Happy Birthday Ho Chi Minh

May 19

It seems fitting that we walked into the birthplace (Province) of Ho Chi Minh today, on his birthday. People loved him, of course, so tomorrow some people working on behalf of the children of Vietnam are going to drive us to the small village where he was born to pay respects.

I looked out the window this morning at 5:30 and saw nothing but water. Raining like crazy. And I was in a bit of a mood, feeling sorry for myself over the loss of morning coffee. Luckily my silent whining passed before I left my room to meet the others. Vietnam has amazing coffee but I avoid unbottled water and ice at all costs. So there goes the coffee. This has been such an experience so far and  makes me think about my life and the way I want to live it. This includes not whining so that's the last mention of my little luxuries.

OK...we left at 6:00 or so this morning and jumped into a wet jeep to be dropped off at the spot where we left off yesterday. IT POURED FOR HOURS AND HOURS. Such a stark contrast from yesterday. Nice in a way until about 2 hrs. into it when the our blisters started developing blisters. Our only stop was at a little fruit stand where we got some great oranges and mangosteen.  We didn't talk much to each other or anyone in the villages. It was just hard walking in those conditions so we really just tried to move forward and get to Nghe An Province as soon as possible. We are in the town of Vinh . After this post I will light a match, go under the needle and begin the popping of the blisters. We are not walking tomorrow, which is great and I am planning to "will away" my injuries.

Dead snake count: 35 (I am compelled to count dead snakes but I'm not sure why).

We called the VAVA for this Province this afternoon and they came right over to the hotel to invite us to dinner. They gave us important info. on those with AO in this area-almost 2,000 of them. This area was not even sprayed-these are people affected who were exposed while fighting in other areas and have moved here and had children. One of the families they will take us to meet tomorrow has 4 generations affected by AO. All family members live in the same house. The youngest affected is only 2 years old. They will also be taking us to one of the three centers they have for the handicapped. There will be 30 AO kids there. They also told us that the VN Government gives away about 40-50 wheelchairs a year. They told us that 500 children in this area currently need wheelchairs. To see these children out of the beds in wheelchairs would be so incredible. I have seen so many in their beds, their bodies twisted, with no view but of the ceiling. They just lie there 24 hrs. a day. I can only imagine how wonderful it would feel to them to feel the sun on their face, to look at trees and people and just be a PART of life, to participate in the day to day happenings within their family. This is what a wheelchair can offer these children. I have said before that my life changes with each visit to Vietnam. It could not be more true than my reason for being here now. It's hard to see one child in this condition. But we have seen so many that it is like an experience of grieving collectively. 35 years after the war, they are paying the price. A significant ghost for sure.

I am unable to view my blog....don't kow why....but please keep commenting and I'll figure it out soon. I pick up amazing dead butterflies every day and put them into y little book. Evidence. The colors are incredible. Hope everyone is enjoying life.

Love from Vietnam.