Published: May 21, 2007
HANOI, Vietnam
Hey Everyone!
I got one of the coolest days to write about. However, it did
start out way too early with us leaving the hotel around 8 a.m. for
the School for Disabled Children. It was a long ride to the school,
so most of us used the free time to take a nap. When we arrived at
the school, about 45 students were waiting for us in a small
classroom. Then a group of deaf and mute children did a
choreographed dance for us. It was cool to see them move in sync
especially since they couldn’t hear the music. The principal then
spoke about how the school came to exist and also how much our
visit meant to them. After all the speeches were done, we were able
to have some fun with the kids. We handed out t-shirts and snacks,
took pictures and showed the children how to use a camera. I felt
like we really got a chance to know them. Even though we speak a
different language than them, you could really see the appreciation
and gratitude on their faces.
After this we left the school, Dr. Le took us to a Buddhist
temple. We had to walk up this humongous hill. In my opinion, this
hill was worse than any preseason beach run, but we all made it. We
gathered in front of the temple and Dr. Le had the abbot explain
the basic principles of Buddhism. The main goal is to attain
enlightenment, either through personal discipline or through
helping others. Inside the temple was a huge Buddha, adorned with
candles and flowers. I took the opportunity to reflect a little bit
about the trip, my family and friends and about the future now that
I’m a St. John's graduate! Buddhism is really a fascinating belief
that I plan to learn more about.
After taking another group photos, we walked down the hill and
took the long drive back to the city. Naps were taken once again
and then once we were back in the city we had lunch. Unfortunately,
we were unable to go to the silk village as planned because of time
constraints. So we returned to the hotel, and watched some T.V. and
before you knew it, we were taking nap number three!
We finally woke up and started getting ready for our Gala Dinner
at the Hilton. In normal female fashion, we got all dolled up since
we didn’t have very many opportunities to look cute on this trip.
Remember, it is about 100 percent humidity here. The sweaty look is
so not in style this season.
We got to the Hilton around six and had about an hour before
dinner started. We took lots of pictures and mingled with some of
the guests. Once the dinner started it was non-stop entertainment.
There were numerous acts including some popular Vietnamese singers,
a couple children performers and two fashion shows. I really
enjoyed this little boy who I think was rapping in Vietnamese. He
should find an agent because he is definitely going to be famous
one day. Oh, and the food was good, too. I tried salmon for the
first time. My daddy would be so proud because I usually don’t eat
seafood. Also, the dinner raised about $6000 to be donated to the
School for Disabled Children. Most importantly, we, as ambassadors
for St. John’s and the United States, really got to see how much
this trip meant to the country of Vietnam.
Well its getting late and we have to get up early…again! We are
all really excited for our cruise the next two days. We will have
the chance to relax and get a good tan. So, to all my family,
friends and loved ones in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and
wherever else you may be, thank you so much for your unconditional
love and support of me. I really don’t know where I would be
without you all. Good night and see you when we get back!
Jenna Schweitzer #4