charitable dreams

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

TUOI TRE

Updated : Wed, January 25, 2012,11:37 AM (GMT+0700)

Due to an intensifying cold front, from 1-7am today morning (Wednesday), temperatures at the Mau Son tourism zone in the northern mountainous province of Lang Son dropped to minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.

The area is enveloped in snow and winds blowing at force 6.

Ha Van Tien, director of the local weather forecasting agency said that in the past three days, temperatures in Mau Son have continuously dropped by 0.2 to 1 degree Celsius per day.

Snow covers the bushes, walkways, and grass.

74-year-old local man Dang Tang Phuc told Tuoi Tre that such snow is very rare.

The mercury is forecast to drop further, especially at night in the next few days.

For other areas in Lang Son province, the temperatures stay very low, fluctuating from 4-9 degrees Celsius.

Despite the cold, many various activities are being held to celebrate Tet.

2012-01-18T23:54:00.000-05:00

Reality Check

Please take a look at this article. It gives you an idea
of what it takes to attend school in Lang Son

Thank you for taking a look. If you want to help
one way is to click on this link donate to

Lang Son Love Education Projects
http://familiesinvietnam.org/rural-lang-son/what-we-do-in-lang-son/

We can call it a reality check.

Bonnie

The article below contrasts the poor children in LS with children

from wealthy families in Hanoi. FIV's Hanoi school children are

among the poorest in Hanoi. Unfortunately they share more in

common with the poor LS school children than with the wealthier

families in Hanoi.

Schooling in Vietnam: a stark contrast (photos included)

TUOITRENEWS

A+ A-

Updated : Tue, January 3, 2012,5:29 PM (GMT+0700)

This photo shows a mother carrying her children to a preschool in the northern province of Lang Son.

Photo: Vietnamnet

Some children are born rich and some are born poor. This is an undeniable fact of life in countries across the world, and there is little humans can do to alter it.

However, this inequality in social status should never be allowed to morph into an ugly inequality of educational opportunities, since education is, by far, the most effective way to help a poor person escape the poverty imposed on him by the circumstances of his birth.

But as local newswire Vietnamnet has documented in a series of contrasting photographs below, a wide disparity exists in schooling between students in urban areas and disadvantaged regions in Vietnam.

At Ly Thuong Kiet Elementary School in Hanoi: two parents are meticulously attending to their kids.

In a remote area of the nothern province of Lang Son, two students are crossing a river unaided to get to their school, Tinh Bac Elementary School located in Loc Binh District. Hundreds of others like them have to cross the river, be it low or high tide, to go to school every day.

A mother removes the face mask for her daughter, a student at Marie Curie Middle School in Hanoi.

This little first-grader, like many others in the northern province of Quang Ninh, rows her boat to school daily.

Like many of his friends at Marie Curie, this student arrives at school in an expensive family car.

In the northern province of Lang Son, a group of students paddle a half-floating, half-sinking bamboo raft to school. No accompanying adult and, even worse, no lifebuoy!

The father seems not to feel secure about his kid even after taking him to the school gate. The little fellow is studying at Ly Thuong Kiet Elementary School in the capital.

These elementary students have to walk through the forests and climb the mountains for 2 hours each day to go to Lung Ca Elementary School in the northern province of Thai Nguyen.

All she has to do to get to school is step out of this luxury car.

In the meantime, this little girl is hopping from one pointed mountain rock to another to get to Lung Ca.

A grandpa is fixing the school bag for his grandson, a student at Marie Curie.

With books in hand and trousers either pulled up or on shoulders, they all have to wade across two springs to get to Dong Van Middle School in the central province of Nghe An.

To these children, schooling is a risky adventure.

2011-12-31T01:00:00.001-05:00

WEATHER

Saturday, Dec 03, 2011, Posted at: 14:25(GMT+7)

Northern region reeling under cold spell

The northern region of Vietnam is reeling under extreme cold weather conditions with temperatures dropping to 3 degrees Celsius since Thursday, as a result of the cold front.

2011-12-31T00:51:00.000-05:00

Blankets for home, coats, boots and shoes!!!!!!!!

letter to sponsor

2011-12-31T00:33:00.002-05:00

OUR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM:

For those of you who are thinking about sponsoring a child in Lang Son I've included a copy of one of my most recent sponsor letters. There are pictures that go along with this letter that I am not publishing plus I've changed the names of this family. Still this can help give a good idea of you can do if you are inclined. There are children who need to be sponsored in Lang Son. We are working with the school to gather information and visit the students in their homes. Once that's done if you are ready, we'll be ready.

