w5Sq78p0bnDeBj7Ei0G_ApH-ATMsNECUDiGIpStC_csYNtDv0DKcBgxC5RJ1LpBxRCaTxGP82Auxt8KuxKDmXoU3e36s5beH0QaI_nzwnPM8kQUTttOAeJ/s1600/21+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax48h0MjPYbOx2Q0ja0_Lr2w5Sq78p0bnDeBj7Ei0G_ApH-ATMsNECUDiGIpStC_csYNtDv0DKcBgxC5RJ1LpBxRCaTxGP82Auxt8KuxKDmXoU3e36s5beH0QaI_nzwnPM8kQUTttOAeJ/s400/21+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575454350518533666" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình has great respect for this prelate of Vietnam.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj6bnELhilnEdsnBIZfAKvqXlOB_tspK2D3loB9bHormvWtjVV2G1_uzzs_CiTY23f7dw0TS6z7GkTjMp32zBvJPi21FvRTbD4nJpuYMBq6-Xf5PtLcrOwats9cib2F6fFPebQeS3ZZ-x/s1600/22+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj6bnELhilnEdsnBIZfAKvqXlOB_tspK2D3loB9bHormvWtjVV2G1_uzzs_CiTY23f7dw0TS6z7GkTjMp32zBvJPi21FvRTbD4nJpuYMBq6-Xf5PtLcrOwats9cib2F6fFPebQeS3ZZ-x/s400/22+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575454352849697842" border="0" /></a>Everyone knew that this was an honor for us to be in the presence of this great man.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRYzZEO4J2w127EZzvViMlFQD_AkR2Cb6p3QxPguWONUxw2KTqx3B5rouj8hV0kE942Fxq37egx-eAAvgk_KkqYeSsAL6tveoV0OHqnYBPjm1qaBjPIOxUHtf6JiwwzL6hldnxwsgjKt9/s1600/23+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRYzZEO4J2w127EZzvViMlFQD_AkR2Cb6p3QxPguWONUxw2KTqx3B5rouj8hV0kE942Fxq37egx-eAAvgk_KkqYeSsAL6tveoV0OHqnYBPjm1qaBjPIOxUHtf6JiwwzL6hldnxwsgjKt9/s400/23+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575454346862540082" border="0" /></a>The archbishop’s English was excellent. He told me that four of his seminarians had studied and Mount Angel and he was grateful for their formation there.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3LmsFjIr61z26PYspB-opHLdsdVqE5xgKYTP6dlvMt81dWK055zhkFisAoR5RsEUtg7JU6jgi1e3qePCIDg97bmi8Ev5HyBacYTXyVNwqsMBjLPSjwNNzK-HgxY4fQD53Do1jtLbzSXW/s1600/24+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3LmsFjIr61z26PYspB-opHLdsdVqE5xgKYTP6dlvMt81dWK055zhkFisAoR5RsEUtg7JU6jgi1e3qePCIDg97bmi8Ev5HyBacYTXyVNwqsMBjLPSjwNNzK-HgxY4fQD53Do1jtLbzSXW/s400/24+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575454348027939874" border="0" /></a>Kim Dung was delighted to have her picture taken with her hero.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRIM0mZ02J4n1ZszQJcOcSoKJyAzUNVKHHPH_gIpgtoDo0Er91Sl2rq6iuXkIWtZoa_RSYs6hO4e6FnXuzEXm793dRHLWHt4WqGiCpUh3eG4AfZTV-pGIZ-Hh5UqBcmfaXB2kuFAsGIY3/s1600/25+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRIM0mZ02J4n1ZszQJcOcSoKJyAzUNVKHHPH_gIpgtoDo0Er91Sl2rq6iuXkIWtZoa_RSYs6hO4e6FnXuzEXm793dRHLWHt4WqGiCpUh3eG4AfZTV-pGIZ-Hh5UqBcmfaXB2kuFAsGIY3/s400/25+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575454343501958002" border="0" /></a>Everyone got a picture with the Archbishop, even our photographer, Nguyệt Le.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fBMeO-SECwa9-ALeBtQ0QiHCfd2cYQu7BbQnfwSj4-mr218oMILjVTphDqcBOrXUg-xpyacVwi3pdtN0qkZJjID30UY6isAU6Lkyr4Amc9h8ThX3aH2HR6K_t5WiIzxJSRkOdrhNAZlU/s1600/26+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fBMeO-SECwa9-ALeBtQ0QiHCfd2cYQu7BbQnfwSj4-mr218oMILjVTphDqcBOrXUg-xpyacVwi3pdtN0qkZJjID30UY6isAU6Lkyr4Amc9h8ThX3aH2HR6K_t5WiIzxJSRkOdrhNAZlU/s400/26+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575453353063756722" border="0" /></a>The grounds of the motherhouse of the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity in Bắc Ninh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb9mjm1C1PeSfGpGB93g9B10uVuDD8eBTKKLrl6MZhiFECBFQQcVsJYjJdVRLarDV-IwhOHDpSOklVjdnUCPu2yf3mX8WjU2vQSi5SgjivxJaxiXoI0z7MkwMSmPjSs6W29B76AXw-TTo/s1600/27+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb9mjm1C1PeSfGpGB93g9B10uVuDD8eBTKKLrl6MZhiFECBFQQcVsJYjJdVRLarDV-IwhOHDpSOklVjdnUCPu2yf3mX8WjU2vQSi5SgjivxJaxiXoI0z7MkwMSmPjSs6W29B76AXw-TTo/s400/27+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575453345098875522" border="0" /></a>This is the clinic that Kim Dung built on the grounds of the motherhouse of the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity in Bắc Ninh, with the help of many benefactors.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJff9SFd9dor1Ech5QNLjjU8VnU1Btau6aUoK69DkYnMb0NcQceOrY1wF9HdvuZb5k0FSdm9utXbE5-MoXtzal-ajKCW0nRTBp_EOKnWOKrvlsFB55s-Rd1LWWpbDMin0Xvn4Jp0payUc/s1600/28+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJff9SFd9dor1Ech5QNLjjU8VnU1Btau6aUoK69DkYnMb0NcQceOrY1wF9HdvuZb5k0FSdm9utXbE5-MoXtzal-ajKCW0nRTBp_EOKnWOKrvlsFB55s-Rd1LWWpbDMin0Xvn4Jp0payUc/s400/28+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575453342052490834" border="0" /></a>Near the entrance one can see on the left and right of the doors the plaques describing the clinic and its benefactors.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFBDGc2euJ5I0oJ8NGgIU3i84_Q3OkKxFrCWIrZUO7uVsxQvLcibEKznsdwHVKw_38fkpDPB6VZyNRvbrEk47-D7qcPKC0_WSChYryGlJQOLbeoIAdoErCykDlsKauA-rQxSVJfZ1lU2U/s1600/29+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFBDGc2euJ5I0oJ8NGgIU3i84_Q3OkKxFrCWIrZUO7uVsxQvLcibEKznsdwHVKw_38fkpDPB6VZyNRvbrEk47-D7qcPKC0_WSChYryGlJQOLbeoIAdoErCykDlsKauA-rQxSVJfZ1lU2U/s400/29+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575453340420672114" border="0" /></a>The clinic that SARA built.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp8nTLNmYHG1XR5qYD3zT9ZGhjccL45mtOi86Bou6PiP9LzOYOZAbh2d0iWdbe3spRARjb7Atwmue4D-OoywO7NlpssreLGMVO1swWz3CdIzSN23v_gsTr1UYX693mul7GpTCz4g-4pX3/s1600/30+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp8nTLNmYHG1XR5qYD3zT9ZGhjccL45mtOi86Bou6PiP9LzOYOZAbh2d0iWdbe3spRARjb7Atwmue4D-OoywO7NlpssreLGMVO1swWz3CdIzSN23v_gsTr1UYX693mul7GpTCz4g-4pX3/s400/30+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575453334618849330" border="0" /></a>The Archbishop of Portland, the Most Reverend John G. Vlanzy, also supported the construction of this clinic.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZw_BCHYQDc7WUkUc9p1rEn04YUc3cW7BuQTe8zsVL7ucfLc4lq68GYhMU0zK2T35Wwfgb4k3JWmZ3GC9dGBxUrT3SxprqX6O6J1Tw2FRRphdjYeKrOwcRo7hX0P-GP9ofdSJmcVzF-8D/s1600/31+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZw_BCHYQDc7WUkUc9p1rEn04YUc3cW7BuQTe8zsVL7ucfLc4lq68GYhMU0zK2T35Wwfgb4k3JWmZ3GC9dGBxUrT3SxprqX6O6J1Tw2FRRphdjYeKrOwcRo7hX0P-GP9ofdSJmcVzF-8D/s400/31+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575452827136947330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvqEKN_xuE3NapaaSOyzZ-E4bZciX7KQKcye6K-ROxbLo7N4dY6xS7H7nUfN1dbLxiUZS2geG5ZDict3Cyuw6b3RxWpM6ADTHLrgchxgsdxwDu3sY0SUXF-96r5PnYTJbsHyA7QYW4mXL/s1600/32+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvqEKN_xuE3NapaaSOyzZ-E4bZciX7KQKcye6K-ROxbLo7N4dY6xS7H7nUfN1dbLxiUZS2geG5ZDict3Cyuw6b3RxWpM6ADTHLrgchxgsdxwDu3sY0SUXF-96r5PnYTJbsHyA7QYW4mXL/s400/32+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575452824858587682" border="0" /></a>The entrance lobby is also where the pharmacy is located. I, personally, had to get some cough medicine here. (It did the trick!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvqEKN_xuE3NapaaSOyzZ-E4bZciX7KQKcye6K-ROxbLo7N4dY6xS7H7nUfN1dbLxiUZS2geG5ZDict3Cyuw6b3RxWpM6ADTHLrgchxgsdxwDu3sY0SUXF-96r5PnYTJbsHyA7QYW4mXL/s1600/32+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvqEKN_xuE3NapaaSOyzZ-E4bZciX7KQKcye6K-ROxbLo7N4dY6xS7H7nUfN1dbLxiUZS2geG5ZDict3Cyuw6b3RxWpM6ADTHLrgchxgsdxwDu3sY0SUXF-96r5PnYTJbsHyA7QYW4mXL/s400/32+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575452824858587682" border="0" /></a>View of the Motherhouse grounds from the roof of the clinic. The guesthouse where we stayed is to the left (Fr. Bình is on the front steps talking to Huong). The church is to the right.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngteKnHVgAIWYu4BJx0P__lq9pFZHfRhmY3k5D69WkRkUK62eLGVHI_jz8ZIj45G3MUk5OsS5uNVUkZj13E2Gn5AB7nowUGxRYyBLB7erjC8UrbyX8_vT5s_-_DpaWwfuZDF9OD6kvddA/s1600/33+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngteKnHVgAIWYu4BJx0P__lq9pFZHfRhmY3k5D69WkRkUK62eLGVHI_jz8ZIj45G3MUk5OsS5uNVUkZj13E2Gn5AB7nowUGxRYyBLB7erjC8UrbyX8_vT5s_-_DpaWwfuZDF9OD6kvddA/s400/33+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575452820456131394" border="0" /></a>Some of the sisters are working on detailed embroidery.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KNDnCMJ4Aypg861PioXaA-9kTMyGaO_p7bNhw0sin4prno07074lOqOsKnfEM0xydToXjROV7shCN29b2x_idZgGLzyVNpXc69a5b3XtGT4Da55NahD6egkjIGhIB4YiUWUaFCchclL3/s1600/34+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KNDnCMJ4Aypg861PioXaA-9kTMyGaO_p7bNhw0sin4prno07074lOqOsKnfEM0xydToXjROV7shCN29b2x_idZgGLzyVNpXc69a5b3XtGT4Da55NahD6egkjIGhIB4YiUWUaFCchclL3/s400/34+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575452818813300034" border="0" /></a>Close-up of the hand-stiched embroidery.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3iL-9q2W9bAJGfDINs7xzU94pubwNJCaoYIrniQNyZfP1yYlZo-sHywnwV9jk9gxovMSoeMi0XakyYO5Mhe-nQSDy9XZ1pa_Qd7_PD93l2TUZ2fgJwzpxxwFQxaAWAkIyTRxQ03hX7Wv/s1600/35+ColdWeather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3iL-9q2W9bAJGfDINs7xzU94pubwNJCaoYIrniQNyZfP1yYlZo-sHywnwV9jk9gxovMSoeMi0XakyYO5Mhe-nQSDy9XZ1pa_Qd7_PD93l2TUZ2fgJwzpxxwFQxaAWAkIyTRxQ03hX7Wv/s400/35+ColdWeather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575452813705781794" border="0" /></a>Picture of final the image. The two figures to the left of the umbrella are shown in the previous detail, but in different colors.<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-63301887266575828092011-02-17T09:13:00.000-08:002011-02-21T07:24:52.575-08:00Leprosy Communities February 14, 2011After 6:00 morning Mass and breakfast I had a little time to tour the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity in Bắc Ninh. My tour guide was Nguyệt Le, a young, newly married woman from Portland who has been working for some weeks as a volunteer with Kim Dung (Zoong) and SARA. She is fluent in English and Vietnamese and showed me the school for pre-school children that the sisters operate and then a few other buildings before Kim saw us and said: “Let’s go!” We were off to a leprosy community.<br /><br />The government operates leprosy communities that appear to have dorm rooms and community rooms. We take gifts to the members of these communities – which Kim Dung calls camps. The gifts are basic and practical: a thermal sweatshirt and pants with the SARA logo and name on them, a small bag of rice, some cooking oil, a bag of candy and some “lucky money”, 50,000D – about $2.50, but with the buying power in the USA of about $25.<br /><br />Everyone gets the same gift and they are extremely grateful. They are grateful that someone would come to see them, grateful for the gifts, grateful that someone would look them in the eye and treat them with personal dignity. It seemed that the residents we visit are all treated well, in general. Kim insists on delivering the gifts personally. She has visited most if not all of these communities many times in the past. We saw jackets and mattresses that she had delivered years ago and are still in use.<br /><br />When we arrived at the camp on this day, at first it seemed that we would not be able to visit the residents. The operators insisted on a few days notice, but Kim negotiated with them and explained that she had called and that no one got back to her. There was some discussion about the accuracy of the phone number, but I wasn’t sure, it was all in Vietnamese. In the end we were allowed to go from room to room to deliver gifts to those who physically could not leave their rooms. Then the rest of the residents all came to a large social hall where speeches were made and the operators of the camp made a point to thank us for our help. We passed out all the remaining gifts for that camp and made some endearing connections.<br /><br />Some of the Catholic residents wanted to show us something special. We walked down a long path to find a Catholic Chapel in which Mass could be celebrated. We didn’t have time to celebrate Mass that day, but it showed the government’s openness to more cooperation with communities of faith.<br /><br />Then we drove to the convent of some of the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity who operate a home for disabled children. We visited the children and the sisters provided us with dinner. We gave them a donation to support their ministries and we were on our way back to Bắc Ninh.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EKs-5h0j6xMy7XPfEmRiVN7KN8W_kReaG6a5Zz8cZFHQ8rRhzFZGwAz7UsF1Tr0o4anNHqSkyOCawQjUOvvrkUiHl7V628Msvbue66lTl235LJ9UboL3XKnAhbsnhBP6tnSiufuE0Cgw/s1600/01+School+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8EKs-5h0j6xMy7XPfEmRiVN7KN8W_kReaG6a5Zz8cZFHQ8rRhzFZGwAz7UsF1Tr0o4anNHqSkyOCawQjUOvvrkUiHl7V628Msvbue66lTl235LJ9UboL3XKnAhbsnhBP6tnSiufuE0Cgw/s400/01+School+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574710190081908850" border="0" /></a>Pre-school operated by the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity in Bắc Ninh<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlJHY3tDuYwu-sk7iUCR9mBg_5cAWauXDykyzfIfE2Pl3aUfk1FFAXACF7vuBtThLU-LplpOYlkxDNtf6vZleGhGq2DGlpbauIwRB6dCXVunqGMkWC0Ve0vxHlPdD3WsabfKa1gKjFqdl/s1600/02+School+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlJHY3tDuYwu-sk7iUCR9mBg_5cAWauXDykyzfIfE2Pl3aUfk1FFAXACF7vuBtThLU-LplpOYlkxDNtf6vZleGhGq2DGlpbauIwRB6dCXVunqGMkWC0Ve0vxHlPdD3WsabfKa1gKjFqdl/s400/02+School+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574710186067495618" border="0" /></a>Children at the school.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm276SWpszKCuzbtfqs5kfbPG-o8D9h6ygDpIDxYJDinTHDaoSKH9IwqiZKW5dZjKSuPbj1yJBdU0wB8IGc4yo7wnC0sEcXEGpLbNYLY9Ejqpta6PkEhB7G1eiERt7IeICmw8YZCAn9b_P/s1600/03+School+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm276SWpszKCuzbtfqs5kfbPG-o8D9h6ygDpIDxYJDinTHDaoSKH9IwqiZKW5dZjKSuPbj1yJBdU0wB8IGc4yo7wnC0sEcXEGpLbNYLY9Ejqpta6PkEhB7G1eiERt7IeICmw8YZCAn9b_P/s400/03+School+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574710179409953186" border="0" /></a>Two of the sisters with a different group of students.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ5SRDC6XU1jJiKfPGE0-fNwDunOrFuCwPZJrApP5pW63WvYTthh0ykuVjViMqAwIHwyvM7EZzgxDtnP_O0CKZQQFzxYkqpunKlOuF1xGuJino-C9QkZDNAGierLEn2d3HerTMgLDaZP_/s1600/04+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ5SRDC6XU1jJiKfPGE0-fNwDunOrFuCwPZJrApP5pW63WvYTthh0ykuVjViMqAwIHwyvM7EZzgxDtnP_O0CKZQQFzxYkqpunKlOuF1xGuJino-C9QkZDNAGierLEn2d3HerTMgLDaZP_/s400/04+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709969908805154" border="0" /></a>Kim Dung (Zoong) is as compassionate as she is tireless.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mqJbcvtNOMRN9RqNb1laAsnNnIJPZbm83nC6O_qMJK5JQyrXRg3zPBLYq6PNrzAqBdHjGrAVTsVmU3QLN4YW-WhdhYm6-Nh37sxHj4ZVnJUg7KQ_hprtPUxXON4DqCnI10W0U9nTW2Th/s1600/05+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mqJbcvtNOMRN9RqNb1laAsnNnIJPZbm83nC6O_qMJK5JQyrXRg3zPBLYq6PNrzAqBdHjGrAVTsVmU3QLN4YW-WhdhYm6-Nh37sxHj4ZVnJUg7KQ_hprtPUxXON4DqCnI10W0U9nTW2Th/s400/05+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709972046436066" border="0" /></a>Kim is able to connect very quickly with the residents of the leprosy community. Some remember her from previous years.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rwHpGIf7qeM2cG5Ldl-_1f2m1ASviV31N6GuJ5mpCFcft-G4NWwVBtX7qJQL_x9RUWSTbO5my9CrpF5Js2gCbx49-znrXI8o_2SauSVUW6Yo55t3cnfzvbhoIZjdPFRtsFBPqltCr8Mb/s1600/06+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rwHpGIf7qeM2cG5Ldl-_1f2m1ASviV31N6GuJ5mpCFcft-G4NWwVBtX7qJQL_x9RUWSTbO5my9CrpF5Js2gCbx49-znrXI8o_2SauSVUW6Yo55t3cnfzvbhoIZjdPFRtsFBPqltCr8Mb/s400/06+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709965454718258" border="0" /></a>I’m just trying to look busy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLji-Pakq5VahA1QQn9DrvCaSl2Ea0nnIKgk7kaHoA-gMfvaNOR84CztwTMBgcetVetaBv30jWjAAf4CkLoGK0lpzQaPCYZWorcq-sjyuexczXXk5WTEWLl0hlvpJh0jTFFh5aEOdPT8u/s1600/07+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLji-Pakq5VahA1QQn9DrvCaSl2Ea0nnIKgk7kaHoA-gMfvaNOR84CztwTMBgcetVetaBv30jWjAAf4CkLoGK0lpzQaPCYZWorcq-sjyuexczXXk5WTEWLl0hlvpJh0jTFFh5aEOdPT8u/s400/07+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709961135305234" border="0" /></a>Everyone is grateful for the gifts we provide.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbiddqyN1ZOuYX6k3VVqql7OX1Q6dmaj6-RhQjQq_y4PKDji9gyyLZxpLOfEIMmg4mdB9T1iWiL32PK-BEHb98X8i0qi5JvPDRPwwTgjgot7qkEWnYn0qB6Fy9sKhEVLLtkX4MAcMlMPp/s1600/08+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbiddqyN1ZOuYX6k3VVqql7OX1Q6dmaj6-RhQjQq_y4PKDji9gyyLZxpLOfEIMmg4mdB9T1iWiL32PK-BEHb98X8i0qi5JvPDRPwwTgjgot7qkEWnYn0qB6Fy9sKhEVLLtkX4MAcMlMPp/s400/08+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709963049726034" border="0" /></a>Nguyệt Le is a volunteer from Portland who is working with Kim Dung.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij84PtQs66KItclv_1SKQk6fTUq0cbVUBlZYghqlEkqj_xjrxT87uKLhRxZWBZZrA1YNYvn6fY7dPLncJtXBZnKSnUbMUWjHXewvLUcc7COTtDT83YFnED2M4_DMXQjQv46D7mfa9pqOYD/s1600/09+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij84PtQs66KItclv_1SKQk6fTUq0cbVUBlZYghqlEkqj_xjrxT87uKLhRxZWBZZrA1YNYvn6fY7dPLncJtXBZnKSnUbMUWjHXewvLUcc7COTtDT83YFnED2M4_DMXQjQv46D7mfa9pqOYD/s400/09+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709458965134450" border="0" /></a>Even though I don’t understand Vietnamese, I did a lot of listening of the heart.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fdNvU-QY0L6hZxO0rUYzDkGGonBtgbJGwgndpW56fHT4F-4Q15wxk2XcZ5xVS9UpylIGKgbxPUbEeCDqG2qwjXD7fT76yD2zRYWvK0wmZRtOpMiHo9K8HvCLObs3-yeXPl1krp8h6_TI/s1600/10+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fdNvU-QY0L6hZxO0rUYzDkGGonBtgbJGwgndpW56fHT4F-4Q15wxk2XcZ5xVS9UpylIGKgbxPUbEeCDqG2qwjXD7fT76yD2zRYWvK0wmZRtOpMiHo9K8HvCLObs3-yeXPl1krp8h6_TI/s400/10+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709449285787810" border="0" /></a>Fr. Bình Hoang is very compassionate toward those who suffer.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7jSpOvDK6RPSyb9hMZqZ6piB7obNWBzGBz55mUr32qrTeoa7-xDCEVJDyTzPZXvH8ef310kiO0FK4mlVW-TayVNv5x0tzevDV1viiUv-gNFeG7wAhgafnJBJxNAsnFkiaF7_fMb_HHe-/s1600/11+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7jSpOvDK6RPSyb9hMZqZ6piB7obNWBzGBz55mUr32qrTeoa7-xDCEVJDyTzPZXvH8ef310kiO0FK4mlVW-TayVNv5x0tzevDV1viiUv-gNFeG7wAhgafnJBJxNAsnFkiaF7_fMb_HHe-/s400/11+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709450391754610" border="0" /></a>Often we were greeted with such joy and laughter.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsWG-HXV_VCrgaJELp7zdB2GqgIKFt7bDROaOFFYqmLhSOvRTu-XlP21fx3l5MI-eSOpxSedikWUUPW9USXqc0eI24AClxlghwKdYuEGiT4gnZ6Q_omoDZBx7Q0bkaa0jG9PTtdukoHIl/s1600/12+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsWG-HXV_VCrgaJELp7zdB2GqgIKFt7bDROaOFFYqmLhSOvRTu-XlP21fx3l5MI-eSOpxSedikWUUPW9USXqc0eI24AClxlghwKdYuEGiT4gnZ6Q_omoDZBx7Q0bkaa0jG9PTtdukoHIl/s400/12+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709441069988754" border="0" /></a>I miss my bicycle and was able to pedal this one for a few yards.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKH-4nhrPTyFn-Az2Pj05dFoEd2nUzEjVMkAEfgvSaFrCb8LtCBmyz4logV5wO0F9tb3vKIQjPpNAnioBTXWaYE_5FZMPeT_cWqX-mgbqp6Da5vYaSxe_lbZOP6wRMDfPkJ1zRLQqmurx/s1600/13+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKH-4nhrPTyFn-Az2Pj05dFoEd2nUzEjVMkAEfgvSaFrCb8LtCBmyz4logV5wO0F9tb3vKIQjPpNAnioBTXWaYE_5FZMPeT_cWqX-mgbqp6Da5vYaSxe_lbZOP6wRMDfPkJ1zRLQqmurx/s400/13+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709435716553058" border="0" /></a>Huong Nguyen, who works for SARA, helps distribute gifts.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ha3nAKGCakdyawZDGXgW_YVknCI-_tcZDw1UENt1YQZa_gjt7hr17c1GFF6446witb-Rhdq_n5EZJulj-JPsQvCOH_vTCyPp68HIxpi293L9PloQqHq9sUMh2eK8FYoBRbwyV_NJN2gi/s1600/14+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ha3nAKGCakdyawZDGXgW_YVknCI-_tcZDw1UENt1YQZa_gjt7hr17c1GFF6446witb-Rhdq_n5EZJulj-JPsQvCOH_vTCyPp68HIxpi293L9PloQqHq9sUMh2eK8FYoBRbwyV_NJN2gi/s400/14+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709155181562482" border="0" /></a>We also give “Lucky Money” a traditional gift to celebrate the Lunar New Year.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCk58WoJar_X3rIYuHPYm4E1D-1Wazw1Po6FGhBVKR0XYczTzeC75q_ZTfh6sehCQeYDZqzcUAZQIgMda4m__4v4wkqxafdmEtdUImn3DfZUCdgfq07g8lwJZZFq9leXax1R4S8SpxM72/s1600/15+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCk58WoJar_X3rIYuHPYm4E1D-1Wazw1Po6FGhBVKR0XYczTzeC75q_ZTfh6sehCQeYDZqzcUAZQIgMda4m__4v4wkqxafdmEtdUImn3DfZUCdgfq07g8lwJZZFq9leXax1R4S8SpxM72/s400/15+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709150990880946" border="0" /></a>Kim, again, connects on a personal level.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYzQwkuLedBgF8XCmW2cPX4xhuieGEWU1gSxK9v_da1pXDeohAhniZBqNhidYbqd62ghFCIdY39MlhRP9Jt0QwnhBq0exYbRLC5dv1Zo6ixkY6aNT_Ol1iace8buq4ZHgZ2C_O84PDM3b/s1600/16+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYzQwkuLedBgF8XCmW2cPX4xhuieGEWU1gSxK9v_da1pXDeohAhniZBqNhidYbqd62ghFCIdY39MlhRP9Jt0QwnhBq0exYbRLC5dv1Zo6ixkY6aNT_Ol1iace8buq4ZHgZ2C_O84PDM3b/s400/16+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709146528411522" border="0" /></a>Meeting with the entire community.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPQMjmROnYWeWhe-7RSKr5PF3WLunHa36urBHWCdevkVlJAIyb_ZnNx3HmW3LgKqxh-gPlF2Vv3L2fUn7U7QttoP6TCxzfYMWIV-uGwjCPLlkjfxzbN_TkTAZOije1ZVeln1l1141su_f/s1600/17+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPQMjmROnYWeWhe-7RSKr5PF3WLunHa36urBHWCdevkVlJAIyb_ZnNx3HmW3LgKqxh-gPlF2Vv3L2fUn7U7QttoP6TCxzfYMWIV-uGwjCPLlkjfxzbN_TkTAZOije1ZVeln1l1141su_f/s400/17+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709142136258946" border="0" /></a>Kim telling the residents how happy we are to be with them and that we come to share God’s love with them.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRM5thZmHqX8UsmO2wud7JVfYH8JO-yozsOhyphenhyphenatn088cZGcsnxadgP1F8iD7MBLjbLAdRZ87b6gDZi48rH9S6hpBvA6Ukly80Aypr8WhOXVTT1hNN6q2imR9n3eO5RrmlbcdCz5lpS8ymm/s1600/18+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRM5thZmHqX8UsmO2wud7JVfYH8JO-yozsOhyphenhyphenatn088cZGcsnxadgP1F8iD7MBLjbLAdRZ87b6gDZi48rH9S6hpBvA6Ukly80Aypr8WhOXVTT1hNN6q2imR9n3eO5RrmlbcdCz5lpS8ymm/s400/18+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574709135734282434" border="0" /></a>The Catholic residents take us to their chapel.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyieI1qGShbGE-4wKRo6U6vy05Px9cpMQYbGQkPXUQQqRE8ZU2IKOjWzNDpTG65WNQQhflt-UvEtdiARyNFdQNboMfNTdfK1zFTZy60Ex2DntkAdxll4zTq4W-h8v1xJ7Cw9CbU2iKxjrx/s1600/19+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyieI1qGShbGE-4wKRo6U6vy05Px9cpMQYbGQkPXUQQqRE8ZU2IKOjWzNDpTG65WNQQhflt-UvEtdiARyNFdQNboMfNTdfK1zFTZy60Ex2DntkAdxll4zTq4W-h8v1xJ7Cw9CbU2iKxjrx/s400/19+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574708851491772930" border="0" /></a>The Catholics are very proud to show us their chapel.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx6600EqKXjAznn9LKmYqEhi8Fi209a_J_aKY6tMqjMBbAOX5zw1AOrpfOJr4BSq4130q4HjBwbh6PO9-8UJVvWix3sGqiF7s7iPwxIDJGOQZgdljHawnfXcm0-rbsAplFaDGBlncMXC0/s1600/20+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimx6600EqKXjAznn9LKmYqEhi8Fi209a_J_aKY6tMqjMBbAOX5zw1AOrpfOJr4BSq4130q4HjBwbh6PO9-8UJVvWix3sGqiF7s7iPwxIDJGOQZgdljHawnfXcm0-rbsAplFaDGBlncMXC0/s400/20+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574708850330635906" border="0" /></a>We all prayed together in the Catholic chapel.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE86BUb8hY77uBMLdXxVDpJsMdvzN7RcC20SqM8oOaofC2siuG-4GqFZmAokXz4I4bhzgxdBr-GM3Od3gci8u_meupFZBDo6lJV6Tu_S_w131UK_eAdj-493PD0OBoWXmMpBLOgBbifss3/s1600/21+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE86BUb8hY77uBMLdXxVDpJsMdvzN7RcC20SqM8oOaofC2siuG-4GqFZmAokXz4I4bhzgxdBr-GM3Od3gci8u_meupFZBDo6lJV6Tu_S_w131UK_eAdj-493PD0OBoWXmMpBLOgBbifss3/s400/21+LepCom+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574708850347466114" border="0" /></a>Thật, one of the sisters who helped us, and Huong prepare snacks for the volunteers.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY4jtsGvjyCZB-N7Iq92XBRqdIeyY56MdKkUvV4YdToYX9b5t4sn8zd51s7WcFGhnogjBE2pALAmUGF7xsXvYf958c00ZtIIK0e0sRl9tD6KbXtj36un25FLzywS_ROm22JxYcojAANxf/s1600/22+Disabled+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY4jtsGvjyCZB-N7Iq92XBRqdIeyY56MdKkUvV4YdToYX9b5t4sn8zd51s7WcFGhnogjBE2pALAmUGF7xsXvYf958c00ZtIIK0e0sRl9tD6KbXtj36un25FLzywS_ROm22JxYcojAANxf/s400/22+Disabled+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574708846051241362" border="0" /></a>Meeting some of the disabled children cared for by the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity in Bắc Ninh.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7iRCS6iNRdBSurHL1YkvltbcJbUn207gK80r4qvc_-RzuZgrlZTAMeDI0wz03f5DJ_Zk7JFWyf1hihsAleEVx7t2nMKCkmJ4g8rP-y7tet9O0oXyGMhkQw146CWhLm71_Iwk43bXZT4I/s1600/23+Disabled+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7iRCS6iNRdBSurHL1YkvltbcJbUn207gK80r4qvc_-RzuZgrlZTAMeDI0wz03f5DJ_Zk7JFWyf1hihsAleEVx7t2nMKCkmJ4g8rP-y7tet9O0oXyGMhkQw146CWhLm71_Iwk43bXZT4I/s400/23+Disabled+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574708839026360370" border="0" /></a>I really connected with this little boy who was laying on a mattress on the floor. These children couldn’t speak, so my lack of Vietnamese did not hinder my ability to communicate.