Vietnam Update, Sept. 15, 2009

After a brief stop in Da Nang at the Children of Vietnam office and a stop at a marble store near Marble Mountain, we were on our way to Hue. We opted to travel through the Hai Van Tunnel, which is nearly four miles long and cuts a considerable amount of travel time from Da Nang to Hue.

Around Noon, we arrived at the Hue Orphanage where we assessed the needs. Ten bikes are needed, the outside roof needs repaired and school uniforms are needed. The director was not available at the time we were there. The housemother also stated a TV was needed, which we are likely to not supply. A small amount of supplies was dropped off.

We checked in the Saigon-Morin hotel in Hue around 2pm. Shortly afterwards, me and Charles set out for a tour of the Citadel, the old capital of Hue, and then Thien Mu Pagoda, where we had a wonderful opportunity to witness Buddhist monks perform their religious rituals. Following a stroll through the Hue marketplace, we returned to the hotel.

Dinner was highlighted with a visit from Ly Thi Leigh, who once lived at the Hue Orphanage. Freddie Davis has been instrumental in providing assistance to Ly, who received a scholarship for college through ROW Kids and has now obtained a degree. She is to start a teaching job on Sept. 21.

Category: Vietnam