The student you and your husband are helping is 10 years old. He was born in 2002 ( I am still waiting for his month and day). He attends Tan Lien Primary School, currently in the 4th grade. It takes him 1 hour to walk to school because of the terrain and the distance. This means he's walked this way to and from school for 5 years, counting kindergarten. I can hardly imagine how he did this when we was so young.

He lives at home with his mother Ba, age 52 and father, Van age 48 plus their blind grandfather. It is unclear to me if both of his older brothers live with them too. His oldest brother Van is 26 years old, married to Bich who is 21. They have a little girl around 2 or 3 years old. Their blind grandfather helps to watch her during the day when everyone else is working in the fields. They are all farmers. His 2nd brother, Son is 18, no longer in school. I don't know yet how many years his older brothers attended school.

Son and the school reported this family is very poor and hungry throughout the year. The newest poverty levels set by the government agency MOLISA state if a family's income is less than 20usd per person per month they are poor.. They are considered "near poor" if the income per person per month is more than 20usd but less than 25usd. I think that helps paint a clearer picture of the positive effects your decision to sponsor Khue can have for his whole family.

Through your caring and actions Khue will have a nutritious lunch 5 days a week. He'll join nearly 60 other children who stay at the school for lunch due to the long distance they walk and the fact there is not enough food available to them at home. Viet Nam is working hard to limit the percent of children who are malnourished. The rural ethnic minority child, like Khue are the last ones on the list to begin to receive government help. I think over the next few years a lot will change for the better for the children of Lang Son province. Meanwhile, the children are waiting for some one like you, me and others to reach out now.

Son visited this family in October. We were concerned about Khue's welfare since the recent weather changes in Lang Son. For the past 2 years it snowed in Lang Son and stayed so cold. It's so humid there- even in the winter - it snows at 2 degrees F higher than in the states. Can you imagine what a cold one chilling winter it is there?

When you look at the pictures of Khue's home you'll see there is no glass in his windows. They do have shutters- not ones that close well- though much better than none at all! Khue and his family received a blanket too to help with the coming predicted cold winter. This weather change is making life more difficult for families and for animals. Last year over 7,000 livestock froze to death in Linh's province alone.

You provided them with 30 chicks and starter feed! When the chicks grow they will have eggs to eat and the occasional chicken too- plus they can sell some at the market once they get to laying and hatching eggs. To help teach the families better ways to care and raise the chickens we are building a chicken coop for the school. There the students will learn about the care and raising of chickens, how to detect disease, how to prevent or treat it plus have more chickens and eggs to eat. Studies in Viet Nam showed when students where taught how to better care for livestock they passed on the information successfully to their parents. So, Lisa, we are hopeful for their future through your intervention.

Son plans on delivering a bike for Khue to make his way to and from school better.. I'll check on this info in the next week. I mentioned to you that when Son steps in like that I know the life is difficult for the student- even beyond what photos can show.

You also provided food - rice, sauce, oil for cooking. Khue received clothes too. Before Son traveled to see these poor rural families he emailed his friends to collect children's clothes. Son brought them to several students and of course Khue was one of them.

We recently had the school give nice jackets and blankets to the 20 poorest/neediest students. All the children at the school are going to receive new boots or good solid sneakers and socks for the winter. As soon as that happens I will send you the photos too.

I think that catches you up on Khue for now. Les and I will visit him when we go to Viet Nam this Spring. You can send gifts to him through us- I will save room in one of our suitcases if you like. If you want to help him more we can help you to do that. Please know you have already made a world of difference in his life and his families too.

Many many thanks

Bonnie

2011-12-30T23:45:00.001-05:00

The Children are Cold in Lang Son

2011-10-31T12:50:00.002-04:00

I'm worried about the students in Lang Son. We received a beautiful video of the primary school students doing their morning exercises. I watched happy until I noticed how many of them were barefoot. Winter begins in November. Please consider donating to help us purchase more coats, sweaters, scarves and most importantly socks, shoes and boots. A donation of 30usd will provide one child with all of the above. Please give what you can, every bit counts.
http://www.familiesinvietnam.org/love_education_fund.shtml
scroll down to Food for Thought to make a donation now.
Many thanks for your attention and kindness.