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNq6i7b43bhP2qGDTfCTfcDLXjtcHS3tXUvNrDP_73Xskmv15wHzp-CemT-_NiIXOdk-NsaMtfdNsCnt0MgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-64456804235107697792011-02-17T09:07:00.000-08:002011-02-17T09:13:21.417-08:00Bắc Ninh February 13, 2011We left Ha Long Bay after touring the local hospital with Dr. Le. The plan was to leave at about 1pm (after lunch). At 7:30 Fr. Bình and I concelebrated Mass for the owners of the hotel and their family in a chapel they have in their living quarters on the top floor. They provided a huge breakfast for us and by 10am we knew we would not need lunch or dinner or any other food for the rest of the day. Even so, they invited us to lunch but we respectfully declined. We were to meet Dr. Le for a tour of the hospital, then go back to the hotel, pack and leave by 1pm for Bắc Ninh. But I have since learned that in Vietnam, you can make plans, but you still never know how the day will turn out. <br /><br />We arrived at 10:30 at Dr. Le’s home (with stretch marks on our stomach) to find out that she and her housemate and mother (who was suppose to have left that morning but decided to stay another day) were preparing lunch for us! Because it was so cold, Dr. Le took Fr. Bình to a clothing store to get a sweater. They couldn’t find one that fit him. Then Dr. Le thought it would be good to go see the hospital while lunch was being prepared. While there, we met her boss, the director of the hospital, a man with high ideals for the betterment of healthcare in Vietnam and proud of the impressive development of his own facility. He was so taken by our conversation that he made a phone call for even more food (expensive seafood) to be delivered to Dr. Le’s residence. When it got to be 12:30, and we were a long way from even starting lunch, I noted the time to Fr. Bình and reminded him of our planned departure time and he said: “Welcome to Vietnam!”<br /><br />Around 2pm we ate lunch that was excellent. In the end it was after 4pm before we had a taxi and were seen off for a three hour drive to Bắc Ninh by the hotel owners, Dr. Le and a few others we had come to know.<br /><br />When we arrived in Bắc Ninh around 8pm at the motherhouse of the Sisters of Our Lady of Unity, we were welcomed with – you guessed it – more food. <br /><br />I finally got to meet Kim Dung (Zoong) . No one had to point her out to me. She fills a room with energy and joy as soon as she walks in. She sat with us as we ate, but then, before we had finished she said the words that I have heard her repeat over and over: “Let’s go!”. There was a festival downtown and if we waited any longer we would miss it. As it turns out, wherever we go with Kim we do what we came for, we connect with people, we distribute gifts, we share our love, but there’s always the next stop: “Let’s go!” After being at the festival – where people brought their school children up to me to practice English – Kim said again: “Let’s go!”<br /><br />This time it was to meet the Bishop of Bắc Ninh, Bishop Hoang Dat. He spoke excellent English and a little French. He was very friendly and gracious. Finally, we headed back to the motherhouse to take our rest. Mass was schedulded for 6am the next morning followed by breakfast and departure at 7. Kim Dung is always on the move.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHyTvoJ4zmcQBjG6HI29CeMd22bZ5akVSme5BYXsShsXVcsThb1WOa9XqNn8KDnjM-oxFPLiSrB_5Nm67YEQy1DtfPXQvyXCouRtH0MyHx7lINe3BYJpdSMRuXEnLFDeYcH5dm1TD1b1B/s1600/01+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHyTvoJ4zmcQBjG6HI29CeMd22bZ5akVSme5BYXsShsXVcsThb1WOa9XqNn8KDnjM-oxFPLiSrB_5Nm67YEQy1DtfPXQvyXCouRtH0MyHx7lINe3BYJpdSMRuXEnLFDeYcH5dm1TD1b1B/s400/01+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574707195962547506" border="0" /></a>Mass at the Hotel in Ha Long Bay.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBPXa_0BFGcmDxVIhel4XVYirRR_lrAH0CtNez2E3c3Tt5lZ8I5wEjY6r9nAuaMjamRA4tWYDMUuqWjeSHR-bWC3tHtm1mAATFieOgHP3SQew42nRnloU2On6Mkz5NN4XtMxU4_6OKASF/s1600/02+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBPXa_0BFGcmDxVIhel4XVYirRR_lrAH0CtNez2E3c3Tt5lZ8I5wEjY6r9nAuaMjamRA4tWYDMUuqWjeSHR-bWC3tHtm1mAATFieOgHP3SQew42nRnloU2On6Mkz5NN4XtMxU4_6OKASF/s400/02+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574707194502874690" border="0" /></a>The owners of the hotel in Ha Long Bay invited their family to join us for Mass in their private chapel in their top floor apartment.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKyIGOs6bPJZe9XR9YvFRTryhJBdeRNa8yIwYOiBkYcgix-G3Wr_tj7QHEW4bV3faRBe33W3LjN6rCYGIx1v_QMSiaohx0jsjm3DQqD5jOnRnUFRz22umOC5zcEprE5AcHqDa5sfVgwxn/s1600/03+BacNinh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKyIGOs6bPJZe9XR9YvFRTryhJBdeRNa8yIwYOiBkYcgix-G3Wr_tj7QHEW4bV3faRBe33W3LjN6rCYGIx1v_QMSiaohx0jsjm3DQqD5jOnRnUFRz22umOC5zcEprE5AcHqDa5sfVgwxn/s400/03+BacNinh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574707186132453234" border="0" /></a>View of Ha Long Bay from the roof of the hotel.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfMkackgDxWAZBnylmEgQgdLWfCGjIL-LwsWYhlknRss6DatCrLxNYRDfdVC0T-4X7IVO724KmXu2rJ_mXYWyXaB3isf-3sMbnUX-bpn8R9tJ-Qd58z3u81FaopIwMPJnAp7Xy3_FgZb9/s1600/04+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfMkackgDxWAZBnylmEgQgdLWfCGjIL-LwsWYhlknRss6DatCrLxNYRDfdVC0T-4X7IVO724KmXu2rJ_mXYWyXaB3isf-3sMbnUX-bpn8R9tJ-Qd58z3u81FaopIwMPJnAp7Xy3_FgZb9/s400/04+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574707183422853730" border="0" /></a>Dr. Le taking Fr. Bình to find a sweater to buy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKbb4gtzynLLkayT2cRHVINFlBooWU_-Q_lRdMal9UW3JFbOKaBFrEv6JOPwtv2hin9M66mQepZ6LQUWiPZORfe_4xtxMWs-Eyl8Zbi9Gz87asf6PmwbGWvbzM36aeJjXCoHAz9qwmR0A/s1600/05+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKbb4gtzynLLkayT2cRHVINFlBooWU_-Q_lRdMal9UW3JFbOKaBFrEv6JOPwtv2hin9M66mQepZ6LQUWiPZORfe_4xtxMWs-Eyl8Zbi9Gz87asf6PmwbGWvbzM36aeJjXCoHAz9qwmR0A/s400/05+BacNinh+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574707179755920786" border="0" /></a>Meeting Bishop Hoang Dat of Bắc Ninh with Huong Nguyen and Fr. Bình Hoang.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-41685589849656168912011-02-14T17:34:00.000-08:002011-02-14T17:35:04.527-08:00Bac Ninh February 14, 2011These few days we are working with Kim Dung of SARA out of the motherhouse of the sisters of the Community of Unity in Bac Ninh. Mass is at 6 am followed by breakfast. We leave each morning to visit charities right after breakfast and return late at night. That leaves me little to no time for editing pictures or writing reports to post. When I do get a chance I will catch up. Yesterday we drove for miles to visit two communities of lepers to deliver goods and a orphanage for disabled children run by the Unity sisters where we gave them a cash donation. All is well with us. We are grateful to help those we visit in any way we can.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-54477603104949148382011-02-12T16:33:00.000-08:002011-02-13T07:23:16.164-08:00Ha Long Bay February 12, 2011Ha Long Bay is a port in the North of Vietnam on the Gulf of Tonkin, not far from the China border. Fr. Binh has a friend, Dr. Le, who works at a hospital here. Dr. Le studied English in the Portland Metro area a few years ago. She works at a government hospital as an internist and was very helpful to Fr. Binh and myself who were both dealing with minor health concerns. We’re much better now.<br /><br />Ha Long Bay is known especially for its limestone formations, which exist elsewhere in Vietnam, but in unique grandeur here. We took a six-hour boating excursion to view the formations and some of the caves therein.<br /><br />Tomorrow we head for Bắc Ninh where we will meet Kim Dung, the founder of the Southeast Asia Relief Association. I look forward to seeing the hospital she built and the other works of her organization.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9aM38drRX6vO1t3E8RDKlU-uxtje-OxJrdstjgth_30Fpry_LHiptAwZ4VeQnXSubQY_XIpDN7oNETPHjRPi3L-YeTWhRwD_SPoRt44v__ytV_T3bncCvZNf6sUQJ-p9Ryf2eVLeylTU/s1600/01+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9aM38drRX6vO1t3E8RDKlU-uxtje-OxJrdstjgth_30Fpry_LHiptAwZ4VeQnXSubQY_XIpDN7oNETPHjRPi3L-YeTWhRwD_SPoRt44v__ytV_T3bncCvZNf6sUQJ-p9Ryf2eVLeylTU/s400/01+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572967140962819106" border="0" /></a>We took a boating excursion on Ha Long Bay (on one of the bigger boats, not the little one in the foreground).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe79Cmixc2Gazls74SQP4I2A4ZhTIpwynVKvPW6bWranqxOPu8moLIH8EBpz8jfWyT2d1usxFlPZo8r1NNp3tv0efzjGjQmDBeQkQFeOrPw8sJs-F6vORLkghVEFoCLMbSogo90xwvPMhG/s1600/02+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe79Cmixc2Gazls74SQP4I2A4ZhTIpwynVKvPW6bWranqxOPu8moLIH8EBpz8jfWyT2d1usxFlPZo8r1NNp3tv0efzjGjQmDBeQkQFeOrPw8sJs-F6vORLkghVEFoCLMbSogo90xwvPMhG/s400/02+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572967135279672274" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh disembarking following his friend, Dr. Le, our host in Ha Long Bay who studied English a few years ago in the Portland Metro area.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2e1N5DFFKic0yzX9pHHviTwFso5XiUEsyUtBbxW0icu2qQxjHtaOE1hX2-e-jHyeIut0_aOCl2xPgQKwM_VPwlGQyFJOBGzEjUmmphgW8GTYl08dZiuf_4lKOHqzreIaagE5kmat2tIt/s1600/03+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2e1N5DFFKic0yzX9pHHviTwFso5XiUEsyUtBbxW0icu2qQxjHtaOE1hX2-e-jHyeIut0_aOCl2xPgQKwM_VPwlGQyFJOBGzEjUmmphgW8GTYl08dZiuf_4lKOHqzreIaagE5kmat2tIt/s400/03+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966984483796450" border="0" /></a>Inside the limestone formations are hidden numerous caves.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6opytY0LB-HIhlbsnwVeTv6Mm5xhBJ42Z8ONu07QIRWtE0f4BNGu2G0OI0XSj4Z_2le4WmqmMj7I1SEhx9ZSKKT38xe7WGO79LjTxbfVQnmIa-B634UXuFpR0tqBjjRNJLuZT9wpVshtX/s1600/04+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6opytY0LB-HIhlbsnwVeTv6Mm5xhBJ42Z8ONu07QIRWtE0f4BNGu2G0OI0XSj4Z_2le4WmqmMj7I1SEhx9ZSKKT38xe7WGO79LjTxbfVQnmIa-B634UXuFpR0tqBjjRNJLuZT9wpVshtX/s400/04+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966984154514930" border="0" /></a>Inside one of the caves are Huong Nguyen, who works for SARA, Dr. Le’s mother, Hoi, Fr. Binh and Dr. Le.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpziloIIWDkXcVjBDJYpRxekbC08zd6YK-scmOiK5kxEAw2JS6XIEONm-mVCaNoTqwmuE5qA6A_bz4plEsle053it9IT7kv93XRY0sr-O2oL036cWWsgv0eYpGGNXsCct2d3-LAAb6AJh/s1600/05+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpziloIIWDkXcVjBDJYpRxekbC08zd6YK-scmOiK5kxEAw2JS6XIEONm-mVCaNoTqwmuE5qA6A_bz4plEsle053it9IT7kv93XRY0sr-O2oL036cWWsgv0eYpGGNXsCct2d3-LAAb6AJh/s400/05+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966976948985906" border="0" /></a>The rock formations dwarf the tourists. (above and below)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKagwiQStHn0rYA0Pg1zMKdWdcLt7K9TJbdGKQAm9JZTAQX60mvsIeyd7oVT0oEHVovuxVBWiWJFPETYzp9MvISHF-URofuxgLZekrIpf89rLQXmvgPRl2kioEEZ6nXyWHyqvS0gmw1qS/s1600/06+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKagwiQStHn0rYA0Pg1zMKdWdcLt7K9TJbdGKQAm9JZTAQX60mvsIeyd7oVT0oEHVovuxVBWiWJFPETYzp9MvISHF-URofuxgLZekrIpf89rLQXmvgPRl2kioEEZ6nXyWHyqvS0gmw1qS/s400/06+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966971347047874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAYIWI0hJqzHBwak0pwQuTciVZ6FMz3FEA9sF5GTXLVyF_pLSdZ9xLgO3w1rJRvaSZqsSpTP3XP5W-73iIqinVs-UK_8cEBqCC-DAjYXkfNDG2ogegykK8puc705-kx1OOODWYgoxnMHQ/s1600/07+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAYIWI0hJqzHBwak0pwQuTciVZ6FMz3FEA9sF5GTXLVyF_pLSdZ9xLgO3w1rJRvaSZqsSpTP3XP5W-73iIqinVs-UK_8cEBqCC-DAjYXkfNDG2ogegykK8puc705-kx1OOODWYgoxnMHQ/s400/07+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966967834731826" border="0" /></a>A panorama of one of the island clusters.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK0sGP7rtjO6lk7kO5Ow583re5qBPigtdXH5s-Qo948oB-bVoftakuHHKP7EhDhqkH8hbVHpskFqicz5Q90wp1dWWezm6S-c5eqsUtWILsS0bGbKyH6Z6bf9GxTR1du5k68eACG0uWogc/s1600/08+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK0sGP7rtjO6lk7kO5Ow583re5qBPigtdXH5s-Qo948oB-bVoftakuHHKP7EhDhqkH8hbVHpskFqicz5Q90wp1dWWezm6S-c5eqsUtWILsS0bGbKyH6Z6bf9GxTR1du5k68eACG0uWogc/s400/08+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966718524342818" border="0" /></a>The rock in the foreground is very famous and is featured on the back of the 200,000D bill, worth about $10 (the bill, not the rock).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1em3OI2_5l7o_CE16MLiDPwVFzu0B9lj51gwvwB_W7hxVKpPEMFWBMSlUgIDoULztwdfV50MP0fQQ6kslGdNCx5Z_LKoTmGbmTBNk23jOo3bqjCm4dwBtYgsMcfewZwjIioCDzxrHi1f/s1600/09+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1em3OI2_5l7o_CE16MLiDPwVFzu0B9lj51gwvwB_W7hxVKpPEMFWBMSlUgIDoULztwdfV50MP0fQQ6kslGdNCx5Z_LKoTmGbmTBNk23jOo3bqjCm4dwBtYgsMcfewZwjIioCDzxrHi1f/s400/09+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966717418921330" border="0" /></a>The resident dog on this floating fish market. Other such markets can be seen in the back ground.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAd8_ittGgaUXfUNx5xxeXJ5w7H9Ge_QotCjufVsOqWqfDC0haECoWgNZrIuLwTw4h94Jm_1zY3QI6f0bQ8BlO-F5duOlKB9APVYinMhpke01D4xqR2rnoBWam7UDiJgK6jebwSxOGVlq/s1600/10+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAd8_ittGgaUXfUNx5xxeXJ5w7H9Ge_QotCjufVsOqWqfDC0haECoWgNZrIuLwTw4h94Jm_1zY3QI6f0bQ8BlO-F5duOlKB9APVYinMhpke01D4xqR2rnoBWam7UDiJgK6jebwSxOGVlq/s400/10+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966712111031954" border="0" /></a>The fish market in action. The man on the far left was on our boat and lives in Berlin, Germany but is home visiting family. He did not speak English, so he and I engaged in small talk, as my limited German ability allowed me.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQREYkdWe02yqZr3kCt9lctFrd-BE-W0bUvsL-RoK2IqLf8cKtxr8IgciHMXkE17J6HvIFlyq0401eRQJvWJ6CrV6QAxGZk2t84PDwjCmCenB5RJhRRRIzSkoJNNDg25QodocJRISqaZrJ/s1600/11+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQREYkdWe02yqZr3kCt9lctFrd-BE-W0bUvsL-RoK2IqLf8cKtxr8IgciHMXkE17J6HvIFlyq0401eRQJvWJ6CrV6QAxGZk2t84PDwjCmCenB5RJhRRRIzSkoJNNDg25QodocJRISqaZrJ/s400/11+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966709408620546" border="0" /></a>This formation is said to be a rooster and a hen on the verge of a kiss.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeRKjejYNhpiDIQPN7CkA4v00HOR026cxP-pMjjBjpBVTenGkBGI2xVxCfnOaj46Gxh_teGeeijPQLVeQAnXLf0s4VIPrBAgXk2OLI3vQhR5Kcb5xeNcV842gAw5fWklO9gErkWMKevcU/s1600/12+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeRKjejYNhpiDIQPN7CkA4v00HOR026cxP-pMjjBjpBVTenGkBGI2xVxCfnOaj46Gxh_teGeeijPQLVeQAnXLf0s4VIPrBAgXk2OLI3vQhR5Kcb5xeNcV842gAw5fWklO9gErkWMKevcU/s400/12+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966709339356354" border="0" /></a>Every view is spectacular and mystical.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzq357pu2xlOLJRzhHGYHkWT_BwegnRb119TDGbMTGu9g_NRKmEunmRrBmPScNzNOV-pDS5SydRU0jXMKq6vbq7f2MDUio6WTDqqUCvSFL2NBaPDXZU9yriWNjCul-1_eu0796ykp-6JP/s1600/13+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzq357pu2xlOLJRzhHGYHkWT_BwegnRb119TDGbMTGu9g_NRKmEunmRrBmPScNzNOV-pDS5SydRU0jXMKq6vbq7f2MDUio6WTDqqUCvSFL2NBaPDXZU9yriWNjCul-1_eu0796ykp-6JP/s400/13+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966056164639890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OB9vaoQ_VGflgzdyrCOy5_pYCf_2mCfRNJRbw-W5Nr18So-G7AMXbVMPJM-k5-CyFMbt0c2DxXvZsFF2TAw8AHJMJtNYHh81qKgGpgIR4qNxpU9wFlBsZmAkDNtCSx3ESIxWfuOlqzX4/s1600/14+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OB9vaoQ_VGflgzdyrCOy5_pYCf_2mCfRNJRbw-W5Nr18So-G7AMXbVMPJM-k5-CyFMbt0c2DxXvZsFF2TAw8AHJMJtNYHh81qKgGpgIR4qNxpU9wFlBsZmAkDNtCSx3ESIxWfuOlqzX4/s400/14+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966049254495506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrOr2AW7X2cWWL6Q9bAH-CaaxoXP05IW-pOyJSmPCicY37wO8Wr8PN3t1vRI2SBafrJsr9sp-MK08IySauxgLaT294oDFHA_Ok4lWvFifixuo_nXRDDTOY_m1pTl4aZDVyqEoRnMj96h-/s1600/15+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrOr2AW7X2cWWL6Q9bAH-CaaxoXP05IW-pOyJSmPCicY37wO8Wr8PN3t1vRI2SBafrJsr9sp-MK08IySauxgLaT294oDFHA_Ok4lWvFifixuo_nXRDDTOY_m1pTl4aZDVyqEoRnMj96h-/s400/15+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966045477369394" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCZJjDbXBfuogBaod8v3pCDsakhQS9F7GGQ2MALUiimiZppP5sb4j8DjQeCGJb6lYKa4K-ZAjVvAST51TyfPpnYIMy2EnSR5A9O9Bu_D21ugHHZHCy5yMTcw8L5E3WBd1CMWFhAVKr_Z7/s1600/16+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCZJjDbXBfuogBaod8v3pCDsakhQS9F7GGQ2MALUiimiZppP5sb4j8DjQeCGJb6lYKa4K-ZAjVvAST51TyfPpnYIMy2EnSR5A9O9Bu_D21ugHHZHCy5yMTcw8L5E3WBd1CMWFhAVKr_Z7/s400/16+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966046268693010" border="0" /></a>Wild monkeys live on one of the islands and are used to tourists<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCcg8HsQFd2M49Y5VYuCTf63no2wgZaADwLDFl-f7uuzIdNKsiX_vEvksykK3sjUMYR47factnZlVXQEahcnP9kAaeqsgzCS7cf1DsVXqeBXo6HU4-0DsdYCC0u0i2YfDEx7LAsnBz3YJ/s1600/17+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCcg8HsQFd2M49Y5VYuCTf63no2wgZaADwLDFl-f7uuzIdNKsiX_vEvksykK3sjUMYR47factnZlVXQEahcnP9kAaeqsgzCS7cf1DsVXqeBXo6HU4-0DsdYCC0u0i2YfDEx7LAsnBz3YJ/s400/17+HaLongBay+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572966033885297266" border="0" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzyt-4KC8F1aZw2TzMAbo_AejYy_eKUvFrY4_09z9uq54iaaLKnzU5qI3YBnu3XpcRttBN4sNDqFNCekHD-ZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />A video shows how, in some locations on the bay, one can be completely surrounded by these magnificent limestone formations.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-18665019089387666122011-02-10T19:57:00.000-08:002011-02-10T20:59:03.515-08:00Angkor Wat February 9, 2011<div style="text-align: center;">Ta Prohm Temple was used in one of the “Indiana Jones” movies. The tour guide told us the main attraction here is not so much the temple as the trees that show how the jungle took over this 12th Century temple that was only re-discovered in the last 100 years and, like the others, is being restored. (pictured below)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvw8RqiXZPeBSRvmCXbVai2CTUqk3rfyo0a1iBwy02F4IrFSJDh5_prElCgGvtrPEH_lSeVVrG4U92JQpPw4PM4hJ0cFmUPH7wDBJ_1AE2qR0wPfjiXDnxEgp34f5J15AHUpUVrpq1uv-/s1600/01+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvw8RqiXZPeBSRvmCXbVai2CTUqk3rfyo0a1iBwy02F4IrFSJDh5_prElCgGvtrPEH_lSeVVrG4U92JQpPw4PM4hJ0cFmUPH7wDBJ_1AE2qR0wPfjiXDnxEgp34f5J15AHUpUVrpq1uv-/s400/01+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572284224311620530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ci0F-dEHDb0YKCWJ3qK9s2apm9KE-CaXZyaFKOHx8Q-D967dfBCfcoIqrL454Xq9gMZIxu2IjTkiSl4m-GTpje3F-d5cT0ejCBB5QN5UdehXtRe8OW_tfzhPTguBvpyL9tOsjcMnEQgm/s1600/02+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ci0F-dEHDb0YKCWJ3qK9s2apm9KE-CaXZyaFKOHx8Q-D967dfBCfcoIqrL454Xq9gMZIxu2IjTkiSl4m-GTpje3F-d5cT0ejCBB5QN5UdehXtRe8OW_tfzhPTguBvpyL9tOsjcMnEQgm/s400/02+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572284217815440242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYTE9UNrLo8UxUgLFYfI1jTIfF7J8U_wizsn72Ayze2pa1wv_QpHjGuKWgb6dtiwYqGjZJTs9vF82Vi_UhaH08lSMQZBM_10onW02vYd4Mc6EJ5qiQgqzw4AQ0B9BkTR85VOyavvLaeSO/s1600/03+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYTE9UNrLo8UxUgLFYfI1jTIfF7J8U_wizsn72Ayze2pa1wv_QpHjGuKWgb6dtiwYqGjZJTs9vF82Vi_UhaH08lSMQZBM_10onW02vYd4Mc6EJ5qiQgqzw4AQ0B9BkTR85VOyavvLaeSO/s400/03+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572284049387424498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQBJMFe4V4YTyJyAjkGPrCl-YzNJYMeSgx5SQIVpMXwBuEIpwKDlxEDMxX2GzeUYKoJU6_n2A1jKIq2ATD_3BkoQjm4N9xuZYfZuY9iMlcRktae289bXfGcl37hh5LD001VnwG9RJH5yt/s1600/04+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQBJMFe4V4YTyJyAjkGPrCl-YzNJYMeSgx5SQIVpMXwBuEIpwKDlxEDMxX2GzeUYKoJU6_n2A1jKIq2ATD_3BkoQjm4N9xuZYfZuY9iMlcRktae289bXfGcl37hh5LD001VnwG9RJH5yt/s400/04+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572284042697902690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZBjhzhl3ZK2P_MQvSCfTTQmZ4pZ1pQ7twvf6iIvuHISAEY2Mq5lhkJigxVwhlRLfj65Kzei8aXVgZfUkuc66aveuQ7PosKbD4FK8nq6VE2Zlbskp1QNddnhn7-HtW8_vOyQMJL1pNiTq/s1600/05+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZBjhzhl3ZK2P_MQvSCfTTQmZ4pZ1pQ7twvf6iIvuHISAEY2Mq5lhkJigxVwhlRLfj65Kzei8aXVgZfUkuc66aveuQ7PosKbD4FK8nq6VE2Zlbskp1QNddnhn7-HtW8_vOyQMJL1pNiTq/s400/05+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572284040743972146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDV4K3ZU3IS5Q7uaec36u0xsMlx0F7i9otrNKDG9-fpALBHkjROY92QrNkXZr6nE4Z91R_W9g3KBBBlFLylpmqr3c91QkyZsK1eaz0g-fygxvx2vC0Y_bGtnz1HiVF5tyCZoBBcf60puk/s1600/06+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDV4K3ZU3IS5Q7uaec36u0xsMlx0F7i9otrNKDG9-fpALBHkjROY92QrNkXZr6nE4Z91R_W9g3KBBBlFLylpmqr3c91QkyZsK1eaz0g-fygxvx2vC0Y_bGtnz1HiVF5tyCZoBBcf60puk/s400/06+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572284038295885474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt40oNUwU8SjQl8G8rx64LXbPR8ejoD87jNF7nqDvmXAyR_mL7mJp-2jg7ra3ofQ_pE55_db4n7lIcRF4LbnZxSHCRcqQGIT3k8ayuT3PLGiCOeI9EVh4Drukar6_e1uU3dx7tGis8fbWH/s1600/07+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt40oNUwU8SjQl8G8rx64LXbPR8ejoD87jNF7nqDvmXAyR_mL7mJp-2jg7ra3ofQ_pE55_db4n7lIcRF4LbnZxSHCRcqQGIT3k8ayuT3PLGiCOeI9EVh4Drukar6_e1uU3dx7tGis8fbWH/s400/07+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572284035557730194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87FyHVgHbAg895Ve6C83lxjwlNvzzsQYTBSvM1xAiTIuq52U8l6PKmu69D94ajC08BhwbC6ncT8P7Fly9vIYAq4xvzXYek5VwsiKRrxgcn3mSBAdLUFi5O3dliLMECgww3qTRd1uAvYR6/s1600/08+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87FyHVgHbAg895Ve6C83lxjwlNvzzsQYTBSvM1xAiTIuq52U8l6PKmu69D94ajC08BhwbC6ncT8P7Fly9vIYAq4xvzXYek5VwsiKRrxgcn3mSBAdLUFi5O3dliLMECgww3qTRd1uAvYR6/s400/08+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283654995864802" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWCQKA7J74oncGmzrlFL3uncmsbfGrolJKMDfRllC8pe64Sgk9HbWP7qMDvICzUSYZZ3WkegUS5ux32VPaPlKNhm2pR-TOEUR1RTKJ9AjDRChht1u0DpPTUjoMlZcmIulKcxu-67TSydh/s1600/09+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWCQKA7J74oncGmzrlFL3uncmsbfGrolJKMDfRllC8pe64Sgk9HbWP7qMDvICzUSYZZ3WkegUS5ux32VPaPlKNhm2pR-TOEUR1RTKJ9AjDRChht1u0DpPTUjoMlZcmIulKcxu-67TSydh/s400/09+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283658754273138" border="0" /></a><br />On the approach to Angkor Wat we were greeted by monkeys. (below)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRcGqtn6ZB4-vzCQWb_1cmPSOt87X20C8uV3NRO29HOtGBnOAtOnPcbSRCRUl-LKdoESnRvXoC9rKPYB1tq7KdOOjZ5V6kGx9RFxaORIaI9yToD6q6AQfMSzReoLN2nDFZG-qRhQBXiyI/s1600/10+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRcGqtn6ZB4-vzCQWb_1cmPSOt87X20C8uV3NRO29HOtGBnOAtOnPcbSRCRUl-LKdoESnRvXoC9rKPYB1tq7KdOOjZ5V6kGx9RFxaORIaI9yToD6q6AQfMSzReoLN2nDFZG-qRhQBXiyI/s400/10+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283648808791394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXobVuqmO7Ti6ti71j89vK6RDB1gqaUIXI-OIbu0FsFXwzfVNu1v9I0meC8Fxjans-qHwi2kDyIT3MMhgRWA8h8w4w1pI6iu0UD3SwwlU7zcokM25m-orFfr3hHY2VaaKxeuIQv2KZEvVu/s1600/11+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXobVuqmO7Ti6ti71j89vK6RDB1gqaUIXI-OIbu0FsFXwzfVNu1v9I0meC8Fxjans-qHwi2kDyIT3MMhgRWA8h8w4w1pI6iu0UD3SwwlU7zcokM25m-orFfr3hHY2VaaKxeuIQv2KZEvVu/s400/11+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283645991617346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHAXF88-z5lmeh3c4Sp3PHFDFF-Z3lEd_GGKkzUH63zP1SgGuywF03dYhdZKolY8DgYA4ysEDwJA3p7UVWu2uL5_spTru3GFeq1tK60gKlPFXLbcofrwOAn5-uDrvMdxwOs0td_ej5Lmj/s1600/12+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHAXF88-z5lmeh3c4Sp3PHFDFF-Z3lEd_GGKkzUH63zP1SgGuywF03dYhdZKolY8DgYA4ysEDwJA3p7UVWu2uL5_spTru3GFeq1tK60gKlPFXLbcofrwOAn5-uDrvMdxwOs0td_ej5Lmj/s400/12+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283638729250834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3xZ-ilgU2zf7-pPvdi8DY5WaKDzLIhyphenhyphenMvGkIMxIuVZgWzwGfpjY_VHeO46IwKaJAvTjgkGe8YStxpcw797jWV-zUq4NfDL9Uv2JEMZ2Ml1MLED3Q1S-PQHizVYpFuu3plMJgDlQgBvc8/s1600/13+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3xZ-ilgU2zf7-pPvdi8DY5WaKDzLIhyphenhyphenMvGkIMxIuVZgWzwGfpjY_VHeO46IwKaJAvTjgkGe8YStxpcw797jWV-zUq4NfDL9Uv2JEMZ2Ml1MLED3Q1S-PQHizVYpFuu3plMJgDlQgBvc8/s400/13+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283249017274306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniItVYhyFu4mIkNVeN9JwUdX_mHEhUtMfOj0QT1dhWOs8azeB7gZYDHk-e_waTYqwhUb9kpdaYcl8jzejgzWDVpeU1Z5AIgRq5C_WHbi_aSHzynz5NSUm4_hDvG5gnfuC2SAiYd4XXFP8/s1600/14+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniItVYhyFu4mIkNVeN9JwUdX_mHEhUtMfOj0QT1dhWOs8azeB7gZYDHk-e_waTYqwhUb9kpdaYcl8jzejgzWDVpeU1Z5AIgRq5C_WHbi_aSHzynz5NSUm4_hDvG5gnfuC2SAiYd4XXFP8/s400/14+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283241468080930" border="0" /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzT6Jl-QsTpL8u0nj-LM_feBK_H6mIxwFUroFbh9q0bLJzfDSjA6rkEqdb4ZY9UK1v5NMreomBdYCej3z8iIw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />Images from Angkor Wat, the most famous of all the