March 12, 2005 Nha Trang - Enjoying The Small Things

On this afternoon we cast out in our bus to visit two street children's homes.

First one is for adolescent and teen boys. There are about 30 boys living in this very basic facility in the inner core of Nha Trang. It is very meager and worn but they are in off the streets, receiving regular meals and schooling. A couple years back a couple TOP participants sponsored a set of tools for the oldest boy to receive training as a motorcycle mechanic. He came by special to see his TOP friends on this trip out of gratitude for that act.

After arriving we carted in our gifts for the group...rice, noodle dinners, 2 fans, table tennis equipment, 2 soccer balls, school supplies, shirts, etc.

They were lined up against the wall and it was our job to get them to interact so we could dispense to them our real gift...love. We got them to sit in a circle on the floor with us intermixed into the group. Plates of crackers and wafer cookies which we brought helped to break the ice. You could tell that this was a rare treat for them so you politely made your one cookie last so they could enjoy the rest. They love to shake hands and exchange names. Giggles and smiles, a few broken phrases on our part and Vietnamese interpreters to convey the more important parts. It was well worth the stop.

We are like the pied pipers when we arrive at these stops as the bus is a dead give away and our TOP (Tour of Peace) shirts are recognized by them on return trips...it is magical.

The best stop was yet to come. Next was a home for children (many of them orphaned) who have ben rescued off the streets. Ages range from 7 to 19 and they are so well cared for that it really warmed your heart.

Again we carried in the gifts which included shirts, rice, noodle dinners, apple juice, balls, toys, school supplies, hair combs, stuffed animals, candy and their special request a 21" TV to replace theirs which is broken.

We proceeded to arrange and sit on chairs in a circle only to have the lights go off. Power was out to the entire area so they started lighting candles to set around the room and illuminate the group. The candlelight helped to mask their shyness and actually made the interaction better.

The principal of the group spoke in very broken English to tell us of the history of the school and minimal funding they receive for a few of the children. Next a young gal, age 18 stood up and welcomed us on behalf of the students.

Then the children favored us with their favorite song and it was expected that we would reciprocate. Jess said the only song we probably all would know would be "Jingle Bells" and so we all sang jingle bells...we were a HIT.

Again cookies and candies
brought by us were shared. The kids however were very polite and wanted to make sure their visitors were also enjoying the treat.

Soon the lights came back on and the presentation of gifts was accomplished. After the words were spoken, the kids literally "dove" politely into the toys on the table. I searched out a hidden treasure I had brought. It was 2 different types of pretty little simple hair clips and hair pins (about 60 clips total). I took one and put it in the hair of the little 7 year old who had been sitting by me holding my hand. She beamed and proceeded to take a clip and put it in my hair. There were 5 orphan girls there and soon they were all in the act putting hairclips in everyone's hair. With a gleam in her eye, the little 7 year old took a clip and motioned for Jess (our leader) to bend down. She proceeded to put pretty little hairclips in his BEARD. Lots of pictures were taken, clips exchanged, and soon you could not look at someone else without giggling for how silly it was. Such a simple material gift evolved into a magical experience and interaction.

As we left the home, I congratulated the principal for his work with these fine children. He said thank you but commented that he worries they do not truly have what they need to survive. I questioned him and he elaborated that he was concerned they do not get enough LOVE for proper development and asked us to come back soon.

All of Life is An Adventure
You just have to be silly enough to let yourself enjoy it
Linda