The winters are colder in Lang Son. The past 2 years it snowed. It is such a wet cold, in fact it is so wet/cold it snows in Lang Son at 2degrees F warmer there than in the USA.
The follow article reports on the effects of the unusually cold winter in Lang Son.

Updated : 5:15 PM, 02/02/2011

More than 50,000 heads of cattle died of severe cold weather

(VOV) - As of 4pm on February 2, a total of 50,000 heads of cattle have died because of the recent long cold spell in some northern provinces, according to the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Son La province suffered the greatest loss of over 9,300 heads of cattle, followed by Lang Son (7,500) and Cao Bang (6,800).

Apart from the buffalos and cows died of the severe cold weather, horses, pigs, goats and giraffes were also lost.

The Veterinary Department appointed delegations to cities and provinces coordinate local animal health departments to fight against the dangers of hunger and cold for cattle during the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

http://english.vov.vn/Home/More-than-50000-heads-of-cattle-died-of-severe-cold-weather/20112/123622.vov

2011-10-29T00:09:00.001-04:00

1,2,3 there are the old beds at the school for nap time- they were not big enough. then with the help of donors we built new beds and now 3. the children napping.

Nutritional Gifts Given

2011-10-16T20:21:00.000-04:00

After speaking with some friends I saw how our important it is to convey the success we did have with our first round of the Food for Thought Chicken Project. 600 chickens were delivered to families that did not have any. Let me say that again. 600 chickens were delivered to families that did not have any chickens. Maybe I should shout it out- it's such good news- and how often do we get good news???
Chickens were sent back to the lunch program to share with all the poor children we now feed. So many chickens were sent in and at the same time chicken prices went up we all agreed the families could sell chickens at the higher price and send money to the lunch program. Pork and yogurt were purchased with the extra money. This meant that the 55 children we provide lunch for had wonderful nutritious lunches.
Food for Thought Chicken Project began in the fall of 2009. We started giving chickens to a few families in the spring of 2010. We started small to monitor the program and see if it would work. It did and we added families. Most of these families gave food back to the lunch program. Through our Food for Thought Lunch Project and our Chicken Project from 2009 we have served over 18,000 lunches to the children of Lang Son!
We need support for our Chicken Project and for our Food for Thought Lunch Project- there is also a garden project. We are providing cooked lunches and at the same time growing a garden, growing the chicken project one family at a time and looking forward to the sustainability of the these projects! The garden and the chickens can give forward - and the nourished educated students in Lang Son can also give forward for a finer future for all of us.

FYI
The following words are about chickens and the Vietnam people- :I share them so you can appreciate the many many thank yous that are given for your generosity and caring from the students and their families and all of us at the Lelean and Lacey Love Education Fund.
lớn tuyệt vời cảm ơn bạn!!!!
(a great big thank you!!!)

Marketing poultry products

Egg and meat products are used to fill household needs. Some of the products are sold to
markets or neighbours. Poultry is sold live. Poultry products serve as credit for households.
When farmers need cash for medical services, medicine, school fees, and children books,
etc., they sell eggs or chickens. Poultry is slaughtered when guests visit. Frozen chicken
meat is not popular for rural people. It is considered unfresh or less tasty. Other hand,
without the necessary infrastructure and equipment, frozen chicken meat cannot reach the
rural areas

The relationship between poultry and Vietnamese society

Poultry industry has one of the longest histories of the different animal husbandry systems.
It contributes approximately 30 percent of farmers’ total income. It is a very important
resource for farmers’ living conditions and culture.

The cultural associations of poultry products

One beautiful Vietnamese tradition is bringing eggs to neighbours, to the sick, or to pregnant
women as a gift.
If the poultry herd of a farmer dies from disease, their relatives bring him or her some
poultries to replace those lost. Sometimes, children receive poultry as birthday gifts.

According to legend

Four thousand years ago, My Nuong, the daughter of Hung King, was proposed to by both
Mountain King and River King. Hung King ordered a betrothal gift that included nine elephant
tusks, nine cock spurs and nine horses’ manes.