temples. (below)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3rBf6YPg177LkNSlKcFESSqNWXp61sdEJxaZm3E5NEmys0XTG00sndtHGh5ZOYSE25EdvUS2wynKhYJBOTvLZVh9TC_nomKpnWByur-i8AP5fAB5o782v08wjNi6vRhJYgPtkda1f0yY/s1600/16+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3rBf6YPg177LkNSlKcFESSqNWXp61sdEJxaZm3E5NEmys0XTG00sndtHGh5ZOYSE25EdvUS2wynKhYJBOTvLZVh9TC_nomKpnWByur-i8AP5fAB5o782v08wjNi6vRhJYgPtkda1f0yY/s400/16+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283238496833842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRHX3xupmscZoUS_Omu9-MQoBas6XPovZPuml3MvKQce7vp_CiAwARtZPIv75AHDTLRgUDJoOa_zhKCrrRdSm-bncT3oWKTxXiiDFOiXSZnxdY7Xux5ngLFsTeAwsSyTGLoWumI98599E/s1600/17+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRHX3xupmscZoUS_Omu9-MQoBas6XPovZPuml3MvKQce7vp_CiAwARtZPIv75AHDTLRgUDJoOa_zhKCrrRdSm-bncT3oWKTxXiiDFOiXSZnxdY7Xux5ngLFsTeAwsSyTGLoWumI98599E/s400/17+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283236131629810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVe9LoysAHtK3DhFKdXWrQ8A8M_6Z5j5wXWMi2B9JqjwQpZXmeuMlqs5jnvIAw46U8wKxLz14NYlQ8P_JoZnM3JUuzZ-Y4__ANY7kkghRAfNhcYsEOcnNJAIWmNmOoNbaSO_ss9Uo-jXN/s1600/18+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVe9LoysAHtK3DhFKdXWrQ8A8M_6Z5j5wXWMi2B9JqjwQpZXmeuMlqs5jnvIAw46U8wKxLz14NYlQ8P_JoZnM3JUuzZ-Y4__ANY7kkghRAfNhcYsEOcnNJAIWmNmOoNbaSO_ss9Uo-jXN/s400/18+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572283232127749970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_BnBRiYMBMK1Jx43mgw193RKi01EqT1IN3w7CncJDaeDTXyJ4KVhNJBugAMSZDH53G7QuqSR5dzOA5KVGPVC5JdgtEI-izj0ohTHNTokezfahZ9uSmhXVmrmlBCpM4ANSuKOvnkk8-6O/s1600/19+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_BnBRiYMBMK1Jx43mgw193RKi01EqT1IN3w7CncJDaeDTXyJ4KVhNJBugAMSZDH53G7QuqSR5dzOA5KVGPVC5JdgtEI-izj0ohTHNTokezfahZ9uSmhXVmrmlBCpM4ANSuKOvnkk8-6O/s400/19+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282580817171234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCojo2QPZP4AnD3yeTp8WpXEjCR0gpHcT7HfqrE5lryPWBCaR7dU6Kpmq-xUa4FqlLaR9kdpHgcLGasmX9jPl3n7vX15_0F54-C7HGg_NQxHRMCPoqHv2IhSIEiltVcL5wOhMhNNMGAaW7/s1600/20+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCojo2QPZP4AnD3yeTp8WpXEjCR0gpHcT7HfqrE5lryPWBCaR7dU6Kpmq-xUa4FqlLaR9kdpHgcLGasmX9jPl3n7vX15_0F54-C7HGg_NQxHRMCPoqHv2IhSIEiltVcL5wOhMhNNMGAaW7/s400/20+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282571481580690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_G9bv6e5JLODmRab9_mWqmSzK9MBQsXpX-9LJLiQFgaopYGXiskFaMbX7l4zlIcatypSgK3zQXGWcCj0bqTSwJZhKqMYWybqNthIz8l7S9vrhY2TR7n6OvhnhYHN2iozW6128PZWcLhie/s1600/21+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_G9bv6e5JLODmRab9_mWqmSzK9MBQsXpX-9LJLiQFgaopYGXiskFaMbX7l4zlIcatypSgK3zQXGWcCj0bqTSwJZhKqMYWybqNthIz8l7S9vrhY2TR7n6OvhnhYHN2iozW6128PZWcLhie/s400/21+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282565626934258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3OddQR89Upat7ssX8U5nojxNNxFQJ_ExTqf_tk_HRtZ4-22A23eUXq1KijrZitrRSkbfOsC06m6xFArYCsGIhBHp_p_qEIbYEdN9JBNoswVyXtmoRGJRqq4OEzfiJma0IqAdQ1LICc4A/s1600/22+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3OddQR89Upat7ssX8U5nojxNNxFQJ_ExTqf_tk_HRtZ4-22A23eUXq1KijrZitrRSkbfOsC06m6xFArYCsGIhBHp_p_qEIbYEdN9JBNoswVyXtmoRGJRqq4OEzfiJma0IqAdQ1LICc4A/s400/22+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282561917506834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpMAUmazHmV5Qg2e898ljWJpmBtrl6y5uBr8ltjasGzN0lsv9bEguD2pe7B-pr3I2KYx8pxUQkLIHwVKdA9qxZvO9jm9q8APgnSsSDUQQxloOuKEyJOdNE3ZSXltfG0OfcDs8d9bpq3wW/s1600/23+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpMAUmazHmV5Qg2e898ljWJpmBtrl6y5uBr8ltjasGzN0lsv9bEguD2pe7B-pr3I2KYx8pxUQkLIHwVKdA9qxZvO9jm9q8APgnSsSDUQQxloOuKEyJOdNE3ZSXltfG0OfcDs8d9bpq3wW/s400/23+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282561769038850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzRcosHo9EII-SXYjrDOAHqoal2ou5wauf94UANiZPEVWR0EKFfk8TfMb_A7vCuwPYFSVaCp3fYLP0Ag9ijybUdWbeM375b54q8SqCfVoFAEIaTqPp0NG0O9IepqlFRFpeGazDqZkXIUt/s1600/24+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzRcosHo9EII-SXYjrDOAHqoal2ou5wauf94UANiZPEVWR0EKFfk8TfMb_A7vCuwPYFSVaCp3fYLP0Ag9ijybUdWbeM375b54q8SqCfVoFAEIaTqPp0NG0O9IepqlFRFpeGazDqZkXIUt/s400/24+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282252090738754" border="0" /></a><br />We visited Vietnamese immigrants to Cambodia who live on Tonle Sap, a massive lake in the middle of Cambodia. It takes 7 hours to cross by boat and in the middle, for 3 of those hours, one cannot see the shore. These Vietnamese immigrants cannot find work in Vietnam, they have no political standing on the shore in Cambodia. So they live on the water and eek out a living on fishing. They are very poor and we took them some food. About half of the tour group participated in this charitable gesture. (below)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNviQxqKc7Kw0dCvPqR5dGybbtQ3YgkKW4i9dqemYigM9rOTIexECXbuhBmbMKq_4DYn2HAkgzJXxKiTxBeWftbK0u5PgjFAPHhDOYLUgd85DrBby29wuRTHqr7u_zzRYGpm3-N_twTTHd/s1600/25+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNviQxqKc7Kw0dCvPqR5dGybbtQ3YgkKW4i9dqemYigM9rOTIexECXbuhBmbMKq_4DYn2HAkgzJXxKiTxBeWftbK0u5PgjFAPHhDOYLUgd85DrBby29wuRTHqr7u_zzRYGpm3-N_twTTHd/s400/25+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282240753257266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3O76asuvQoJ2X3t5_R99NuJx1XCQovprYiVc9d7toFJLGA6OmB_1sBse-8jPPN2DAvNwXB7362wq5Ep-ewJD8x1tAW8OH6PeYc670z9rfBfhIcQ3LzybA-S4r55IOFzTxpTxejEGtUo0/s1600/26+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3O76asuvQoJ2X3t5_R99NuJx1XCQovprYiVc9d7toFJLGA6OmB_1sBse-8jPPN2DAvNwXB7362wq5Ep-ewJD8x1tAW8OH6PeYc670z9rfBfhIcQ3LzybA-S4r55IOFzTxpTxejEGtUo0/s400/26+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282239645505778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgszB7a0zQwl8xxtl4H9u-t5hyFyp7y8tyAbX2HBU9wRCSI3XLsqdgeoAHQAilxoR6XvNfsNxwO5xrcRnN_CBHRJGKdoRbcJA8iMRM6zcNT44PR4IxaFyY5AvEJHDHAZwYMzk4hcwcsxBk/s1600/27+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgszB7a0zQwl8xxtl4H9u-t5hyFyp7y8tyAbX2HBU9wRCSI3XLsqdgeoAHQAilxoR6XvNfsNxwO5xrcRnN_CBHRJGKdoRbcJA8iMRM6zcNT44PR4IxaFyY5AvEJHDHAZwYMzk4hcwcsxBk/s400/27+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282234559216482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oGjJEwPtilyysSf3UXOe4uVuUEvuuqkLFE0JETj7RjFbCRT1cbgeYGH2r7-1Lvj9Cyd3PjSWWPyVMlTNARrZlvT8SMskH9XFtlfjOC7e-0-aqSpeRwESSlnAo3S5tgCy9LXBGPoGjOqn/s1600/28+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oGjJEwPtilyysSf3UXOe4uVuUEvuuqkLFE0JETj7RjFbCRT1cbgeYGH2r7-1Lvj9Cyd3PjSWWPyVMlTNARrZlvT8SMskH9XFtlfjOC7e-0-aqSpeRwESSlnAo3S5tgCy9LXBGPoGjOqn/s400/28+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572282232863380802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgm4xuyJ4Qi3mPMF2v5iQE_pIH2zLdo8RUbT8vscmnjAD3iXhfjjQ6glp6W7l28x04qhClxE74o9mY9x4mtmW-F8R4-4UIy1FXz-9DxD176gUCfsIr02UGldzEJjzbGv4-HdMF3l3O5LO/s1600/29+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgm4xuyJ4Qi3mPMF2v5iQE_pIH2zLdo8RUbT8vscmnjAD3iXhfjjQ6glp6W7l28x04qhClxE74o9mY9x4mtmW-F8R4-4UIy1FXz-9DxD176gUCfsIr02UGldzEJjzbGv4-HdMF3l3O5LO/s400/29+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281931926314338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrkmBG7q3xr70pOEUru4-c500djZfIddwFRah-ne3CL-u03kB486Xdh0JfCLeQ-mFCfpDyk-ZBxr6MNgJBouJ2NKmBLqqE6WOdcjI3WBQqJYHpTjjDzl5PnRQZ_cZYIs6LELVlxvZIcZ0/s1600/30+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrkmBG7q3xr70pOEUru4-c500djZfIddwFRah-ne3CL-u03kB486Xdh0JfCLeQ-mFCfpDyk-ZBxr6MNgJBouJ2NKmBLqqE6WOdcjI3WBQqJYHpTjjDzl5PnRQZ_cZYIs6LELVlxvZIcZ0/s400/30+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281928994900770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvuXZPd-ykjXXgHEEMmQStR6IfFzG-8NJYHdtIq1sb-aD74gHcFilduA85T_io6Ayk_GrOgWhjIfQF2QwJz1O41kUuZjDWxpcF8ZShdladYKnctytxieQYustZsnp26yRjyt3h2FU47qb/s1600/31+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvuXZPd-ykjXXgHEEMmQStR6IfFzG-8NJYHdtIq1sb-aD74gHcFilduA85T_io6Ayk_GrOgWhjIfQF2QwJz1O41kUuZjDWxpcF8ZShdladYKnctytxieQYustZsnp26yRjyt3h2FU47qb/s400/31+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281927045354898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlwD-NqbnuXOnQESZfPm6hGdQ3zLnQ14Vt48ta0ln3HLf1CTYAxhJnGDQL08C0TXEBB0Las-dvXrurcYKF7jUA6ZEBCm0WITliWUgt1Jo2DnZyLYQ-OtTAf0MDOmk41dG5Pb0KrNmWBbS/s1600/32+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlwD-NqbnuXOnQESZfPm6hGdQ3zLnQ14Vt48ta0ln3HLf1CTYAxhJnGDQL08C0TXEBB0Las-dvXrurcYKF7jUA6ZEBCm0WITliWUgt1Jo2DnZyLYQ-OtTAf0MDOmk41dG5Pb0KrNmWBbS/s400/32+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281921311884258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bayon Temple is known for all its faces of deities, each with a different expression.(below)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuqCFGd9Pik5_isH63y1fzNLTnLssL7xQRyqNTxT8kmY3DIQ_XtJdSM16eoQm06LV3D1e_T1_pmpXC6X8ZHnmnHYMkZ3mFtFLgC2pGwtTrKGQyU_F71nkzxj7h6-u4ndXNdSldw_-AJ1N/s1600/33+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuqCFGd9Pik5_isH63y1fzNLTnLssL7xQRyqNTxT8kmY3DIQ_XtJdSM16eoQm06LV3D1e_T1_pmpXC6X8ZHnmnHYMkZ3mFtFLgC2pGwtTrKGQyU_F71nkzxj7h6-u4ndXNdSldw_-AJ1N/s400/33+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572281921500023682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzPYjLuDzQKsZsrmtlCk9hxX8E7iRCgoy5Ss__gGGrGmJWABuFb2Xu-UMH9hLPcpiLDFSPu1OdA0pMgH7inZ4g8Rp3Qq0eZQfdvDXyFfyXjkR8R9rWx0tFy8a7noLbuukX0uQmlAcLe-i/s1600/34+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzPYjLuDzQKsZsrmtlCk9hxX8E7iRCgoy5Ss__gGGrGmJWABuFb2Xu-UMH9hLPcpiLDFSPu1OdA0pMgH7inZ4g8Rp3Qq0eZQfdvDXyFfyXjkR8R9rWx0tFy8a7noLbuukX0uQmlAcLe-i/s400/34+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572280415776845682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCHY5enmX7YuStanB3zWu0i0Qu2GVHTbWPS3imjTOyxftPTMD6ecN3Ii8i54XkTAZXyO7ICMwy_9M-yARzisRcKdZPI_Z1ubi6vVhe53w9hgs9bXHKLYX7sCwvU3IJCz-OHFDA4oCbybQ/s1600/35+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCHY5enmX7YuStanB3zWu0i0Qu2GVHTbWPS3imjTOyxftPTMD6ecN3Ii8i54XkTAZXyO7ICMwy_9M-yARzisRcKdZPI_Z1ubi6vVhe53w9hgs9bXHKLYX7sCwvU3IJCz-OHFDA4oCbybQ/s400/35+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572280409591637554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMouEZVo5dVMxh-S3b3wsAypO9IA0LOKMBk2rsMBxoFzecQnlL_nPZik47mQM18nsKUMADWRJsZL15y4Otbd4cOSqMv4ftQXsZIKl0o51e2c_uHlnm4VJLDylcCl555MfVJxL4cNrE1DeP/s1600/36+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMouEZVo5dVMxh-S3b3wsAypO9IA0LOKMBk2rsMBxoFzecQnlL_nPZik47mQM18nsKUMADWRJsZL15y4Otbd4cOSqMv4ftQXsZIKl0o51e2c_uHlnm4VJLDylcCl555MfVJxL4cNrE1DeP/s400/36+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572280402556966066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuhQomTjDOdnQbhAc0hWgmFJs1WJvsxLmDgo2CIS4h9y4RaAmS0VMXNRxpRFpNgtrEBe4E_4gHhmRJb3N6BXdkUzkkAEHtA_erX__7ePACNXcv_y6gV6oRuGT18kwVkLq97H9iz7ggoxj/s1600/37+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuhQomTjDOdnQbhAc0hWgmFJs1WJvsxLmDgo2CIS4h9y4RaAmS0VMXNRxpRFpNgtrEBe4E_4gHhmRJb3N6BXdkUzkkAEHtA_erX__7ePACNXcv_y6gV6oRuGT18kwVkLq97H9iz7ggoxj/s400/37+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572280401007514626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAE-QhzEjG5UZeTHvyS0RvLx_kKN_8dj32AD_Vd69MabxficwTthpprd9aYUAfE4xq8w_t-uQsJAzgX3-2EUjxiHZVBObPxtwMi02wub9VeY-Y9jIaX-T4KSzMkvOvr9MCoG_5uvmElZ7/s1600/38+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAE-QhzEjG5UZeTHvyS0RvLx_kKN_8dj32AD_Vd69MabxficwTthpprd9aYUAfE4xq8w_t-uQsJAzgX3-2EUjxiHZVBObPxtwMi02wub9VeY-Y9jIaX-T4KSzMkvOvr9MCoG_5uvmElZ7/s400/38+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572280399068649298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXtoMPzuFzja3S0sPSOLS-h3indIpOnwpTeHMAUu8w9bAym_Xrk1j_rOxXF-HSLSX2RblClu_GQ0Z4lG1N0Jmkv8qaPhSHzScPqpfJ5c6_ahrKz3sqAjTxmeBCpuH3vSs9SOwwF81uhDi/s1600/39+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXtoMPzuFzja3S0sPSOLS-h3indIpOnwpTeHMAUu8w9bAym_Xrk1j_rOxXF-HSLSX2RblClu_GQ0Z4lG1N0Jmkv8qaPhSHzScPqpfJ5c6_ahrKz3sqAjTxmeBCpuH3vSs9SOwwF81uhDi/s400/39+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572279105352037986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-LEJOJSDke6Pe-95AlLWfDzIUWbCQLs3dkgU5kEaNfHJlWrFbDfTEP7RZBn9OF23b8tFONtJcJI0velrW9XirN9gNKqmK4xPrd-goPETMXFH8mj7FJXbZ9DRVJw01AG9msZUYfufT8gA/s1600/40+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-LEJOJSDke6Pe-95AlLWfDzIUWbCQLs3dkgU5kEaNfHJlWrFbDfTEP7RZBn9OF23b8tFONtJcJI0velrW9XirN9gNKqmK4xPrd-goPETMXFH8mj7FJXbZ9DRVJw01AG9msZUYfufT8gA/s400/40+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572279106122780594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrnXrMpC7C7dFUvcw4SVvFYDELtLZWF_AKRZOS3XIsRv7E6RpbVSvMm2S8HidsSY9CUnOkLESQBitk-Bcg0ACAJGx8Kj9A0cPIlZvm0Ue4KyMc6zbEptnpjFvVHXwS5MAXFAcvUpyPnMy/s1600/41+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrnXrMpC7C7dFUvcw4SVvFYDELtLZWF_AKRZOS3XIsRv7E6RpbVSvMm2S8HidsSY9CUnOkLESQBitk-Bcg0ACAJGx8Kj9A0cPIlZvm0Ue4KyMc6zbEptnpjFvVHXwS5MAXFAcvUpyPnMy/s400/41+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572279100785784466" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgHW42tiFyN16grPx1xDU-otOt73pjXJ-TpBZSP4lhOZgeEV8FJGILWIxOSTgO5_Hqlwly_SuXHHn0_QBHEsF8TZtAmEg_hZVMWO6QhawrVqJF8cYgAd2KqO2D-gOLrHngrvDUF9u_PDK/s1600/42+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgHW42tiFyN16grPx1xDU-otOt73pjXJ-TpBZSP4lhOZgeEV8FJGILWIxOSTgO5_Hqlwly_SuXHHn0_QBHEsF8TZtAmEg_hZVMWO6QhawrVqJF8cYgAd2KqO2D-gOLrHngrvDUF9u_PDK/s400/42+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572279094250994754" border="0" /></a>We climbed atop Bakong Temple with hundreds of others to take in the sunset. (below)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoG9MQFcsO_TtqO9THmYc4MLFOjMfbl0iEv9K-ICYAwHfh0VxDm30O0TGNyWiQNiqkhLc8t2VO21W5V2XU1YxAns8oKRxrrqth80dX2ioE2nnRpJz-Rmi7U89PtgPivnPG_FSatCo7tLq/s1600/43+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoG9MQFcsO_TtqO9THmYc4MLFOjMfbl0iEv9K-ICYAwHfh0VxDm30O0TGNyWiQNiqkhLc8t2VO21W5V2XU1YxAns8oKRxrrqth80dX2ioE2nnRpJz-Rmi7U89PtgPivnPG_FSatCo7tLq/s400/43+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572279089428337522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9PwAE8MqYmlzyux0NK7JYLhgbBglAFCauyK5h8-c6WYM4V3f2ZVKFx4OlcZdVJ_DNOfwweA_2inrcj79CeTqy9dKPg-EnnX-FGXNmx_2f5pt1AKr4VcDzuzDsZgNXQ28KXO4-oG6vZWd/s1600/44+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9PwAE8MqYmlzyux0NK7JYLhgbBglAFCauyK5h8-c6WYM4V3f2ZVKFx4OlcZdVJ_DNOfwweA_2inrcj79CeTqy9dKPg-EnnX-FGXNmx_2f5pt1AKr4VcDzuzDsZgNXQ28KXO4-oG6vZWd/s400/44+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572278704917564050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsYDT8hDcylHhVptg-fZkUgsB98yNxWRl_PAZjnw44BIQXpGDATodCfYsWUT1SPT0PMw0GxQFucPmkENS4JFN4hMpJAYNniXyWQqhjR7AjffwbktBS17YyNw1bLXb6kZZ6uL_KnX0HK6o/s1600/45+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsYDT8hDcylHhVptg-fZkUgsB98yNxWRl_PAZjnw44BIQXpGDATodCfYsWUT1SPT0PMw0GxQFucPmkENS4JFN4hMpJAYNniXyWQqhjR7AjffwbktBS17YyNw1bLXb6kZZ6uL_KnX0HK6o/s400/45+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572278701729128674" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We concluded the day at a popular tourist restaurant that holds 1000 people. There was a show featuring traditional Cambodian music and dance. (below)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZPNb0DQF7Koy8J8FOaHFicCUXtWJpTiSjAxGuF2ahH7lqmMNUmTGM5kRRIVlsyQPh3k0ntnfWMM2hvQAl58F5J1i3CKp14LiT96W7aQCFBjJf7Zj3xWtTw3lUgTjMhGjih7khjyMS_pL/s1600/46+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZPNb0DQF7Koy8J8FOaHFicCUXtWJpTiSjAxGuF2ahH7lqmMNUmTGM5kRRIVlsyQPh3k0ntnfWMM2hvQAl58F5J1i3CKp14LiT96W7aQCFBjJf7Zj3xWtTw3lUgTjMhGjih7khjyMS_pL/s400/46+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572278701929893474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UzXgAa41Gw1V_nDd8DCDVkhYtRk8lMIlvlY9Z8fi6idWX-d8acPtPpJmV0bF85dLtrCWGyvwqyaEZQBMjrJiAkLjDDeko4QA-s2nsCeYMbtfeig6Gmx-G3Ld6C1wAME-BwksG4XPnsOG/s1600/47+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UzXgAa41Gw1V_nDd8DCDVkhYtRk8lMIlvlY9Z8fi6idWX-d8acPtPpJmV0bF85dLtrCWGyvwqyaEZQBMjrJiAkLjDDeko4QA-s2nsCeYMbtfeig6Gmx-G3Ld6C1wAME-BwksG4XPnsOG/s400/47+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572278691441845266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtffon0iZ3LLbMprnlXvtw8DWtn06_pfkynVpSJIlNjcJebSQLCRLxVUZKxO5-ka3MZUynBxZxsOJr_KmEJnDpYzzEHakVd9wdNd81-5MXoVJdsEG5JcX1r-_luu0hpUrnSC-c3XddU1r/s1600/48+Cambodia3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtffon0iZ3LLbMprnlXvtw8DWtn06_pfkynVpSJIlNjcJebSQLCRLxVUZKxO5-ka3MZUynBxZxsOJr_KmEJnDpYzzEHakVd9wdNd81-5MXoVJdsEG5JcX1r-_luu0hpUrnSC-c3XddU1r/s400/48+Cambodia3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572278692473928434" border="0" /></a><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwvaQKnntBc3hFzMvA4KChH4qXCNfv7UB9BhwebAdxELQZlYHYasDYTBrtIY2MkFWnCjfFVTF9qpWyaBZqFAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Add_Image" title="Add Image" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="addImage();" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);;ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="img/blank.gif" alt="Add Image" class="gl_photo" border="0" /></span></span></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-51018845084178123542011-02-10T17:43:00.000-08:002011-02-10T17:52:32.328-08:00Water Buffalo February 8, 2011Cambodia takes about a day to cross. We went half-way from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phnom Penh the first day. Then to Siem Riep the next where we stayed two nights and toured the amazing Ankor Wat (City of Temples) there. But that meant a 12-hour drive home. Actually, the drive is 10 to 14 hours varying on traffic. There are no freeways that I have seen in Vietnam or on Cambodia. For the most part, the main highway is a two lane road with busses, trucks, cars and more motorcycles than you can imagine. In Cambodia add vans with people crammed inside and then one to 4 more people on the roof.<br /><br />The long stretches had house after house built on stilts along the main road. They appeared to be all small farms. During the rainy season the stilts serve their purpose, in the dry season (hot) they are tall enough for one to stand under and create a cooler living space.<br /><br />The tour guide described everything in Vietnamese. Sometimes I got a good translation and sometimes, after hearing the guide ramble on for 40 minutes I would jokingly ask Fr. Binh, “Would you please repeat all of that?” And he would comply by saying, “He said we are going to stop for lunch in 20 minutes.” Fortunately, I had a good guide book that described most of what we saw so I could follow along fairly well.<br /><br />There were a few other English speakers in our group who helped me. A Vietnamese-French woman from Paris (moved there with her family when she was six) who was visiting her relatives for the Lunar New Year and added this side trip to Cambodia. She had a French passport, and spoke English and Vietnamese with a French accent. There were also two children (native of Saigon) of one family. The boy (13) went to the Australian school and spoke with an Australian accent, and his sister (10) went to the American school in Saigon and spoke with a perfect American accent. In fact, we got in a joking competition about who got the curtain between our seats to block the hot sun coming through the bus window. Before I know it she said “Rock, paper, scissors. OK?” Well, after six matches I won, but, of course, I let her have the curtain anyway. Apparently, all their classes are in English and they are encouraged to speak only English all day.<br /><br />Friday we leave for a 10-12 day tour of North Vietnam including a visit to the shrine of Our Lady of La Vang, a highlight for me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5AYkd1Z5uk2DX4cEw4X1LNh3K2r_iqTAJy6SxY6VCUUjNIiVnxxSTTrBVZhl5LwlWFmFIOBE292CgEbvBjj-cRs0Lyy0xJjhaYmncuuH5ayuiTLQW_IVRv8bkeIqwItBcRzqv1X0M27I/s1600/01+Cambodia2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5AYkd1Z5uk2DX4cEw4X1LNh3K2r_iqTAJy6SxY6VCUUjNIiVnxxSTTrBVZhl5LwlWFmFIOBE292CgEbvBjj-cRs0Lyy0xJjhaYmncuuH5ayuiTLQW_IVRv8bkeIqwItBcRzqv1X0M27I/s400/01+Cambodia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572242483292419218" border="0" /></a>Buddhist Monks are seen everywhere in the city of Phnom Penh. They seek alms in a very gracious way.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GglePboCCtUGR1VIHvWjryArId_SkL1kCmc7khoa6YK6crwXviTT76hYdUsCMbS4_seDMs1yWOTOJc1nIAjJcS9CjsbBKAJQ0H4zc3DGfp6g0Tspkril68YEJZLUFVlgU1QpGa7TwQji/s1600/02+Cambodia2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 95px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GglePboCCtUGR1VIHvWjryArId_SkL1kCmc7khoa6YK6crwXviTT76hYdUsCMbS4_seDMs1yWOTOJc1nIAjJcS9CjsbBKAJQ0H4zc3DGfp6g0Tspkril68YEJZLUFVlgU1QpGa7TwQji/s400/02+Cambodia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572242476402886818" border="0" /></a>The central market in Phnom Penh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGi8OU2DZmA9HX02f2QuHGHEIJJIllEZlkILM-f51mCvJTdELDWugSGAxfOThstHbUWDnxKy-0xB4Wttcei7N9gr8ajDKcRQWd5jI4raf1LBctH0_blvRZaCoiPDk_zfajzpAG2G2Ngl8i/s1600/03+Cambodia2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGi8OU2DZmA9HX02f2QuHGHEIJJIllEZlkILM-f51mCvJTdELDWugSGAxfOThstHbUWDnxKy-0xB4Wttcei7N9gr8ajDKcRQWd5jI4raf1LBctH0_blvRZaCoiPDk_zfajzpAG2G2Ngl8i/s400/03+Cambodia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572242343824434530" border="0" /></a>Street Vendors at a rest stop along the Cambodian Highway.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pLwK2YP7pPFn6598iVBYgXcknAHqYWKMn8DtgZ3lRmCtBc5QBnzvvh3X4kzW1HY4Z_dNl9tCmIdWS6d08XME5oHDUIVQWqk7tJNWOpYz_frDNdTz5PJps9o4VfsrkB6AaijX5OROa6VK/s1600/04+Cambodia2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pLwK2YP7pPFn6598iVBYgXcknAHqYWKMn8DtgZ3lRmCtBc5QBnzvvh3X4kzW1HY4Z_dNl9tCmIdWS6d08XME5oHDUIVQWqk7tJNWOpYz_frDNdTz5PJps9o4VfsrkB6AaijX5OROa6VK/s400/04+Cambodia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572242336685017970" border="0" /></a>A different rest stop gave us a chance to see the Cambodian Countryside up close.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg9qnQ97kun_L_Z_HC-wLWx_pJcF9jTxAd9IeVhoKn7j4WojcfXVJp3JHo9DZUnYqZEdRT0PZtfBPxo1m6U2NeuN3qic2e6khNLxKxn04j5Ez3vSgyXkozdv9xXDUc4mYBX2ZS5v49v1h/s1600/05+Cambodia2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg9qnQ97kun_L_Z_HC-wLWx_pJcF9jTxAd9IeVhoKn7j4WojcfXVJp3JHo9DZUnYqZEdRT0PZtfBPxo1m6U2NeuN3qic2e6khNLxKxn04j5Ez3vSgyXkozdv9xXDUc4mYBX2ZS5v49v1h/s400/05+Cambodia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572242334551901474" border="0" /></a>A small herd of water buffalo<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTc-p80-yn8RDDB0IhjVCQ2nCWg3_F1xVtzJFh_bVr3v2GzUrd53Ev-GBCgKAFRvhJ-c8jdQuLfh6lnxMOKCjtTHm3HvG0SXylAebSz_IYFo2PxJG6AOwYctCxd59FjPXOt2z_5eR50wS/s1600/06+Cambodia2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTc-p80-yn8RDDB0IhjVCQ2nCWg3_F1xVtzJFh_bVr3v2GzUrd53Ev-GBCgKAFRvhJ-c8jdQuLfh6lnxMOKCjtTHm3HvG0SXylAebSz_IYFo2PxJG6AOwYctCxd59FjPXOt2z_5eR50wS/s400/06+Cambodia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572242327789210642" border="0" /></a>Each little farm along the road seemed to have at least one or two water buffalo.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrZX4ioSWX4jKR9liIbz0rWnzwg1TwsiCj8F2wjQAVo8hnR4_CbEq7mHFxANBMx0e60no9XHHs-6DRf8ubkj_i9h3oEHp2IO5iKOVe-RdLR-1VYGBTcjXQrGGZ2_LyM2wh58Atz1703Ku/s1600/07+Cambodia2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrZX4ioSWX4jKR9liIbz0rWnzwg1TwsiCj8F2wjQAVo8hnR4_CbEq7mHFxANBMx0e60no9XHHs-6DRf8ubkj_i9h3oEHp2IO5iKOVe-RdLR-1VYGBTcjXQrGGZ2_LyM2wh58Atz1703Ku/s400/07+Cambodia2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572242326982968930" border="0" /></a>Typical houses along the highway.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-91042808993584036112011-02-07T07:38:00.000-08:002011-02-07T15:35:03.437-08:00Phnom Penh February 7, 2011Go, Green Bay Packers! I just found out on the news that Green Bay won the Super Bowl. It wasn’t much the talk here in Vietnam or Cambodia.<br /><br />We left Saigon at 5:30am, Monday morning and I am now in in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I can't believe it! Riding in a bus through the countryside from the Vietnamese border this nation on the surface looks poor, primitive and rundown. But Phnom Penh is a bustling city with moments of serenity in the temples scattered about town.<br /><br />I never dreamed of being here, especially after all that this country had suffered through over 30 years of war from 1965 on: beginning with carpet bombing by the U.S. military, the genocidal killing fields by the Khmer Rouge, and the Cambodia war with communist Vietnam that toppled the ruthless dictator, Pol Pot. There are still, literally, millions of mines and unexploded ordinance hidden in the countryside (places I won’t be near). But these are rebuilding years for Cambodia and the tourist trade figures into that. So in some small way, I am contributing to the improvement of this developing nation.<br /><br />We toured around the city of Phnom Penh then went to dinner and the hotel. (See pictures). Since this is a Vietnamese tour, we ate at a Vietnamese restaurant. All the talks are in Vietnamese. Fortunately, I have an English guide book that keeps me informed and the tour guide speaks a little English. Of course, Fr. Binh helps translate some.<br /><br />Incidentally, other than a cold I had when I got to Vietnam (that is almost completely gone), I have enjoyed excellent health, including gastro-intestinal health (knock on wood - tap, tap). Also, I think I'm losing weight in a good way. Eating with chopsticks limits the amount of food-shoveling one can do. And, lest anyone think it’s because I am not able to feed myself with chopsticks, I have received compliments on numerous occasions from total strangers (again tonight) on how well I use chopsticks. It is just that the diet is controlled by smaller portions.<br /><br />For instance, breakfast is commonly a noodle soup with a few pieces of meat in the soup and as well as fresh greens and sprouts to garnish the soup. Dinner can be a small rice bowl with numerous plates of various entrées, but you just put a few pieces of the entre on your rice (in a small rice bowl). When you eat those morsels you use your chopsticks to reach across the table from another dish (that everyone else is picking from with their chopsticks). That is the family style. A little bit of everything on the rice and then eat the rice. Then for dessert there are a host of tropical fruits to choose from, all sliced into portions that take two or three bites to consume. There are no pastries. The fruits are sweet and are quite satisfying. We'll see if I am actually lighter, but I'm told that I have thinned a little in the last week or so. At meals I leave the table, not stuffed, but satisfied.