...about her experiences while volunteering in Vietnam.

Where to begin? I haven't been good about keeping you updated, as I've been submersed in the moment, and it's hard to step back and take a longer view of what exactly IS happening here, and how I have connected with my experiences.

At the Baby Orphanage children who at first seemed catatonic are beginning to wave and smile, participate and interact. A baby we've entitled "The Little Old Man" because of his demeanor has a habit of eating the crayons. When we first arrived he did nothing and would not look at us. My little friend Trang shares secret, brilliant smiles with me as we play games while I feed her. The Little Old Man--seemingly nodding off next to her--suddenly pops up, casts a glowing look in my direction and dissolves in giggles. Granted sometimes the increased activity is towards mischievous ends (throwing crayons on the floor, throwing fishbones in my hair, putting plastic beads in the food...) but their animation makes me feel good about what we're doing. We have a very basic structure for our mornings. We start by setting up chairs and tables and doing some kind of hands on art. After cleaning things up we will play games and sing songs, followed by either free-style sports, book reading in small groups or just cuddling--depending on the needs of the moment. The children are very responsive to finger games (holding up one finger and saying "Mot" and connecting to their finger, then "Hai" with two fingers, "Ba" with three, "Bon" four and then a resounding "NAM!" with a high-five.) Things are kept simple and colorful. The most important thing is your energy, and your ability and desire to connect with the children.

The children at Home of Affection are beautiful, spunky and quirky. I've fallen in love with them. We are continueing to make lots of flash cards and things to use while we teach, but if incoming volunteers would like to bring things the HA could definitely use some spiced up teaching materials. I've noticed some interest in drumming and hope to start teaching some basic music classes there.

Things are jumping at the Music Center. The kids are right on the whole time and it makes for a smoothly flowing class. It is much easier to try out activities because there is enough organisation to keep it from going into utter chaos. It's not more rewarding than working at the other two places, but it is easier.

I came to Vietnam for the learning and teaching I would do with the children. This has been a phenomenal experience for me, and I will come away with thousands of intangible benefits from having known these free spirits.

Feature Fundraiser: Climb to Everest Base Camp

Our second feature fundraiser is planned for October 2005, when volunteers will have the opportunity to raise money for the Nepali Children's Fund. As a participant of this fundraising trek to The Base Camp of Mount Everest you will have the opportunity to visit ancient temples and palaces in Kathmandu. more >>

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