Folk paintings and poetry

Paintings of poultry have been popular for hundreds of years in Viet Nam. The most popular one is of a Ho chicken herd, which includes a hen and an intelligent baby chick setting on her back while looking for food in the garden. In the Tet holiday (the Lunar New Year), people buy this painting to signify a fortunate,
successful and healthy New Year.
Chicken herds symbolize peacefulness in rural areas, as in a famous poem by Hoang Cam.
From:
FAO. 2008. Poultry production systems in Viet Nam. Prepared by Nguyen Van Duc and T. Long.
GCP/RAS/228/GER Working Paper No. 4. Rome

Providing chickens for poor families in Lang Son province touches their lives in practical and emotional ways. This is what you did when you provided hundreds and hundreds of chickens to the families of Lang Son. Your gift touched them in practical and emotional ways. Please help us help them help each other through our give forward shared resources Food for Thought Project. To donate, click the link below:
http://familiesinvietnam.org/love_education_fund.shtml

2011-09-23T01:48:00.000-04:00

2011-05-20T00:24:00.002-04:00

this is inside one of our families homes that received chickens. if you look closely there is a hose so water can come into the home. this family lives close to the school

2011-04-05T06:22:00.002-04:00

the school teachers and administration, Son and all of you have made the food for thought program successful. we delivered 600 chickens. I'l like to deliver another 600 and find a way to add pigs and ducks too. I wrote below about the type of chicken we delivered. it seems it's a chicken used for growing and eating, not the same as the chickens we see running around the country side.

however, people do have chickens and they are all eating better, including our students. I wish we could all go there- once you see the children, the area, meet the school staff it's easy to realize how much $5 or $10 dollars can do and how responsible this school is to see it gets done.

2011-04-05T06:16:00.000-04:00

2011-04-03T18:16:00.005-04:00

Let's call this "A SHOUT out to my PEEPS"

it's that chicken project. we began this paperwork on this project in 4/ 2009. blahblahbla...paperwork!

Our first chicken delivery was in January 2010.

since then TOGETHER we've delivered 600 chickens plus starter feed to 20 families in this village!

pretty good!

high 5's !!

a SHOUT out to our peeps!!

so there's a catch- yes there's always a catch. and always more to learn. damn it. :-)

the chickens in the project-all 600 of the chickens in the project are "industral chickens"

does this mean they wear a suit when they go to work laying eggs?

no - it means they grow quickly- and before they get to laying eggs or something like that- they are food - food for thought.

this explains why there were mostly chickens sent to the school and very little eggs- I wondered about this- but chickens were good enough so I didn't ask. duh.

This time at our big meeting we carefully introduced the notion of chickens, eggs, more chickens, more eggs, and so on............

I keep hearing the song 'the beat goes on...and the beat goes on.....' so we're going to try again with "home town farmer type chickens" the ones I see running around LS and Hanoi even!

will you try with us again?

I hope you say yes.

. http://familiesinvietnam.org/love_education_fund.shtml

2011-04-03T12:26:00.002-04:00

one of our bigger sponsored families that's Son and Lelan passing out clothes and other gifts. they were so appreciative-Lelan said "at our home getting clothes is normal, here it was like we were giving them something beyond normal, something like a gold bar, they were very happy, little kids were jumping up and down"

2011-04-03T12:25:00.001-04:00

some of our sponsored students meeting with the local department of education with us too

2011-04-03T12:22:00.001-04:00

this family received rice, oil, clothes, and other items packed with love from their sponsor

2011-04-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

2011-04-03T12:10:00.002-04:00

Lelan, Les and Son deliver rice, oil, spices, clothes to one of our sponsored students who is in the lunch program.

2011-04-03T12:09:00.000-04:00

2011-04-03T12:02:00.001-04:00

lunch is better than ever thanks to you

2011-04-03T11:48:00.002-04:00

lelan and lacey helping to hand out treats to the children at Tan Liem elementary school.

we wanted everyone to receive something sweet.

2011-04-03T11:46:00.001-04:00

this is lacey playing at the playground at the somerset hanoi towers, this was just last week

it was cold!!!

2011-03-28T09:50:00.002-04:00

we go back to LS to the school on wednesday. we'll give the school the chicken plaque of appreciation. that's not really the name of the plaque but some of the translations here are really comical.

i plan on taking photos and video. lelan has a class project and they have some gifts for one of the 4th grade classes. I'm going to shop tomorrow for more winter clothes. 2 days ago in the car in LS we past a student without shoes or socks. not a student at our school, it was in the middle of nowhere. he was walking with other students some had the blue and white school jackets. we continued on with our trip no extra shoes or socks to give him.

