Just a few pictures of the Texas Team touching lives at Hoa Mai orphanage.

The team of youth and young adults that have joined us from our church in Cedar Hill, TX – Trinity Church – are being impacted already….AND, they are making an impact. Here are some thoughts from Aric Dang.

Day 4: (First actual day in Danang) While on the airplane I was preparing myself to enter the battlefield (Vietnam). It being my first day I did not expect anything but shopping. I thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t prepared for tears that would pierce my heart as much as they did when I saw the children for the first time. Especially Tran Nhu Quan, a fourteen year-old boy that tried to sneak behind me. But I noticed him and I began to chase him for a very long time with a few breathers. We later talked and he began to show me around the orphanage and that was when the tears began to pierce my heart.

At that time I knew what I had to do, so I put my hand on him and prayed to myself for him. Through this so many things became clear to me about how blessed I am through God’s mercy. As I was leaving the orphanage I gave Quan a bracelet as a remembrance of me and a sign of God’s love. The best part of this for me was seeing all the joy through his smile. – Aric Dang

Yesterday was spent at Hoi Mai orphanage where we have spent time every trip we have been to Vietnam. I shared with the group last night that I am astounded at the difference between a “complex life and a simple life.” Although we may focus on the things these people do not have in their “simple” lives (material things), the “complexity” of our lives (abundance in everything) can be the hindrance to us seeing that which really matters. We can bring them material things (rice programs, vitamins, etc.) to aid them in their “simple” lives, but the thing we can bring them (if we step out of our “complex” lives) that truly matters is the hope of Jesus Christ. – Camella

Enjoy the pics of Bruce & I with old friends.

Today was our last day with the children of the “Street Kids” program. As just a side note, much discussion occurred concerning this title – those involved in the discussion agreed that this group needs a “new name”….no longer are they “street kids” – they have been rescued and redeemed. The search is on for a “new name.” Many gifts were given at the close of our time together. I personally received one of the greatest gifts ever. My 18 year old friend, Phuong, gifted me with a ceramic pig that she had painstakingly spent most of her time at the amusement park painting – I will treasure that gift and it will have a place of honor in my home. Other gifts were given from the group to the kids, including books and trinkets….but the gifts the most fun to give were the hugs – they were in abundance! But as you can see by the last picture, the greatest gift of all – the love of Jesus was shared between a group of redeemed Vietnamese children and a group of redeemed Americans. – Camella

It was hard to tell who was having more fun – adults or children. But there is one thing for sure, eleven Vietnamese children had the time of their life! Enjoy the pics!

Woke up this morning in a country half way around the world, Vietnam…but I must admit that there is another nation weighing heavy on my mind. As we hug kids here in Vietnam, I am reminded of my kids in Zimbabwe – Kundai, Diana, Moses, Timothy, Thomas, Precious, Joseph, Samuel, David, and so many more. Their nation is experiencing utter turmoil – hyper-inflation, empty grocery stores, barbaric persecution, NGO’s (who offer help to those in need) have been banned from the country, people are being killed and maimed…..all so an evil regime can stay in power. The comparison astounds me – here in Vietnam we are aided in our efforts to help the kids by a Communist government. In Zimbabwe, their own government is their enemy and refuses to allow us to help their children – their future. Please pray as this could be one of the bloodiest bloodbaths that Zimbabwe has ever experienced. Please pray for the children. – Bruce

For you friends who have kids & husbands with us on this trip to Vietnam – here are some pics! Enjoy!

It is our second day at the “beach” resort where we have the incredible opportunity to spend quality time with a group of eleven wonderful Vietnamese children. The story is too long for this post – but this group of children are former “street children” and now live in a home where they have not only become family, but are daily partakers of the love of Jesus. This time with them has been precious. It has been a joy to see American teenagers and adults “play” with these children. From games of tag on the beach to “crocodile fishing” for those brave enough to dare! Hugs have abounded, hands have been held, and love has been shared. In two short days we have seen the teams from California and Texas work together to make this trip a life-changing one! I can’t wait to see what happens in the days ahead….and from the experience I have had in these two days, I won’t ever doubt that “play” is the same in any language!

Just wanted to get the word out that the Texas Team has arrived. We whisked our team from Trinity Church in Cedar Hill TX (our home church) away from the Ho Chi Minh Int’l airport tonight and got them checked into their hotel. Don’t think they will have any problem sleeping tonight. We are anxiously awaiting the opportunity we have tomorrow to spend two days at a beach resort area hosting a group of street kids! How fun is that going to be! I am sure I will have pictures to send of a lot of smiling faces! – Camella

We have spent the last day relaxing in Ho Chi Minh City before we begin the “tasks to come.” Quite necessary since we are waiting for part of our team to arrive from California and Texas. And, the pace once everyone arrives will be hectic. As we walk the streets of the city, eat at the restaurants, shop in the stores….I realize that I am quite anxious to do what we came for. As I eat at a restaurant with all the modern amenities, I can’t help but think of the families who have only a kettle over an open fire in which to prepare their daily ration of rice. As I shop in the market stores, I can only ponder on those who have only one set of torn clothes. Today when I received a foot massage, I agonized over those, both adults & children, who have no shoes. And when the young hostess smiled at me at the hotel, I thought of my young orphan friend, Trang. I long to see her. I want to do what we came for…to bring hope to the poor, the orphans, and those who have no hope. – Camella