Ahh my days in ‘Nam, I remember them well. J Surprisingly, after being in Thailand (which was beautiful and a slice of heaven after India) I think Viet Nam may be my favorite!!?? (Shockingly unexpected!). What was it that made the visit so memorable? Maybe it was visiting the war museums and reliving the terror our country inflicted upon theirs that brought me to tears. Or it could have been the forgiving Vietnamese people who spoke with gentle sparkling eyes. Could it have been the sensory overload inflicted on me with every cautious step in the streets? We were forced to weave through thousands of motorbikes and rickshaws, just to cross the street. Was it the ever present smell of Pho (fish soup) and merchants, donning their conical hats, shouting at us to buy their knick-knacks with a “Good price fo you”. I think it might have been the handicapped orphans that really grabbed my heart. There’s no place like ‘Nam. J
I remember the first day we visited the orphanage, we were told to prepare ourselves for what we would see. The precious babies broke our hearts. Whether it was the lasting effects of Agent Orange or domestic abuse, the children were afflicted with every possible sickness and medical condition I’ve ever heard of, everything from cleft lips to water on the brain and even cerebral palsy and severe deformities. Normally their appearance would make me turn and cry…and yet, God allowed me to look only into their precious little brown eyes and express His great love for them. I prayerfully picked them up and held them close as if they were my own. There were hundreds of them craving love and affection, yet bound to their loveless cribs.
Two 4 year old twins sharing a crib caught my attention. They both wanted desperately to be held and clung to me. So wet cloth diapers and all, I held them as long as I could. They squealed with delight as I bounced them on my knees and hummed the Pink Panther tune to them with a special tummy tickle at the end. (They always tensed up a bit when that part of the song came.) When it was time to go, I set them back down and they cried and stretched their little arms through their cage like crib –so terribly sad! L I pray God will continue to hold and love them.
As you can see in the pictures below, my aunt Fran came to visit the kids too!! (Notice little “Jack” with 6 fingers.) I told her about how unique ‘Nam is and she came out!!! I couldn’t believe it!!! It was such a blessing to have her there! It was a great time to gather thoughts and be fresh again! Praise God for family!!! –What a blessing!!!
We are in Cambodia now and were able to visit one of the wonders of the world, Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world! (Also where Tomb Raider was shot.)
Here we are working with AIDS orphanage, teaching English and ministering in the slums here. God is amazing and continuously faithful to our health and spiritual well-being.
Less than 3 weeks to go! It has been quite the journey!!! Praise the Lord!!!