I have an idea. if anyone reading this has the spirit or energy to do this please do. i will help. the kids at our school could all wear uggs. they are comfortable year round. they get wet and they dry out. they are so warm in the winter. would someone contact uggs and ask them to supply our students with shoes?

2011-03-13T19:47:00.006-04:00

After and then Before ...my LD AP post (small sigh).

See the old thin, rickety beds? in the 2nd pix? the old nap room at TL school. the new beds are clean, solid, traditional. the school admin hoped we would help upgrade the nap beds and add more nap space for the kids.

together we've made more changes. I plan to post over the next few days as we head out to Lang Son. thanks for all your support.

2011-03-13T19:22:00.002-04:00

2011-03-13T19:08:00.003-04:00

May 2010 to March 2011

Lang Son- here we come!

Here's our 10 month UPDATE

the plaque, the photos and the camera

2010-05-06T22:28:00.004-04:00

I planned on getting lots of photos- I planned on bringing them home. well the best laid plans.....

Along with our FIV charity work, Son and I had a chance to visit birthfamilies for our private work. We visit birthfamlies - provide info, photos, translated letters, get info, photos, video of the Bf. We check on health, try to get a family health history, see if there are siblings who need help to go to school, or doctors.We do much more for the both families. We go between to the degree that is respectful and wanted by both parties. Every Bf and every Ap has different feelings about this life long relatedness. We do this for our children- and all our children born in Viet Nam who are being raised around the world.

So- while visiting a home- I left my camera!!! boo hoo- we were able to confirm it was there. Made arrangements to meet them a few days later. sob sob... oh well you can guess the rest.

I really thought they would bring it- for one thing- they knew we knew they had it. For another thing- we came bearing gifts.

Most of my photos were in that camera- what I downloaded is basically what you see. Even the photos of my 2 daughters visits with their birth families are missing- new babies in the families and all.

well the chickens- they are another story.!!!!

and the plaque is in motion- more on that too

2010-04-15T07:51:00.000-04:00

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.

2010-04-11T23:54:00.002-04:00

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

2010-04-11T05:50:00.002-04:00

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.

2010-04-10T04:06:00.000-04:00

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-

2010-04-10T03:14:00.000-04:00

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

2010-04-10T02:46:00.002-04:00

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 :)

2010-04-01T10:47:00.002-04:00

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.

we're back

2010-03-26T20:00:00.004-04:00

each time we return to Viet Nam we are more happy and excited to be here. it feels like returning to a home of our hearts, with so much to explore and learn. for me it is also a matter of knowing so much can change in a year- and i am grateful we are all here together, safe and sound.

Son and I met yesterday to set a schedule of trips. We plan on 5 long day trips to LS- leaving at 5am- returning whenever that days work is done- and another long day south to another province.

We are working on our Food for Thought project- thank you to the many donors!!! I enjoy learning about the ins and outs of how this projects goes, it's problems, challenges and so on. I'm eager to share the process with you too. Sometimes a family chosen doesn't have the skill set to maintain the chickens- a combination of many factors- sometimes the chickens are just eaten- you know, if you are hungry and they are there- oh well- it makes sense to me. However to keep the program working and growing we need to include families that can be take care of the chickens as well as families that we hope to teach and who want to learn. The purpose of the program is to send chickens and eggs to the school to improve the nutrition of the children, especially the poorest children who cannot walk back home during lunch.

I have some photos to download and more to share

many thanks to all of you for your support

our own little traveling sister

2010-01-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

yesterday lelan and I were talking about lang son- the chicken project, the needs of the children at the school. I told her- we need to raise more money to help feed the children until our program takes hold- until we have lots of chickens and pigs for many families- she said, "really?" I nodded and added "these kids can't go to their refrigorator like us or you and pick out some yummy snack." I told her, "I expect you to help too" "me?" "Yes, you can too."
Lelan went upstairs to her room. there she opened her piggy bank and began counting. "25 dollars and 25 cents. will that help, mom?"

Yes, it will, lelan- and I didn't know how to put into words how what she did would help her mom, her friends and all of you who donate too.

