Wednesday, October 11, 2006
It's been more than week since we're back from Vietnam. I miss Vietnam. I really do. Hoi An brings back so much wonderful memories. I miss the kids there at the orphanage. They are really sweet , adorable, lovable and innocent angels. It's ironic how time passes by so slow over at Vietnam. The first few days, I missed home. I miss the food. I miss my bed. I miss the comfort. I miss my dog Joe Joe. And after a few days, after I got used to and adapted to their living. I begin to love my remaining days there.
I look forward to everything there ! I miss all the meals that we had together especially all the lunch that we had with the kids. One of the most memorable lunch would the one we had steamboat in a restaurant with the kids. I don't know if you guys feel the same but the food at the orphanage tastes better than the food outside.
We did what we could do to contribute and to help the orphanage. We did painting, scrapping of walls , plastering ,cleaning of ceilings, a new signboard, electrical wirings, interacted with the kids, tutored them, feed them, cleaning of their rooms and toilets, helping out in the kitchen ...... After all the hard day's work, you'll get a reward from the kids. They smile at you, they hold your hand, they hug you, they talk to you . That kind of feeling seems great isn't it? They just brighten up your day.
It is here in Hoi An that I have learnt the simple way of living. People in Hoi An lead simple lives. They can be contented with small little things. They are always wearing a smile on their faces which makes you feel warm and welcomed. It is a town filled with friendly people. I met wonderful people in this trip. I miss the camaraderie and esprit de corps that we have developed over the two weeks.
Who could have forgotten the typhoon that we have experienced? For most of us, it was the first time. I called it an adventure.
In retrospect, our community service trip in Hoi An was an enriching, fulfilling and rewarding one. It was an experience that one can never miss. Memories of the trip will remain indelible and cherished by all of us.
Let's keep in touch.
See you guys on Monday !
Ingrid =)
11:30 AM
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Hello everyone !
This is Ingrid.
*inhales* ( This my first time blogging here. )
Ok... Today is the fifth day. Hmmm...We have a rather relaxed day. It's afterall the rest and recreation day. We had a boat ride in the morning. Then we went to the pottery village to look at how they make pots. That pottery village was established all the way back to the 6th century . My goodness. That's 500 years ago ! I went to try to make a pot and I realised that hey it is not that easy. It's all manual work. I think if they were to use machines , it wouldn't be so authentic. Then we went off to a woodscraft shop and we went to view the making of a boat. If you realised all the places that we have toured today , the workers there needs alot of skills to make those things . So for those who have bought stuff today, you are actually paying for their skills and hard work. Then we went for lunch . And after lunch, it's free and easy till 8pm and then there's a meeting. After all the hard work that we have done at the orphanage , we got ourselves dirty and worn out , I must say we deserve a very good break. Enjoy eating out for dinner tonight and have a wonderful time for tomorrow's outing with the kids !
Ingrid =)
4:42 PM