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5n47l5c4FSJ5_CwNNrabWFycBRnrOriIb52BEgMYOFRmGYfYj5pQYohNiZj-a72O8O7RucsvhjHTSxAqwQAQymeE4MdVHv2HPpOjhkJ8yR6pAbgH3tmSF-jlmlWBtZU6TrucyMNFQmZz/s1600/01+SaigonRiver+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5n47l5c4FSJ5_CwNNrabWFycBRnrOriIb52BEgMYOFRmGYfYj5pQYohNiZj-a72O8O7RucsvhjHTSxAqwQAQymeE4MdVHv2HPpOjhkJ8yR6pAbgH3tmSF-jlmlWBtZU6TrucyMNFQmZz/s400/01+SaigonRiver+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973470388073842" border="0" /></a>OK, this isn’t Cambodia, but a shot I took on the Saigon River the day before. All modes of transportation travel that river.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYAULVbxoihLliXeJcPR4Gf-B9LjbxwtyEvRc4gCtAm9xVLlIYF2t8ReV17ceOv460qTqIV5yAzFizWV0uW8E4CocPHQm0U3bRFWmNzfIBE9IUQpixujeYWhS3sIkKZGCzVd6nXFK_eD1/s1600/02+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYAULVbxoihLliXeJcPR4Gf-B9LjbxwtyEvRc4gCtAm9xVLlIYF2t8ReV17ceOv460qTqIV5yAzFizWV0uW8E4CocPHQm0U3bRFWmNzfIBE9IUQpixujeYWhS3sIkKZGCzVd6nXFK_eD1/s400/02+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973465864015138" border="0" /></a>These minivan/buses charge 10,000 riel (about $2.50) to ride inside. But a mere 1000 riel (50¢) to ride on the roof. It looked very scary, but we saw a lot of these as soon as we crossed into Cambodia. And notice how many are crammed inside. No seatbelts. In Saigon in a taxi I put on my seatbelt in the back and the driver commented that in a year since he had that car, I was the first to use a seatbelt in the back.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzhK07ZUhfrtjsNpxkz2lfA56ozBa4Kxw-kXKinqk16Qbkq1WTB06_cb21jYznGvr8qawOsrBM4J-yfVAJWlUBiAELpAis5BiGnkBwAbnJ8mjTmTf87EnUDTp_G5408s24TvtaGNHPDvx/s1600/03+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzhK07ZUhfrtjsNpxkz2lfA56ozBa4Kxw-kXKinqk16Qbkq1WTB06_cb21jYznGvr8qawOsrBM4J-yfVAJWlUBiAELpAis5BiGnkBwAbnJ8mjTmTf87EnUDTp_G5408s24TvtaGNHPDvx/s400/03+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973464334910546" border="0" /></a>If the car stops anywhere in Cambodia the vendors and beggars show up immediately. Another sign of serious poverty.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW3KmQ7bFWfcosFf8os7aVTchQDoSwLavFYptRcFyozwMZBYu21R4385ymqUmIs6Sp6ksH0F-FVgLC8jE6cbj9IOPKNFmK8Gt40Fe7VDR2bsWM8nYpZYjoo1-Xpi2-KrRjGj6bNitj-jy/s1600/04+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW3KmQ7bFWfcosFf8os7aVTchQDoSwLavFYptRcFyozwMZBYu21R4385ymqUmIs6Sp6ksH0F-FVgLC8jE6cbj9IOPKNFmK8Gt40Fe7VDR2bsWM8nYpZYjoo1-Xpi2-KrRjGj6bNitj-jy/s400/04+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973454765082514" border="0" /></a>Here is where you can buy a Buddha.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGknTUbPt24K17GdHPvpW7naOLLbLTI0QJy7yC0CTScLmCKiau1BFomUJ0dVv5WufnLyQ1sesAlvngtoJu9CycGRnAX_USC4LgE81jfJ7z8d_SihhoPmzlUiE-7rn4t_ICDypHwIOyFuJ1/s1600/05+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGknTUbPt24K17GdHPvpW7naOLLbLTI0QJy7yC0CTScLmCKiau1BFomUJ0dVv5WufnLyQ1sesAlvngtoJu9CycGRnAX_USC4LgE81jfJ7z8d_SihhoPmzlUiE-7rn4t_ICDypHwIOyFuJ1/s400/05+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973175443588242" border="0" /></a>A shanty town on one side of the river entering Phnom Penh, a bustling city on the other side.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKxXccY_fJSPIPr2Re6gAL4RSaS1oh0V6va92rvnHoyAmOfbpSxlRjS1PL3MMiOn_Fo-lI27AXfWEmM3wZzEFXxujx_V5A0n1j0zXnhhzO-C_QYVoUCHJG4gDgelCG9OqjyZ6eA0l67yf/s1600/06+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKxXccY_fJSPIPr2Re6gAL4RSaS1oh0V6va92rvnHoyAmOfbpSxlRjS1PL3MMiOn_Fo-lI27AXfWEmM3wZzEFXxujx_V5A0n1j0zXnhhzO-C_QYVoUCHJG4gDgelCG9OqjyZ6eA0l67yf/s400/06+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973174181855106" border="0" /></a>The Royal Palace Area where the King lives.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBmfIylIqI7JGkzRkdSyvMCBbNZBOkBqJny4ObH7FmelgLMEGq9QNjXiPsxA5vtnT-ZEKwFO1bw0EckD0Bsyni6J-pPVQpcE8UvN9EKmlGC7172LLtWN6H22LJ4_b4v0sRQFN2aFk4xUS/s1600/07+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBmfIylIqI7JGkzRkdSyvMCBbNZBOkBqJny4ObH7FmelgLMEGq9QNjXiPsxA5vtnT-ZEKwFO1bw0EckD0Bsyni6J-pPVQpcE8UvN9EKmlGC7172LLtWN6H22LJ4_b4v0sRQFN2aFk4xUS/s400/07+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973167364028786" border="0" /></a>Buddhists monks are prevalent on the streets, but especially at temples.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AiVI6H4mshuxtfLN56e7jr4PdVIINyze1-3xoDqJyKYWIL-Xfb4BvOfjacl-ay1i0jgRyue09cOS1_1slPwYNnX7UlC4Tmi8ebV-C2wLsL4LZl3KQqHQYTfFeCCKvPrYYuo4Hv7Sg8cQ/s1600/08+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AiVI6H4mshuxtfLN56e7jr4PdVIINyze1-3xoDqJyKYWIL-Xfb4BvOfjacl-ay1i0jgRyue09cOS1_1slPwYNnX7UlC4Tmi8ebV-C2wLsL4LZl3KQqHQYTfFeCCKvPrYYuo4Hv7Sg8cQ/s400/08+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973168856282978" border="0" /></a>Inside the Throne Hall where the King meets with dignitaries.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYaQvLNgWvaodg4V8aYGg5dkYzhst0G8uiIzSnyb40a9cubopFRFyPh2IzE97I-U8oJGQIUconiJdOohorotVFPlJA7gARwLBNcykFyv89p9OnWcjOsPqtZ2GGKatqNM4KUWmbrw5g_vt/s1600/09+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYaQvLNgWvaodg4V8aYGg5dkYzhst0G8uiIzSnyb40a9cubopFRFyPh2IzE97I-U8oJGQIUconiJdOohorotVFPlJA7gARwLBNcykFyv89p9OnWcjOsPqtZ2GGKatqNM4KUWmbrw5g_vt/s400/09+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570973163431237634" border="0" /></a>The buildings and gardens make a rich impression.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4u6gEuVHtarrsiAzmO_GK9BuIRu2p5-0kLvrm1VMLOy6aK02MANdytwZgj_CxNv7RUi5_g051L65U_WHnpXTRu8ILhIq5pkL3B_THMb96meRivtyAKtugyWHWSFK-3WIsC-chuzRBtb3/s1600/10+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4u6gEuVHtarrsiAzmO_GK9BuIRu2p5-0kLvrm1VMLOy6aK02MANdytwZgj_CxNv7RUi5_g051L65U_WHnpXTRu8ILhIq5pkL3B_THMb96meRivtyAKtugyWHWSFK-3WIsC-chuzRBtb3/s400/10+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570972851291400834" border="0" /></a>Many details mark the architecture.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxLBF08eRhWDOcU-NO24JsQNnvtGCo9Tb3zyvHZ075RAiUqoKZqFkWX0aNKulM1pHreOkXDe6U5zgWXHIotAYTjFnIkiv2ulWMqOWOTiJjJMxGgO__nw8XZ8qZ1N61ltA1xUxsMO2SQJo/s1600/11+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxLBF08eRhWDOcU-NO24JsQNnvtGCo9Tb3zyvHZ075RAiUqoKZqFkWX0aNKulM1pHreOkXDe6U5zgWXHIotAYTjFnIkiv2ulWMqOWOTiJjJMxGgO__nw8XZ8qZ1N61ltA1xUxsMO2SQJo/s400/11+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570972851547039538" border="0" /></a>The serenity of prayer is reinforced in these statues on the hand rails near the Silver Pagoda.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBViqxJL1cgtTa2qB9wVvuBnpV3qXZuw-Xqh97gK-dlPHUNZ7j10DvhpNHyVFJxhI1tVA5T6U4q_dYwQUGdZDnIyEZHoLhq7Nw61Skfl6fdxjPE8fOf_0AiFgy1TMT8ZTGCkVBx8qwCsYC/s1600/12+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBViqxJL1cgtTa2qB9wVvuBnpV3qXZuw-Xqh97gK-dlPHUNZ7j10DvhpNHyVFJxhI1tVA5T6U4q_dYwQUGdZDnIyEZHoLhq7Nw61Skfl6fdxjPE8fOf_0AiFgy1TMT8ZTGCkVBx8qwCsYC/s400/12+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570972844775569906" border="0" /></a>The grounds outside the silver pagoda, named so because the floor is solid silver tiles, though a bit tarnished and covered mostly with beautiful rugs. We could not take pictures inside.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dya_BpRKwcR02QrwWQQqrIVXR8uNDdAulU3d1OhNO4fYCifXP4AW4YMQY5rZMPFiC1XYMcQXvNhoUx6JR9V6Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />A video of musicians at the Royal Palace grounds.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQDYcHMSqCOr0olbJPqdyh9kBRdPmYsa6O43xaHGtYFRJ-xB0qyopEDY5BgHfseOdQOxq8LW3Y5Yf9A8FxG0A0TdWD0YwDqikF2QTfDle6dAufII305fqtlKzBskJ7zSaKxqttPBQb4ah/s1600/14+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQDYcHMSqCOr0olbJPqdyh9kBRdPmYsa6O43xaHGtYFRJ-xB0qyopEDY5BgHfseOdQOxq8LW3Y5Yf9A8FxG0A0TdWD0YwDqikF2QTfDle6dAufII305fqtlKzBskJ7zSaKxqttPBQb4ah/s400/14+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570972841350541314" border="0" /></a>Members of our tour group (Buddhists) offered prayers at the Wat Phnom, the city’s most famous pagoda.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIC55Hl9rkouHdpQE9BWGkCQB2sve-zmwj1Sh_qKuyyWHVd4lP4JzrKuKPTRyCffS7vYm2tyVg-Ilxt2OIK8c_rISplck5ElMvajZ98wteFW5A_wIW14H9G4e_LDZwkubmiZGK0BR5-oc/s1600/15+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIC55Hl9rkouHdpQE9BWGkCQB2sve-zmwj1Sh_qKuyyWHVd4lP4JzrKuKPTRyCffS7vYm2tyVg-Ilxt2OIK8c_rISplck5ElMvajZ98wteFW5A_wIW14H9G4e_LDZwkubmiZGK0BR5-oc/s400/15+Cambodia+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570972838093167458" border="0" /></a>This clock was actually accurate!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-58394190455594170492011-02-06T08:18:00.000-08:002011-02-06T08:35:12.608-08:00Vũng Tàu February 5, 2011We (Fr. Binh Hoang, Huong Nguyen and I) traveled from Saigon to Vũng Tàu on a hydroplane boat on Friday, February 4 after saying good-bye to Marty Quandt at the airport. Marty was on his way to Myanmar for a couple of days on a guided tour. He just likes to travel to places no one else usually goes.<br /><br />Vũng Tàu is a seaport town located where the Saigon River empties into the South China Sea. It is very striking with ships anchored off shore and beautiful beaches. In the 1980s and 1990s it was a port of departure for many of the “boat people”, that is, Vietnamese refugees like Fr. Binh.<br /><br />Huong has two sisters who live there and we stayed at the home of her sister Dung (JOONG) and her husband Khanh. The other sister, Thanh lives a few houses away with her husband Hoi. Just as Huong is involved in SARA and is in Vietnam to see the SARA sponsored programs, her sisters are very engaged in charity work in the Vũng Tàu area. I am amazed at the level of organization and involvement in the church in Vietnam.<br /><br />Hoi and his sons took us around to meet the local parish priest and the Bishop of this new Diocese of Bà Ria, founded in 2005. Bishop Toma Nguyen Van Tram is the brother of Sr. Nguyen Phuong Ha who lives in Beaverton as one of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross Thu Thiem. He says that they don’t have enough priests to serve the parishes now (less than 80), but he has plenty of seminarians (100). So many he cannot afford to send them all to seminary. For various reasons only 8-10 can enter a year, though he has more applicants. I told him that our archdiocese has about 50 seminarians (we have about 100 active priests) and that we are in the midst of a capital campaign because we also struggle to pay the costs of seminary formation. <br /><br />I asked the bishop how often they start new parishes, he said they create 2 or 3 a year. The Diocese is new and they just built a cathedral for $4 million, compared to $5 million for our parish church. I thought that it was amazing that a Cathedral would cost that little, but I believe it is due to the differences in economies, cheap labor and lots of donated work. They are completing his residence and still need to build a Pastoral Center for the diocesan offices. Fr. Binh and I gave the Bishop a bottle of Oregon wine.<br /><br />Mass this morning for the First Saturday was at 5:30am and was packed with people overflowing outside. The Mass we will attend tomorrow will be at 6am and I expect that one to be crowded as well. It is certainly cooler at that hour. But they have full Masses at all hours. The dedication and piety of the Vietnamese church is very impressive.<br /><br /><br />Sunday, February 6, 2011<br /><br />After 6am Sunday Mass we went to visit Dominican sisters who live near the church. We had a small breakfast with mangoes from their own trees that were excellent. Then we toured their property with their many tropical fruit trees and saw their two monkeys (in cages) that were donated to delight the children in their school. Then we met their novices who sang for us. (Everybody LOVES to sing here!)<br /><br />We took a hired van back to Saigon and get ready for our 4-day group tour to Cambodia that leaves 4am Monday. Please keep us in your prayers. I have no idea if I will be able to get on the internet in Cambodia, so there may be a gap of postings on this blog. But I’ll post more when I get the chance.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4pqWYdEtX16WR_UsX6xGGGVPB2K7QWvPqHSxrk0CsGUrXJ_WiK4_Q4xOwLKGMqbuIaxFZIOkH705Cax8lw2YyGCdJfXi0BVYbQgz2v0yaxk24_0nkL8oGhnAcZC26muQPc-CmTlaQour/s1600/01+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4pqWYdEtX16WR_UsX6xGGGVPB2K7QWvPqHSxrk0CsGUrXJ_WiK4_Q4xOwLKGMqbuIaxFZIOkH705Cax8lw2YyGCdJfXi0BVYbQgz2v0yaxk24_0nkL8oGhnAcZC26muQPc-CmTlaQour/s400/01+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570614166367758610" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh, Huong and I took a hydroplane boat like this one to Vũng Tàu where the Saigon river empties into the South China Sea.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c2hyCPVLo64tZuDgasPJ_76Tb4R_hsVJufjhVtF-GqC5ue6X_mo4WhbIxwrAoJs8kbGNPpJ-16ga5XNj5lDCbkmoIo3CxiXvuGhaQSr5bSiWkYQit12olhmvWVrMZ_iUiCTk7ix5Vo29/s1600/02+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c2hyCPVLo64tZuDgasPJ_76Tb4R_hsVJufjhVtF-GqC5ue6X_mo4WhbIxwrAoJs8kbGNPpJ-16ga5XNj5lDCbkmoIo3CxiXvuGhaQSr5bSiWkYQit12olhmvWVrMZ_iUiCTk7ix5Vo29/s400/02+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570614155879725602" border="0" /></a>On our taxi ride to the home of Huong’s sister we saw these happy, singing youth.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQV9W1M9YkODj61tWVYgG01nGmUkwcdM4Rj5EDxhewNtL0whHKyIpagcnTRXBnTJRk98FJ-DkgZzGcM1VyScoPh63TuJOxSax1Uia3mHmjOd9n_4zbXMZjpTxSwCUtFRliO2vsjpzbsOZ/s1600/03+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQV9W1M9YkODj61tWVYgG01nGmUkwcdM4Rj5EDxhewNtL0whHKyIpagcnTRXBnTJRk98FJ-DkgZzGcM1VyScoPh63TuJOxSax1Uia3mHmjOd9n_4zbXMZjpTxSwCUtFRliO2vsjpzbsOZ/s400/03+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570614153068113442" border="0" /></a>Meeting the local pastor, Fr. Vu Cong Doan. L to R: Hoi (Huong’s brother-in-law married to her sister Thanh), Huong, Dung (JOONG – Huong’s sister), Fr. Doan, Fr. Binh and me.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_8e6730CVsn-zU9t2cVHQRO6ltjtC6GD02hyphenhyphenUVIV_k1n2Kdd9_bwmwtSiggFWhfHEeRmblblhMuiAEftQeyL0Gn5yIJeUWwBndxu-N0OtCMBjjCRGATkrl0ZyhElaE-iyNWpqEuB1yRv/s1600/04+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_8e6730CVsn-zU9t2cVHQRO6ltjtC6GD02hyphenhyphenUVIV_k1n2Kdd9_bwmwtSiggFWhfHEeRmblblhMuiAEftQeyL0Gn5yIJeUWwBndxu-N0OtCMBjjCRGATkrl0ZyhElaE-iyNWpqEuB1yRv/s400/04+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570614148166492754" border="0" /></a>On the way to meet the bishop.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDze0P5znshXCQh_R8cYf0OzRtri5Bi-_scT8V5AVgIApvJXDKBjm5TvHEfkpYWR6BqavC47qes_jh7BYNJpXgnDp0lP6r6XbkYbtSqz2vTyc7EeZE7ZJoOaRGIvz6RaAh8h5IfhArCO7n/s1600/05+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDze0P5znshXCQh_R8cYf0OzRtri5Bi-_scT8V5AVgIApvJXDKBjm5TvHEfkpYWR6BqavC47qes_jh7BYNJpXgnDp0lP6r6XbkYbtSqz2vTyc7EeZE7ZJoOaRGIvz6RaAh8h5IfhArCO7n/s400/05+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570614147432737954" border="0" /></a>Huong, Hoi, Bishop Toma Nguyen Van Tram of the Diocese of Bà Ria (founded in 2005), Quang (son of Hoi), Fr. Binh and myself.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3DrIwkrccRycE38EYcKTHSN4ib36q80SSbYKAo3MpIMwy1FubF1LcYXDJTJ1ZgqY4phtG-rfUV99hfPmv_KU28Y9orWr0uhp_uJ7Mh83B6oFs2sd5l3DsNK_hgpXh51KlOuiLscrLzeC/s1600/06+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3DrIwkrccRycE38EYcKTHSN4ib36q80SSbYKAo3MpIMwy1FubF1LcYXDJTJ1ZgqY4phtG-rfUV99hfPmv_KU28Y9orWr0uhp_uJ7Mh83B6oFs2sd5l3DsNK_hgpXh51KlOuiLscrLzeC/s400/06+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613840611464754" border="0" /></a>We met the bishop at his temporary residence at a Marian Shrine.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFUougdKlQQw1HaRX51zcF1BOsBXiEYjuKuyaR4omRgBSle-w2wCxajanLwQVLIilbRJI24nQ8SrLNV-Y2kQauKF1JkkBDuqXM20q25qXbHHPDRaTqVAsqV0wvrn1NGy3ynVZ_ddS7CDu/s1600/07+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFUougdKlQQw1HaRX51zcF1BOsBXiEYjuKuyaR4omRgBSle-w2wCxajanLwQVLIilbRJI24nQ8SrLNV-Y2kQauKF1JkkBDuqXM20q25qXbHHPDRaTqVAsqV0wvrn1NGy3ynVZ_ddS7CDu/s400/07+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613837774381698" border="0" /></a>View of Vũng Tàu from the feet of Mary’s statue.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5cpmYSD8gBHX52ge-CC9Kyvwh3lsdYYcT_K00T_oy6TGbMr4IDYaBjxXzO9vPkOjpTqwsb4dEMsukHh20lEu1SVgBrCiYWGHWm9wAZiD5y9XAkI06zgIaGYJeEslGHrWvQHJg3FGb8xC/s1600/08+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5cpmYSD8gBHX52ge-CC9Kyvwh3lsdYYcT_K00T_oy6TGbMr4IDYaBjxXzO9vPkOjpTqwsb4dEMsukHh20lEu1SVgBrCiYWGHWm9wAZiD5y9XAkI06zgIaGYJeEslGHrWvQHJg3FGb8xC/s400/08+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613835336497106" border="0" /></a>Walking down from the shrine Fr. Binh talked to everybody just to spread good cheer. These are some youth who saw me and (like a lot of people do here) said, “Hello!”, in English. I say my few Vietnamese expressions that everyone says I am pronouncing correctly, but they always laugh. I think they just don’t expect Vietnamese to come out of an American mouth.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinApnnMVnKLGvNzI4iomnAbAAJIBSsJonf0iRWDrrd8PudaW1FvorVyP9Us5wz3xe91F7kJ_SD0YaDX2vQrxM0rkhFwMjGAQt94RykmvBpv3GZajnsR3BwMa-rdhTscSVWYEMCbGqvQaWv/s1600/09+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinApnnMVnKLGvNzI4iomnAbAAJIBSsJonf0iRWDrrd8PudaW1FvorVyP9Us5wz3xe91F7kJ_SD0YaDX2vQrxM0rkhFwMjGAQt94RykmvBpv3GZajnsR3BwMa-rdhTscSVWYEMCbGqvQaWv/s400/09+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613833610963890" border="0" /></a>We stopped on the way home to buy seafood for lunch. Here is some lobster.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJpY3JG-hdR-VtWulWHOkqsJtiPTXCQMd96_tYwnScJJfIvuSUW3tG6kp36PEYlyU9OUTd1eMoYNhlUWTwCnMHGUiSpZWuE4StzLZsQf8vtr5o44l5HieFqrcOLg6-4RBRkTemuDhqy0E/s1600/10+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJpY3JG-hdR-VtWulWHOkqsJtiPTXCQMd96_tYwnScJJfIvuSUW3tG6kp36PEYlyU9OUTd1eMoYNhlUWTwCnMHGUiSpZWuE4StzLZsQf8vtr5o44l5HieFqrcOLg6-4RBRkTemuDhqy0E/s400/10+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613828794784818" border="0" /></a>Eel is on the menu in some Vietnamese homes, but I haven’t seen it at the table yet.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6xYJzuTxKUm-iNs_OUq5hZV49k-YwWaimMds5ATm4HPBUnt-LAlX-G-Z3I_gEAv6aOIlCekYx_8Frs-r4bBpuk04NRNP-XXXO2PWWxa0udC6Ta08BmforNitCLMutvj1qAiGoMAAF5Vw/s1600/11+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6xYJzuTxKUm-iNs_OUq5hZV49k-YwWaimMds5ATm4HPBUnt-LAlX-G-Z3I_gEAv6aOIlCekYx_8Frs-r4bBpuk04NRNP-XXXO2PWWxa0udC6Ta08BmforNitCLMutvj1qAiGoMAAF5Vw/s400/11+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613501160046866" border="0" /></a>The crabs (smaller than our Dungeness crabs) are scooped alive out of the tub. The big pinchers have been removed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLuO1PieU1zGI0qD7MjpDTQGfiJ-84VarOyWUkml63qrquEin3xtbIIgcyB9Nrw5CZXEShTH-pG3_YgVwL-n1RjNW5FM6sHaUpCWyWzHIRitYCl8mEwvrwPDh8ALpAnM3st11LcACqVDO/s1600/12+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLuO1PieU1zGI0qD7MjpDTQGfiJ-84VarOyWUkml63qrquEin3xtbIIgcyB9Nrw5CZXEShTH-pG3_YgVwL-n1RjNW5FM6sHaUpCWyWzHIRitYCl8mEwvrwPDh8ALpAnM3st11LcACqVDO/s400/12+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613498798543826" border="0" /></a>Some of Huongs family at dinner: Fr. Binh, Huong, Suong (Hoi’s daughter), Quang, Sang, their mother Thanh (Tan) and their father Hoi.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4E-lEpkk6960yIUfcdJ0kIJxSfgvOKmubVF9qj0z24xg5OOC9YXCL_gOBkTnHZQiYDt0RDnRv0hT0Tkf9lOxjeWy1aYunGT9Q2AmTbx6GDjQ3qPkDlb46OulS6Vnz7LDPpdN5HziKqMi/s1600/13+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4E-lEpkk6960yIUfcdJ0kIJxSfgvOKmubVF9qj0z24xg5OOC9YXCL_gOBkTnHZQiYDt0RDnRv0hT0Tkf9lOxjeWy1aYunGT9Q2AmTbx6GDjQ3qPkDlb46OulS6Vnz7LDPpdN5HziKqMi/s400/13+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613492199061218" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh and Dung (Joong) outside Dung and Khanh’s home after 6am Sunday Mass. People really dress up for church. It is much cooler when Mass is early. Temperatures have been in the high 80s. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP5a69-vfs5N678R-K1g8bTA2QoMX7D519SY88wv0zeNIO0r9FV8LgMM0KwoBxjs8VXHa-DBoPUm3x9SE1NWFJ_v1qL4jI0Tn6Ycw-4lhXPRhLENU5Gos6R4Qw5c2z0vrakRVtzzG8LrX/s1600/14+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCP5a69-vfs5N678R-K1g8bTA2QoMX7D519SY88wv0zeNIO0r9FV8LgMM0KwoBxjs8VXHa-DBoPUm3x9SE1NWFJ_v1qL4jI0Tn6Ycw-4lhXPRhLENU5Gos6R4Qw5c2z0vrakRVtzzG8LrX/s400/14+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613482335030258" border="0" /></a>We stopped by the Dominican sisters who live by the parish church, they offered us a small breakfast including a small glass of wine before 8am! I just LOVE this country!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSPEkrxYrfNpbyH5jMvWuZfbFWUF69hyphenhyphenORh8VzRj-yhlCFVUCoOxfUBtbqaEZDEIW4TaP-253yF6PWjLu_Ix_Z1hTW_sOxWGd6SC50uhAyAepzPxhTBTFfELVcx58SQUn4r1K8LnZCUUB/s1600/15+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSPEkrxYrfNpbyH5jMvWuZfbFWUF69hyphenhyphenORh8VzRj-yhlCFVUCoOxfUBtbqaEZDEIW4TaP-253yF6PWjLu_Ix_Z1hTW_sOxWGd6SC50uhAyAepzPxhTBTFfELVcx58SQUn4r1K8LnZCUUB/s400/15+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570613479090061298" border="0" /></a>The sisters showed us some of their property, including banana trees. This variety is smaller, but more flavorful than what I am used to. They are almost ready to harvest.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYi6S-BJsjjk1AUOnXekOvqu_FEH3HZhX5mjFZxKHirp3D6-Tp94U3PyGQxda1ZkvW9UP5wvVAFhrfKHa6ra7nrQxh-qDv6aniVte0p_QRIKSAsXfzS5dW8Wlx51XM7AE8NK0kmB16vZS/s1600/16+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYi6S-BJsjjk1AUOnXekOvqu_FEH3HZhX5mjFZxKHirp3D6-Tp94U3PyGQxda1ZkvW9UP5wvVAFhrfKHa6ra7nrQxh-qDv6aniVte0p_QRIKSAsXfzS5dW8Wlx51XM7AE8NK0kmB16vZS/s400/16+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570612670704268530" border="0" /></a>These bananas are at the early stage, but one can see how they cluster in bunches.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQZ8zPtp2cqPmKgvMB4Xf1ldwKGohIrsggqKHFqlopkgxiG5YZhMmziFxaQy3ph4gyO6R4uMaq0coMVT_dyDwwCato0tpWqL4u1HT1x0rtiz0NBd-u3aM-d5uKddo5p9dWVq1tjsktiJ5/s1600/17+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQZ8zPtp2cqPmKgvMB4Xf1ldwKGohIrsggqKHFqlopkgxiG5YZhMmziFxaQy3ph4gyO6R4uMaq0coMVT_dyDwwCato0tpWqL4u1HT1x0rtiz0NBd-u3aM-d5uKddo5p9dWVq1tjsktiJ5/s400/17+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570612664887589234" border="0" /></a>A mango tree. The sisters served us very fresh and sweet mangos for breakfast with incredible flavor.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8NJv6T7rt-eaiZHx-ijmqbjYQa6NlJBS_sT-ogdaxu1m2vJA0l1wKKqxL67oEEW7U7uGJEeMcu7uK7NKkHIC4__hvIJzATDLPGAQN0r_vNz9l3sPLSqbNskhlJIdP8UnxOhV3_iZ1x3T/s1600/18+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8NJv6T7rt-eaiZHx-ijmqbjYQa6NlJBS_sT-ogdaxu1m2vJA0l1wKKqxL67oEEW7U7uGJEeMcu7uK7NKkHIC4__hvIJzATDLPGAQN0r_vNz9l3sPLSqbNskhlJIdP8UnxOhV3_iZ1x3T/s400/18+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570612663700014370" border="0" /></a>One of the two monkeys that were donated to amuse the children at the school that the sisters operate.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVaqJaP7IvgiuenijGDKsS8kkm40E21q_pUigBPHDitsZaiyTlgJRO-anFD8Z4Nn6VrYR5ER6uBgVJptl8zL_f15zWYtc9vNg4ETCnF1CE310FNLh_JPrFKUZjzmtlARM63qCE85AurhZ/s1600/19+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVaqJaP7IvgiuenijGDKsS8kkm40E21q_pUigBPHDitsZaiyTlgJRO-anFD8Z4Nn6VrYR5ER6uBgVJptl8zL_f15zWYtc9vNg4ETCnF1CE310FNLh_JPrFKUZjzmtlARM63qCE85AurhZ/s400/19+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570612657781508226" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh and I with a group of novices from the community.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxN9UgvjUmW-EbDchUwxwklYE5YU18dHD44ErQ2eRSY1aF7j_As1pzWSyHk8PmwEkMQT-832NMtG7xsfy16ycgcE6e7ndJUI0e7LbCtwjuivGuDLwdnt1iH_6c5rKNgZvgf-PiaIbXIfB/s1600/20+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxN9UgvjUmW-EbDchUwxwklYE5YU18dHD44ErQ2eRSY1aF7j_As1pzWSyHk8PmwEkMQT-832NMtG7xsfy16ycgcE6e7ndJUI0e7LbCtwjuivGuDLwdnt1iH_6c5rKNgZvgf-PiaIbXIfB/s400/20+VungTau+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570612652403467810" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh on the back of Suong’s motorcycle. In the United States most people have cars and some have motorcycles. It is the exact opposite here. Also in the USA, it would be less common for a woman to drive a motorcycle, but here they are just as prevalent as men, but the women ride with much better posture.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-6902509575753625292011-02-05T10:02:00.000-08:002011-02-05T10:22:21.364-08:00Bảo Lộc February 3, 2011Foreigners are not allowed to drive in Vietnam, therefore, the transportation for this 3-day sojourn has been by hired car. The driver of the minivan, Hung, works for a small business that Quang knows and has been an excellent tour guide.<br /><br />On our way south from Da Lat to Saigon we went through the city of Bảo Lộc. Fr. Binh remembered that the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Da Lat have there motherhouse in that town. So I thought it might be worth a detour, since we both know that community from their sisters who live in Oregon. While I was the pastor of All Saints they rented the old convent and would invite me to dinner and special events. Sometimes they would just show up at my door at suppertime with a cooked meal for me.