A link to the helping and traveling sisters blog about Lang son

2010-01-09T23:43:00.003-05:00

Below is the link to their blog- and in their own words they describe our school in Lang Son, the students, staff, and of course, the work being done as a result of your donations!! Plus new photos- enjoy.

http://twotravelingsisters.blogspot.com/2010/01/lang-son.html#links

a glimpse into food for thought

2010-01-05T21:02:00.019-05:00

Here is one of our 'food for thought' chicken project families- here is a happier family- and soon a healthier one- thanks to you. So many of us have been to Vietnam- to Lang Son- We can imagine this family struggling to feed all of the children and keep them in school. They look so young- they are- the oldest is 9, the youngest, 18 months.

We hope the chickens help- and eventually help other like families. The school has a great idea to add a pig to our gifts-

They are careful- wanting this project to work for the long run for each family. We are growing this project together, like a farm or a plant- it can't be rushed- Until it is firmly rooted in the community- and serving the 40 poorest families whose children attend school- we are asked to give monthly towards supplementing the lunch the school serves.

Will you help? Please make a donation.

See that cutie below? Help her have a turn at school.

Her life can be better, her future safer because you care and can help. Every little bit helps. She is counting on us-

To donate please click on the link below. many thanks from many hearts.

http://familiesinvietnam.org/love_education_fund.shtml

chicks and hens

2010-01-04T16:39:00.002-05:00

we are so lucky to have a great school staff and administration to work together on these projects! the school officials step up to the plate- taking on more work- to help make these projects work. they will keep track of the families- to see if the family fulfills it's contract to send eggs in to the school- this is something we couldn't do- we don't have the staff or the volunteers who live near the school- this project's success depends upon the teachers and staff helping - you can see why I feel we are so lucky. The administration thought it best to start small- and build- also- depending upon how this goes- to add a pig to each group of chickens. We've given 30 chickens to each of 3 families plus start up feed and advice on raising them. The school had each family sign a contract too. the "traveling sisters" who volunteered going to Lang Son with Son our program manager- helped tremendously- delivering the chickens and feed! they sent photo-s but I am having tech difficulties getting them here. I hope to have them write something that I'll post here- so you can get there first hand view of the project - when I heard about the "plus one pig" i was all for it- but couldn't wrap my head around- what was 1 pig going to do? would they eat it or sell/eat it ? and then- where is the next pig going to come from? I had a quick chat with Valerie, founder and president of FIV- she explained to me when the pigs are old enough to "date" one pig can go out with another- and that's where the next pig will come from!!! - hmmm, that illusive obvious!

One inspiring chicken

2009-09-11T20:21:00.012-04:00

Everybody has a story. Sara here is no different. We met outside of Hanoi, in the northern countryside. We were attending the yearly dinner to honor the passing of a relative of our friends. There were many people there. Somehow in the middle of all the cooking, eating, sharing, there was Sara sitting on my daughter Lelan's lap. "She's a gift, mom. Isn't she cute?" Followed by a series of "please, pleeze plllleeeze say yes." Which was not yes to the cutie-ness of this chick(en), this was 'please say yes to bringing her back to our hotel and keeping her for as long as were are here'. I thought, "hmmm, what is the protocol at this special family gathering?" Judging by the smiles on family faces if there were any protocol- it certainly would not be to say 'no thank you' to the kindness showed to my daughter and to Sara. Sara clucked around our car on the ride back- actually too young to cluck- she peeped. She commandeered the guest bathroom back in our hotel. The shower became her sleeping quarters, otherwise she had full run of the place. Soon she was traveling everywhere with us in a little pink children's purse. "Peep, peep" in the stores, restaurants, homes making friends were ever we went- a fine feathered ambassador of kindness and good will. Now flash forward- we need to help the children who attend a school in Lang Son- by improving their nutrition. "Food for Thought" is the name of this project. We will supply chickens, roosters, feed and guidance to a number of the poor families whose children attend school. We have volunteers who will assist in all the arrangements. In exchange for the chickens families will send their children to school with cooked eggs to share. When they have more than doubled their number of hens, these families will give some roosters and hens to another family on our list. Sara and her fine feathered families can produce eggs for the children- well, not exactly Sara - as it turned out- Sara was a bird of a different color- she was a rooster. Still the inspiration stands, no difference. If you would like to help please go to the link at the end of this post to donate to the cause. We will donate chickens in your name to one of our families. A plaque will be made with the names of donors to set in the school at Lang Son. Thank you, every dollar counts to make a difference in the lives of these children and families- more food for thought. http://familiesinvietnam.org/love_education_fund.shtml

