Wheels are down

Sunrise on the Mekong River

Good Morning Folks! Wheels touched down in Louisville, Kentucky at 1am on Monday, March 29th after some 42 hours of travel. During the flight from Narita to Newark, I found myself using the chopsticks instead of the supplied fork for the inflight meal. While I've not totally mastered chopsticks, they now have a much more familiar feel!

This week, I'm catching up with family, friends and work...and once again find myself searching for that 25th hour in the day. But, the body is also pulling me back as I adjust to the 12 hour time difference. I do plan on posting more pictures and a final post on our last couple of days in Vietnam.

As I mentioned in one of my first posts....this trip provided an education every where I looked. I have so much to share...it will be a matter of slowing down the thoughts and memories as they come spilling out.

To be continued......

Last post for now...we're heading home!

The following pictures were taken at the XQ Embroidery in DaLat City. More info to come when I return.

Here are a few students at the Love School in DaLat City, located in the central highlands of Vietnam. This school is funded by the YMCA, and provides schooling to children who are denied entry into local school because they do not have residency. Fifth grade students attend classes in the morning so they can work in the afternoon and help support their families. Younger children attend in the afternoon.

Another classroom picture from the Love School in DaLat City.

Kids...being kids! More pictures of beautiful smiles at the Love School. I get a lump in my throat just looking at the pictures again!

Sign above the Love School.

Another window picture taken en route to DaLat City.

Still catching up on sending pictures!

Many days while working at the school in Ben Tre, we would hear dance music blaring from somewhere in the area. On the last day of working at the school, we discovered the music was coming from a homemade roller rink someone had built in their yard. The skates were old, the roller rink was small and uneven....but the music was happening and the kids were having a blast.

YMCA Vietnam and Greater Houston staff leading the kids in games and songs during the closing ceremony.

I had the honor of presenting Lexington's Maxwell Elementary School donation to the principal of the school in Ben Tre. The rose colored boxes in the background were the skills workbooks given to the students. These books were purchased by the monies raised by Maxwell Elementary School.

Once again, this is why we are here. All children are our future.

On the road to DaLat City, in the central highlands of Vietnam. What a journey!



I will hold my tongue the next time I'm travelling on Nicholasville Road in Lexington.


Our bus driver is amazing. There would be no snow days with this gentleman.


Typical family transportation. People here wear the face masks to keep out the dust and pollution.

Yea! Picture Posting Again!

The Renovation Completion Ceremony


Just look at these beautiful faces. The three girls in the front provided song and dance performances during the ceremony. They've all stolen my heart. Just about everyday we would give the children a piece of U.S. candy. During the celebration, the little girl in the middle (who became my buddy) brought me two pieces of candy!



Loading up on the ferry. Not for the weak of heart!



Fresh seafood anyone? At the marketplace in Ben Tre.


My new friends in Ben Tre. The woman in the green suit is the lady I talked about previously who came up and linked arms with me and invited me to meet her family. They have all been so welcoming.

Classroom before rennovations.


Greater Houston YMCA staff hard at work!


....Sure wish I had a swifter!


Yes, you too can train for the circus.
Getting up and down the scaffolding was quite a sight to behold!


Current elementary classroom in Ben Tre.