Handing Them Back to You

It has been a tremendous blessing having the Serra students here with me in Phat Diem along with Teacher Kyle and Teacher Peggy. I have to say that the entire community here has fallen in love in with them. They made the children laugh, given great stories to the adults, and brought their special warmth and care to everything they did.

It was an auspicious beginning to what we hope will be a yearly tradition. Please know that there will be some adjustment when they return. They may actually start picking up the dishes from the table, wash their own clothes, weed the garden, and even take the time to really enjoy the loved ones in their life.

Just in case you would like some conversation starters, I have come up with ten questions you might want to ask:

1. Is it possible to play soccer without a regulation field, expensive shoes, nets, and professional referees?

2. What’s the best way to hand wash shirts?

3. How do you say “Thank you” in Vietnamese?

4. How well do high school guys play basketball in Phat Diem?

5. Would you like a banana for dessert?

6. Why is it so easy to be a rice farmer?

7. What’s this “whoosh” game thing?

8. Did any of the children in Vietnam ever smile?

9. Do you think football could catch on over there?

10. Did you see any cute little bugs?

If you need more, just ask me.

Many thanks to Jim Borque for sending this picture of the 2012 Phat Diem, Viet Nam Immersion Trip. Dang, we're a good looking bunch.