The day started early…with the assistance from Ten, Hai, and Hoi…our wonderful team from the Mai Chau Ecolodge. We loaded up all the goodies from our shopping trip in Hanoi and headed out into a foggy, misty morning. During the three hour drive we enjoyed getting to know each other and learning more about the land and the people within this mountainous area of Vietnam. We were so fortunate that all three of them spoke English and they were all instrumental in the success of our visit.
As we we got closer to the community…well as you can see above…it behooved us to walk those last five miles! Fortunately the headmaster of the school and a couple of teachers came to our rescue and we (along with all our loot!) finished the journey on their motor bikes. <gasp!> All I could do was to hold on with one hand and try to protect my camera with the other…just in case we ended up taking a mud bath…so unfortunately no captures of that segment of the trip…but I think you get the picture! And yes, it certainly made my heart pound…but these guys were excellent motor bike drivers and they took so much care with each one of us.
I can’t even put into words the feeling that came over me as we motored along that muddy road to the school… people came out of their homes….waving and greeting us with the biggest smiles…as I’m sure many knew of our visit to their community. Because it took longer than expected to arrive at the school…the children were just preparing to head home for their lunch break…so we had to work quickly to unload and distribute the supplies we brought.
Winter coats for twenty of the students in need, as well as gloves, socks and pencils for everyone! Because we had very little time with the children…I don’t feel I captured the moments the way I’d hoped…but you do with what you have, right? I do know we could have never pulled it off without the efforts of the team from the Mai Chau Ecolodge. Their organization and communications skills were just excellent.
Soon the children were on their way…back to their homes…with their gifts…and I’m sure to share stories with their families…as we were told we were the first Americans that had visited their school. <so special!> The headmaster and teachers were so sweet…and of course the girls were happy with their lip gloss too!
The headmaster and teachers had prepared a beautiful lunch and we all gathered…spending time drinking rice wine and enjoying their local dishes. I had the most adorable moment with one of the teachers that I must share. Napkins at the table were small pieces of paper that happened to be the comics from a newspaper. We also provide the hair replacement systems service for men(We take so much for granted, don’t we?) About the time I went to use it…she motioned for me to wait a moment and off she went. Within seconds she returned with a “real” napkin. The most touching moment ever! Don’t you know she was probably keeping that napkin for something really special? I felt like a queen. I will treasure those two items forever.
Afterwards we shared all the school supplies that we’d brought…and of course every headmaster must have cap from my city…NYC!
The best gift ever?
The children learning their first words of English…priceless!
An adventurous life does not necessarily mean climbing mountains,
swimming with sharks, or jumping off cliffs.
It means risking yourself
by leaving a little piece of you
behind in all those you meet along the way.
Shawna Grapentin
I love that quote…leaving little pieces of you behind along the way…that’s exactly how I felt when leaving the headmaster, the teachers and those precious children…
I love that quote now, too, and the sweet napkin story and seeing you two in the little chairs. Your photos are so clear, big & beautiful, full of happy smiles.
There must be manymany pieces of you scattered all over this world. To me and all those many others you are like a super hero plowing through the mud on the back of a motor bike, leaving gifts, hope and wonder.
And that is just a bit of your marvelous life ~ xo
Oh…how sweet Susan…thank you so very very much!!
Yes, that is a beautiful quote, and I know that is why you are constantly reinventing yourself as you are constantly “leaving little pieces of yourself behind along your way”, wherever you go… Beautiful photos and priceless memories I’m sure. Thanks for sharing with all of us. Love and miss you always. XoXo
Thanks so much my sweet! Can’t wait to see you! xoxo
Such an amazing experience! I also wanted to thank you for the CD you sent. Great CD cover photos and music!
You are so welcome Maery! Glad you are enjoying her music!
One of my most favorite posts of so many.’
So funny that I was thinking the same thing as SusanMarie I was drinking in your post and photos – You’re a superhero.
I just love the quite and it is so you. You certainly leave pieces of yourself all over the world.
Love all the photos, story of the napkin, video, and all you do and share.