<br /><br />It took some searching, but we finally found the motherhouse and met the superior general of their order. Most of the sisters were away for Tết (its like showing up unannounced on Christmas Day). But some of the sisters were there and were delighted to show us some of their charities. Though we showed up with no advance notice, we ended up spending about 2 or 3 hours with them in a very meaningful and emotional visit. (I thought: “When else am I going to be just passing through Bảo Lộc?”)<br /><br />First we were invited in for hospitality of traditional New Year’s candies and something to drink. We took the car to various locations. We visited their school for the blind. Then their home for unwed mothers and orphan children.<br /><br />They have a unique way of finding the young mothers who need their help. Lay people who support the sisters’ ministry, go to abortion clinics incognito. They will sit in the waiting room and strike up a conversation with the pregnant women: “When did you find out you were pregnant?” “Did you think about other options?” Then, in a non-judgmental way they will tell the pregnant women that the sisters will house and feed them through their entire pregnancy and delivery, AND raise their child. Very often, then, the pregnant mother will go with this person to the sisters’ charity to learn more about it. This scenario was repeated in the other orphanages we visited.<br /><br />For those expectant mothers who go through with an abortion, the sisters ask the doctors if they could be given the aborted fetuses to give them a proper burial. Amazingly, the doctors comply. In two years the sisters have buried 2000 babies on land that was donated by a local coffee farmer. The sisters had asked if they could buy the land, but when the seller heard what it was for, he gave it to them. We prayed at that little cemetery. It was very emotional for me. Especially after holding a 3-month-old baby at the orphanage just minutes earlier.<br /><br />Another story. At the orphanage we met a little girl, Thao, who looked about 12, whose mother was convinced to bring Thao to full-term in the orphanage. Thao, was born there, is being raised by the sisters, helps the sisters care for the babies, and she, herself wants to be a sister now. To think that her life was almost taken by abortion, but her mother chose another option and now the lives of these other babies are loving touched by Thao as she cares for them. This young girl who already knows that her life is a gift and is sharing that gift with others.<br /><br />Then we visited the home for the elderly sisters. Fr. Binh met one of a former Superior General whom he had met some years ago when she was in Oregon to visit her sisters. Then we met a few sisters who were bed-ridden. Marty Quandt was especially moved by meeting a sister who had been bed-ridden for 10 years and is now in the late stages of Alzheimer.<br /><br />One traveler in our company is Huong Nguyen, a Vietnamese woman from Portland who works with the Southeast Asian Relief Association (SARA). She has never visited their charities in Vietnam and was going to be in Vietnam at this time anyway for a family wedding. So Kim Dung, the founder of SARA, invited Huong to come to the North to visit the charities after the wedding, which was January 15. In fact, we met some of Huong’s extended family (the parents of the bride) when we stopped by their house on the outskirts of Saigon. So between the wedding and the trip north Huong will travel with Fr. Binh and I and whoever else joins our retinue. She, also, has never been to Cambodia and will join us on the group tour we signed up for. Before that, we will go to Vũng Tàu to meet more of her family, about an hour out of Saigon by hydroplane south at the mouth of the Saigon River.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzH9E919Lqr5GoNYpjpPAfe4E0QpHoMh9u0dhyphenhyphenA4af0IUBcndA0mJDYCtUPH3Oe_2OmP_9kDlNeTmxQv6v-tXS7yG_njm7F89rweCQ1vR6zd3sgjoKyL6MZj_qq9IEX_N13pZ9KfMGu00/s1600/01+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzH9E919Lqr5GoNYpjpPAfe4E0QpHoMh9u0dhyphenhyphenA4af0IUBcndA0mJDYCtUPH3Oe_2OmP_9kDlNeTmxQv6v-tXS7yG_njm7F89rweCQ1vR6zd3sgjoKyL6MZj_qq9IEX_N13pZ9KfMGu00/s400/01+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570270439114162578" border="0" /></a>The Mother General of the Vietnamese Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Da Lat and one of the other sisters showed us hospitality.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M1ydAXdtC4DATYPKajOowBCigM9_Biv17oZcWTxTaD3iXSknRi8JeeU7IepOmtmAaykVE4t8oeir2QsyJXdJcOgbS8jcAb3_Apg1z-RgUmL2iQZHT05kfyF664cSX0IDAo4_ikGLe50E/s1600/02+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M1ydAXdtC4DATYPKajOowBCigM9_Biv17oZcWTxTaD3iXSknRi8JeeU7IepOmtmAaykVE4t8oeir2QsyJXdJcOgbS8jcAb3_Apg1z-RgUmL2iQZHT05kfyF664cSX0IDAo4_ikGLe50E/s400/02+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570270433810250818" border="0" /></a>Touring the school for the hearing impaired.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht601zk1ln7kbY62zkj8FWeaR57ndImRn74FYgPkTuT2ihWnqsvyttV0Nmz3g0G84Rtk-dKY9bfpeUUUWZgquehG0SVJfLXm-7E_jUdr-OSYdvMKiTANjS5VrWh45aWGaEJAZ0AmiIu83L/s1600/03+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht601zk1ln7kbY62zkj8FWeaR57ndImRn74FYgPkTuT2ihWnqsvyttV0Nmz3g0G84Rtk-dKY9bfpeUUUWZgquehG0SVJfLXm-7E_jUdr-OSYdvMKiTANjS5VrWh45aWGaEJAZ0AmiIu83L/s400/03+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570270427281917490" border="0" /></a>One of the classes they teach to the hearing impaired students is sewing. The basics can be taught on any sewing machine. But this machine is quite old. It looked older than the one my mom used when I was a boy. But this American made product was still working!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE1I7hV_lB2Bvtd1JIgng9yVI5Fd4NxBKCqKxu3a4Xu359V816dAPNSCQFoR4GlTbuGkeH65fbYv_psf_yLF7FVwYhEqRWt-WKU9IxtQxsKjn76wz3U6rO88jz99sZBYTmxtdIIwj9woc/s1600/04+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpE1I7hV_lB2Bvtd1JIgng9yVI5Fd4NxBKCqKxu3a4Xu359V816dAPNSCQFoR4GlTbuGkeH65fbYv_psf_yLF7FVwYhEqRWt-WKU9IxtQxsKjn76wz3U6rO88jz99sZBYTmxtdIIwj9woc/s400/04+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570270422468965090" border="0" /></a>A poster with pictures of tropical fruits and their names in English and Vietnamese. Now, this is something I can use! I have grown especially fond of jackfruit. When a flavor for chewing gum is called “tropical fruit”, this is the flavor they try to imitate.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMoAo8sOK1q6ioEOG6kPbihk0lYRKtha-0wndova2mEo_cQYOiWb-DG2X1M05DbLQuixGRY7NYoiIY3hYDlU_oFLB6WUlWYgtonGP-weMXcj2-T2MOF4I4MisiO5ddscDnNM3D4I4DHsc/s1600/05+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMoAo8sOK1q6ioEOG6kPbihk0lYRKtha-0wndova2mEo_cQYOiWb-DG2X1M05DbLQuixGRY7NYoiIY3hYDlU_oFLB6WUlWYgtonGP-weMXcj2-T2MOF4I4MisiO5ddscDnNM3D4I4DHsc/s400/05+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570270417350480050" border="0" /></a>The expectant, unwed mothers help care for the babies in the orphanage where they may choose to have their children reared. The woman sitting center-right is Huong Nguyen, who works for SARA and is with us on this trip. She was already in Vietnam for a niece’s January wedding. The girl sitting center-left was born in this orphanage, helps care for the babies, and wants to be a sister some day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglODQ6AAPXlFM0ujITKBTp4Tyqt8KYbvgGLEO6lMd7GV3xoghq7mBbFWdQnAGkOFA2HKGeiqd-RrMhcSCqUkIcYyKj-tkfQAOvgXRCv5dPBOdNZeqBk69ByvqxzI6zFCMb72F-mR9GyTX0/s1600/06+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglODQ6AAPXlFM0ujITKBTp4Tyqt8KYbvgGLEO6lMd7GV3xoghq7mBbFWdQnAGkOFA2HKGeiqd-RrMhcSCqUkIcYyKj-tkfQAOvgXRCv5dPBOdNZeqBk69ByvqxzI6zFCMb72F-mR9GyTX0/s400/06+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570269491580034322" border="0" /></a>Few things are more delightful than holding a baby. This is a three-month-old who has a home, the precious gift of life, and is loved at this orphanage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZK6qvoyRN0fwZH_zBiesy8XqSe6N2Ri8eU4CbUUX0TcdCLQUvzKGZWTrjTsOwdURFzJ2FAJH2do7yUwTVSKcrVMbKyf40_eFuDcILMk6dkGzE1YH6UcJ3njE5z7dXEJ1jmu4drmIr6TRd/s1600/07+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZK6qvoyRN0fwZH_zBiesy8XqSe6N2Ri8eU4CbUUX0TcdCLQUvzKGZWTrjTsOwdURFzJ2FAJH2do7yUwTVSKcrVMbKyf40_eFuDcILMk6dkGzE1YH6UcJ3njE5z7dXEJ1jmu4drmIr6TRd/s400/07+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570269490902059138" border="0" /></a>The sisters have friends who discreetly go to abortion clinics to talk expectant mothers into staying in the sister’s care during their pregnancy and keeping their children, or letting the sisters raise their baby. But for those babies who are aborted, the sisters ask the clinic doctors to let them bury the tiny infants on donated land. This cemetery holds 2000 aborted children from the last two years. Our driver is placing incense sticks around, a Vietnamese custom for honoring the dead.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS4fSgRV5mGYNnPMNkEipY-JaXnZ5BgWsFzY6NyecdCjJ9ZYR6F7RfFHHL5mac9kJnnSbjht-KCinPeYp7StZzyYkFbyqPtdEzn4pIq4vH8Fc7O9bBXMp-a0AlnU_OpMQNAnFak_4rKXL/s1600/08+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS4fSgRV5mGYNnPMNkEipY-JaXnZ5BgWsFzY6NyecdCjJ9ZYR6F7RfFHHL5mac9kJnnSbjht-KCinPeYp7StZzyYkFbyqPtdEzn4pIq4vH8Fc7O9bBXMp-a0AlnU_OpMQNAnFak_4rKXL/s400/08+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570269490686175154" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh greets one former Superior General of the Order who he had met when she visited Portland one time.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMruicX9Hnnza-H6hYnX1aUofvPbN1-aJ-cm-DMQAK2y-eoQdxPiijH0xYhYq8uk7n7S9fO0whQfb8aCO8DiGMQx6r50At6yJuS1EEX5pmDopcOhG7L66XRkKK5ugSl4kMfsURKN9zU6V/s1600/09+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMruicX9Hnnza-H6hYnX1aUofvPbN1-aJ-cm-DMQAK2y-eoQdxPiijH0xYhYq8uk7n7S9fO0whQfb8aCO8DiGMQx6r50At6yJuS1EEX5pmDopcOhG7L66XRkKK5ugSl4kMfsURKN9zU6V/s400/09+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570269479114988290" border="0" /></a>Marty Quandt finds a new friend in one of the elderly sisters who could not stop smiling around him.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fisg5lftmaRU2PQ8cVPz2a4OvMsiXg1msFeKLQYDg3DrZzhMXUrd7t0y36_qmj_aeEGdOrKDsIhlVf8C-vUY8ZNCu4UrewxhdADbDNSbYTnFOD-K1by3PnFZkTcLM7NlavjA8V8T83Ai/s1600/10+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fisg5lftmaRU2PQ8cVPz2a4OvMsiXg1msFeKLQYDg3DrZzhMXUrd7t0y36_qmj_aeEGdOrKDsIhlVf8C-vUY8ZNCu4UrewxhdADbDNSbYTnFOD-K1by3PnFZkTcLM7NlavjA8V8T83Ai/s400/10+Sisters+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570269476147686178" border="0" /></a>Life-sized stations of the Cross are outside the church here at the motherhouse in Bảo Lộc, as we have seen in numerous locations.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-17731536614654271192011-02-02T18:38:00.000-08:002011-02-06T09:02:57.976-08:00Chúc Mừng Năm Mới - Happy New Year February 3, 2011We rang in the Lunar New Year in Da Lat, Vietnam, the “Capital” of the mountain region. We left Mui Ne after a breakfast that featured many Western offerings like scrambled eggs, crepes, and bacon (thanks to a high tourist clientele at the resort). I miss those flavors, so it was nice for a change.<br /><br />Our plan was to go right to Da Lat for the festivities. On the way there we climbed through a mountainous jungle region along a twisty, narrow road that called for our driver to constantly honk the horn to warn anyone around the corner that we were coming. After reaching a summit we descended a little into a small town called Di Linh. Fr. Binh thought he knew someone who lived here, and then suddenly remembered that the family of Sr. Thu, of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thu Thiem, whom we had visited January 27th in Saigon, lived here. Furthermore, he remembered that she would be staying with her family for Tết. So he called her and she invited us to stop by for a snack that turned into a little lunch. After all, it was about 1pm and we hadn’t eaten. We met her family and then she told us of the Vincentian Sisters who operate a home for those with Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease). So we went there after lunch to see their facility and to offer a gift for the New Year.<br /><br />As it turns out, January 31, according to the Vatican, was the <a href="http://www.zenit.org/rssenglish-31617">58th World Leprosy Day</a>, created to heighten our awareness of a disease that still exists, mostly in developing nations in Africa and Asia. It is primarily due to lack of basic health care and limited access to antibiotics that cause for this treatable disease to continue to cause suffering.<br /><br />Sr. Thu also explained that many of the people who live in that area are not Vietnamese, but are referred to as Mountain People of a different language and heritage. She said the Mountain People were there long before the Vietnamese, similar to our Native Americans.<br /><br />After our good-byes we made our way to Da Lat and our hotel which looked east over the lake in the center of town over which fireworks would be displayed and the sun would rise ushering in a New Year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylExTeA-JR8RhGAlAff_RUgJhxFDi0VGaRFXZgznmf6v0oZwdlwvHhV95LShtmGVn_AIOmkRuuWOaNAfzLtXaeL79CBeIgAFFbnhJ1gSvheeXH_E4BAqKWUu3vESaoG6aFKIe3_Nzdw55/s1600/01+RicePaddies+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylExTeA-JR8RhGAlAff_RUgJhxFDi0VGaRFXZgznmf6v0oZwdlwvHhV95LShtmGVn_AIOmkRuuWOaNAfzLtXaeL79CBeIgAFFbnhJ1gSvheeXH_E4BAqKWUu3vESaoG6aFKIe3_Nzdw55/s400/01+RicePaddies+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288803716613138" border="0" /></a>A rice paddy along the road.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEigg-vGc8CpZMb0i418TkKzlcqJ62YJZbB7wolE7AxmzLVdcdpGvCwLsRZSBjNxj0LKoS7URpnvOYpKEKJ83sIYpr1lAi_v86OZhWgYwsVEEDkL2ePBp7bOLaKgQCVYtOgSYWDYVZzWQ6/s1600/02+RicePaddies+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEigg-vGc8CpZMb0i418TkKzlcqJ62YJZbB7wolE7AxmzLVdcdpGvCwLsRZSBjNxj0LKoS7URpnvOYpKEKJ83sIYpr1lAi_v86OZhWgYwsVEEDkL2ePBp7bOLaKgQCVYtOgSYWDYVZzWQ6/s400/02+RicePaddies+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288798636384130" border="0" /></a>Close-up of the grains of rice on the stalk.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qAD5g9ZnBFc_o3TlV0l0ABJbfj-WcHxGwVS-ebJK8PHftLiHzu6ciT1ZrJXc5knSdZY8769v_gWErksocjUkFGEEQDeU28KBD3Lt3ovBt4Un58SAk9DcCVx7YkaNjYIVA4tYwDBgO6tz/s1600/03+RicePaddies+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qAD5g9ZnBFc_o3TlV0l0ABJbfj-WcHxGwVS-ebJK8PHftLiHzu6ciT1ZrJXc5knSdZY8769v_gWErksocjUkFGEEQDeU28KBD3Lt3ovBt4Un58SAk9DcCVx7YkaNjYIVA4tYwDBgO6tz/s400/03+RicePaddies+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288795128211874" border="0" /></a>Driving into Di Linh we could see the valley is filled with rice paddies which are almost ready for harvest.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y4_rMok-PVRXAxIceiT-QU81wiakH5jNvjU-2p9MsBXR-WYTuxKnhDdaz2YYh2EKUBShkMifTnh78lbj0N7jWv-Do8LUaSxqx2KqBpovUW04x8U2srXbHqCvRnOMdZ-NWpCV5Q03Vbrw/s1600/04+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5y4_rMok-PVRXAxIceiT-QU81wiakH5jNvjU-2p9MsBXR-WYTuxKnhDdaz2YYh2EKUBShkMifTnh78lbj0N7jWv-Do8LUaSxqx2KqBpovUW04x8U2srXbHqCvRnOMdZ-NWpCV5Q03Vbrw/s400/04+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288791312569666" border="0" /></a>Sr. Thu on the far right introduced us to her mother and sister.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtQJAX8rf5NjdAHOyurNkAdE0f6POBarRRxrFby44T-CmWNlJT3IE6ztpGPbDAkCzpuy0UWehiV5Q5hYEK8l0KFlhViez82pV7KocUtH9yXhB4zzDVGw5lJgNAbR6ZL2w9IMkPf0ZSTZK/s1600/05+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtQJAX8rf5NjdAHOyurNkAdE0f6POBarRRxrFby44T-CmWNlJT3IE6ztpGPbDAkCzpuy0UWehiV5Q5hYEK8l0KFlhViez82pV7KocUtH9yXhB4zzDVGw5lJgNAbR6ZL2w9IMkPf0ZSTZK/s400/05+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288388707311778" border="0" /></a>Residents at the leprosy facility run by the Vincentian Sisters.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONNCyR8S1BzTVO6o7lMsZUdkgxJNapiEkpPsjPq8hu-t78nwe4Xo_NPa7LxpwwHd6x8rxfPyT6roxR3CNwbI9WlXScDGUERcjD0qiDEfp0oNMApZGpzMC3UMndPPovaxOsUYHHd4bP9OU/s1600/06+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONNCyR8S1BzTVO6o7lMsZUdkgxJNapiEkpPsjPq8hu-t78nwe4Xo_NPa7LxpwwHd6x8rxfPyT6roxR3CNwbI9WlXScDGUERcjD0qiDEfp0oNMApZGpzMC3UMndPPovaxOsUYHHd4bP9OU/s400/06+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288385444236402" border="0" /></a>Me with one of the residents and one of the Vincentian sisters, who was giving us a tour.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMxQDA54N3phrYgXWZ7h2fVvFJg-QpI93aTN-h9wh8L_JcJMBL2jcwY7sBjCQQD82IFbKuh4eV78_iw95raFp7KoR8IPYfkTI6k3Qm7ONTUtgK7FlCMxptBobmQNCH8AtvZb6ijB7j3yu/s1600/07+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMxQDA54N3phrYgXWZ7h2fVvFJg-QpI93aTN-h9wh8L_JcJMBL2jcwY7sBjCQQD82IFbKuh4eV78_iw95raFp7KoR8IPYfkTI6k3Qm7ONTUtgK7FlCMxptBobmQNCH8AtvZb6ijB7j3yu/s400/07+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288379724475458" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh with one of the residents. Those who are served by this facility are “Mountain People”, indigenous to the region. They have a different language and culture than Vietnamese and have been here longer, too.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGiKNrABEWiX3tHi8LHPNyE55qTPsq8fgKyizngt6sV8-6f_ajmXnIwM8KjqEshTAUm8NDuz7p2D7JSVFWmgBZo83Po2uPbX0jw0x1dOrQp6_ZIGO_XDaqeY5S76kbkAShnxh-0fhgm7p/s1600/08+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGiKNrABEWiX3tHi8LHPNyE55qTPsq8fgKyizngt6sV8-6f_ajmXnIwM8KjqEshTAUm8NDuz7p2D7JSVFWmgBZo83Po2uPbX0jw0x1dOrQp6_ZIGO_XDaqeY5S76kbkAShnxh-0fhgm7p/s400/08+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288377038526770" border="0" /></a>The Cafeteria at the Leprosy facility in Di Linh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_vWNUkifkzjLEl2vRmhACDkE2SeY9Pvolcmwt_EGtFL5xJb5-VsZZg4H4tKOZgskOznlDWfdw-jnf3NdKr0WTIrmsx1J7KApHtCe7xal_kySZpskcPuxaso8R8f9cON0YgfbyC3IG-_h/s1600/09+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_vWNUkifkzjLEl2vRmhACDkE2SeY9Pvolcmwt_EGtFL5xJb5-VsZZg4H4tKOZgskOznlDWfdw-jnf3NdKr0WTIrmsx1J7KApHtCe7xal_kySZpskcPuxaso8R8f9cON0YgfbyC3IG-_h/s400/09+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569288377886313250" border="0" /></a>Sr. Thu’s shy niece who is with her aunt constantly whenever she comes home for a visit.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDyriIPPneqvprGowLZFkus_MvFEmsJAjSY8M8SPkl4EbdxEiAtK3X2VjQNueoRUme4lyyneXwc6N9s0u8wUCudqtANECMtQjg_oe7f5FpjNo6_NPXN7Jpij8SvOnYEAeXGbOX480Dt2Q/s1600/10+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDyriIPPneqvprGowLZFkus_MvFEmsJAjSY8M8SPkl4EbdxEiAtK3X2VjQNueoRUme4lyyneXwc6N9s0u8wUCudqtANECMtQjg_oe7f5FpjNo6_NPXN7Jpij8SvOnYEAeXGbOX480Dt2Q/s400/10+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569287834236013874" border="0" /></a>The grave of Bishop Jean Cassaine from France, founder of the leper colony and a former Bishop of Saigon. He died in 1973.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQye0MqVpf594KxPZlsT6XAw9_9UfLpQfeBUE2HSg92O5rgjBfCpAFYunwun7-7m2J8t9PS-skyPc1EyuVr0O6s_HdcAyhz6fPDf7_Z1y6oeO-4yTCrBXrm_LvWYRXi-IiVZeYUBUVmUep/s1600/11+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQye0MqVpf594KxPZlsT6XAw9_9UfLpQfeBUE2HSg92O5rgjBfCpAFYunwun7-7m2J8t9PS-skyPc1EyuVr0O6s_HdcAyhz6fPDf7_Z1y6oeO-4yTCrBXrm_LvWYRXi-IiVZeYUBUVmUep/s400/11+DinhAn+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569287831441284690" border="0" /></a>Marty Quandt made a new friend in Di Linh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNMGcAFTP9dFGOwiiAa91-hWBqfNn-FmKW7aN2nst96BKDX3iiY5Ibvq0uk_k17a3QLmbpKMa9_5szi91iUe9mSak5ug6_Ctpoceljma0BnE_1yzf7t2g-bb2Mg33FUg_EyOc7Ad-FEKu/s1600/12+DaLat+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNMGcAFTP9dFGOwiiAa91-hWBqfNn-FmKW7aN2nst96BKDX3iiY5Ibvq0uk_k17a3QLmbpKMa9_5szi91iUe9mSak5ug6_Ctpoceljma0BnE_1yzf7t2g-bb2Mg33FUg_EyOc7Ad-FEKu/s400/12+DaLat+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569287825992332290" border="0" /></a>Da Lat by night. A radio tower and the Cathedral.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUH6X-Lh_mqwQsMka5ljWQWlZ0BqVqo2GeoPBMY0kQFwyUW_P_444W58FMKaX0FRfQK1lz4x0tCZwzgAheyWve9IUt3Plbu6UMg3-W-OfO42IaoMiBH96rb2SuRxz5vrnfcoYQRZVspBv/s1600/13+DaLat+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUH6X-Lh_mqwQsMka5ljWQWlZ0BqVqo2GeoPBMY0kQFwyUW_P_444W58FMKaX0FRfQK1lz4x0tCZwzgAheyWve9IUt3Plbu6UMg3-W-OfO42IaoMiBH96rb2SuRxz5vrnfcoYQRZVspBv/s400/13+DaLat+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569287821773420514" border="0" /></a>Fireworks at midnight to ring in the New Year over Da Lat.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzNCwfbVCxGKsY_kQZJrjQQhCU4H8v5G_o7hx3T8PORgx_JorMPBw2Srg5CL9Pn1vKw0AWaBbqvvk5spQpUAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehwfJhLG9FtLj7gkKLXfCdQppf3HkU1HKhq7Fhyphenhyphen2hyphenhyphenVwR_I9v5Xh37eCcitWaM9PI7nCkXz0gbhLMJKuvUrno0sQOao7-R6mFbYBwDqEd551dKWkSe_jGv4eVuiFL_pZdjwsBg-TMuVc9/s1600/15+DaLat+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjehwfJhLG9FtLj7gkKLXfCdQppf3HkU1HKhq7Fhyphenhyphen2hyphenhyphenVwR_I9v5Xh37eCcitWaM9PI7nCkXz0gbhLMJKuvUrno0sQOao7-R6mFbYBwDqEd551dKWkSe_jGv4eVuiFL_pZdjwsBg-TMuVc9/s400/15+DaLat+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569287820402914050" border="0" /></a>The Sun rises on the New Year in Da Lat at 6:30am.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-48287040760469261722011-02-02T11:58:00.000-08:002011-02-02T12:04:25.879-08:00Sunrise in Mui Ne February 2, 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7la2wGisRiP1N-MJNVS4LMRwSrgPwUhWBaoN7jz6wXRaUy6bFXN0grnWrcsoWc4qvbd5C-RcjEDCMHSbbuPuU1_sLtv6-KX8rvdWoC_7nnN1yUq2GWFmNImJPpqRRce1m8aErCa_HJnL/s1600/01+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7la2wGisRiP1N-MJNVS4LMRwSrgPwUhWBaoN7jz6wXRaUy6bFXN0grnWrcsoWc4qvbd5C-RcjEDCMHSbbuPuU1_sLtv6-KX8rvdWoC_7nnN1yUq2GWFmNImJPpqRRce1m8aErCa_HJnL/s400/01+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569185325864381970" border="0" /></a>Good morning Vietnam!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO99PkEg0qHbmpqWKlmdKCVag2rHhiBALd3C4WlL2iG8ruzgJIn5eqN4xF6fMX0vHFG8kkmkX3xHbrj8F-b02OQHpelfBlAZpZ2z85oeHvYK5n42XXHW2rBZcBrihUyHG2uW3e4aHlMlH/s1600/02+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO99PkEg0qHbmpqWKlmdKCVag2rHhiBALd3C4WlL2iG8ruzgJIn5eqN4xF6fMX0vHFG8kkmkX3xHbrj8F-b02OQHpelfBlAZpZ2z85oeHvYK5n42XXHW2rBZcBrihUyHG2uW3e4aHlMlH/s400/02+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569184878844988898" border="0" /></a>Fishermen on the South China Sea.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdTwE8pURb9E1ade6055Qx_hKwFSaS09pfoWOdpNVooz7aqf5Vfj-Po9JUQeDCEoUyDGGVZvRHEeVMJHHOlrKFQUvzJP32_Uwqo8bE_xZvWDruVYFidTRmjJVwqzb9ORC-lrf_WDF3HQj/s1600/03+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdTwE8pURb9E1ade6055Qx_hKwFSaS09pfoWOdpNVooz7aqf5Vfj-Po9JUQeDCEoUyDGGVZvRHEeVMJHHOlrKFQUvzJP32_Uwqo8bE_xZvWDruVYFidTRmjJVwqzb9ORC-lrf_WDF3HQj/s400/03+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569184873380881538" border="0" /></a>You know the resort is fancy when the staff sweeps the debris off the beach every morning.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlFKXR9jkbeCPguXjXkqDh7oA69jZ9skV9Ajriz_2aAX11vQ0wlAABm00ANzvHDQLF3xYO4EevFWXvwBZWs4Q3Hy7TcIFzyWgJEaDWysqWFFUNx-hqvtPVhh_TukxeQ2lkFrbRcW5cDed/s1600/04+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlFKXR9jkbeCPguXjXkqDh7oA69jZ9skV9Ajriz_2aAX11vQ0wlAABm00ANzvHDQLF3xYO4EevFWXvwBZWs4Q3Hy7TcIFzyWgJEaDWysqWFFUNx-hqvtPVhh_TukxeQ2lkFrbRcW5cDed/s400/04+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569184868277958178" border="0" /></a>This little camouflaged crab, about the size of a dime, nearly escaped my attention.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuuKxEgfSuBPtVukbkX4_xvtxTYg4N7Ir1oMWigXNFn5bMeo6uyijIEOC-S5Baifj9JRdQrh-BBFlnbbKovM8jEPaVSAb6oXSuNT2bQpKbE-8YtQBkUcS1DetbKLotfIHoM0pCM7TISMB/s1600/05+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuuKxEgfSuBPtVukbkX4_xvtxTYg4N7Ir1oMWigXNFn5bMeo6uyijIEOC-S5Baifj9JRdQrh-BBFlnbbKovM8jEPaVSAb6oXSuNT2bQpKbE-8YtQBkUcS1DetbKLotfIHoM0pCM7TISMB/s400/05+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569184859862281938" border="0" /></a>A lovely resort with coconut trees.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUbozdmqfmwaJbXR0ds8jHwwSHkiVg15y8-7uhC9Ok8BmmNHtUsFk_wbzXgmy8lbWsJniPEFIlsZhxDh7-guB2-DiYGDC8yIADP-P7avZVoVv4mGgeifses4BmCTNEsoKJzCeGo2t2jRx/s1600/06+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUbozdmqfmwaJbXR0ds8jHwwSHkiVg15y8-7uhC9Ok8BmmNHtUsFk_wbzXgmy8lbWsJniPEFIlsZhxDh7-guB2-DiYGDC8yIADP-P7avZVoVv4mGgeifses4BmCTNEsoKJzCeGo2t2jRx/s400/06+Resort+%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569184844769947410" border="0" /></a>The pool at 6:30AM before any swimming.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-81995061219264210472011-02-02T09:46:00.000-08:002011-02-02T11:42:22.317-08:00Singing English Songs<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_m76SUgvmNDR_kSDIHwc3EJ5Niq1-bHlFsDKYgilbsxvLugvZvc1Z8mnpH6hUGTsM0dMGmJAaXQ9aMpXtfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-68958576975282436732011-02-01T20:11:00.001-08:002011-02-01T20:29:37.915-08:00Lunch at a Dragon Fruit Farm February 1, 2011Fr. Binh made plans for us to take a few days outside the city, in the countryside, and at the seashore. That led to lunch on a farm near Phan Tiet, staying at a resort in Mui Ne and then Starting the New year in Dalat, all beautiful places with fresh air, as opposed to the smog in Saigon.