hannan2022vietnam.blogspot.com

It has been a continuing whirlwind of activity, that's for sure. Here's a quick summary of the last couple days. On Monday I traveled via van from Hue to a hotel in DaNang, about a 2.5-hour drive. The day was spent with Thong (Damn Guide) and his family. Thong and I drove via motorbike to Mr. Mann's jewelry store to exchange USD for Vietnamese dong. Then it off to the bus station to check out transportation possibilities  from DaNang to Dong Ha/Nhi Ha for Saturday. Having no luck there, we made our way back to my hotel through the sea of cars & motorbikes.  Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM,  Thong and I grabbed a taxi to the train station for a 9:17 to Nha Trang. Prior to boarding, we attempted to purchase return tickets for Thursday, but there were no seats available. Rats! However, we did manage to secure bus tickets for an 8 AM back to DaNang. The train trip took 11 hours and the bus ride will be about the same. It was tough getting decent photos from the fast-moving tra...

  On leaving Mr. Thuong’s house Aug 29, Khanh and I struck off down even narrower paths to Ms. Hanh’s house, passing many banana trees along the way.     On arrival, we were greeted warmly warmly by Ms. Hanh and her sister.    For a lady born with no arms, Ms. Hanh is glowing with happiness and spirit. Performing so many tasks with her feet, she has adapted and survived in extraordinary fashion.   What a beautiful, amazing lady!   And wouldn’t you know it…they had no blender and their rice cooker stopped working. Well, we took care of that!   Khanh and I will be going back for another visit after my return from Dong Ha/Nhi Ha.     After multiple goodbyes, Ms. Hahn walked us back to our car. With a final hug and a wave, we were off on our return to Hue.         

  Leaving Mr. Tho’s house Aug 29, we slowly and carefully made our way on paths that were tough to traverse…OK for a motorbike, but difficult for a car in places.    Next stop, the home of Mr. Thuong and his wife. It has been four years!   Losing both hands when still a child hasn’t slowed Thuong up much at all. A good husband, father, and provider, he is a testament to adaptation and perseverance.     Since the terrible floods of 2017, Thuong has done much work on his house. The floodwaters reached a level halfway up the walls, so the damage was extensive.   Your contributions provided desperately-needed food to many following this tragedy, including Thuong, Mr. Tho, and Ms. Hanh. In total, we helped over 100 families with food and chickens.    His kids sure are growing up!   Although his wife was absent at the time, Thuong was all smiles when receiving his new rice cooker and blender.   With a “...

  Khanh picked me up at my hotel the morning of August 27, then off we ventured off into Hue’s maze of motorbikes, cars, and trucks. After a considerable drive through Hue and into the rural area beyond, we arrived at the house of Mr. Tho and his wife. . You might recall that Mr. Tho lost a leg fighting in the ARVN during the war.      We had a pleasant visit, gifting them a rice cooker and blender, both of which were needed badly.     Mr. Tho has, since the war, been hand-making beautiful baskets and trays to provide for his family. This quiet, humble, and talented man shaves and weaves the bamboo, creating everything from scratch. They are works of art, really.     We departed with a handshake, hug, and my promise to visit on the next trip.      

With Khanh picking me up at 8:30 AM, Saturday was our day for visits to three special people in rural Hue that we have been helping for seven years. You might say that they’re my “regulars”. It’s refreshing to observe the vast improvement in their quality of life. Their disabilities have not hampered their spirit, that’s for sure.   We provided a “boost” and their amazing work ethic took it from there. We certainly are changing lives and building bridges.   Helping & healing.    Ms. Hanh Ms. Hanh, born with no arms, is so sweet, happy and seemingly undaunted by her disability. She uses her feet to eat, brush her hair, sort vegetables, feed her pigs & chickens, and so many other tasks. What an inspirational lady! Ms. Hanh’s sister lives with her. Together, they get it done.    Mr. Thuong Mr. Thoung, when a child, fell into a fire. His hands were burned so badly that they were essentially removed, leaving only stubs. This man...

 I told you that this was a busy day! After distributing chickens at Phu Gia and school supplies at Phu Dien, we hit the road again. The next and final stop was Phu Da School. I noted some interesting architecture along the way.   Again, 50 eager children from impoverished families were awaiting their year's supply of school materials.   But, first, we had to fill the bags!   I have short video, but it won't load for some reason. Suffice it to say that the bags were properly filled! After a brief introduction, distribution began. I have a video, but it exceeds the maximum file size. Geez.                                                                 ...

Following the morning chicken distribution Aug 26, we continued on some distance to Phu Dien School,  sharing the road with livestock along the way. The rice fields en route appeared very healthy.  Yield to Critters                                                                               Rice Field Like at Ha Hong School the day before, 50 children from very poor families were patiently awaiting our arrival. In our trunk were enough supplies for each child to last the entire school year. And as was the case at Ha Hong, school had not yet started, so the students gathered exclusively to receive ...