December 26th (Week 2 Vietnam)

Merry Christmas everyone. We spent the first few days getting to know our neighbourhood and took a trip out to the two universities where we will be teaching English. The first university arranged a welcome meeting for us. We went onto a stage and introduced ourselves one by one. I was so proud of Ryan, he was loud and clear. The most popular people (most selfie requests) are Dan (6’8”), Jemma (hmmm) and Noah (awesome, cute baby). I didn't get one selfie request. We played a name game so the students could learn our names and where we are from. Jenny led this using the ‘declare’ format from Burnett. We would ask a question about a team member, if the answer was true you put your hands on your head. If false you put your hands on your behind. If you get the answer wrong you sit down. The last person (or people) standing is the winner. We had 30 prizes from the university to give away.

The students then sang some Karaoke for us and a couple even did a dance. Overall it was a very fun time and we look forward to starting ‘work’ next week. All of us will be teaching or helping on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for a couple hours per day plus about an hour each way commute time.

Three evenings per week there is an English speaking club where five of us will help the students improve their english skills. We met the 20 students and they range from ‘speaking better than what I do’ to beginner.

Our calendar also includes some time at a drug rehab, orphanage and a 4 day pastors conference where we will help with leadership skills.

On Christmas Eve we looked after some kids while their parents attended church. We had no idea how many kids would be there so we had prepared some stations activities for them to do, planning on 50 to 100 kids. We prepared face painting, a little paper heart craft, 5 beads on a bracelet and a game with a beach ball. When the kids just kept piling in we realized that we would have to change our game plan. We estimate that e had over 200 in one tiny little room. Jenny did great getting the kids to calm down through an interpreter and we managed to survive the evening.

On Christmas Day we went to the market early to buy veggies. We were able to find a turkey at a supermarket and Andy did a great job cooking the bird. Kim baked bread, Ragnhild made a delicious soup and the gravy and we cooked the veggies. Meghan, Natasha, Gwen and Rahel made a delicious fruit desert with whipped cream. I thought we ate well in Kona!
Overall it's been a great week.

Jenny leading our group at the University 

Our university class

Our team and Yen, our interpreter

Christmas Eve. No problem, we can handle this.

Face painting before the flood of people

A local lady

The local neighbourhood

The parachute was a hit. I'm surprised it didn't rip!

Sitting for the puppet show

Goliath introduces himself

Kids are still spilling in from the back

Christmas Dinner. Dan doing a selfie.