<br /><br />The best part for me will always be lunch at a dragon fruit farm. Fr. Binh has a friend, Sr. Therese Thuy Phan, who is teaching and studying in Indiana. She grew up on a farm near Phan Tiet, near the coast a few hours by car north of Saigon on Highway 1. She invited us to visit her family there for lunch. We got to meet her mother, who just turned 80, and her brothers, sisters, in-laws and nieces and nephews. What a delightful family! We had a fantastic lunch of traditional Vietnamese food. We took American candy for the children and they sang us songs. Then we learned about cultivating one of the amazing tropical fruits of this region. We were only there for a short time but the memory of that visit will bring me joy for a long time.<br /><br />Then we made our way to Mui Ne and stayed at a lovely resort, reminiscent of Hawaii, I’m told. We had a great seafood dinner by the beach and woke up to the most beautiful sunrise on the Feast of the Presentation, Feb. 2. It was delightful to pray Morning Prayer as the sun was rising over the waters. “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (From the Morning Prayer Canticle of Zechariah – Luke 1:78-79)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiO92rBFma6pN8zk8hAHbWCDhW9MHtMnBGNNT2wFu2Zj6zmpGmdts9yw8CfhCQuGCTVldi8ARDS9BtR21PSBlN2Ryhv_GD6Cv5BVIWvV2gW5mTUc4lPzFJ_ixgtC934tFPhFBWznr86j9/s1600/01+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiO92rBFma6pN8zk8hAHbWCDhW9MHtMnBGNNT2wFu2Zj6zmpGmdts9yw8CfhCQuGCTVldi8ARDS9BtR21PSBlN2Ryhv_GD6Cv5BVIWvV2gW5mTUc4lPzFJ_ixgtC934tFPhFBWznr86j9/s400/01+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568941142158126354" border="0" /></a>Sr. Thuy’s Family Farm.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWKMYPwh1VjgZ4tCSMfZZNZSIiLT_tEOoeedydiU3vwYR75YIJzSusz5aXO4zUAhtCsqwv_TvGNLcvheDMlwCLhBlqXlLusomCVdpUAm31bHh9eb7sI3JlbbeFFNzMQXjdATbnU9KH2bu/s1600/02+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWKMYPwh1VjgZ4tCSMfZZNZSIiLT_tEOoeedydiU3vwYR75YIJzSusz5aXO4zUAhtCsqwv_TvGNLcvheDMlwCLhBlqXlLusomCVdpUAm31bHh9eb7sI3JlbbeFFNzMQXjdATbnU9KH2bu/s400/02+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568941136900110082" border="0" /></a>Sr. Thuy’s Mother with Fr. Binh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp_D-49IJTMV0f_qO8yO43YJXj8Y_g663eqxM9V-yXbXBz3-EpU6XsAYgrLV9xOPlmnv5aGxZnELOLzmVXojbCBVW2T_tnTnCkC4MB7laplqNQEAdM5EzV0nSgB41kl2qZU2jnSjnW0T5/s1600/03+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp_D-49IJTMV0f_qO8yO43YJXj8Y_g663eqxM9V-yXbXBz3-EpU6XsAYgrLV9xOPlmnv5aGxZnELOLzmVXojbCBVW2T_tnTnCkC4MB7laplqNQEAdM5EzV0nSgB41kl2qZU2jnSjnW0T5/s400/03+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568941137734874322" border="0" /></a>Mot, hai, ba YO! (One, two three CHEERS!)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC8-UdMpiEyZhVDStYgoMaLa3hk9Vy4CY8EAjskugQfSoBtEn0M2VtfSZhDOoisJp0gOPDVVMM8yqXvEJI2bSSuHskHn62eD-fqgZx9I27hFEoYMAjwvaNnv74nRDPW5Tx68DuxzOXNqJ/s1600/04+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC8-UdMpiEyZhVDStYgoMaLa3hk9Vy4CY8EAjskugQfSoBtEn0M2VtfSZhDOoisJp0gOPDVVMM8yqXvEJI2bSSuHskHn62eD-fqgZx9I27hFEoYMAjwvaNnv74nRDPW5Tx68DuxzOXNqJ/s400/04+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568941135271304418" border="0" /></a>Members of Sr. Thuy’s family.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybZbYPfX396iTdcpPkCAdxgxyVrMfNOMen8E9wEjKYdYaCmMBTjzXsxte2Pt3iKwOoELQLBRaf_9LdylbdgwzKoSV3efIkEqTEUPefX38rHaND4ScVLprkWAB2B03g0njdZDa05COcx_P/s1600/05+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybZbYPfX396iTdcpPkCAdxgxyVrMfNOMen8E9wEjKYdYaCmMBTjzXsxte2Pt3iKwOoELQLBRaf_9LdylbdgwzKoSV3efIkEqTEUPefX38rHaND4ScVLprkWAB2B03g0njdZDa05COcx_P/s400/05+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568941130508656258" border="0" /></a>The future of Vietnam.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtFJ9utAQD9XP1_BPuxaRzBjIHsABjuvYEHsMGlSfzPxC1oj8nYVEqYe0KRyt19OTkc9TYRxKbRs_UPYH4o-4lhfQOe50LIkijQh2aLZY1H5phlvrsNjP3FnQhgQGcbA7djxKrbUlu3a7/s1600/06+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtFJ9utAQD9XP1_BPuxaRzBjIHsABjuvYEHsMGlSfzPxC1oj8nYVEqYe0KRyt19OTkc9TYRxKbRs_UPYH4o-4lhfQOe50LIkijQh2aLZY1H5phlvrsNjP3FnQhgQGcbA7djxKrbUlu3a7/s400/06+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940792657143986" border="0" /></a>Resting after lunch.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienAz0sXrKWCFOI5N84cToIHI-M2GmxElcY2wcs9dueKhQ1hjECE9KwS2eC0ebfJpkqSidJBMqKBa_54mMXB_jklAmtev2i5VfhMpf9XV_BuoGWyTRVOp7aHHTplEzQFMBcsQf6T-ksRm9/s1600/07+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienAz0sXrKWCFOI5N84cToIHI-M2GmxElcY2wcs9dueKhQ1hjECE9KwS2eC0ebfJpkqSidJBMqKBa_54mMXB_jklAmtev2i5VfhMpf9XV_BuoGWyTRVOp7aHHTplEzQFMBcsQf6T-ksRm9/s400/07+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940794390749986" border="0" /></a>Getting ready to drink coconut juice.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGQTI-xWIel4RqwjuWeDw5uOfkF89rlj33BpHnCZxq0zkpZMDCI0kAGn9DqjXK4tZ0ib1nTJC0Y9w1QT3_IXmHbCxRJeJIedcEErN2BAN369EK3Huydhu0iCd-S-QAQg_ndplSBKJzOzh/s1600/08+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGQTI-xWIel4RqwjuWeDw5uOfkF89rlj33BpHnCZxq0zkpZMDCI0kAGn9DqjXK4tZ0ib1nTJC0Y9w1QT3_IXmHbCxRJeJIedcEErN2BAN369EK3Huydhu0iCd-S-QAQg_ndplSBKJzOzh/s400/08+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940787572438354" border="0" /></a>I pretended that, after “struggling” to open the bag of candy, that none would come out. The children could not stop laughing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK9kPTo-BGfqrmxCHSY1a3AHlsjCU3aGGlHHgjjaAWu1nvp7N8OaZgSPOkJWzdbxm1UWGEjN6iVN9d6KLSrQQToInCNx0e8Aq6oI32m0Ls9t3AmSVqOpRMsdjTsPFF7MM-l85Tfn3WprC/s1600/09+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK9kPTo-BGfqrmxCHSY1a3AHlsjCU3aGGlHHgjjaAWu1nvp7N8OaZgSPOkJWzdbxm1UWGEjN6iVN9d6KLSrQQToInCNx0e8Aq6oI32m0Ls9t3AmSVqOpRMsdjTsPFF7MM-l85Tfn3WprC/s400/09+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940784211778834" border="0" /></a>Singing songs after lunch.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSPe6FngZq5LLmpKdDDiRvNuxaiNy2XMSRUBEs4hj9aamubpUd3zuyHCEqn1h0mao48efwgktkIfFcW6sKXzZZY9E8pdjfyiAvescTt4Z-JcuiHDp5Hc_QAYKIiNjzV1VIqcK62o0hvBo/s1600/10+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSPe6FngZq5LLmpKdDDiRvNuxaiNy2XMSRUBEs4hj9aamubpUd3zuyHCEqn1h0mao48efwgktkIfFcW6sKXzZZY9E8pdjfyiAvescTt4Z-JcuiHDp5Hc_QAYKIiNjzV1VIqcK62o0hvBo/s400/10+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940780366832834" border="0" /></a>The children were fascinated with Marty’s video camera. He taped them singing and would show them the playback right away. The just loved him.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyecse0NQfkrsRhAGXuEX33NPP7cWjFf2-eAXre46D6oI3fz5GPM8Mx118pYyK1VTs6ZSHSFQ1lHj8TTXZwP7H2BIesUQam-h47nj1k9J8NNF5sUJufh5uBvLxrLTdhw2AWaGmF70HHKN/s1600/11+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyecse0NQfkrsRhAGXuEX33NPP7cWjFf2-eAXre46D6oI3fz5GPM8Mx118pYyK1VTs6ZSHSFQ1lHj8TTXZwP7H2BIesUQam-h47nj1k9J8NNF5sUJufh5uBvLxrLTdhw2AWaGmF70HHKN/s400/11+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940510625233170" border="0" /></a>Learning about the dragon fruit plant.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScu3zr2gZvvp_2H2yNsAxvWys-hf8rimBm2KsPBjHMA-5d7KgULaDXfsU9GK7s0kPAEdL5MY7FlOBcJzJr43USiGWbzPkZrvcwhH0zZNOgU_2A-l4aU-fiPVxAYGIo_O0QCDdKa5vr3IC/s1600/12+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScu3zr2gZvvp_2H2yNsAxvWys-hf8rimBm2KsPBjHMA-5d7KgULaDXfsU9GK7s0kPAEdL5MY7FlOBcJzJr43USiGWbzPkZrvcwhH0zZNOgU_2A-l4aU-fiPVxAYGIo_O0QCDdKa5vr3IC/s400/12+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940504735448002" border="0" /></a>The fruit is produced from a flower and is seen here at the early stage.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaHOwMmadcy0nly3MngrzVYn3jiAOlHaoUC11-3j-gep5eAjEUnIhkRq0W27NcI_HVDl5hO5AcAUvvkeL9IKBywTp0MNl-ZAch7QZLEE2Q_iSqbpdIpHtK0j8o98Nodlpk6At3dL5zTn3/s1600/12a+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaHOwMmadcy0nly3MngrzVYn3jiAOlHaoUC11-3j-gep5eAjEUnIhkRq0W27NcI_HVDl5hO5AcAUvvkeL9IKBywTp0MNl-ZAch7QZLEE2Q_iSqbpdIpHtK0j8o98Nodlpk6At3dL5zTn3/s400/12a+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940505333818498" border="0" /></a>Full grown dragon fruit and cut to eat.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvqxPk2eoCCGz3lx_f6QnLrRZje75lnOow_PnSZDZa0DNzUX-MizQQsu1_8Y9N_Qisj_-zuGR2WDtDJJZAxDMxvEH1kWN0V7Sr3MdsdIeuHpnwTUXb_PMu6vBWoeAF5gpKNVE9Evj9zFv/s1600/13+SrThuyFamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvqxPk2eoCCGz3lx_f6QnLrRZje75lnOow_PnSZDZa0DNzUX-MizQQsu1_8Y9N_Qisj_-zuGR2WDtDJJZAxDMxvEH1kWN0V7Sr3MdsdIeuHpnwTUXb_PMu6vBWoeAF5gpKNVE9Evj9zFv/s400/13+SrThuyFamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940500353049282" border="0" /></a>The dragon fruit orchard.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdJ5tethkQILTZvwCllQFOCPUv723Eb0P7PNT9tJB8swZa4d24BzknKxamHRgVXytX-4GzAdnt2v4xJP4xjSPrhByvAuTqJIMfTU3KmMnZ5VRipdU1Vp8YlCdXpA7P4x8EdhdgHUvcFIZ/s1600/14+SrThuyFamily%2528Large%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdJ5tethkQILTZvwCllQFOCPUv723Eb0P7PNT9tJB8swZa4d24BzknKxamHRgVXytX-4GzAdnt2v4xJP4xjSPrhByvAuTqJIMfTU3KmMnZ5VRipdU1Vp8YlCdXpA7P4x8EdhdgHUvcFIZ/s400/14+SrThuyFamily%2528Large%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568940502619651730" border="0" /></a>A group photo after a delightful visit. Again, notice the family shrine. A holy and happy family.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-27522861985247940632011-02-01T07:29:00.000-08:002011-02-02T07:22:34.917-08:00Sister Goretti January 31, 2011Before breakfast a dear friend of Fr. Binh’s showed up at the Quang house, Sr. Goretti. She is originally from South Vietnam. By “originally” I mean that she and her family already lived in the south before the country was divided in 1954. At that time many in the North moved to the South if they preferred to live in a democracy. Fr. Binh’s family, for instance, moved to DaNang from the North in 1954. It is a very important year in the story of Vietnam. <br /><br />Sr. Goretti joined the Good Shepherd sisters during the war. She happened to be working at a refugee camp in Hong Kong when Fr. Binh, as a 16 year old, came through the camp there. <br /><br />Sr. Goretti has had a remarkable life and ministry. They are an international order and have sisters in Portland. They are best known for there work helping women escape the chains of prostitution. But the sisters are involved in many other works assisting the poor and we visited two locations in Saigon and gave a red envelope (with financial support from our parishes) for each of those works.<br /><br />The first place we visited was a school for children who drop out of, or are kicked out of the public school system. Then we went to visit a home for unwed mothers. Those we met and their babies are from the North, are all Catholic, and were sent away from their families to give birth to their babies, often due to a lack of financial means. These women were happy to meet us and have us hold and bless their babies. They seemed so proud of their children. There are few things more delightful than playing with babies. Fr. Binh and I had a great time there.<br /><br />After lunch at the Quang family home we went to the Airport to pick up Marty Quandt from St. Juan Diego Parish who will be traveling with us for a week in Vietnam. These coming days will be more “vacation” in nature. But I have to say that I am feeling very rested and inspired by the amazing Catholics I am meeting here.<br /><br />We spent the evening on the opening night of Lunar New Year festivities downtown all gearing up for February 3 to usher in the “Year of the Cat”.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l_NoXAPITi3ZJYl4LmRGS9ns2tn2_gqsIXxAG0VN-Dfoly2vJeWQ5ybKQ7tjo0DEiwDclyVrRWzCc0YmSdMWxyQ4L2y9zt65bnLGSdIWzblw18ldNoo1u_5J_cR8laea6e77G4T48Yx9/s1600/01+QuangFamily.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568765171014851410" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l_NoXAPITi3ZJYl4LmRGS9ns2tn2_gqsIXxAG0VN-Dfoly2vJeWQ5ybKQ7tjo0DEiwDclyVrRWzCc0YmSdMWxyQ4L2y9zt65bnLGSdIWzblw18ldNoo1u_5J_cR8laea6e77G4T48Yx9/s400/01+QuangFamily.jpg" border="0" /></a> Meet the Quang Family, who have been my hosts this past week. From left to right: Phong (Fowm) 19, Ngoc (GNowc) 15, Hong (Howm) mother, Quang father, and Phu, 21. The children have done their best to speak English to me and Hong and I have been teaching each other simple expressions in each other’s language and laughing at our poor pronunciations. The shrine above our heads is very common in Catholic homes in Vietnam.</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQDaCQIoGKtULFforyPscFiZpfQoW02T5-NGZQpco0AHxh__Tm3q_aKx1HhB5kLIDipAhzmKKOMo2qVb1JSQfa6B6ocR6PwDz-xfbaWxBrby_gSuN0k_jVwh6XRSWIHaeWXBUflQ9U3rL/s1600/02+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568765169483412226" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQDaCQIoGKtULFforyPscFiZpfQoW02T5-NGZQpco0AHxh__Tm3q_aKx1HhB5kLIDipAhzmKKOMo2qVb1JSQfa6B6ocR6PwDz-xfbaWxBrby_gSuN0k_jVwh6XRSWIHaeWXBUflQ9U3rL/s400/02+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a> Fr. Binh and I at the school run by the Good Shepherd Sisters for children who had to leave the public schools. Behind us is a bulletin board of photos from all the school activities.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSPKhmBwtsXCeiuNtFv-z09k6okXI0SvvYG30xv9db4vNj2FXu6_-l-8pI3qLIpGd4J1Cu9WzsGDnsAMdpX7eso3KM4gT0o2PwHqQO6Tslz7-niK436spsu3zeVqZUBGT-XAZS4gVQtdy/s1600/03+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568764947424047394" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSPKhmBwtsXCeiuNtFv-z09k6okXI0SvvYG30xv9db4vNj2FXu6_-l-8pI3qLIpGd4J1Cu9WzsGDnsAMdpX7eso3KM4gT0o2PwHqQO6Tslz7-niK436spsu3zeVqZUBGT-XAZS4gVQtdy/s400/03+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sr. Goretti showing me one of the Classrooms at the Good Shepherd school.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpZLelq2ayRIF6j8Zhyphenhyphenf0jqOBbyqUZpIHT4dBehgZPRJ1WEa2bZt6T2Ma8iIh40qNTuk3bhZKw-1H2pY7KM1HTg42Iq3avlqXD1mLhfpVUb9skkn2ktHNvNp2kVeqjjjgcKFVqPiXD_S5/s1600/04+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568764946734038738" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpZLelq2ayRIF6j8Zhyphenhyphenf0jqOBbyqUZpIHT4dBehgZPRJ1WEa2bZt6T2Ma8iIh40qNTuk3bhZKw-1H2pY7KM1HTg42Iq3avlqXD1mLhfpVUb9skkn2ktHNvNp2kVeqjjjgcKFVqPiXD_S5/s400/04+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sr. Goretti introduced us to a woman from the North who came to their school to learn the seamstress trade.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-GBq8mpZC-5UgPHJT-7LKbn8uz26a-9c7Kj8wR1tWUD-6osd3Tfug2OiJJshEVkamReSuKWGxFFCExsft7nR4EokexaZCOjwcxBq9FgBYrhwZdAMwQtD-B-vfMVBQBdk7_DCDcDbGe_g/s1600/05+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568764942605692658" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-GBq8mpZC-5UgPHJT-7LKbn8uz26a-9c7Kj8wR1tWUD-6osd3Tfug2OiJJshEVkamReSuKWGxFFCExsft7nR4EokexaZCOjwcxBq9FgBYrhwZdAMwQtD-B-vfMVBQBdk7_DCDcDbGe_g/s400/05+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>Every school needs a computer room.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BNEYy_h6_jcMgoYspZVOKYA9JBza127zozNemOJmTQ2uoJ0uJi_AAYsqHMZ7YblNIYRi3E-pBCOimkq1Dc6gdJrGa96nYOT4XAecQwfJaH9u-UrC_vfMhToJF7G3ypiH2ciMsg1rWk70/s1600/06+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568764932067796978" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BNEYy_h6_jcMgoYspZVOKYA9JBza127zozNemOJmTQ2uoJ0uJi_AAYsqHMZ7YblNIYRi3E-pBCOimkq1Dc6gdJrGa96nYOT4XAecQwfJaH9u-UrC_vfMhToJF7G3ypiH2ciMsg1rWk70/s400/06+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>Fr. John, Sr. Goretti, Sr. Elizabeth, a novice from Myanmar assigned to the school for a practicum, and another sister whose name I cannot recall.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkLsFoHiFblkoDArX_o4ETVRSbpKuQCxMnL7IXdl4XR3lfcSx75-YIQIpHBHz-bwGHu9eB2hswHvaUsM35tL-qxepnRCo73-SwYKlEOKU2RdhIVjBCYCuo0iY43vabJAy8wuju4qhCl9o/s1600/07+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568764927369928386" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkLsFoHiFblkoDArX_o4ETVRSbpKuQCxMnL7IXdl4XR3lfcSx75-YIQIpHBHz-bwGHu9eB2hswHvaUsM35tL-qxepnRCo73-SwYKlEOKU2RdhIVjBCYCuo0iY43vabJAy8wuju4qhCl9o/s400/07+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>Scenes from various markets.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78vFv1vA3fzg0rNa5GmOPHofHwHFN3l1oNqNKonzAsULe3-RgOMwF_2MjJI13XbVQQ9kHJGxRYgqQmD2AB4u6Bm-9aM8ZACtd7LqIhCmYXlbETF1646pw59BqlvRXb9qNY3YRivvBzmi1/s1600/08+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745899836828642" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78vFv1vA3fzg0rNa5GmOPHofHwHFN3l1oNqNKonzAsULe3-RgOMwF_2MjJI13XbVQQ9kHJGxRYgqQmD2AB4u6Bm-9aM8ZACtd7LqIhCmYXlbETF1646pw59BqlvRXb9qNY3YRivvBzmi1/s400/08+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>More markets...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs49JW4QqJc28oi_GQGkunxxHHwheO5Js6Do85gmYAryufisRibOdWKMv0fFdxDB2pIXSyXMR4RzwS1apnPJM5SJNkT1ceh_7cSmSwTcD5BtwnhaV7Z-D2MEy0ggbgBOocC1oqgLfmYbq/s1600/09+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745897067862754" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs49JW4QqJc28oi_GQGkunxxHHwheO5Js6Do85gmYAryufisRibOdWKMv0fFdxDB2pIXSyXMR4RzwS1apnPJM5SJNkT1ceh_7cSmSwTcD5BtwnhaV7Z-D2MEy0ggbgBOocC1oqgLfmYbq/s400/09+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>and more markets! (see below)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAHJN9S-opiJQV9JKagyHm4VzjaFck5_nlnO351umpGEuM3x3A1jaYlrNHrbRF6k0ync4Mod0dq-gTMLkQwz5pkFKxi15Oy2AxRda0r-ctAUrkM0bBkAtFhyOS5LNRD1hVd17qjvgjib_/s1600/10+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745895545865346" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAHJN9S-opiJQV9JKagyHm4VzjaFck5_nlnO351umpGEuM3x3A1jaYlrNHrbRF6k0ync4Mod0dq-gTMLkQwz5pkFKxi15Oy2AxRda0r-ctAUrkM0bBkAtFhyOS5LNRD1hVd17qjvgjib_/s400/10+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcmkicgutcSg34CXp8YYnEKnXDqJf2ORpE5F99mo9Wb42knCxz74NYgGez9xDy25kovD-DeDZspk2ucqaXBL4Jv2NO169iyC5mDukG8Cb9NJjryGgXHVracBXUxSH3UJyKjWsWKv68hhJ/s1600/11+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745889778043394" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcmkicgutcSg34CXp8YYnEKnXDqJf2ORpE5F99mo9Wb42knCxz74NYgGez9xDy25kovD-DeDZspk2ucqaXBL4Jv2NO169iyC5mDukG8Cb9NJjryGgXHVracBXUxSH3UJyKjWsWKv68hhJ/s400/11+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a> Women and their children from the home for unwed mothers standing with Fr. Binh. On the far right is one of the Good Shepherd sisters who works at the home helping the young mothers and their children.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRaMxng-b8M9HMFIHJA96zReDmAf9gUuZdBGnPlhG7ti7059-A3I2nQZoYwnneOOC7xzu58ANJxRrCdhnSS2qh6O1V4chBeIjTqJA4zy7LHOnPKA4Ma6VPC7hoCNWRT6I7QEAHLrPYrYO/s1600/12+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745888701316658" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRaMxng-b8M9HMFIHJA96zReDmAf9gUuZdBGnPlhG7ti7059-A3I2nQZoYwnneOOC7xzu58ANJxRrCdhnSS2qh6O1V4chBeIjTqJA4zy7LHOnPKA4Ma6VPC7hoCNWRT6I7QEAHLrPYrYO/s400/12+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>Offering a blessing for the babies and their mothers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxg1Ru0mth6movzh7YAw7DOwohizmuDiFYcsqp8RjqNJImGRIb19eQ7k3_sORivSomKxFBhE87uk47-qTnRU8zCJbuxftL8F86DxX7qA00oMfPxRHB-mxwKTzuRuCRUEOinDcrJscXxnh/s1600/13+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745236848132370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxg1Ru0mth6movzh7YAw7DOwohizmuDiFYcsqp8RjqNJImGRIb19eQ7k3_sORivSomKxFBhE87uk47-qTnRU8zCJbuxftL8F86DxX7qA00oMfPxRHB-mxwKTzuRuCRUEOinDcrJscXxnh/s400/13+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a>We thoroughly enjoyed meeting these mothers and their beautiful children.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70xD5pvenUQ90nNFifydYO2G11h6FnAdGOlqK-h2ZqiMSRhDvUjezux415E4hKxo277ifsRjHvbk4habmVAhGQchO9fTEuxQ9XcW6MsYij0eG2SlJ9Fu0WY5cvir8ocXbf6FxKSB_69CL/s1600/14+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745232122271938" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70xD5pvenUQ90nNFifydYO2G11h6FnAdGOlqK-h2ZqiMSRhDvUjezux415E4hKxo277ifsRjHvbk4habmVAhGQchO9fTEuxQ9XcW6MsYij0eG2SlJ9Fu0WY5cvir8ocXbf6FxKSB_69CL/s400/14+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLSuhRKbe_Rrka9iTKFWsaK35PoOm0XiAsr6dpV70-GF5IR2MjA1wJZbxeojRJ8qRT4AigSEuc3l4aKieiYt5kkAhlD6lcUz5-7dAWVtrZ-aNgmzas4IGy0Y5NmnDYb9JPv0otFkVstoG/s1600/15+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745225157122882" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLSuhRKbe_Rrka9iTKFWsaK35PoOm0XiAsr6dpV70-GF5IR2MjA1wJZbxeojRJ8qRT4AigSEuc3l4aKieiYt5kkAhlD6lcUz5-7dAWVtrZ-aNgmzas4IGy0Y5NmnDYb9JPv0otFkVstoG/s400/15+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l7C6h5TbyJAYBwb5JzQDGSIAUWbqTT6ffPC-nUHv5CgK7adjZV_aJy81zFmvGHE1vjpqkdvH9NJWbYqf7UToE4qwvWlsJUKROxh6wojVUP8d8WJidIAM2cycapieBrIph1S6ANeIEEDk/s1600/16+GoodShepherd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745217480242562" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l7C6h5TbyJAYBwb5JzQDGSIAUWbqTT6ffPC-nUHv5CgK7adjZV_aJy81zFmvGHE1vjpqkdvH9NJWbYqf7UToE4qwvWlsJUKROxh6wojVUP8d8WJidIAM2cycapieBrIph1S6ANeIEEDk/s400/16+GoodShepherd.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNJSa9FrXPX2-LrixZWgkiMp9OJ3om25CY7mk4nhgC1taFLKWkvFx2E1Cpdtur9lFQ0mYx1moluDgzPyxfvTLr3Je1iVxOBGOXpOuDlIDcefoDVxlgDMIBLIvy49bj57rko1hPgwQH6s8/s1600/17+NewYear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568745217680936850" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNJSa9FrXPX2-LrixZWgkiMp9OJ3om25CY7mk4nhgC1taFLKWkvFx2E1Cpdtur9lFQ0mYx1moluDgzPyxfvTLr3Je1iVxOBGOXpOuDlIDcefoDVxlgDMIBLIvy49bj57rko1hPgwQH6s8/s400/17+NewYear.jpg" border="0" /></a> Marty Quandt of St. Juan Diego Parish arrives in Saigon in time for Lunar New Year festivities.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFSPtz2usUhSoHc1SQtaaFckUCSclC4tkZsvKYhOKUc7CUqQ_WIexd5cdhuzQRdo8cAoj4OqPhyphenhyphensKqGtF1_Oj5LvvgSkmda11P_R1eda4tvPZT3l6Bd-pJQJEwJEZ8K9LQnsB_JT5IWpT/s1600/18+NewYear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568744562416217106" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFSPtz2usUhSoHc1SQtaaFckUCSclC4tkZsvKYhOKUc7CUqQ_WIexd5cdhuzQRdo8cAoj4OqPhyphenhyphensKqGtF1_Oj5LvvgSkmda11P_R1eda4tvPZT3l6Bd-pJQJEwJEZ8K9LQnsB_JT5IWpT/s400/18+NewYear.jpg" border="0" /></a>A new dragon is made out of flowers each year. In Asian mythology a dragon is a source of good to fight evil.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzNTQo6F5Fyq7Rjb7CNc1EzXFzAY0qWqO1YcbaHYFQMi3wd3pMOXYGRJsRasQf3ORZk1yKW1qmlvirO9LO6fWIrP_IPR3ihvS9eJJS1-4Eaf1Xb-dVE9zJmd8RJcYC3xgn-sks_MJ7WNw/s1600/19+NewYear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568744556623646770" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzNTQo6F5Fyq7Rjb7CNc1EzXFzAY0qWqO1YcbaHYFQMi3wd3pMOXYGRJsRasQf3ORZk1yKW1qmlvirO9LO6fWIrP_IPR3ihvS9eJJS1-4Eaf1Xb-dVE9zJmd8RJcYC3xgn-sks_MJ7WNw/s400/19+NewYear.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Lunar New Year is all about flowers! These are from a bonsai tree exhibition.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaMPMH8zlB3akbtCc2VCtsMBQgj-XkV1L_AKVbzZyVJtIXL7_dR8b-9COH_wCShBFfU2bwZIdD4etW6AbFUwGh5BR6EcMUNV3KKR3SCa46Ch-EqtKmtwwf9roizODdwdmFKXWwvWKUja0/s1600/20+NewYear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568744551459507810" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaMPMH8zlB3akbtCc2VCtsMBQgj-XkV1L_AKVbzZyVJtIXL7_dR8b-9COH_wCShBFfU2bwZIdD4etW6AbFUwGh5BR6EcMUNV3KKR3SCa46Ch-EqtKmtwwf9roizODdwdmFKXWwvWKUja0/s400/20+NewYear.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Year of the Cat.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS5oG17b0SOhOhqPrrBQXlLhMVkf5pOuWdcv4NI4puQxZxW1SMmXD4X0HJC6fdS_lPs_Lr_pofK7ommjpMpooHdU1qn-bFYm0VFw6CGVFmV2IbXkI7zI1Z_jzyH204GBJueAs6ORdPzOG/s1600/21+NewYear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568744544998932050" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS5oG17b0SOhOhqPrrBQXlLhMVkf5pOuWdcv4NI4puQxZxW1SMmXD4X0HJC6fdS_lPs_Lr_pofK7ommjpMpooHdU1qn-bFYm0VFw6CGVFmV2IbXkI7zI1Z_jzyH204GBJueAs6ORdPzOG/s400/21+NewYear.jpg" border="0" /></a>Happy New Year in many languages. </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVICGRx6qNrGjvkHPUR2VjjHQ5CRiYY6rrmCBEXcXjs-DBS7a7eAFER0tq2UVDkgrlsyRlv9-VSZ4kAGv60hZsGfhTsJEqLrgofXkDFLsafhk4U19QD1yG1iz11rTZzUu_EuGLDitjhGP/s1600/22+NewYear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568744545662466082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVICGRx6qNrGjvkHPUR2VjjHQ5CRiYY6rrmCBEXcXjs-DBS7a7eAFER0tq2UVDkgrlsyRlv9-VSZ4kAGv60hZsGfhTsJEqLrgofXkDFLsafhk4U19QD1yG1iz11rTZzUu_EuGLDitjhGP/s400/22+NewYear.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Everyone wants to be in downtown Saigon for the festivities which culminate on February 3.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-56998411777608318802011-01-30T07:22:00.000-08:002011-01-30T07:33:35.193-08:00Don BoscoToday is Sunday and we will go to an afternoon Mass. But in the morning I was able to visit two charities. The first one was a school for the blind that is operated under the auspices of the Salesians. I noticed this immediately for there was a large statue of St. John Bosco near the entrance. This was important to me because the priests with whom the St. Juan Diego youth group worked in Tijuana in the Los Embajadores program were also Salesians, founded by <a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1277">St. John Bosco</a>. Don Bosco (as he is affectionately called) was known for his dedication to children, especially the poor. He is an Italian saint (1815-1888) and was known for his service for poor children. There are Salesian programs for children everywhere in the world. I remember seeing a Salesian School in Krakow during my vacation there. Interestingly enough, his feast day is tomorrow, January 31!