working quietly- new proposal

2009-09-11T07:28:00.003-04:00

The past 6 months we've been busy with quiet work. Lots of paperwork- still finishing up a proposal!!! I've been busy with Birth Family Services- another love of mine. I'll write more about that. The new proposal!!! here's the idea- chickens chickens chickens!!! we plan to give chickens (and some feed) to some of the families of the 40 poorest children we assist who attend Tiem elementary school in Lang Son. the kids will bring eggs to school to add protein to their lunches. when the chickens and roosters create more chickens and roosters families will be expected to share a set with another family in need. I'll write more!!!!-

well. well. well.

2009-02-22T07:10:00.002-05:00

Les and students

2009-02-21T17:53:00.004-05:00

lots of new coats provided by all our donars!! the kids are happy and excited- and warm, too.

2009-02-21T17:27:00.002-05:00

in front of the big school-

2009-02-21T17:26:00.002-05:00

Son helps us in ways we never imagined! lelan is doubtful....but they have fun.

2009-02-21T17:25:00.002-05:00

Lacey wants to sign something, too. In the back you can see some of the coats, sweaters and blankets we brought for the students.

2009-02-21T17:24:00.002-05:00

Papers are all signed. we're all tired yet happy.

2009-02-05T19:14:00.000-05:00

sisters playing in the school yard in Lang Son

2009-02-05T19:10:00.001-05:00

Meeting with officials-

2009-02-04T07:39:00.002-05:00

there were many officials at our school meeting. No less than four government agencies had oversight on our project. We were all excited. The woman standing is the principle of this 3 school system. We are planing on building a well which will be shared by 2 of the schools. For the 3rd school we'll build a filtration system. At this time the 3rd school uses water right from the river.

This school system cares for 600 students. They need accessible clean water and we plan to do this with your help too!

2009-01-31T20:09:00.003-05:00

A service of FIV is to help birth families. Through our fund, we do this in Lang Son. Here we are having a feast with one of our daughters birth families. Son is helping us in many ways. This meeting was healing for all of us, especially siblings. This outcome was due in great part to Son's efforts. I remain grateful for his genuine concern, highly skilled ability and patience.

2009-01-31T19:10:00.002-05:00

On the road again....packed and ready to work. We have clothes to deliver and families to see. We plan to have our first meeting with the principle of the school in LS. Son and Valerie have gone ahead of us to meet with them. Our meeting was arranged weeks before - we are so excited for this very very long day!

2009-01-28T21:46:00.003-05:00

lelan makes a new friend. they are standing on material that was the roof of this little ones house. they still have to pay rent, even without a roof- they covered it with tarp. the family greeted us warmly. Hoa has worked with this family to bring them to doctors, dentists, help with clothes, a bike. still, it was sobering to hear their story and to see this.

2009-01-19T18:42:00.000-05:00

Aren't they beautiful? Here is Hoan and our Lelan.

Hoan is talented,tender, smart, funny young lady. She has a 'let's try' and 'can do' spirit. We have so much fun when we're all together that as I write this I miss her all the more.

After a hot day of getting supplies- I asked Hoan to join us at the pool (at the sommerset in Hanoi). we relaxed, ate and yakked. It's wonderful when Vietnamese nationals like Hoan have taken the time to learn English. The

full moon was showing itself. Hoan asked us if we could see the boy and the banyan tree in the full moon?

In a word, no, no one in my family could see the boy and the banyan tree in the full moon.

[hold on did i say i'm mommy to a 23 month old firecracker???? that means- taking a break here- more later.......

it's later- way later]

the cliff note version of the boy and the banyan tree is the son of a kind doctor is told to care for the banyan tree, the boy forgets and he and the tree fly up to the moon. I'll leave the rest of the story for you to read.

we both see the same side of the moon- same full moon here in NJ and in lang son. in nyc and hanoi. yet- we see the face, man on the moon and the children in viet nam

see the boy and the banyan tree. I wished there was an illustrated version of this folktale to share with my children.