Thank you.
Love you, RR.
Well…far from a superhero, lol…just trying to bring a little good into this world that seems to get crazier and crazier by the day! Thank YOU Lisa…xoxo
“Leaving little pieces of you behind along the way” opens up places for them to become part of your life! The more you give away, the more you receive…and on and on it goes. This is so YOU, Robin, and so exemplary of the Grapentin quote. Look at all those infectious smiles, from the top down. This is your life, your love, your calling. And it inspires us all!
Thank you Ginnie! I have to say I was taught well by my father…he was so giving! And you are so correct in how it opens up places for them to become part of my life! Can’t wait to return next year…
You know just what to do! Your thoughtfulness, combined with a generous spirit, make all of this incredibly special. I can tell from every word and photo where your heart is, and I am deeply moved by all of it, by you. Thank you, not only for sharing the napkin story and all the rest, but thank you for the risks and freedom you have taken to spread your love. xoxoxoxox
Thanks so much Ruth…your words inspire ME!
Robin, This post is good news! I want my my Inbox and my mailbox to be filled to overflowing with stories like this one. Of course, there is so much sadness and pain and strife in the world, I do not mean to hide from the realities of life. But, truly there are good moments and good things happening everywhere. When we share our abundance, the kindness that overflows, everyone wins. Your story of the shared and savored napkin, the video of the children saying Thank You, and the many pictures of a school full of grateful hearts, it is a joyous blessing for my life – on this day – because I will carry this spirit of kindness with me and shower it on all those that cross my path.
You are amazing…thank you for YOUR inspiring words!
I’ve loved that quote and now love it more! So much:)
I love your travels, your heart, the way you see.
Thanks so much for sharing pieces of you
with the rest of us:)
-Jennifer
Thanks Jennifer for your visits and words too!!
Precious. I cried as I read and viewed your photos. What a fantastic experience for you, but more so for the children. Such a thoughtful gift and one that really makes a difference for the lives of those little ones. love the napkin story. And there is nothing better then a motorcycle ride in Vietnam!
I know…I cry when I read it too! And you are so right…I thought of you often! The motorcycle rides in Vietnam are the best! Thank you!
Nothing to add to all those wonderful comments only this quote:
” For it is in giving that we receive.”
Francis of Assisi
Looking at your happy face it is truly true.
My father was the perfect example of living that quote…I’ve always loved that! Thanks Karen!!
Yes, you have made a permanent impression in those kids’ lives. Very, very special
I pictured you in a motor bike tracking through the mud and protecting your camera…….
Thanks BB! So happy you popped in for a visit! xo
I love the quote. Giving something of yourself is scary but so rewarding. What a fabulous story, what fabulous pictures to show and the flipflops with the mickey mouse are adorable. People will remember you. This must fill your heart with great joy!!!!
Love and hugs.
Astrid…you are so correct…it can be scary, but gosh…the rewards are tenfold! Pure joy indeed! Thank you! xoxo
I can’t stop smiling till the end of the post! What a beautiful post, beautiful pictures and beautiful smiles. Thank you so much for your kindness, your friendship, and the love shown the kids and our staffs during your visits. You hold a special place in our hearts.
Thank you so much…this trip was indeed very very special…just can’t thank you and everyone enough for making it so! Next year will be here before we know it! xo
Kindness and wonderful. Don’t know what else to say.
Thanks Bill!
Wonderful trip, amazing photos. Thank for your help to ethnic childrens living here. Việt Nam is frezzing now and I think the coat you have donated will be very useful and meaning in this weather
Thanks so much! Your assistance was just invaluable! Since learning about the cold temperatures in the area my heart is warmed just knowing those little ones now have a coat! xo
With a tear running down my check, may I say thank you for making a difference.
There is a wonderful Yiddish word, mitzvah, which means a good dead. You did a mitzvah for that community. May we all do mitzvahs, wherever we may be, for that’s how you change the world.
So true Abby! I just couldn’t agree more! Thank you!!
I couldn’t say it better than Ginnie. Ditto:)