Service Trip: The Beginning

Day two of our service trip can be summed up in a single word: tiring. 

We started off the day with a bus ride to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground system used by the Viet Cong guerillas during the Vietnam war. Here, we took a crawl into Vietnam's history, learning about the cunning military tactics used. Despite the burning sun hovering above our heads, we had an enjoyable time crawling through the tiny tunnels, learning some history and even firing some bullets into the range. By the time we were done, everyone was sweaty, a little dusty and ready for a long desired nap.

After a quick stop at the hotel to freshen up, we divided into our teams. About half of us went to the Bamboo Shelter for the boys while the others headed off the the Anh Linh school. At the boys shelter, renovations were taking place. From sanding down the walls, patching up any holes or chips and preparing to paint the walls, both OV members and the boys from the school worked alongside each other to finish up the job.

At the Anh Linh School, we spent the day playing games and getting to know the children. We had activities such as duck duck goose, relays with the children and bull rush. As the kids were enthusiastic and energetic, these games were interactive and engaging for all.

We ended off the night with a dinner at NGON where we devoured an array of Vietnamese cuisine. After a draining day of sweat and heat, everyone was overjoyed with the encounter of air conditioning and their awaiting beds. As we dose the night away, another day active day awaits us in the morning as we begin to teach our lessons at the Anh Linh school and painting at the Bamboo Shelter.

Out to Vietnam in a Week!

Can you believe it? We are already a week away from our FIRST ANNUAL SERVICE TRIP to Vietnam, HCMC!

With our knowledge and power, we will work hard to make Anh Linh a more enjoyable place to be in our four days there. Of course, as uncle Ben of Spiderman once said, With great power comes great responsibility, and as such, we have been organizing intensively to prepare for the trip. Along with the usual Wednesday lunch meetings, we have been holding two after-school meetings per week to create lesson plans and ideas for different service and activities that we can do with the students at Anh Linh, not to mention the donation items we have prepared, such as books, supplies, and basketballs (I'm especially excited to teach and play basketball with them since I'm a bball player).

One of the main events we have planned is a Jeopardy game with a grand prize for the winner, which will quiz the students on the things they learned with us over the four days!

We have just sent out an email with flight information, itinerary, suggested packing list, and contact information, so we hope that everyone thoroughly reads the information once again, and yes we know it's quite repetitive considering all the info the members have been receiving from us, but it's crucial that all of us are fully equipped with the important information.

And members, remember that we are not going there only to teach; we are forming a closer bond with the students at Anh Linh, and we will be learning just as much from them in ways you'd never expect.

With all preparations in place for departure, we look forward to a great, first, service trip!