Yesterday, I went with Hien, a seminarian to visit an old church, his fa,ily, and a brand new church. First, we went to the first parish ever in Vietnam. Hao Nho parish was founded in ???? This church on the parish grounds was not built then , but later, and in the style of the cathedral in Phat Diem.
The bell tower and statues of both St. Peter and St. Paul flank the front of the church. The buildings could not be refurbished for many years by order of the government. Now, things have changed and the parish has build a new youth center (far left in the picture) and rectory (in the middle of the picture in the back). Soon to be built are a new home for the sisters and renovation for the church.
Next we went to visit Hien's family just a few blocks away. His father (left) recently completed the house and it is beautiful. It has not been painted yet because that will cost a lot, but it will be done soon. On the right is his brother-in-law.
We then visit mission St. Joseph where Hien's brother-in-law is caretaker. It is small, but magnificent. Mass is held once a week here. The gold on red paint is magnificent and the inlaid ceiling something to behold it is a gem.
As we toured the mission, a group of local people formed. As it turns out, I am the first foreigner they had ever seen. We had so much fun laughing and talking. Everyone wanted to pose for a picture, well everyone except for some shy teenage girls. But they, too, were very welcoming.
We went back to Hien's house and I mentioned that I liked some baskets I saw on the floor. It came as a surprise when I found out his mother makes them by hand. She showed how she does it. Baskets come like Russian dolls, three nested inside each other, each with a lid. They sell at the market for $2. Pretty inexpensive for something so lovingly made.
Here is Nam Vu working his keyboard. Now entering 8th grade, he is quite the conversationalist. It's hard to believe that I have kn...