From Vietnam: Readjusting to Paradise

I am safe and sound in Long An, Vietnam staying in the quiet green rice-fields of this near-traditional rice-farming community. Adam Tran and I have been the guests of Kim Oanh's incredibly hospitable and immensely loving family. There are plenty of children around at all times and we have gone on at least one family trip where 17 of us squeezed joyfully into a van designed to hold about 12. We visited another family member (a devout Buddhist as it happened) who worked on a coconut plantation. I slipped and slid on the mucky path back to the modest highway. Lots of TLC from everyone.

It looks like we may make the region of Long An and the family of Kim Oanh our home for the summer, with occasional visits to Xuyen Moc and perhaps one or two other communities. We've got approval from local security and school board officials to be here and to relate to the beautiful children who reside in this area. Some of the officials are related to Kim Oanh so that actually makes dealing with authorities straightforward and at times most enjoyable, like hosting them for a gorgeous meal and then drinking home-made rice wine and playing cards.

David McAmmond informs me today that our request to revive the Bureau For Canadian Volunteers Abroad has now been approved by the Alberta agency for approving "corporate" names.

Yesterday was the last day of school for children in this community at a primary school. I took photos which I will try to attach to this email.

I can't begin to describe the physical and cultural beauty of this area of Vietnam. Perhaps a photo or two over the ensuing weeks will capture a bit of it for all of you.

We're surviving the heat and humidity via afternoon rests, an on-again--off-again air conditioner and fans strategically placed at all times.

To wake in the middle of the wee small hours to the sounds of frogs, rain, a bit of restlessness from beautiful little children is to live in the centre of love and community, surrounded by gentle, loving, joyful people is to awaken to a paradise of genuine kindness and good-heartedness.

I'll try to attach a photo or two. If it doesn't work rest assured I'll try again on another occasion.

Love to all,

-- Larry