<br /><br />Phong (Mr. Quang’s second son) took me to the school which has 30 live-in students. The second thing I noticed (after Don Bosco’s statue) was the impressive number of medals from participation of students in the Paralympics (the Olympics for disabled children).<br /><br />One of the teachers, Troung, gave us a tour. He, himself, was a student at this school and is now back to teach the elementary students in various subjects, including English. He was all but fluent in English.<br /><br />Troung had one of the students, Vinh, show me how she could read and say aloud the words from her English vocabulary textbook in Braille. They also showed us their computers with special software that “speaks” the letters as one types (in English or Vietnamese). The computer can read back what one just wrote. There was a music room with many instruments to choose from. In the kitchen and dining areas Troung explained that the children do many of the chores around the house and for meal preparation and clean up. I told him that this was just like my family growing up. That is how we learned responsibility. He laughed when I told him that I didn’t really want to learn responsibility at that age.<br /><br />They also have a room for teaching Japanese massage, complete with life-sized models of the human body to learn pressure points. This can become a trade and livelihood for the graduates.<br /><br />Another nice feature was that there were Braille numbers for each floor on the stairway banisters at each landinịg. They also have elevators for students who are in wheelchairs. I had noticed that there were no elevators in the other charities I had visited thus far.<br /><br />The next place we visited was a home for disabled adults. There was a Franciscan priest who happened to be there who had been ordained only six months! It seemed that he visits that house on a regular basis.<br /><br />In both these locations, most of the students were away for the Tết holiday to visit their families in various parts of southern Vietnam.<br /><br />The high point of the day for me was to concelebrate with Mrs. Quang’s uncle at the parish church. He is elderly and doesn’t speak English. I had thought I was going to sit with the family for Mass, but Mr. Quang motioned to me, just before we left and made it clear that I will have to say something during the Mass: Anh chị em hãy chúc bình an cho nhau. – Let us offer each other the sign of peace. Then I realized that I would be concelebrating. Fr. Binh had told me to bring my own alb on this trip because none of the churches would have an alb long enough for me. So I ran upstairs and grabbed my alb. Then Mr. & Mrs. Quang and their daughter Ngoc kept repeating the line to me until I got it right.<br /><br />When we got to the church we went first to the rectory to greet the pastor and thank him for letting me concelebrate. Then we went to the sacristy and waited. The servers came in who knew a few greetings in English, then a sacristan picked out the longest green chasuble he could find. When the elderly priest entered we greeted each other in Vietnamese and we got vested and lined up for the procession. It was then that I realized that I needed to know how to say “The body of Christ.” for communion. Fortunately, I had a copy of the Mass in Vietnamese in one column and English in the other. Ngoc had helped me find it on the internet and then printed it out for me. I pointed to those words and asked the servers how to pronounce them: Mình Thánh Chúa Kitô. Then many times through the Mass I kept repeating to myself: Mình Thánh Chúa Kitô, Mình Thánh Chúa Kitô…<br /><br />In the end I got through all my parts. But what made the greatest impression upon me was the chanting of the Vietnamese Mass. You see, the language is tonal, so it lends itself very easily to chant and the communal prayers, the Confetior, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, are all chanted. It is a remarkable sound and draws one into the mystery of it all. As we all said at the end of Mass: Tạ ơn Chúa – Thanks be to God!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzbvy_euRur1vwsalvYrloRUKLYWuAo8UYFeWymXSVJP_mYD-kDDP1GSpkksu2KXTgiJxKQhgDctcWCYZ3CMmzbA_kXgUy8e_m8CP5AoeeFBzNeXmrDbVILiJK5YxhYAt6ndDhsq509K7/s1600/01+SalesianSchool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzbvy_euRur1vwsalvYrloRUKLYWuAo8UYFeWymXSVJP_mYD-kDDP1GSpkksu2KXTgiJxKQhgDctcWCYZ3CMmzbA_kXgUy8e_m8CP5AoeeFBzNeXmrDbVILiJK5YxhYAt6ndDhsq509K7/s400/01+SalesianSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568001137375089186" border="0" /></a>Troug gave us a tour of the Salesian School for the Blind. He was a student there himself, went to university and is now back to teach elementary students in all subjects including English.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAj-bE2vRSROLcbkfSb2ybg17BcT8KV6aynQD9RwmDiP-6QXtV4P6GWUsId_zSbjh_l67tpLvyR7FWx7uhs0UkPSpeyMNJu9Y-0EH2wS_9kJYYEeDgmpjyxgsOcYDKwbET03jGjIoR-yR/s1600/02+SalesianSchool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAj-bE2vRSROLcbkfSb2ybg17BcT8KV6aynQD9RwmDiP-6QXtV4P6GWUsId_zSbjh_l67tpLvyR7FWx7uhs0UkPSpeyMNJu9Y-0EH2wS_9kJYYEeDgmpjyxgsOcYDKwbET03jGjIoR-yR/s400/02+SalesianSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568001130337994594" border="0" /></a> Students from this school participated and won events in the Paralympics held in various parts of Asia.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vKtbiT53ZRx8LVAxlDaP8bdY85n0USryAeCHujw5yZ4K4ye0cGMLwKMcloupb5X4ErXQPf17WgvvxGjvMIxhFxFotTXye93Z8MAWTtrpOJbvK6YtJZhWy2YPyaIfQUhbYazuRAff7ITv/s1600/03+SalesianSchool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vKtbiT53ZRx8LVAxlDaP8bdY85n0USryAeCHujw5yZ4K4ye0cGMLwKMcloupb5X4ErXQPf17WgvvxGjvMIxhFxFotTXye93Z8MAWTtrpOJbvK6YtJZhWy2YPyaIfQUhbYazuRAff7ITv/s400/03+SalesianSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568000203086142450" border="0" /></a> My driver, Phoug, is shown an impressive array of Paralympics’ medals.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2srvsuL_masc2uvG7XzTWOh9BzEU5jJz-QWmBWbAZiSKYeNunDnH-zB2kfC5KJBAFIJNZx0wdQ-XXzqhfnyo01qT5_537ZWvOSFUS-EfVDbyR9H07_d6dIWQHcME_kqQdJtQY69N8D0v4/s1600/04+SalesianSchool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2srvsuL_masc2uvG7XzTWOh9BzEU5jJz-QWmBWbAZiSKYeNunDnH-zB2kfC5KJBAFIJNZx0wdQ-XXzqhfnyo01qT5_537ZWvOSFUS-EfVDbyR9H07_d6dIWQHcME_kqQdJtQY69N8D0v4/s400/04+SalesianSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568000206690857986" border="0" /></a>Vinh, one of the students, shows me how she can read in Braille from her English vocabulary book. Her English pronunciation was excellent.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvKOOCVRi2zAB367k6Jo2N-NczGibB7KQi9h-0e31VJL7nzAACKFHL1fNDI76ToRzf08rGSjMR6kNMnPyl97w9_c_MDVT3SD9ErX1XVETDZ3HsLxWSNn-1edqCziXI9Ti-RIoO5dJt65G/s1600/05+SalesianSchool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvKOOCVRi2zAB367k6Jo2N-NczGibB7KQi9h-0e31VJL7nzAACKFHL1fNDI76ToRzf08rGSjMR6kNMnPyl97w9_c_MDVT3SD9ErX1XVETDZ3HsLxWSNn-1edqCziXI9Ti-RIoO5dJt65G/s400/05+SalesianSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568000198156380450" border="0" /></a>The dining hall where the students take their meals.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c98PAZ6m5CBlIMGW-BjW4NeuAM0Azl6ilxHf9ZuYE1g3ydwmd2k2fNZBxFYHz0CUKaMpULPRVi8XLqjYugKrofHpzq8WtAMIeGC1TNU1La5JUEV95d4sApQSB7tWdVrTrl-NjEf6bWiY/s1600/06+SalesianSchool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c98PAZ6m5CBlIMGW-BjW4NeuAM0Azl6ilxHf9ZuYE1g3ydwmd2k2fNZBxFYHz0CUKaMpULPRVi8XLqjYugKrofHpzq8WtAMIeGC1TNU1La5JUEV95d4sApQSB7tWdVrTrl-NjEf6bWiY/s400/06+SalesianSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568000193799837298" border="0" /></a>Troung’s sister (on the left) was on break from the university (Schools are out for a month for the Lunar New Year) and is helping prepare lunch. She spoke a beginner’s English.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHe6E-ZFxHgBiCXYJHco4Q98nND7bwYototOq64HH2dTeEmIb12ys28U9hYwSpgqrA64O-IYuxtTf7loI7XPPMzPzFQa1RE2VOhnI1ERVaMpJz0-TKwWXnFHZTzxjg9Zq4OTdZS4MuF5s/s1600/07+SalesianSchool.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHe6E-ZFxHgBiCXYJHco4Q98nND7bwYototOq64HH2dTeEmIb12ys28U9hYwSpgqrA64O-IYuxtTf7loI7XPPMzPzFQa1RE2VOhnI1ERVaMpJz0-TKwWXnFHZTzxjg9Zq4OTdZS4MuF5s/s400/07+SalesianSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568000187440480322" border="0" /></a>A life-sized skeleton, whose acquaintance I was pleased to make, is used in the massage room to teach pressure points for Japanese Massage. A skill which can lead to jobs for graduates from this school.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-57845226156017651012011-01-29T12:21:00.001-08:002011-01-29T12:50:32.558-08:00The Giver of Gifts January 29, 2011<div align="left">Last evening my hosts, the Quang family, threw an anniversary party celebrating one year since… well, I’m not really sure what they were celebrating because Fr. Binh is away for a few days so I was left to communicate with my hosts whose children only speak little English, but enough to get by. At the party I was told that it was a one year anniversary, but of what I don’t know, it didn’t translate. I do know that all present were part of the area church group of which Mr. Quang is the head. If you took the combined English vocabulary of all who were present for the party one could have filled almost a whole page of a dictionary. But that didn’t stop us from communicating.<br /><br />The evening started quite slowly. As each person showed up we exchanged pleasantries. Those who knew a sentence or two in English – “How long are you here?” – would ask those questions and we would be done. Then, to be polite, no one felt comfortable launching into a conversation in Vietnamese since I, the priest and guest, to whom they wanted to show respect, would be excluded. So there we sat in silence, me feeling bad that I might be the demise of the party. One of Mr. Quang’s sons, Phong, did his best to translate a few things, but it was a lot to ask of him.<br /><br />After about 15 minutes they asked if I would wait while they conducted their meeting. They opened with a prayer, then, from what I could tell, there were a few speeches and applause, then concerns about this or that were expressed, then they closed with a prayer and adjourned for dinner. And what a meal it was with Mrs. Quang’s homemade wine! Once they taught me how to toast in Vietnamese: mot, hai, ba YO! (One, two three CHEERS!), we were underway. I ended up sitting next to a man who used to serve as an interpreter for the American military police up until 1975. He had not spoken much English in 36 years, but it slowly started coming back. It seemed that the more we toasted, the more English everyone remembered. By the end of the evening we were singing songs to each other, and clapping, and having a grand old time. I was invited to numerous houses, depending on Fr. Binh’s and my availability in the coming weeks.<br /><br />Today I walked to a new neighborhood restaurant with Phu and Ngoc (the Quang’s oldest son, and their daughter) for a breakfast of Pho. Pho (Fuh – A soup with choice of meat and broth with flat noodles and a fresh greens garnish) seems to be served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Afterwards I went to a different orphanage and then to visit the Cathedral, Nha Tho Duc Ba (Holy Lady Church).<br /><br />Today Phu was to be my guide. On the way to the orphanage he took a wrong turn.<br />After a while he said: “I think we are going the wrong way on a one-way street.” Honestly, I couldn’t tell, and I wondered what difference it made since we weren’t the only ones. Anyone who has seen the motorcycle traffic in Saigon will agree with my wonderment at the apparent randomness of traffic patterns.<br /><br />Eventually, we arrived safely at the orphanage and before we could get off the motorcycle the children were surrounding us, hugging us, saying “Hello” and taking our hands. There are 58 children under the care of three religious sisters and some helpers. Most arrive as infants because their parents have no fiscal means of caring for them. One baby was just three months old. The older children (pre-teens?) were helping to feed some of the babies.<br /><br />One little boy, about 4, handed me a little stuffed frog key fob. I looked at it approvingly and gave it back, but he pushed my hands away and pointed to me that he clearly wanted me to keep it as his gift. I smiled and said Cam on (Thank you) and he jumped for joy and ran around in circles. He could not contain his delight. This little guy has nothing, he has no parents, he has to share with 57 other kids the attention of three religios sisters (and some helpers that we saw), and he wants to give me something. Yes, I eventually did give the sisters a red envelope (Lucky Money) containing a portion of what our Oregon parishes donated, but this little fella was adamant that he give me, a total stranger, something of his. Amazing.<br /><br />One of the sisters gave us a tour. Their facilities were recently upgraded, some parts as recently as days before our arrival. Their library was stellar (even had “Harry Potter” books!). A sign in that room read in Vietnamese and English: Library of Hope. Great care is being offered and I was happy that we could contribute to that.<br /><br />Again, the children wanted to sing for us. Someone told me that Vietnamese people just LOVE to sing. The two songs the children knew in English were: “If Your Happy and You Know It” (apparently a standard) and “One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians”, a song which has probably drifted from favor in the USA but is still popular at this orphanage.<br /><br />I gave our churches’ gift to the sisters and we said our good byes. I mentioned to Phu as we drove away that it is delightful and fulfilling to be able to deliver these gifts and get a great reception, but the real heroes are the sisters and all the workers at the orphanage who provide hope for these children at great personal sacrifice.<br /><br />The neo-gothic Cathedral of Saigon, dedicated to Our Lady, was built in 1880. A huge statue of Mary, erected in 1959 in front of the church, has her holding a globe and is entitled Regina Pacis, Ora pro nobis (Queen of Peace, pray for us – someone may correct me on my Latin). In 1959 there was a great need for peace for a war was looming that caused untold suffering.<br /><br />I took Phu to lunch at “Pho 24”, a global chain of Vietnamese restaurants, we went by the travel agency to pick up a few items for the Trip that Fr. Binh and I are taking to Cambodia, and we went home.<br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerYkjH1OMbwoRPf4JkJdduUnKwSWHWkkeIj8Sq9ZYzbDrE-pCxEegsrcl-u_AUwGv2eUqMf7CgHiwtTT_mT0lLeyfJKVzwAETMdhG8BS2QWNaC_648WtxbIZTPNyahwGGdbLiI01dAAh9/s1600/01+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706995964708738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerYkjH1OMbwoRPf4JkJdduUnKwSWHWkkeIj8Sq9ZYzbDrE-pCxEegsrcl-u_AUwGv2eUqMf7CgHiwtTT_mT0lLeyfJKVzwAETMdhG8BS2QWNaC_648WtxbIZTPNyahwGGdbLiI01dAAh9/s400/01+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Blessing a three-month-old baby at the orphanage.</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwma4gfBynWYxuhi3k4G6AOhiyFJySRFYQmi_2lPy6QRdX6mwA2waclczom37uqXqjL3m5JHTonTE-Tso7sgv_Q2V2j76-XrOGR2Sj_kZVm4J8cv05Ux8J3B4S2hyisJhp38KyHx_3GRsg/s1600/02+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706989523517234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwma4gfBynWYxuhi3k4G6AOhiyFJySRFYQmi_2lPy6QRdX6mwA2waclczom37uqXqjL3m5JHTonTE-Tso7sgv_Q2V2j76-XrOGR2Sj_kZVm4J8cv05Ux8J3B4S2hyisJhp38KyHx_3GRsg/s400/02+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> A child so beautiful, peaceful and fortunate to be in the care of the sisters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkAKRTalh5HjN2Eu7k1MLl2yGhPXhXQkNlhDRg4jKzQXCbwRx6QMpCuWBBizQCcvTtWwzW0ulS1T9BuJmbfmRJSGWx65hX4zNdImInJnUbRsPN0jHgYFt61jVAWoXCrkUELj4EtJN6yjh/s1600/03+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706714759546226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkAKRTalh5HjN2Eu7k1MLl2yGhPXhXQkNlhDRg4jKzQXCbwRx6QMpCuWBBizQCcvTtWwzW0ulS1T9BuJmbfmRJSGWx65hX4zNdImInJnUbRsPN0jHgYFt61jVAWoXCrkUELj4EtJN6yjh/s400/03+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some of the children who greeted us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqtaCtClXp9GNeegOQSLIR28aH65TnG2fDE1fUrk46QCMM-qeAzuHYhHO0VOKaEk9NYhet7maO47nuFqdhlRZkbSK6wVBStJzczjTDzULmrc_h4aqKB-7JtkE_NMukpLcoOapasw2uV56/s1600/04+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706715434476914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqtaCtClXp9GNeegOQSLIR28aH65TnG2fDE1fUrk46QCMM-qeAzuHYhHO0VOKaEk9NYhet7maO47nuFqdhlRZkbSK6wVBStJzczjTDzULmrc_h4aqKB-7JtkE_NMukpLcoOapasw2uV56/s400/04+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a>This older girl got to practice some of her English with me while she helped to prepare lunch.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENTEpV8-2JZJdJotSOTLzmUpwL9nHLlU9lhEaSAIACrFZBg39Kou7GcDNRvQh0X2OpTXhvqNa-iDLRNHX0h5mAQT1Gp_08EE4BHnumGuDmuOv3t2D8J_IkY9s4b5tfkvsmStmgz1BPyP8/s1600/05+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706708934643586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENTEpV8-2JZJdJotSOTLzmUpwL9nHLlU9lhEaSAIACrFZBg39Kou7GcDNRvQh0X2OpTXhvqNa-iDLRNHX0h5mAQT1Gp_08EE4BHnumGuDmuOv3t2D8J_IkY9s4b5tfkvsmStmgz1BPyP8/s400/05+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> One of the sisters telling Phu about the library.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JFaT5fs5tfkLZ-8FlDPbLgzEOoQCza3lDfyeiuOrAUC_hBnwQ4-FZJsLLJqI0d-mcXIBJr1wIPkxRKvGEDyO6bGE0lR0uo2sPU0TCHc-nss9Jtmdlj47a9uXSjNWT7DatWr2pZhMhZXC/s1600/06+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706702620760850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JFaT5fs5tfkLZ-8FlDPbLgzEOoQCza3lDfyeiuOrAUC_hBnwQ4-FZJsLLJqI0d-mcXIBJr1wIPkxRKvGEDyO6bGE0lR0uo2sPU0TCHc-nss9Jtmdlj47a9uXSjNWT7DatWr2pZhMhZXC/s400/06+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> This picture book is a great tool for teaching the children English and Vietnamese. In my right hand is the stuffed frog key fob that was given to me by one of the children.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKd6dAB-Ne9e5p0wdG_yn2neAnui4UGqojDLSIG2HqaJNqe8_2Dk2WON2MD0DQHVDSAhnfM4SFqM4HnxyAFAuBE_EfrhihiKCyrHE32Ytu7MwL2n6uF-vFs-KaNVloYjr8uxZ4ZDXbrGE/s1600/07+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706701497802962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKd6dAB-Ne9e5p0wdG_yn2neAnui4UGqojDLSIG2HqaJNqe8_2Dk2WON2MD0DQHVDSAhnfM4SFqM4HnxyAFAuBE_EfrhihiKCyrHE32Ytu7MwL2n6uF-vFs-KaNVloYjr8uxZ4ZDXbrGE/s400/07+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Harry Potter is Popular in Vietnam, too!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQKir2UwKPblCKq-mV3z6Bf6B_MAxiHK6-W7rdVRDfb3LHLiuDdLbEH6EycyzE9Zo140AJaGbuvdqFkVa8Gf1iHY5wMKZZ9lfNyA4QCs3QMbsEYbpNzjznnJpfbdy88CVqbKyvjqJiyAg/s1600/08+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706080620901090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQKir2UwKPblCKq-mV3z6Bf6B_MAxiHK6-W7rdVRDfb3LHLiuDdLbEH6EycyzE9Zo140AJaGbuvdqFkVa8Gf1iHY5wMKZZ9lfNyA4QCs3QMbsEYbpNzjznnJpfbdy88CVqbKyvjqJiyAg/s400/08+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some of the older children help feed and care for the babies.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_0Yv6sbhP9y2PLQU5BlnEhl12k_BrD4WRclwCcCHRWm0bPtCc33DOUkg1PY-9EXxc3yx9pU1g2zjxjZf3FCAk7YeGx1uKrGjGVVZsXwxBjB_Lv-soixoeiKX575SPbbmsegQEgnrRrkC/s1600/09+Orphanage2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706070269027746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_0Yv6sbhP9y2PLQU5BlnEhl12k_BrD4WRclwCcCHRWm0bPtCc33DOUkg1PY-9EXxc3yx9pU1g2zjxjZf3FCAk7YeGx1uKrGjGVVZsXwxBjB_Lv-soixoeiKX575SPbbmsegQEgnrRrkC/s400/09+Orphanage2.jpg" border="0" /></a> The children all sang and I gave a contribution to this orphanage. I have learned to remove my sandals when entering a house.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAOMkTX5DDS6tBZgnk3NHvUuhYXE5KA6JJ76gosSVcPEjwtts1aLon8EkjyOxKVWacZz82YT8hhHQFZ6ZIn-Vw0s6YJJ7cDPkiJD6HWRVZ5LiuKPMWmpBqlelKcXzl03jDey8vhY2m4IQ/s1600/10+Motorcycles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706067425002322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAOMkTX5DDS6tBZgnk3NHvUuhYXE5KA6JJ76gosSVcPEjwtts1aLon8EkjyOxKVWacZz82YT8hhHQFZ6ZIn-Vw0s6YJJ7cDPkiJD6HWRVZ5LiuKPMWmpBqlelKcXzl03jDey8vhY2m4IQ/s400/10+Motorcycles.jpg" border="0" /></a> What people will transport on a motorcycle!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL1rUha_r3aPnuMAe07BvB90J8u_k-bmzSD7mWgRLj4cQXfsff1W_1QL4u_XLQYU7YP3NvS6M9Nowqoxk412kWNFRwD-hW8vYrH_R1mzzMXpF4wcgkSWlBH-0MHTA86A0rsoANvgJRrXA/s1600/11+Motorcycles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706063866010002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL1rUha_r3aPnuMAe07BvB90J8u_k-bmzSD7mWgRLj4cQXfsff1W_1QL4u_XLQYU7YP3NvS6M9Nowqoxk412kWNFRwD-hW8vYrH_R1mzzMXpF4wcgkSWlBH-0MHTA86A0rsoANvgJRrXA/s400/11+Motorcycles.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ingenuity of load balance.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeMx56os-T7P8NwjDCHRv5FP6xVrAZj1zPYtN29UcwATcCTczpcS0_GytlnROI_IofY41v6kWNvRlmOHTuHy4-cfQATmjF0jx3yR5YcH50cpZNOqVfzNqAdv1oxTrR2p7uNdWSDl24yCL/s1600/12+DucBaChurch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567706059892152242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeMx56os-T7P8NwjDCHRv5FP6xVrAZj1zPYtN29UcwATcCTczpcS0_GytlnROI_IofY41v6kWNvRlmOHTuHy4-cfQATmjF0jx3yR5YcH50cpZNOqVfzNqAdv1oxTrR2p7uNdWSDl24yCL/s400/12+DucBaChurch.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nha Tho Duc Ba (Holy Lady Church), the Saigon cathedral.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_S-SNBpVdiKz63CXBuW-M60KFnM_kUZzYRTczHiO63KnaZw80xVEwN6CXP-JEFYllow5VHPfEVZtkOSIl' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="center">Saigon Motorcycle traffic</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-45941772337829659042011-01-28T10:19:00.001-08:002011-01-28T10:30:59.076-08:00Orphanage January 27,2011We ate breakfast at another local establishment, this time with Mr. Quang’s second son, Phong (Prounounced: fowm). Mr. Quang and his wife, Hong (howm) have three children. The oldest son’s name is Phu aged 21, his second son is named Phong at 19, and they have a daughter named Ngoc (ngow) who is 15. The children are all learning English in school and they have been very helpful to me with spelling names for this blog, logging on to the internet, and communicating with their parents. Fr. Binh left today to visit a friend for a few days. I was worried about losing my translator, but Phu, Phong and Ngoc have become much more comfortable in using English with me. I think I am the first native English speaker they have met.<br /><br />Because this is the time of Tet, the Lunar New Year, the children have a month off of school. No one goes to work at all next week. The parents have both been home all day everyday for family time. Tonight they are throwing a party for the parishioners in their parish “area group”, of which Mr. Quang is the leader. I am hoping that there are a few English speakers who come.<br /><br />After breakfast this morning Phong, the 19 year old, took me on his motorcycle to an orphanage where some of the resident children have disabilities. Our mandate from Fr. Binh was to give each child some “Lucky Money”, a Lunar New Year tradition. We were to give them each a gift of 20,000 Dong (Pronounced: dowm) which is about $1. There are smaller bills, but the 20,000D bill seems the standard. When we arrived it appeared that no one was expecting us, but Fr. Binh, who could not accompany us on this excursion, had set every thing up. As soon as we walked in the children all came to us with big smiles, took our hands and wanted to visit. I sat on the floor and the kids took very quickly to Phong and me. Some knew a couple English expressions like “What is your name?”. As soon as I answered “Cha John.” (Father John) they would ask me the same question again, and laugh. This went on for a while. One of the boys kept stroking my beard and then would point at a picture of a bearded Jesus on the wall. I pointed to the picture and said the Vietnamese word for God, “Chua” (Choo-ah), and showed him the cross around my neck. He smiled and shouted “Chua!” The smaller children enjoyed pushing the button on my watch which makes the face light up.<br /><br />One of the workers called the sister who runs the orphanage, but had stepped out for the morning. A phone was handed to me and the sister, who spoke a little English, expressed her appreciation that we were there and that she was sorry she missed us. She thanked us for what we were doing for the children.<br /><br />When we eventually started giving out the gifts, one little boy, about 5 yrs old, wanted to make sure that everyone received a gift. He did this by taking me by the hand and leading me from room to room pointing to children who had not yet received a gift. Then a group of the older children started to sing for us. Some of their songs involved clapping. So when they asked me to sing, the first thing that came to mind was: “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands! (clap-clap)”. To my surprise, they knew that song, in English! The only other song they knew in English was “We Wish You a Merry Christmas!” Phong video taped us singing those songs and I will have to find a way to upload it so that it is available on the blog. Like his brother, Phu, did for us on yesterday’s excursion, Phong took almost all the pictures.