Why, hello! I didn’t think I’d be able to write another entry...but thanks to the gracious generosity of the SM family, here I am again. Before I sign off from the SM Work Camp 2010 blogging world, I just have to say...

After I wrote that first [and what I thought to be only blog], I was already choked up with emotion from the work camp experience, but I had no idea the generosity and love I would encounter the next day. At the beginning of Day 2, Chu Tuan called me over and asked us [the FHF /Hue crew] to stay until the completion ceremony. He believed this week was going to be an invaluable experience for my kids and the completion ceremony would summarize the entire week...and he didn’t want my kids to miss it.

Taking a short break...

So, that entire morning, I was really conflicted. Of course I wanted to stay, but it would be at a grand inconvenience for many people...so I asked my kids to think carefully about it and answer me during lunch. Of course, they answered about two minutes later that they decided to stay, but then I just laughed, reminded them of all the pros and cons, and asked them to REALLY think about it...and answer me during lunch.

Those few hours passed by really slowly, but everyone kept coming up to me and telling/pleading with me to stay. I was so surprised. I mean, I knew everyone got along really well yesterday, but I guess I didn’t realize the amount of love everyone had for each other. Usually it takes a few days to build up relationships when a group of strangers come together, but somehow someone pressed the fast-forward button and after just one day, my children, the housemothers, and the rest of the work camp team were...one.

As you can already guess, we stayed! =] The rest of the week unraveled more amazingly than I could have ever imagined. Each day I grew more and more astounded by the openness, generosity, and compassion everyone had for us.

I personally would like to thank each and every person who had a hand in giving my kids and housemothers such an unforgettable experience. They’re better people for having met all of you, and are that much wiser, that much more caring, and that much more loving. Thank you for showering us with your kindness.

I could write an in-depth blog about how the week affected my kids and how much they’ve learned...but I’ll let their words speak for them. I’m going to include their personal journal entries throughout the week.

I have spent the last twenty minutes sitting here trying to summarize the amount of gratitude I feel for everyone...but words just aren’t enough. All I can say is thank you to everyone for touching my children’s lives. We’ll never forget your generosity.

Ai Vuong
Volunteers in Asia [VIA] Volunteer
FHF Trung Tâm Baỏ Trợ Trẻ Em Xuân Phú
Huế, Việtnam
DT: 0166 2408 525
www.friendsofhue.org