Greetings from Tam Ky! What a great day this was. Not too hot – slept like a rock last night – finally!!!

When we were heading out the door to start our day this a.m. we heard a loud siren and looked up to see a policeman going by with lights and siren blaring – behind him was lots of motorbikes and some motorcycles. There is a motorcycle race that goes from the far south of Vietnam to the far north every year and this was the racers going through Tam Ky. They had a lot of support vehicles beside them as they went down the road. It was pretty cool to see.

Another wonderful day sat the orphanage – worked with Son and had him sitting up – he looked like such a big boy. It was dress up day at the orphanage. We bought the children new dress up clothes so when we brought those out they were SO excited!!! The old stuff had seen better days for sure!! You’ll love the pictures that I hope to get attached to this message. Had our weekly meeting and I guess I’m doing OK cuz I get to stay another week!! I rode on the back of a motorbike to the orphanage today – about 15 minutes. It’s weird – I won’t get on a motorcycle at home but love the motorbikes here. They don’t go more than about 30 miles an hour and they are the primary source of transportation. Now, if I had to drive one – that would be a whole other story – I’d ruin myself for sure!!!

Went to the disabled hospital and worked with 2 babies today – lots of massage and therapy. I am surprised at myself – I am so enjoying the baby massage – it’s so gratifying to see them become so relaxed during the massage. They are so happy! Both of these babies have their birth mothers with them at the disabled hospital. I believe they stay there all week and go to their home on weekends. Where those homes are, I don’t know.

Another wonderful day of good meals from Ms. Hanh. Lots and lots of fruit – vegetables and chicken and shrimp wrapped in rice paper for lunch and fried rice, cucumbers, tomatoes for dinner. Went to the Home of Affection to teach the 8 to 11 year olds tonight. Had 7 children in class and all went well. I didn’t have a translator tonight but did manage to get the lesson across to the children! We are losing our translators tomorrow and we’ll be lost! The Vietnamese teacher, Mrs. Hoa, that sits in my class, understands English better than she speaks it so that helps!!

At 7:30 pm tonight, Amber, Julie and I went to coffee with Tin and 3 students from Quong Nam University here in Tam Ky. The students are going to start volunteering with us on Tuesday of next week. We hope to have them be interpreters but their English isn’t quite as good as the last two interns. They are very shy but hopefully they will come out of their shell cuz we really need them!!! So, here’s what happened at coffee – first of all, they were big people wooden tables and chairs. There were 9 of us there. I had coffee and everyone else had either juice of the Vietnam type of energy drink in a bottle. The bill?????? $2.75 USD. The lady that waited on us was the owner – she thought I looked 42 so she immediately became my good friend even though we don’t understand what each other is saying. She sold me a bag of Vietnamese coffee and the little pot setup they have here to make their coffee. I’m going to give it a try at home – probably won’t taste the same. I hope to learn how to make a lot of this food cuz it’s awesome. But will not have the fruit – I’m SOOOOOOOO sad!!!

Let’s see – what did I learn about this culture today? Homosexuality is kept very well under wraps – if it exists, one would never know it. Mrs. Hanh barters with everyone for everything. Randall and Lorraine were going to pay 120,000 dong for a motel room when their family comes to visit at the end of the month – Mrs. H got it for 70,000 dong (about $7 USD). I got my new clothes from the tailor today – 2 shorts and 5 tops all made for 455,000 dong (about $25 USD). It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that couples only have 2 children. If you are in the service and have more than 2 children, you are moved down a ranking. Whatever job you might have, you are taken down a notch if you have more than 2 children – not a law mind you, just strongly recommended, and obviously punished a little!!

Well, another day comes to an end. I’m doing wonderful and love what I’m doing!! Love you and miss you all!!

Pictures - Part of class at Tam Tanh; Me on the beach; Fishing boat on the beach - made of cane for ocean fishing; Motorbike race through Tam Ky; Son sitting in his chair; Dressup day at the orphanage; Do you just love Tuan's glasses - those are headbands that are pretend glasses also - the kids LOVED them; This is the street that the house is on- lots of businesses and folks live behind or above them!!!