I have been anxiously anticipating today - so much preparation and organisation with no guarantees it would really work out or live up to expectations. But Wow! To say we were overwhelmed, on so many levels, is an understatement. Very emotional and incredibly enriching day!
We were up early for breakfast as our World Vision people were picking us up at 7.30am. I was expecting a driver and the World Vision English speaking representative, Nguyen. She was amazing but also had another two young girls with her, Nhung and Tho who were equally delightful, attentive and caring.
Our drive to the school to meet our sponsor child, Hoa, in the Bac Binh District, was 70kms and took about an hour. We enjoyed the trip being informed by Nguyen on the procedures for the morning as well as so many local insights. She was a wealth of knowledge. Roadworks were constant on this the one and only route north along the coast to Nha Trang, Da Nang and ultimately Hanoi. Towns and villages were interspersed with rural areas but very little rice here - predominantly the cactus like plants that are dragon fruit (delicious!)
Once we arrived at the school (secondary with about 300 students) we were greeted by some young boys in the "playground". In no time the principal and various teachers came to meet us - some with limited English; only one that we met spoke English well. They were keen to explain that the school was actually going to be rebuilt in a different location in the near future(?) hence it had had little maintenance done of late. Was actually like a dust bowl due to adjacent roadwork. We were escorted into a room with a table laden with cold drinks and fresh local tropical fruits.
Hoa soon arrived with her father (her mother was working; and she has two older brothers aged 19 & 21). She looked just as I imagined, based on her photos; such a pretty girl, thin build, smiley and so shy, as was her father. With Nguyen translating for us we learnt that she had been studying for exams that were on in the afternoon.
She was excited though quite overwhelmed with all the gifts we had brought, understanding that many items could be shared with her friends and classmates, as well as her family.
Hoa came with is in the vehicle to visit a primary school nearby so we could more readily witness the contribution World Vision has made to the community via sponsorship funds - there was brand new fencing, a gate and a well. We certainly caused a distraction for the kids ....all so cute with their cheeky grins. Next stop was in a small local village where Nguyen firstly showed us a hairdressing business with a bride and bridesmaid being prepared for a wedding. The young apprentice hairdresser was previously a World Vision sponsored child who had left school and World Vision provided her vocational training as well as assisting the business with equipment etc.
We then continued on to the market area where we purchased two x 25kg bags of rice for Hoa and her family.
Unbeknown to us, Hoa had negotiated with Nguyen to come with us on the return trip to our hotel, assuring that she had completed her study for the afternoon exam last night. We were so grateful to have the extra time with her, feeling like we started to actually get to know her a little despite the language barrier. They were all so excited and in awe of the beautiful setting of our resort - was nice to be able to share that with them. Needless to say was quite an emotional farewell! Such an amazing morning!
Although fulfilled and rewarded was a tad deflating once all over. Was pleasant to sit back over lunch then relax by the pool to re evaluate it all. Have many follow up emails etc to contemplate plus I vow to stay in more regular contact with Hoa.
We had another gym workout - and I even shouted myself the most amazing aromatherapy massage (at $15 for an hour couldn't resist!)
After a drink in our room, enjoyed our last dinner at Phan Thiet.