Vietnam

I've been raving about finally stepping foot outside the country. It's been nearly eight years since I've been back to Vietnam, and even when I was there summer of '98, I was far too young to comprehend the meaning of family reunions and temple visits. Our family has been through a lot in the past two years. The death of my grandparents, my great aunt, and two great uncles have been somewhat of a religious revival for us, not to mention a reinforcement of strength and unity. But I'm not going to Vietnam this winter break for the purpose of rediscovering my family's history, or spending lavishly on underpriced items at the expense of someone's mother's tedious factory work, though these things are inevitable. I'm on a mission.

An orphanage in Tam Binh, the site of HIV/AIDS Treatment under the World Wide Orphan Foundation

An orphanage in Hanoi

Each week, I'll be visiting sites like these throughout Southern Vietnam with my mom and a few family friends. We'll be overseeing and funding the remodeling of run-down facilities, donating care packages to orphanages, and my favorite part: playing with the kids. I'm sharing my mission with you, in hopes that it inspires one of your own.

All travel plans are a go! I'm departing San Francisco International Airport on December 17th, 2006.

Make sure you check back from time to time. I'll be updating the site so you can follow along with me!