I had a lot of nightmares last night..and I am not even on any crazy malaria drugs! I woke up at 4am wide awake aaaaand..sick! I had a sore scratchy throat and my sinus’ hurt. I know a lot of people at home at sick, but it could also be the air quality here (it’s terrible..or..Scott, Mom & Dad..it’s trrrrrrble!) Luckily though, the internet quality was great, so I was able to catch up on some emails. I woke up at 8 and went to get breakfast and then, being the good girl I am, I went to church! The Catholic Church here is beautiful (it’s a tourist stop) and at 930am on Sundays they have a mass in English. I went once last year, and we were late so I couldn’t even see the priest, making it very hard to following along. It’s about a 20 minute walk but I made it with time to spare and a good seat!
It was SO hot in that church I cannot explain..I felt like I was going to pass out the entire time. I was, however, very impressed with the Samsung flat screen TVs (probably 20 of them) that showed the words for songs (an upgrade from last year) and wondered what my offering might bring for next year! On the walk back to the hotel I stopped in every air conditioned place I could find and made it back with time to blog, check emails and most importantly cool down!
Long and I planned on meeting at the bus station at 1pm and on my walk I sort of heard someone yelling and then thought, “Is someone yelling my name?” You can imagine why I would find it strange that in the middle of Saigon someone was calling MY name, so as I turned around, who did I see but Long! I am actually still not really sure why he was in the park, but anyway, we were off! We spent the 45 minute bus ride catching up. Long is 25 and finishing up his last year at university. I found out he has a girlfriend (of 6 months, but don’t tell because his parents don’t know) and they usually go to the coffee shop for their dates. I tried, as best I could, to explain the orphanage to him so he was fully aware of what to expect.
When we got there, we went to Thoung’s room, where he was in the WORST mood. He would barely look at me and had the worst pouty face. I wanted to say, “Hey Thoung, I brought my friend here today, what’s your problem” but as Long started talking to the worker in the room, she said yesterday after I left he cried and cried and was not a happy camper. As cute as it was to know that, I figured he was mad at me today! Long started to talk with the woman in the room but I guess she was sort of a “substitute” so she didn’t know much. We decided to try another room and when we were leaving Thoung started crying and it broke my heart! I asked Long to tell him I was coming right back and we could go for a walk..can you see why I am in love with Thoung?
We went to a different room and ended up talking to a few different workers. To be honest, I didn’t really find out anything I didn’t already know. They said the head monk was in charge and I should go through him to ask about what they need, although then they continued to say if I donated there it wouldn’t get to them so I should deliver to the rooms individually. One woman actually said I shouldn’t even walk in to the pagoda with the stuff because they will snag it (although I don’t think that’s true). I was thinking they would be more greedy about stuff they wanted me to buy them but they didn’t have any crazy requests. I did get some ideas from the man I met yesterday (dishes, detergent, towels, etc.) and a couple of the rooms asked for diapers, etc. They also said everything comes from private donations. I think Long might come back again (he said he enjoyed going and giving back) so maybe we will be able to find out more information!
When we got back to Thoung’s room (and he was still pouty) I had Long ask if we could take him for a walk and Thoung melted my heart again with his smile. I was teasing him that now that I was taking him out he was being cute again. We put on his shoes (yes he has some, although not the ones from last year) and headed out! He had an even bigger smile when I put the camera around his neck and off we went.
He was on a mission and we walked out of the pagoda to the sugar cane (it’s a sweet drink) stand where he just sat down. I remember last year he didn’t really like it, but I bought a drink for myself, Long and Thoung (which they put in a cute kids cup with a Mickey Mouse lid). It amazed me because Long was talking to Thoung in Vietnamese and it was obvious he understood even though he wasn’t able to verbally respond. Thoung was showing Long the pictures he took yesterday and Long was asking him questions he could answer by pointing or shaking his head. I was so amazed to watch him interact in this way. We sat there sipping our drinks and I just thought, life is good!
Finally the substitute worker lady came and told us (well told Long) it was time for food and a shower so we brought Thoung back inside. I was ready for his breakdown again (which breaks my heart) but I asked Long to tell him I would be back tomorrow, and Thoung got a huge smile and waved by as we left. Ugh I just love this kid!
Long and I took the bus back and I was exhausted. This time difference is killing me and it’s always in the late afternoon (I remember the same when in China). I am making myself stay up until a reasonable hour tonight in the hopes I will get on a schedule soon! I ate dinner (spaghetti again) and to be honest I haven’t even enjoyed eating out because I am so sleepy! I literally want to lay down on the table..it is really awful. I did splurge tonight and get a massage, although my favorite massage place is GONE! Last year I had a favorite massage place because they did this cucumber wrap on your face and in the hot Saigon weather it felt so good..but I couldn’t find it! Anyway my massage felt GREAT and after a shower I am ready for bed!
Hugs and kisses from jet lagged Julie!
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