Greetings from the hottest place on the planet! I have not ever sweat this much! I never go anywhere without a damp towel and at least 2 bottles of water. The only place that has air conditioning is the ATM machine across the street from the GVN house! Great place to hang out….did have to go get money today and I couldn’t wait to get there. Only 3 showers today and 3 changes of clothes.

We do have a washing machine in the house but the clothes are hung to dry. They dry instantly. Ironing isn’t an option so I’m a little wrinkled but it works here and in all the places we go, since there’s always children there!!

Big day today – took off on my own on the bicycle – to and from a placement. Navigated pretty well in the organized chaos of motor scooters and a few cars and bicycles. The bikes have no gears and a basket in front. The seats are a little low – cuz they are little here – so I feel like the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz when I’m riding! No Toto in the basket but he would fit!

The day began with breakfast and the orphanage. Today was the day to take the babies out in the sun for some Vitamin D. They don’t get to go outside at all so they loved it. Lorraine and I had that duty and loved every minute of it. I changed my first ‘nappie’ today and did a darn good job if I say so myself! All body parts were safe and secure! Huggies are more of a sure thing but non-existent here. Today was dress up day for the toddlers. They have a big basket of stuff to wear and have fun with that. The babies that are old enough for the walkers have fun in those. Julie and I each bought a new one for the orphanage today - $11 US each.

Back to the house for lunch and a meeting. Today’s smoothie for lunch was banana and mango. I watched Ms. Hahn make them – nothing but fresh fruit, a little water and ice. They are splendid!!!! We had the regular Thursday meeting and went over all the placements and how everyone was doing. I am the captain of the disabled hospital so it’s my job to report on those visits and make sure the toys and milk get in the Toto basket and arrive safely for the children! Mind you, the milk is not cold – it’s in cartons like little juice cartons. Can be refrigerated but usually isn’t – have not had milk since I’ve been gone so will certainly need that when I get back – Dickster, please have that in the refrigerator. Also, no wine here – so have that available also!!

My 2nd placement today was at the Disabled Hospital. Today we had 4 children. An 11 month old little boy with Cerebral Palsy, a little boy a little over 1 with CP, a 5 year old girl with CP, and a little boy about 6 or 7 I would say who is deaf and cannot speak. The three babies were in the physical therapy room and the little boy was riding a Donald Duck bike in the hallway. I did some baby massage and talked to the little ones then the deaf boy and I caught each other’s eye. We waved back and forth and smiled. So, I got up and went out in the hall with him. I ran, he rode. We played hide and seek. I got on a little girls bike with training wheels and we both rode in the hallway. His beautiful smile and laugh was priceless. He looked so happy!!!! We became best buds and look forward to playing again next week!

Dinner was served and fabulous as always. Off to the Home of Affection! My job was to take care of the children’s free time from 5:45 to 7 pm. It was a disaster!!! All I had planned was games outdoors which I thought would be fun. The children were 15 in number, varying ages, and wound up and raring to go!!! One of the other volunteers came and helped because he let his class out early because they weren’t participating too well. I have a very large group of kids who have a large range of likes and dislikes. So, from now on it will be a more organized craft type activity and we’ll see how that goes! They did me in tonight!!!

That’s about it for the day. It was another day of making children smile and happy during the time that I had. Friday is Baby Orphanage only then free until Monday morning. Will be doing some lesson planning this weekend and touring around Tam Ky a little bit. Sunday afternoon we take a rack of clothing to the Home of Affection so that the children can pick out some new clothes! Should be fun!!!

Surviving well. Got an audio play of Luke singing today so that was also a highlight! Loving my Skype time with Dickster and family and friends. And loving being here – sweaty and all!!!!!