Vietnam Report - March 25, 2011

Went on a Pilgrimmage Today

Today I went to visit the sites that began it all for Good Shepherd. I went to the orphanage where Sister Hai and Sister Tan rescued 20 kids, then housed 200 children, mostly orphans. Both sisters passed away in 2008 and 2010, but the lives they touched, included Binh, were far-reaching and life-changing.

As we stood graveside, both buried side-by-side, I recited the 23rd Psalm, and offered a prayer of thanks for the these two faithful sisters. Originally, these two nuns started the Good Shepherd Home, which was expanded to include trade skill training, but when the state government took it over, the nuns started a daycare center in their own home.

Today this daycare center has about 60 children. These are children who otherwise cannot attend school, because they cannot afford lunch. The children are sent home from school for lunch a rest at noonday, but because these children are either orphans or both parents are working, they have no where to go.

So, the nuns open their home at 5:30a until 6:30p. They serve the children breakfast and lunch and dinner. When we arrived, the children put on a short, musical program for us. The nuns always begin the day with prayer with the children.

There were some babies upstairs, who are truly orphans. The babies were dropped off at their doorsteps. These the nuns care for full-time. I am amazed at the love of these four nuns and their 8 staff workers. It gives me hope and vision for what is possible for us in Salt Lake City with our own daycare center.

The Good Shepherd home (no longer call this) is operated by a loving staff from the state. They house disabled children and healthy children. Our ministry today was simply to touch, hold, and care.

We also were able to travel to the HIV/Aids Center that COPI helped to build. We had fun getting on the floor and playing with children who had tested positive for Aids at the tender age of 2 years old.

The trip ended with our focus -- do what is best for the children, especially those children at risk and in need. What a blessing!

Thanks again for your prayers. We begin the long trip home tomorrow. We heard that there was an earthquake in Hanoi (rated 4.0). We are looking forward to seeing you all.

P. Jeff