we saw many interesting activites on the streets on the rode heading to and from Lang Son. This was a village closer to LS town enacting a religious celebration. The adults carrying the large gold temple would be chased by the younger people where ever he went- it looked like a game - the same group of younger people did the chasing.

How is this for wonderful ?? this is the new vegetable garden at our school- i was so excited to see this- I think this is the type of project that can really help the children. in this picture is the school principal and Son- we have a big gong in our back yard - actually on our deck. Just this moment it fell down and made a loud noise. I like to think it's a good sign- a joyful noise- to ring in a new time of health and learning for the children of this school. Son and the principal whose name I cannot remember- but will find and publish. She is so positive. She asked if we could have the chicken families send in money- after they sell the chickens instead of bringing in the chickens. It is hard to plan for the lunches when the children show up this day and that day- instead, chicken prices are up- if a family sells the chicken for top dollar and gives the school a total of 1 million dong then the school can buy pork for the children- plus plan ahead. We agreed with them- to make it easier, to make it work, to feed the children. we are on our way to the school. it is up ahead, see that camera in the mirror- it is still in viet nam and I'm not here are the children you feed. just some of them so cute, sweet, look so bright and today with a better chance than yesterday

here's a happy moment- with the Ambassador from Viet Nam - that's Lacey in her Aoi Da and sneakers! this was about a week before we left for Hanoi.

March 2010.

I realized I don't share feelings here other than my gratitude for your support. It is a privledge to work with this school, the children and you. I am grateful. How to share the moment to moment feelings here has puzzled me. It's overwelming sometimes and so very sad. We have a program where you can sponsor children. One of my tasks was to visit with these families - deliver food, access their needs, and ask the sponsored child to write a letter or draw a picture for their sponsor. One little boy wrote he loves his mother and father. He wishes his father would not drink. His story is when his father drinks he is abusive. His mother is away now working = his grandmother and aunt are watching him, he stays with them- although his (often drunken) father is nearby. He and his siblings were eating leaves of plants because they were hungry. the plants have a laxative effect. We brought money for food, advice t not eat the plant and why- but the saddest moment was watching the 4 yr old yongest son cry - wail, when he learned he couldn't come with us to see his mother- and she wouldn't be back for another week- he has been waiting 2 months- since our last board member visitied- I still hear him crying, and see him in my minds eye- I'm sorry to share such a sad sad sad experience- this little bright, funny sweet 4 year old- crying for his emotional life. Son or Hoa will bring his mother to visit- it was a 5 hour ride one way for us-they will bring her next week- but it was the hardest thing to leave- and I still wonder if I should not have said- come with us- we will figure it out- and some how bring you back too- I don't know-

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010 Here is the new improved lunch at our elementary school in Lang Son- Soup is being served by one of the teachers- but look at what is in each school lunch- supplies by the school- with your help!!! the students were well behaved- maybe even more so because we were there- Son and myself- many many thanks- for the children in this room- this is there main meal of the day.

home again home again jiggidy jig

we are home- sleeping- around the clock- up for 15 to 20 minutes at a time- enough time to check email, farmville, feed the dog, look at the mess of suitcases, laundry, paper plates growing, dishes growing, and go back to sleep!

Did I tell you I left my camera at a home in the mountains of Lang Son??? yes, I did!

I have some pictures- the ones I've already tried to place here- no luck.

I'll keep trying. On Sunday my friend Cathy comes to visit- she's computer smart so I can expect some pictures will be up to share- yea! for smart friends :)

okay this is my 4th time trying to upload a photo with no good luck. hmmph.

we have visited the school a couple of times, have more families to visit and chickens to give out

changed chicken policy, discussed the plaque, location and layout- saw the children eating their special lunches- and photoed it for you- walked through the NEW veggie garden at the school - yes yes yes- it is small - but it is a great beginning- the kids take turns watering it. i feel the administrators of the school get how important the food for thought project is to us- that's good. I feel so happy and positive now- thanks to you too.