From just these first few days of being in Vietnam, we'd like to share about the great journey we are on:
We were fortunate to gain some education
and perspective on the Vietnam War while visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and
later the War Remnants Museum. The Cu Chi Tunnels once spanned over 200
km, but now only 50 km remain. Of those remaining many Youthlincers
were eager to jump inside the tight spaces (not made for Americans) and
crawl the same routes used during the war. It was quite an experience to
feel the confinement and stifling conditions that soldiers called their
home throughout the many years of battle.
The War Remnants Museum was a difficult
and an eye-opening experience, as most often we do not learn the
opponents' side in History class. It was an interesting museum with
perspectives not easily digested as an American. The feelings and
emotions of reading how the USA was portrayed throughout the war grants a
broader and a more balanced view of the Vietnam War. As a group we were
able to discuss and share our thoughts which really enhanced the
learning experience.
“It's not about the destination, its about the journey” - these words have never rang more true.
After days of travel including:
3 flights (18 hours flying and 11 hours of lay overs)
overnight train (12 hours)-with four beds
to a compartment, housing 4 bodies and 8 pieces of luggage, a bus ride
(1 hour)- 1 bus for 45 people, over 90 pieces of luggage....
we arrived in Song Cau- PRICELESS!
Upon arrival at the school for Opening
Ceremonies all the travel strife of jet lag, irregular diet and strange
holes in the floors- called bathrooms, it all goes away. The meaning of
your trip and the sacrifice of leaving your comfort zone becomes crystal
clear as you reach the crest of the hill, drenched in sweat from the
climb in the 90 degree weather with what feels like 100% humidity. The
people waiting at the gate come into view. With their beautiful smiles,
the universal high fives, the mocking giggles after fumbling foreigners
say hello in Vietnamese (Xin Chao), the hope of friendships and
relations to be solidified.
The ceremony consisted of excitement and
anticipation for the projects to start and those already underway. We
were greeted with enthusiasm from leaders, teachers, community members,
and darling kids.
Hats given to us at construction.
We are building a house for an elderly
couple the community has selected and repairing a room at the school.
This is the first time the community has experienced foreigners in the
area, and they aren't quite sure how to handle us yet. The construction
work has taken a few days to “warm-up” to the Vietnamese for us to do
more work than stand aside and watch them work.
For the women in our group, the Vietnamese
men have not accepted the level of intensity they put in. Female
Youthlincers are dedicated, hard working volunteers whom have been
stopped several times by the Vietnamese men because they aren't sure
what women can do. The girls have stayed consistent in their work and
have even surprised several people on the efforts they have put in.