Hoan said- I can do that! Together we said- then let's do it!!!! so within 7 weeks this book was translated, illustrated and printed- including a page explaining the history of various traditions depicted in the illustrations. It was super fun and super speed!! This book is a fund raiser for Love Education Fund. In the book Hoan states 10% of the book goes to our 5L fund. Actually, more than that goes to the fund.

Here are 2 of my favorite illustrations by Hoan. I find it fascinating this folktale connects herbs, dolphin intelligence, full moon, the ocean and fate- but buy the book and read it- enjoy - it is an amazing folktale.

2009-01-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

see that little one looking up at the camera? that's Lily. She is another volunteer. Above, Cathy, her mom- saying, "what, what do you want from me?" in the back is Dad, Phil and of course, Lily in his arms. Left photo is us in a relaxed moment at Lily's first birthday party. They had a few months home already- enough time to recover from their trip and the help they gave us. These guys helped in many ways and still do-for example: I would never be trying this blog if it weren't for Cathy's friendship and support. many, many thanks, Cathy.

Still, the heaviest volunteering by far was lugging 60 lbs of books -hot off the presses- plus vietnam/usa ao dai's and 200 handpainted dragonflys!!!! Now imagine volunteering to do that- and travel back with your infant child!!! Yes, they lugged those heavy books in additon to the delicate dragonflys- did I say they packed all this as well, and our new ao dai's plus baby stuff and gift stuff to bring back to (almost grown) son Nick, grandparents, friends and so on. what a wonderful cast of characters we have! and there are more....

our first visit to families

2009-01-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

families in Vietnam has been working in Vietnam for only a couple of years. in that short time they set up many successful programs. One of them places children who previously were working on the street back in school or in school for the first time. the only condition is the child's family agrees and participates in having the child attend school- basically- send them there. As we were formulating our dream of 5L fund and getting to know staff and volunteers associated with FIV, we visited some of these families. Some stories are so personal that I cannot publish them here. FIV has a newsletter if you want more info. My 8 year old daughter, Lelan came with us. She is young to see this level of poverty. however she saw the support and happiness that came from our visit and the friendship generated by Hoa's visit. while it made poverty real, it made helping itself, hopeful and real.

first trip to see families

2009-01-17T20:55:00.001-05:00

catching up

2009-01-17T14:53:00.000-05:00

This blog is our family blog about our dreams. It does not represent FamiliesInVietnam.

You can visit http://www.familiesinvietnam.org/ , click on Love Education Fund to learn a little about us.

I need to catch us up- on how we started and what we've done and what we hope to do. I also want you to meet the cast of characters who help. There are many who help who are never photographed - they donate and we are grateful.

This will take a number of posts and pictures. In the meantime-

Here is another volunteer, Virginia. We are buying fruit and vegetables to distribute to several places. We share the food with an orphanage, a school and a temple. more pictures to follow. While we focus on schools and poor families, early on we gave food where ever we went. Virgina is enthusiatic about helping children, schools and families in Vietnam.

2009-01-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

below are 3 pictures- another part of our cast of characters including my daughter who hurt her arm while we were there- that was our 2nd visit to the er/sos in Hanoi this trip but all turned out okay and Lelan had to wear a pretty arm sling just a few days. In the 2nd picture down you can see Lacey. I bet she was planning something too.

2009-01-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

The last photo is of Hoan, another volunteer and me - we have a long list to fill. Hoan is wonderful- would not want to do this with out her!!!

cast of characters

2009-01-15T21:12:00.000-05:00

Spring 2008 In Hanoi with very little time and full list; volunteers and staff meet to organize!! L-R: Son (program manager), lelan (volunteer), me (volunteer) Hoa (staff), Thuy (volunteer)

2009-01-15T21:00:00.000-05:00

charitable dreams

2009-01-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

Our Family

welcome to my blog. Our family started a fund through the charity is http://www.familiesinvietnam.org/ . our fund is -ready, deep breath- 'lelan and lacey lockwood of lang son, Love Education Fund'. I call it 5L fund and it is called 'Love Education Fund' on the website. we are among those in international adoption who know their childrens' birth families. It feels like a blessing to know them. We maintain contact and provide assistance to them through http://www.familiesinvietnam.org/ we wished to do more- for our daughters and for the people of Lang Son. In short, a small way to say thanks. For our daughters a hoped for sense of pride and connection to both of our worlds. I think it is working, but more about that later. next post - our first project-