Between the Clouds and the Dirt, in Lao Cai Province

We've spoken at length several times about whether or not these folks would be better off with most or all of the technological conveniences that almost everyone in the western world enjoys. These people who still live very much the way they did 20, 50, and even 200 years ago. Not exactly the way they did, but approximately.

Many of the women still wear heavy, thick, beaded skirts, shirts, and leg wraps; even when the temperature and humidity are very high. They still handle raw pork with a bare hand in the market, eating afterwards with the same bare hand, having only wiped the hand on a shirt, with no knowledge of the risk they are taking. We've seen very few refrigerators, and no microwaves. We've watched a barefoot elderly man plow a rice field with a steel blade on a wooden apparatus pulled by a buffalo.

Would these folks be better off with polyester blend breathable quick drying clothes, anti-bacterial gel, moist handi-wipes, GE, LG, and John Deere? We have our suspicions. We even have strong suspicions. But our strongest suspicion is that even if we think we know, we might not be justified in thinking that we know. And we might even be wrong.

Chuck

Bao Nhai Primary School - Day 2 Water Holding Tank Progress

Even though the pictures don't prove it, our team actually did a lot of work on Day 2. Work and play, work and play. . . great day!

Bao Nhai Primary School - Day 1

I'm sitting in the Sao Mai Hotel lobby writing tonight. We are having a terrific time! The Northwood team is pretty fun to travel with, but the GVI staff are fantasticly funny! It feels like we are at camp for a bunch of 30 somethings. I have never laughed so hard in my life. . .constantly!

We just ate dinner at Sa's. Soon I'm off to bed.

I thought you would enjoy a video from one of today's work breaks. And the pictures below are of the work we are doing on the 15meter water holding tank that is being built.

Back at the primary School tomorrow!

Amy

More About Our Orphanage Visit

The orphanage visit was energizing and educational; we were pleasantly surprised at how not depressing it was! The kids were full of smiles, and we got to play badmitten with some of the older kids, hand out candy, and hold the littlest babies. The kids danced with us, wore our sunglasses and hats, and took pictures with our cameras. We learned their stories – one was left at the front gate of the center with no info, one was found begging on the street, and some were abused by their families before coming to the center. They seemed to have found a new family at the home, calling the caregivers the word for “mama” and laughing with their friends, who were really more like brothers and sisters.

Jen

Today's Orphanage Visit

We have had a great day today!! Can't you tell? We visited the orphanage and also had lunch with friends. Tonight we will be leaving on the night train to Lao Cai/Bac Ha. We will keep you updated on our days as often as we can.

Pho For Everyone!

It's the middle of our first day in Hanoi. Everyone is doing great. Chuck is holding strong with the girls (though we're threatening a day of pedicures before coming home) and Amy is feeling very safe with her 3 towering body guards. Jen and Holly seem to think it's a great idea to make Amy go to the karaoke bar tonight. This is no doubt turning into quite an entertaining trip.

There's no better way to quickly feel part of the culture than to go out for Pho. So that's what we did for lunch today after touring the Museum of Ethnology and visiting the GVI office and staff.

Now it's time to go explore Hanoi a little more. The team hasn't had a chance to cross traffic yet, so that is next on my agenda. . .the official rite of passage for all Hanoi tourists.

Tomorrow is another day of city exploration, a trip to the orphanage to play with kids/deliver baby supplies and packing up to leave on the night train for Lao Cai/Bac Ha where we will be going to our schools and surely eating more Pho. . .

Amy

Quick Stop

The team arrived in Seoul around 4AM MST. They should be arriving in Hanoi any time now. Keep checking in for updates on their great adventure.

This is the San Fran pic. Don't they look great!?