We arrived in Vietnam after a very uneventful plane ride (besides the fact that I was sitting next to three elderly Chinese men who were very friendly and loved to talk)! After leaving the airport our program coordinator was there to greet us. She was friendly and talkative, which made us feel very welcome after a long flight. We took a taxi to our guesthouse and Thanh (the coordinator) dropped us off and told us she would meet us at 9:00 a.m. for a little orientation process.
As Molly and I looked around the room, it was more then we expected. There were two twin beds, a nice size closet, a T.V. and minifridge. The shocker was an appliance above the shower that heats up the water, so alas we get HOT water!! We both thought that we were going to have cold showers for 2 months. The only down side was random ants on the floor, but that can easily be ignored.
The next morning Thanh and her friend met up with us after breakfast and we were off to see our place of work. We found out that we were going to be on a bus for 4 hours a day ( 2 hours there and 2 hours back) and we needed to change buses half way thru. Whe
n I asked why the clinic was so for away, I received an interesting answer. People that have AIDS are not suppose to be in the city during their end-stage of life, because the Vietnamese people believe that if someone with AIDS dies, they need to be burned in the country far away from the main population. As for the children, if the city knows they have the virus they are not allowed to be in the school system. The stigma that these children live with is overwhelming sad, due to the fact that many people are uneducated about the HIV virus.
When we arrived at the clinic it was nap time, so we didn't see many of the patients, but the supervisor showed us around. It is a very clean and peaceful place, with a calming feeling. We were there about an hour and then headed back to the city. On the way back our coordinator taught us useful Vietnamese phrases and other important "inside" travel tips. We got back to the guesthouse and crashed at 5:00 p.m.....the jetlag caught up to us!
The next day we just bummed around the city and learned our way around. We went to a great market with beautiful fresh fruits and veggies... and amazing orchids!! It was really nice to get more acquainted with the city and the people. We are excited to start work on Monday and see what it brings!
(p.s. I don't get to use a computer much, so things might be a little late sorry...plus I have to type fast because people are waiting so sorry about the spelling!!) Much Love!!
As Molly and I looked around the room, it was more then we expected. There were two twin beds, a nice size closet, a T.V. and minifridge. The shocker was an appliance above the shower that heats up the water, so alas we get HOT water!! We both thought that we were going to have cold showers for 2 months. The only down side was random ants on the floor, but that can easily be ignored.
The next morning Thanh and her friend met up with us after breakfast and we were off to see our place of work. We found out that we were going to be on a bus for 4 hours a day ( 2 hours there and 2 hours back) and we needed to change buses half way thru. Whe
n I asked why the clinic was so for away, I received an interesting answer. People that have AIDS are not suppose to be in the city during their end-stage of life, because the Vietnamese people believe that if someone with AIDS dies, they need to be burned in the country far away from the main population. As for the children, if the city knows they have the virus they are not allowed to be in the school system. The stigma that these children live with is overwhelming sad, due to the fact that many people are uneducated about the HIV virus.When we arrived at the clinic it was nap time, so we didn't see many of the patients, but the supervisor showed us around. It is a very clean and peaceful place, with a calming feeling. We were there about an hour and then headed back to the city. On the way back our coordinator taught us useful Vietnamese phrases and other important "inside" travel tips. We got back to the guesthouse and crashed at 5:00 p.m.....the jetlag caught up to us!
The next day we just bummed around the city and learned our way around. We went to a great market with beautiful fresh fruits and veggies... and amazing orchids!! It was really nice to get more acquainted with the city and the people. We are excited to start work on Monday and see what it brings!
(p.s. I don't get to use a computer much, so things might be a little late sorry...plus I have to type fast because people are waiting so sorry about the spelling!!) Much Love!!
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11 comments:
Hi Mary,
First of all, it was wonderful to hear your voice. You sounded really upbeat and happy. You are in the city ... how conjested is it where you are located? Is it a good area? Is the weather hot, humid? And, what is the exchange rate? I know you are eating everywhere, but please be careful about fruits and veggies... and make sure the bottle cap on the water is sealed. We love you ... have fun ... be safe.
Mom and Dad
I'm so excited to hear from you, and it already sounds like you are learning so much about the city, the culture, and working with AIDS patients in a different environment. Yea for the hot shower water! That's wonderful! It sounds like a really good situation, and maybe you can find some great Vietnamese TV show to help you learn the language. Bummer about the bus though - that's a really long commute! I miss you and love you, and I talk to Luke about what his Aunt Mary is doing every day.
Mary,
Just wanted to touch base with you and let you know I've got your man all under control back home. Michigan games have been fun as well will be GVSU homecoming, but I'll have him under wraps. We all miss ya and hope you have a safe and fun trip. Take Care of You!
Hey Mary,
It is so sad to think that the AIDS patients have to live so far out of the city. I realize that it is a different culture, but the lack of education about the virus is so sad.
I'm glad that you and Molly arrived safely. I hope that you find some good books and magazines to read on that bus ride. :-)
Luv ya~Lauren
Hey Mary! So great to hear from you! Happy to hear that all is well.I was Meijering tonight and I thought of you. A fresh market, huh...sounds right up your alley. Tell molly I said hi. I agree with your mom...make sure the cap on the bottled water is sealed.....dont want worms......
<3 Kim
Mary, you are such the superwoman!
I couldn't cope with even random ants! Miss you here, it's not the same without you guys! Love ya, praying for an awesome time!
~Dawn and Braeden
(cp BraedenBurgess)
aww mary, soo many people love you!! went to the bistro tuesday ALL BY MYSELF and got a veggie panini just for you. micky came by to say hi, she had a birthday. looks good, hasnt grown an inch. miss you...robin
Hello lady!!
I can't believe you are actually there. It sounds like things are going well for the two of you. It was so good to hear from you. Tell Molly I said hello and I look forward to the next posting. Take care and be careful! Heidi
Mary,
I hope you and Molly are enjoying your trip. It sure sounds like a completely different world over there. We miss you guys here at work. Keep the blogs coming, be safe, and have a great time!
Kirsten
MARY!! It is so nice to here that you and Molly made it safe. Wow, just reading what you wrote puts a lot of things in perspective. It is so sad to think that these people with AIDS/HIV are considered outsiders, however it is nice to hear that where you are going to work is peaceful and a nice environment for them. To bad for the commute though huh?!! This is such an awesome experience for you!! Have fun and be careful! I look forward to another update! Love you, Sarah
Hi Mary,
Your Mom sent me your blog and I am really enjoying reading about your adventure. It makes me want to do something like that! Some of us talk the talk but you are walking the walk! Your Mom and Dad did a great job in raising you! It sounds like a beautiful country and the people have such a wonderful spirit inspite of their poverty. Be safe and God Bless!
Mary Lou Fillmore
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