Good Bye Parties

Last night and this morning I had three good bye parties. Last night we had a big feast with beer and the works. It was fun, especially with toasting everyone there. The fathers presented me with a hand-stitched image of  the cathedral. It is beautiful and I'm going to frame it when I get back. This morning I had my last morning coffee with Mr. Hieu and I will truly miss our daily talks before we eat and go to work. Finally, my English students brought snacks and we had a small party in my room. They gave me some wonderful presents, and I know I will remember this class forever. I leave Phat Diem with a heavy heart, but happy that I was able to visit and see my good friends again.

Going Swimming at Sam Son Beach

 

Yesterday, I went with Fr. Hien and my English students to Sam Son beach. This is my third time there and it was beautiful as usual, although almost 100 degrees. The water seemed cooler because of the heat and it was inviting. We rode the waves -- OK, we splashed around and made fools of ourselves -- or over an hour. Then we went to the local parish for lunch and a nap. After taking in the local sights, we left to come back and stopped at the bishop's house in Thanh Hoa to see their new building project. And we got a tour of their massive kitchen which is the video. I'll put up pictures of the beach later because I was too busy enjoying the water so Fr. Hien took the photos.

The Second Art Class

For our second day of art, I had my English students help, and they organized everything. Each box of 12 crayons was placed in a small container and placed 2-3 on each long table. Every young student was given one piece of paper and could receive another one after they completed drawing on the first. It was amazingly hot in there, but there was so much concentration and so much laughter. You can see that some of them are becoming quite accomplished while some love to write beautifully or just see what colors do on paper. It was an hour that none of my English students would have give up for the world. We took lots of pictures, and these are some of the best.

Surprise Party for the Teacher

We were ready to begin class this morning and I was told to turn around and close my eyes, not to move until they told me to. I turned around to this. With much hoopin' and hollerin', I was given a two-layered cake (complete with candles), a silver apple key chain, a figurine of a ram covered in seashells, and a wooden toy Pinnochio, chosen because they believe I have a long nose. We had the best time laughing and joking until we had  to work. It was a great surprise party.

More Photos of the Children

There are so many children here this year that I have a difficult time trying to get a photo of everyone, so here is a sample of their smiling faces. While not rich or worldly-wise, they have a special love about them that knows no bounds. None are out and out bad kids, although they are street smart. But they are gentle and caring, and have the best time making fun of me because I have hair on my arms. The kids take turns setting the tables, washing the dishes, cleaning the grounds, and they each wash their own clothes. One is never alone at the bishop's house during the summer. 

Oh, and the video of the girls on the cart is hilarious. They made me show it to them over and over and they laughed hard each time they watched it.