Vietnam Report - March 15th (PM)

It was a long, cold, wet and productive day

Today we hosted a clinic for 320 children at the Sa Pa Boarding School for Indigenous Children from 8a - 7p. The school is for the brightest and best from the surrounding tribes and villages. The children come for grades 6 - 9.

We awoke to a fog and light drizzle, which intensified as the day grew longer and colder. By noon, you could see your breath. Boy, did I pack wrong for this part of the trip. I should have brought all my Salt Lake winter gear. It was cold!

The kids were all in bare feet with sandals and a t-shirt and light wind jacket with slacks. I don't know how they do it. But, the kids were coughing, too. It was cold.

Today's clinic was the full deal -- 320 patients. I personally handed out toothbrushes to everyone of them. All the children were beautiful. Their facial features were so distinct and varied. The indigineous people have a rounder and more darkly complected face than most Vietnamese. You can see, however, influences in their family lines from China, Mongolia, and even Japan. There were a few that had freckles, and one girl had a hint of red hair. Most hair is dark and the eyes are dark brown.

The most common ailment among the children was homesickness. They miss their mothers and fathers.

Tomorrow we eat at 6:30a and leave for the village by 7:00a, so, I'm going to cut this blog short and go to bed. I've known through the accounts of previous Vietnam mission team participants that the food and hotels are great, but now I know, too, that the work is demanding yet rewarding.

While I handed a toothbrush to each person, I tried to practice communicating the love of Christ purely with my eyes and smile and I said a silent prayer. Thi has been the most I've prayed in one day.

Thank you for your prayers, they are appreciated and needed!

P. Jeff