<br /><br />On the way home Phong thought we should stop for a refreshing drink. It was hot, like a dry summer day in Portland. So I bought us each a couple of coconuts that were being sold as a beverage on the side of the road.<br /><br />I’m told that Vietnam has two seasons, dry and wet. Right now it is hot and dry. I have slight burns on my arms from all the transportation via motorcycle. So now I wear long sleeves. Most of the motorcyclists wear long sleeves. Some women wear these gold-ish gloves that go all the way up their arms to cover their short sleeves. They also wear scarves. This way they have sun protection. Many wear masks over their faces because the smog is so bad. Imagine being in a tightly packed group of small motorcycles at a stop light on a hot day, their engines producing even MORE heat, and exhaust filling the air around you. Not to mention the noise.<br /><br />Phong and I made it home time for lunch. Phu helped me figure out how to upload video to YouTube, but we haven’t been successful yet. Fr. Binh took off for a few days with a friend and the Quang family is stuck with me. But they are great. They heard me sniffling and sneezing and offered me medicine. I already have some that I brought. I took a nap after lunch, which is also a marvelous Vietnamese custom that they share with the French, Italians and, of course, the Mexican siesta. I don’t know why we in the United States haven’t figured that one out, yet.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeSay_dPJTgXT0kZgtDxaMzP7Kkw8ABtiAfX6_oNuwhLxP_y35SnnWnw2vtkfZU29deZnY4eIp5opJ5gsQBR92Mf1MNqbtLWLgefk2GvzvCnSZYQz3ZyA027emuotXDBNcPQada9w7nQF/s1600/01+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeSay_dPJTgXT0kZgtDxaMzP7Kkw8ABtiAfX6_oNuwhLxP_y35SnnWnw2vtkfZU29deZnY4eIp5opJ5gsQBR92Mf1MNqbtLWLgefk2GvzvCnSZYQz3ZyA027emuotXDBNcPQada9w7nQF/s400/01+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567304622607463474" border="0" /></a>The little guy in the green shirt was just fascinated by my calculator watch which would light up when you pushed a button.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxML8EsPS-Bq8dqFCjke9g4Q6AiVcnaBsZ6GnIcNaiJIHIb0H7FObgBkLZYvqg02TrSYynPVOjCycdFkdNFT_aWxl6bh627v2sfR7atus4N3TG8BDd5FJxJy2f2w-Zyyu2sRPVU_1K9lrU/s1600/02+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxML8EsPS-Bq8dqFCjke9g4Q6AiVcnaBsZ6GnIcNaiJIHIb0H7FObgBkLZYvqg02TrSYynPVOjCycdFkdNFT_aWxl6bh627v2sfR7atus4N3TG8BDd5FJxJy2f2w-Zyyu2sRPVU_1K9lrU/s400/02+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567304623352178114" border="0" /></a>Children in this orphanage ranged from infancy to teenagers.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyFhgJz9-MUiclx2znpbYgfA9WiUNNNubjhVG8AM65SMKsEbMt-XdJ5r_9dylQkuyJeRccvEIHNhzJ-W8zUOdKeP3Sw-KKKwJ50n_FTeXY9tVVMUusseSw6Y6JrGhVp9hEAzY0ZwsCIxI/s1600/03+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyFhgJz9-MUiclx2znpbYgfA9WiUNNNubjhVG8AM65SMKsEbMt-XdJ5r_9dylQkuyJeRccvEIHNhzJ-W8zUOdKeP3Sw-KKKwJ50n_FTeXY9tVVMUusseSw6Y6JrGhVp9hEAzY0ZwsCIxI/s400/03+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567304618386286066" border="0" /></a>Some kids just LOVE having their picture taken.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh7HL0cJ0k0zs2Uj8deTuGHUFO8ZgEk6r9UQ8hZiXxWjTtNZ0rdC06yN2DIVTPkvVIZFKNquO8_-ftsGaTBFanTVF8ozVkMJO67NMn5QwRNv0zdJQ6Lk4WssvDm4zstN6M_b0nL1bFVht/s1600/04+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh7HL0cJ0k0zs2Uj8deTuGHUFO8ZgEk6r9UQ8hZiXxWjTtNZ0rdC06yN2DIVTPkvVIZFKNquO8_-ftsGaTBFanTVF8ozVkMJO67NMn5QwRNv0zdJQ6Lk4WssvDm4zstN6M_b0nL1bFVht/s400/04+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567303366545858114" border="0" /></a>Some of the children helping in the kitchen. Food is often prepared on the floor in Vietnam, but the floors are clean and people don’t wear shoes or sandals in the house. Everyone is barefoot at home.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuth4Umi1evkOcAL542_lblOPoMBQaWZPN6kp-bvCPNAi_AHJ0dDvTJHwG6imZ5CUu_Fv482DofnknUeC4vv-Hyv1QogeHUz1X2qlSOZsbtrBMrBFqNIoZwixFvI6YfA7Soc_YgbjZ7FV/s1600/05+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuth4Umi1evkOcAL542_lblOPoMBQaWZPN6kp-bvCPNAi_AHJ0dDvTJHwG6imZ5CUu_Fv482DofnknUeC4vv-Hyv1QogeHUz1X2qlSOZsbtrBMrBFqNIoZwixFvI6YfA7Soc_YgbjZ7FV/s400/05+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567303358439872210" border="0" /></a>What a cute kid!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGIhl7SXL8XSGyUnIQgcHN6dodxP4AYHCSpzsbpJfx4GoLC3HXpXOzYuXjy6dmYfRgESgOu6_6hrUs1rjkC-xJqCwF6HsF4UNeAwwEjZ-0VR0vplLpExtXdGoeSPExf_dKswpt6-MzBzF/s1600/06+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGIhl7SXL8XSGyUnIQgcHN6dodxP4AYHCSpzsbpJfx4GoLC3HXpXOzYuXjy6dmYfRgESgOu6_6hrUs1rjkC-xJqCwF6HsF4UNeAwwEjZ-0VR0vplLpExtXdGoeSPExf_dKswpt6-MzBzF/s400/06+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567303357115996162" border="0" /></a>Children singing for us in the stairwell. Their “thank you” for receiving the “Lucky Money”.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8N4bQJfaU1b5SS1H_I_TrlEGcxFrOC6261KWIzg22IsHFZMyh3ixl17kfQKjrWJ0lUxSoHJQnhrVZWojmByTVjPftwv0t9odpuoCmbXIZXO-NyuocD_9x7m5cA2x92eBjdSzVCcRQULN/s1600/07+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8N4bQJfaU1b5SS1H_I_TrlEGcxFrOC6261KWIzg22IsHFZMyh3ixl17kfQKjrWJ0lUxSoHJQnhrVZWojmByTVjPftwv0t9odpuoCmbXIZXO-NyuocD_9x7m5cA2x92eBjdSzVCcRQULN/s400/07+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567303354523447362" border="0" /></a>This little guy in the green striped shirt is the one who took my hand to lead me from room to room to make sure every child received a gift.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r9M3BRnKQFPQZ4faR44AWuVEQViC-ruJNGNcFgapMIeahj18dGtgV6zf6tjbVMuggqtGgIkdc7LlZfcpiFHEOCBhID9ooFhz5KxieiKRWcoHvYpQ7V4WTrpbjmQ3hgPhQm320IhT-ec0/s1600/08+Orphanage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4r9M3BRnKQFPQZ4faR44AWuVEQViC-ruJNGNcFgapMIeahj18dGtgV6zf6tjbVMuggqtGgIkdc7LlZfcpiFHEOCBhID9ooFhz5KxieiKRWcoHvYpQ7V4WTrpbjmQ3hgPhQm320IhT-ec0/s400/08+Orphanage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567303351972137602" border="0" /></a>Getting ready to sing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “If You’re Happy and You Know It” for the video camera.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4940240904335265905.post-62544053935135319832011-01-27T19:56:00.001-08:002011-01-27T20:16:32.079-08:00School for the BlindWe went out for breakfast this morning to a neighboring restaurant owned by Catholics (in fact most of the businesses we have entered have a large crucifix on display or an image of Mary). Our host, Mr. Quang is a leader of one of the area groups in his parish of 26,000 members (yes, that’s 3 zeros!) So he knows lots of people and patronizes their businesses. Breakfast consisted of rice crepes with ground seasoned meat in them, chopped into 2 inch lengths and piled with vegetables like bean sprouts. Twice I received compliments on how well I do with chopsticks. It helped to have gone to lunch with Fr. Binh a few times at Vietnamese Restaurants to plan this trip.<br /><br />Then we got on the scooters again and made visits all day to the charities Fr. Binh had told me about. We made two stops, first to an orphanage for blind children, and then to the motherhouse of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thu Thiem who have a community in Beaverton.<br /><br />The children at the orphanage were amazing. There are 28 students on site. The religious sisters who run the orphanage had the children demonstrate some of their activities: Braille class, arts and crafts where they create products that are sold to support the orphanage, and, most delightfully they put on an impromptu concert of songs they had composed and recorded (I even got a DVD with some of the songs and videos!). They sang a song about the experience of blindness that leads to hope, and a song about feeling alone and finding God, a song for a happy (Lunar) New Year song, and one song in English. (They could all say, “Pleased to meet you!” with gusto!) Then we gave our greetings and gift, thanks to donations from parishioners of St. Stephen and St. Juan Diego parishes. Fr. Binh asked me to sing a couple songs (Prayer of St. Francis and Ave Maria in chant form). They were very receptive.<br /><br />Next we went to visit the beautiful motherhouse of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thu Thiem. The grounds were beautiful. The community has about 400 sisters and additionally 200 in formation. They serve in parishes in the Archdiocese as Catechists and service to the poor. The Superior General of the order, Sr. Thao greeted us along with Sr. Thu who has just returned from New Jersey having studied theology there. They offered us coconuts that had straws in them for us to drink the milk from. They support them selves by selling the tropical fruit from trees on their property, making incense charcoal, wine, milk cows, and making liturgical vestments. Fr. Binh and I both bought albs and chasubles. These women work hard and, of course, integrate their work lives with prayer. Their beautiful grounds and buildings were centered on their chapel and a “mountain” that replicates the mountains in Vietnam. As one climbs the “mountain” on steps and path, the stations of the cross are displayed in metal plates of bronze relief. Behind the plates are the niches where they place the cremated remains of their deceased sisters. They came up on this plan to preserve land (Sustainablity, although they did not use that word) and to keep their departed community members in the center of their communal life.<br /><br />We gave them three gifts in red envelopes (also called “lucky money” which is commonly given during the Lunar New Year) to help the poor children and the elderly sisters that the community cares for. This was, again, given through the generosity of our parishes.<br /><br />We went home after a 40 minute ride on the back of a scooter, feeling exhausted from the heat and a cold I’m fighting. We went to the 5:30 Mass at the local parish and had dinner with the Quang family after that. I went to bed early and missed a posting that day to the blog. So you may be getting two days worth in one shot.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFwJD5G0KmJgcPnX3v_iPpFec9e9IKjt3TnzoYQMKSHnWkfxMLU7hsPU-Uhj5fpAsXt-fsWRKglTUP0suClegttaigiUKMkniSph39QetXjiXfQtbfdwweCJZG4aRfniN3kep6HKNJ-YR/s1600/01_Breakfast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFwJD5G0KmJgcPnX3v_iPpFec9e9IKjt3TnzoYQMKSHnWkfxMLU7hsPU-Uhj5fpAsXt-fsWRKglTUP0suClegttaigiUKMkniSph39QetXjiXfQtbfdwweCJZG4aRfniN3kep6HKNJ-YR/s400/01_Breakfast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082608988867250" border="0" /></a>This is how they make rice crepes. Pour rice batter on a screen over steaming water till it takes form, using a chopstick place the crepe on table where it can be filled with meat and rolled, and voila!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGROQdTIA8kc_RD-0lxakxKACiawIDiMb4xg2pErxWS1b8gkIilkNEoL_PB3YlPLa4IdtFRnl_y8fMbtT7NTIbMV6JW2hOsCO4_LFw2-dU4neNXzhkhV6CcdXlCkHKutXj3Itm0hyyDNOa/s1600/02_Breakfast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGROQdTIA8kc_RD-0lxakxKACiawIDiMb4xg2pErxWS1b8gkIilkNEoL_PB3YlPLa4IdtFRnl_y8fMbtT7NTIbMV6JW2hOsCO4_LFw2-dU4neNXzhkhV6CcdXlCkHKutXj3Itm0hyyDNOa/s400/02_Breakfast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082608950719042" border="0" /></a>Our host, Mr. Quang and one of his sons took us to breakfast at a corner restaurant where we met the owner.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4YYQoq_OvckNxk5qsAkdaZMAxJDr1Zubbp_YUkrmXe6f7l5mzSGd76nUbwA27Gl1mY7gMNoK4QfFoa-oVQEaX9O9Y8H9cH_oaR5SgwtG5v7ynj5SuxGmj4P_mplABATqjxi5zlpsr-EL/s1600/03_Scooters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4YYQoq_OvckNxk5qsAkdaZMAxJDr1Zubbp_YUkrmXe6f7l5mzSGd76nUbwA27Gl1mY7gMNoK4QfFoa-oVQEaX9O9Y8H9cH_oaR5SgwtG5v7ynj5SuxGmj4P_mplABATqjxi5zlpsr-EL/s400/03_Scooters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082607606138066" border="0" /></a>Normal traffic in the neighborhood where we are staying. Notice the complexity of powerlines.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQPLfTKJBg4515-QGYUrwCKzyX6bEKVHvglAoEkMbMdN2JZWF1bomm-SFK_A0McAmcNCfwhwrKdpDKNAOGZzEJqLbxsU7_zbCbIn0ZbJPJl13Lu4IRevMA07hGWXZzRsf9ZwmX6yqfivb/s1600/04_Scooters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQPLfTKJBg4515-QGYUrwCKzyX6bEKVHvglAoEkMbMdN2JZWF1bomm-SFK_A0McAmcNCfwhwrKdpDKNAOGZzEJqLbxsU7_zbCbIn0ZbJPJl13Lu4IRevMA07hGWXZzRsf9ZwmX6yqfivb/s400/04_Scooters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082368932324914" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh rides on the back of Mr. Quang’s motorcycle. I had my camera strapped tightly to my body as I just pointed, not looking through the viewfinder, and kept clicking knowing that a few shots would turn out okay.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI8SoO6MFuqoF8CfPoJQH0rsv22_gGnE3zsDn7bEpkCNsk-6pm-V8cHAXzqFY-BWwxigDy0FMBRVK9vB-uaM2oi49q-UcWLHs-6NcG4VmWAO_y0oFm7bjdsdBic-NbaLv2p8sZV6Utzz-/s1600/05_Scooters.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI8SoO6MFuqoF8CfPoJQH0rsv22_gGnE3zsDn7bEpkCNsk-6pm-V8cHAXzqFY-BWwxigDy0FMBRVK9vB-uaM2oi49q-UcWLHs-6NcG4VmWAO_y0oFm7bjdsdBic-NbaLv2p8sZV6Utzz-/s400/05_Scooters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082366752292290" border="0" /></a>Motorcycles are also a primary means of transporting goods. Who is that in the rear view mirror?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9Y0OZbSO19t9zbK7bzpFjn7iAK2-ilO959Y9DPbHFlHj4Vpe1n9aWlsK4r_dBNnqMQ4Vm5fJMRY79dAcMctFFGmL6SlVD0ZWxDvjVJayu8qgenJjjfW76WcDialjObanVjkxwrCXtrxf/s1600/06_SchoolforBlind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9Y0OZbSO19t9zbK7bzpFjn7iAK2-ilO959Y9DPbHFlHj4Vpe1n9aWlsK4r_dBNnqMQ4Vm5fJMRY79dAcMctFFGmL6SlVD0ZWxDvjVJayu8qgenJjjfW76WcDialjObanVjkxwrCXtrxf/s400/06_SchoolforBlind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082363776500258" border="0" /></a>At the Orphanage for the Blind one of the students (apparently the “Big Man on Campus”), shows us how quickly he can write in Braille. Very impressive.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0JnSMqzEynSv_zlJHajQ3-t9jecS0k31aSm_vrE_xfDkuqHtip_5odBWdzbbMnFkMiLt-xN-ZnREYYGDPHYtz6CJj8WcSvNo24NJBfFd_ol2RgfNxWr4EGfuQgK1sdlFMGupDqROiNX5/s1600/07_SchoolforBlind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0JnSMqzEynSv_zlJHajQ3-t9jecS0k31aSm_vrE_xfDkuqHtip_5odBWdzbbMnFkMiLt-xN-ZnREYYGDPHYtz6CJj8WcSvNo24NJBfFd_ol2RgfNxWr4EGfuQgK1sdlFMGupDqROiNX5/s400/07_SchoolforBlind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082360104519618" border="0" /></a>One of the students works on paper crafts and creates darling statues of animals that are sold to support the school.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDYxouLx9umbT8ElHiSEeBwFVEBEzWL568mmX2TqaVuTkONQ-kt5MJz2Z_hxwsFeudR9k4oNiN1PCvMax-c5CLSUBOFKE7SvK7OID5i9wJMZRtNONbskwu9uajiK94-UUkwrt48mVlloM/s1600/08_SchoolforBlind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDYxouLx9umbT8ElHiSEeBwFVEBEzWL568mmX2TqaVuTkONQ-kt5MJz2Z_hxwsFeudR9k4oNiN1PCvMax-c5CLSUBOFKE7SvK7OID5i9wJMZRtNONbskwu9uajiK94-UUkwrt48mVlloM/s400/08_SchoolforBlind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567082358001012866" border="0" /></a>Giving the gift of “Lucky Money” in a red envelop. Kathy Yee wisely sent a few along with me so that I could use them to give your contributions to the various charities we will be visiting.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqi03TZCTSlsrDnvKMhS1Wc5NO5WByYLjhO0H7nsAqJOjuF8u5lk4mOsiTp_nbfp0H-CjCz7JJA-L39FSg9YjH_HTk7lS7Sd7EH12NgDxEUOEx6Qlh4SBQDSHuHfEDSA-_Gk-F1TEnnwB/s1600/09_SchoolforBlind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqi03TZCTSlsrDnvKMhS1Wc5NO5WByYLjhO0H7nsAqJOjuF8u5lk4mOsiTp_nbfp0H-CjCz7JJA-L39FSg9YjH_HTk7lS7Sd7EH12NgDxEUOEx6Qlh4SBQDSHuHfEDSA-_Gk-F1TEnnwB/s400/09_SchoolforBlind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081985983963394" border="0" /></a>After the children sang for us and we gave and received gifts, we stood for a group photo.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc_3nB6_Ro4EIF2ixQEukWKvkqk57PmiNcsCIM5-Xyvi_f4UCW02KOAsNMqkaExG9xJOg4lMS7boYxlY1h5PUUbfnc2RYcTz_pvfihPKXp0-cEg9TmsL_xKNKTnQhxJp__jJxs3hZRiy0/s1600/10_SchoolforBlind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc_3nB6_Ro4EIF2ixQEukWKvkqk57PmiNcsCIM5-Xyvi_f4UCW02KOAsNMqkaExG9xJOg4lMS7boYxlY1h5PUUbfnc2RYcTz_pvfihPKXp0-cEg9TmsL_xKNKTnQhxJp__jJxs3hZRiy0/s400/10_SchoolforBlind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081980962899554" border="0" /></a>Saying goodbye to the children.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg-Lrm1sbXz5desFmqiGnta58fK2n6Iiuh42xixmfJ2aeX05M5MNUUykRM_Olgf_CFB44y0qf-RQEs9CAvBHF8TuvFvMaqngiaQRMmMHg_cpq3uAPguSq0VVrj8eqfR6mlGq_EzdtKSyc/s1600/11_SchoolforBlind.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg-Lrm1sbXz5desFmqiGnta58fK2n6Iiuh42xixmfJ2aeX05M5MNUUykRM_Olgf_CFB44y0qf-RQEs9CAvBHF8TuvFvMaqngiaQRMmMHg_cpq3uAPguSq0VVrj8eqfR6mlGq_EzdtKSyc/s400/11_SchoolforBlind.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081979752574930" border="0" /></a>It was delightful for me to watch Fr. Binh as he greeted everyone with his great reverence for those who operate the orphanage as well as the students.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH8T8NwCm85gixUO6wcFYQTVR-R8C-plfTB1zXc9EMOHChFNhKhcISrKfXJ9a6l9L3Y5hIpJEdm7QKReYTTnmY_pOisa1_jGKEMyGVrzIcyqbYADUDOZXH15T7Ch2Ib-bphfmHosHRiHH/s1600/12_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH8T8NwCm85gixUO6wcFYQTVR-R8C-plfTB1zXc9EMOHChFNhKhcISrKfXJ9a6l9L3Y5hIpJEdm7QKReYTTnmY_pOisa1_jGKEMyGVrzIcyqbYADUDOZXH15T7Ch2Ib-bphfmHosHRiHH/s400/12_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081973066576146" border="0" /></a> At the Motherhouse of the Sisters Adorers of the Holy Cross of Thu Thiem we met the General of the Order, Sr. Thao and Sr. Thu who just returned from studying Theology in New Jersey. For hospitality they greeted us with coconuts as seen on the table.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkcbj4IblhzmNwBIqqJWZ3NWow6S-UTGyzHpO03K4tYfldBZmCs1hks7m8Jmblsm_j7UH7_4mdOHuVZFuD7-UVGHDJE5NU4BhKuo5xncyIIqFX7I82ck2BdWSTJ82vhGb1q53EW5ElW_C/s1600/13_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkcbj4IblhzmNwBIqqJWZ3NWow6S-UTGyzHpO03K4tYfldBZmCs1hks7m8Jmblsm_j7UH7_4mdOHuVZFuD7-UVGHDJE5NU4BhKuo5xncyIIqFX7I82ck2BdWSTJ82vhGb1q53EW5ElW_C/s400/13_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081974666169282" border="0" /></a>We are standing in front of the community mausoleum, shaped like a mountain. On the back side there is a path to the top lined with the stations of the cross.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLk2yfBNeOuZHnIeUdJo0mHf9ZkeXoX4gmnd2fFMWxMHOTbVF8CZVuoQmohXbX-zL3ZMdUoL90k2L-N0VV0kjV_NMl8ildRsmUNG0sOJBPj8xyceH9tDmXZeVz6-cmMDCjoBgM6TRe2Jx/s1600/14_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLk2yfBNeOuZHnIeUdJo0mHf9ZkeXoX4gmnd2fFMWxMHOTbVF8CZVuoQmohXbX-zL3ZMdUoL90k2L-N0VV0kjV_NMl8ildRsmUNG0sOJBPj8xyceH9tDmXZeVz6-cmMDCjoBgM6TRe2Jx/s400/14_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081711754467746" border="0" /></a>Pictures and names of the sisters entombed in the mausoleum.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguU4b9gxOPTMEfiKmVQVU-R03cSRSDV6GSchCJwtAeRqfqNjCDBN7wfs0tCEqT56uQG22qrCc1eC33muJrbqL8gATZnN0TcUtxSa24UBFUVXwIjx7sAkMYHLreqnkqTtekdHq7UbOkOEzL/s1600/15_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguU4b9gxOPTMEfiKmVQVU-R03cSRSDV6GSchCJwtAeRqfqNjCDBN7wfs0tCEqT56uQG22qrCc1eC33muJrbqL8gATZnN0TcUtxSa24UBFUVXwIjx7sAkMYHLreqnkqTtekdHq7UbOkOEzL/s400/15_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081709651749090" border="0" /></a>One of the stations of the cross in the mausoleum “mountain”. The plaque can be removed to expose the niches in which the deceased sisters’ cremated remains are entombed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatAT3xGEKjDpyjytfKugG_ZcUzmzwZMps9RgNCaJ4MCBcD6I8L5awe-KGEMXhADhjYL_MHIkVyvznRNaThurk9teHW1vhLB5dWLIVZyQsaF4m02H5YVq-T_vSj5ecfbH0RE1q06hpZzS3/s1600/16_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatAT3xGEKjDpyjytfKugG_ZcUzmzwZMps9RgNCaJ4MCBcD6I8L5awe-KGEMXhADhjYL_MHIkVyvznRNaThurk9teHW1vhLB5dWLIVZyQsaF4m02H5YVq-T_vSj5ecfbH0RE1q06hpZzS3/s400/16_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081705827283538" border="0" /></a>The view from the top of the mausoleum looking toward the church and downtown Saigon where the highest skyscraper in Vietnam looms large.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOsJdt4cvZAXE4iJI0GxXqScKsC3p2fRg6UQT7xhqigpwlpESVSMKqGlDZC-G0eOJTVkK77plaU8_w2obaxYmSSJ2VNIBdXH2eKj7KEbURSHtMLrWg-BOaINp2UDeARtBQIHIH6En3znE/s1600/17_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOsJdt4cvZAXE4iJI0GxXqScKsC3p2fRg6UQT7xhqigpwlpESVSMKqGlDZC-G0eOJTVkK77plaU8_w2obaxYmSSJ2VNIBdXH2eKj7KEbURSHtMLrWg-BOaINp2UDeARtBQIHIH6En3znE/s400/17_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081698094424978" border="0" /></a>This composite statue of the Vietnamese Martyrs was sculpted by Sr. Thau,<br />the General of the Order.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdprTRrVMtczhc7EzxlD5jF5YBcq_uCiTGGOH0xEPwlgF6V-S5ndQ20VW8y7XkteF228W3rr-EPh1QpO8UzUs3zVUsxqNOaNR54X0CR8mKjxswGs5warziFKQrbKVKkKnhjimMPeZtUAc/s1600/18_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdprTRrVMtczhc7EzxlD5jF5YBcq_uCiTGGOH0xEPwlgF6V-S5ndQ20VW8y7XkteF228W3rr-EPh1QpO8UzUs3zVUsxqNOaNR54X0CR8mKjxswGs5warziFKQrbKVKkKnhjimMPeZtUAc/s400/18_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081700436270930" border="0" /></a>We visited the infirmary for the elderly sisters. I heard a loud “Bonjour!” and turned to see this woman who was the previous General of the Order. I put my high school French to use and introduced myself and Fr. Binh. Many elderly Vietnamese speak French which was mandatory in the schools at one time. Now that is the case for English.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6iwsbYjuraJyX91ayptXBpNgLZsIs9w2Ep-GzxnRQgzlBP3WRNNC7vrB0ahCDHwSDvelrSFj9WzEZUyiXzjERv0aj1C4yvwH6wyXBxKWuDN-lazXSc9a2jqYgHYs_-2B3IQjzjhSOiy0/s1600/19_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6iwsbYjuraJyX91ayptXBpNgLZsIs9w2Ep-GzxnRQgzlBP3WRNNC7vrB0ahCDHwSDvelrSFj9WzEZUyiXzjERv0aj1C4yvwH6wyXBxKWuDN-lazXSc9a2jqYgHYs_-2B3IQjzjhSOiy0/s400/19_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081145177698674" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh visits with one of the elderly sisters.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpYt4KN0IO8XprNIae01Ds6lEMwLJrhgfRP1MZHKAUPHKoTAqISud-oKYg-J1a7mW4ruWQPp2h7s1UakXOGjVrOGhowPyS1XSI5ADEN4sOZwdZHiBq0-jQJnGx_R_CnK5w7t7dfO1pXid/s1600/20_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpYt4KN0IO8XprNIae01Ds6lEMwLJrhgfRP1MZHKAUPHKoTAqISud-oKYg-J1a7mW4ruWQPp2h7s1UakXOGjVrOGhowPyS1XSI5ADEN4sOZwdZHiBq0-jQJnGx_R_CnK5w7t7dfO1pXid/s400/20_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081144610607698" border="0" /></a>A view of the community chapel and a statue of Jesus and the Children,<br />also sculpted by Sr. Thau.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gXaqDpTvjOPhakahGJcoscCA5hzGUrqUp6c5xgb_eh5CaZ5KmdfMxWC2c3OPxFy_nPOAZi-W2MqJ23ESRfcT_1t-ylp3_YvcuO4MBNlMk7fUen3E5NLgG68cr45OhNUHLn955F8gYpX6/s1600/21_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gXaqDpTvjOPhakahGJcoscCA5hzGUrqUp6c5xgb_eh5CaZ5KmdfMxWC2c3OPxFy_nPOAZi-W2MqJ23ESRfcT_1t-ylp3_YvcuO4MBNlMk7fUen3E5NLgG68cr45OhNUHLn955F8gYpX6/s400/21_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081143365223106" border="0" /></a>The sisters make charcoal for incense that they sell to churches to support the community.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU_bbXhVxz27YwThszz74LVq_k4XfC9EVWnEF2T_uBAYHgfMYMSacJLzE2hEokGkqcBYmPeSKi8O4EUmDBiBSRE1xzkD3cucmYQg999g4kYfV_swaTJd6xk2ZWKuL6cVXgLNkzwORE4dW/s1600/22_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU_bbXhVxz27YwThszz74LVq_k4XfC9EVWnEF2T_uBAYHgfMYMSacJLzE2hEokGkqcBYmPeSKi8O4EUmDBiBSRE1xzkD3cucmYQg999g4kYfV_swaTJd6xk2ZWKuL6cVXgLNkzwORE4dW/s400/22_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081137238985714" border="0" /></a>Another means of financial support are milk cows. The sister in charge of the cows has had that role for 20 years.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37yXx9zvsxUXm8fxM-Vi3R2VZBaCjvZdxgxs0_oBr_K8feLQnRN3NYP2vPDHwBZuxrEggpQE0Cgvd_cTXR7P90qUfz6TGzZ_lCifRsR0D2ESkLtIxZkgePZU4VKrMagKraHeXjFBbwMpI/s1600/23_Motherhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37yXx9zvsxUXm8fxM-Vi3R2VZBaCjvZdxgxs0_oBr_K8feLQnRN3NYP2vPDHwBZuxrEggpQE0Cgvd_cTXR7P90qUfz6TGzZ_lCifRsR0D2ESkLtIxZkgePZU4VKrMagKraHeXjFBbwMpI/s400/23_Motherhouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567081134947285602" border="0" /></a>Fr. Binh and I do a little shopping. These hand embroidered vestments are made right here by members of the community. Their prices were quite reasonable: $85 for a chasuble, $50 for an alb, both of which are tailor made (we were even measured). But Fr. Binh told me, “But we will give them $100 for each.” Another reminder to me that we can afford many things in the United States which are well beyond the reach of most Vietnamese. Therefore, in justice, we should pay more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0