Home Sweet Home

After an amazing 3 week adventure, I am finally home.  The first few days were a bit overwhelming and I’m still adjusting and getting back into the swing of things.  I miss the kids tremendously!!!!  We shared some unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!!! Just thinking about the fun we had together puts a smile on my face:)

こんにちは From Tokyo!

Here are some pictures from our first day in Tokyo strolling down the streets of Harajuku and Shibuya.   

Takeshita-dori is a narrow street packed with young fashionable people and lined with fashion boutiques and cafes

 

Everyone has their own style!

Tokyo's hipsters all dressed up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Famous Scramble Crossing in Shibuya

Shibuya at night

Tạm biệt!!!

Our journey here in HCMC has finally come to an end.  The experience was incredible, and the children and people I was able to meet and help have truly changed my life!  Here are some pictures with the children I adopted (just kidding!).  Enjoy the videos of the kids saying good-bye and performing for us.  I look forward to sharing more stories with you when I return home.  Stay tuned for our short 3-day trip to Tokyo before we fly home. 

  

B Wyze Room To Read Computer Lab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2007, B Wyze in partnership with Room To Read and Local Community members from Tien Giang (Vietnam) completed the construction of a Computer Lab in a remote region of Vietnam.   We took a two hour trip to visit the fully operational computer lab inside the Hoa Lac Secondary School.  We had the opportunity to meet with the school principal, some of the staff members and the students who were so appreciative of the generous donation. 

Luong Hoa Lac Secondary School services a community of 10,000 people and there are over 950 students enrolled. Due to its high enrollment and limited number classrooms and teachers, the school operates in two shifts – half of the students attend classes in the morning while the other half attend classes in the afternoon. Many students who attend the school come from villages located many kilometers away and some students travel 20 to 30 kilometers each day to attend the school. Others commute back and forth to the school on the weekends and stay with relatives during the week. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 There is a weekly schedule for the computer lab so all the students and teachers have the opportunity to develop their IT skills.   The principal  was delighted that we came all the way from Canada to visit.  He feels strongly that access to the computers have provided his students with employment and educational opportunities that would be unavailable otherwise.  The computer lab is playing a key role in providing computer literacy skills and study opportunities for the school’s students.  It was such an amazing experience to see the direct impact B Wyze has made to help inspire and educate children!!!!!

A Visit To The Mekong Delta

What an adventure we had travelling through the Mekong Delta.  The Mekong Delta is a river that is approximately 4,800 km and passes through 6 different countries – China, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam and Thailand.   Life on the river was quite interesting to see.  It felt like we were travelling through the jungle!  We hopped on a motorized boat and went through the floating fish market while visiting different villages to see the orchards and visit the bee-keeping farm to taste natural honey.  We also sampled rice paper, coconut candy and tropical fruit. We enjoyed a horse ride through the village and row-boat ride  (we hope you enjoy our lovely singing!) along the Mekong Delta. 

 

 

HIV Clinic and Another Orphanage For Children With Disabilities

We travelled outside of the city centre to visit an HIV Care Clinic. In Vietnam, people with HIV are commonly abandoned by their families and end up they living in this clinic to get treated for their illness and to feel a sense of belonging.  There are about 20 children at the clinic who have acquired HIV from birth. The children are told that they have a sickness which could potentially lead them to go to heaven early and be with their parents.  I can’t imagine having to explain this to a child.  The children at the clinic lead very normal lives – they have classes during the day and they spend their afternoons playing.  If I wasn’t told the children had HIV I wouldn’t have even known they were sick!!  

On the way home we spent a few hours at another orphange for children with disabilities.  The children were very excited to see us and we kept them laughing the entire time. They thought we were absolutely hilarious!

10 Things To Know About HCMC

 

#1. Although it may look dangerous, do not hestitate to cross the street! Just take that first step, otherwise you will be standing there for hours! 

#2. In the market never pay more than 60% of their original asking price. If you refuse and walk away they will eventually give in!

 #3. The two most common things you will be asked are “How old are you?” and “Are you married?”  Don’t be offended, apparently it shows they care!

 

#4. The food is delicious and cheap! You can get pho on the side of the street for $1! Just don’t watch it being made!

#5. When taking a cab, its common for tourists to get ripped off at least once a day (cabs are cheap to begin with so you only end up paying a dollar or so more)  

#6. If you ask someone if they speak English and they smile and nod their head, often they don’t really understand what you are saying.  Not many people speak English here even in the tourist areas.   

  #7. For only $3, pamper yourself by getting a manicure and pedicure! You even even get a foot and hand massage!

#8. Be sure to bring shower slippers! There is no separation between the shower, toilet and sink!

 #9. The humidity will make you sweat 24/7, so be prepared to feel sticky all day…..even after a shower!

#10. During monsoon season, expect heavy rainfall everyday between 1-2 pm! If you are on the street you will probably have to purchase a poncho!

Presents For The Children – Crocs, Toothbrushes and More!

We packed two suitcases full of presents for the children before we came to HCMC.  A special thank  you to Bert Van Lange whose church donated Crocs shoes they received from Feed The Children Canada (Thanks Kyle for spreading the word and reaching out to Bert).  A special thank you to Kathy & Dr. Eng for donating toothbrushes and toothpaste for the children.  Your generosity has brought happiness to the lives of many children.   When we opened the bag of goodies the look on their face was priceless and it was like Christmas for them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orphange for Children with Disabilities

My experience volunteering at the orphange for children with disabilities has been the most rewarding experience thus far.  The living conditions at this orphanage are not so pleasant (unclean, dark and gloomy).  The 200 children basically run around unattended for most of the day surpervised only by a few individuals. Those who are physically able keep themselves busy by playing games with each other.  Those children who have suffered from agent orange are bed ridden and just lay on their backs all day.  We walked around the orphanage trying to sing and play with as many children as we could.  The children are remarkable!! They are full of energy and laughter that you can’t help but hug them and smile.

 

Blind Shelter For Young Adults

Talented, inspirational and determined are just a few of the words that describe the young blind adults who live at the shelter.  They spend their time doing crafts, drawing and learning how to play musical instruments while singing.  Their families live very far away, so when they have volunteers who visit they enjoy showing them around and performing.  I was nearly in tears when I heard them play their instruments and sing together!!