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 =)

A group of Ngee Ann Polytechnic students on a Youth Expedition Project.
Our objectives
Serving others
Learning as we serve
Developing character
We will be helping out at the Hoi An Orphanage doing maintenance and repair work, assisting orphanage staff as well as intreacting with the children over there.
The orphanage provides the basic needs like food, shelter and education to the 63 children. 25 of them are disabled, most afflicted by Cerebral Palsy.
Make a donation to the orphanage




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23 September 2006
11 October 2006







image is from gilad of deviantART.