The final Brick
Despite our excitement to return to the never-sleeping Ho Chi Minh city we were determined to complete our part of the tiring yet blessed house build. With breakfast beginning at 7am we rushed through our usual-morning routine of shovelling down breakfast, wearing dirt-covered clothes and getting our essentials for the day ready to leave at 7:30am.
Upon the departure from the home stay to the construction site we dread the 45 minute long boat ride. We were all excited to complete our part of the new house for the family who deserves it the most. We grabbed our gloves and got right to work laying bricks and mixing cement. We assembled our incredible brick line it was almost as efficient as a conveyer belt. Towards the end of our time at the site, the group was delighted to see the excitement and happiness we brought upon the family. It ticked over to 11:00am and we laid the finial brick, the whole family gathered in a group to take a photo. Many photos were taken to remember what an amazing and selfless project we completed. The family delivered a speech to show their appreciation, their love and their thankfulness for a project that may well change his life and his kids’ life for the better. Nick delivered a speech on behalf of Vietnam Orange thanking the family for allowing us to build a house for their children. Departing the village with them waving goodbye we travelled back to the Home-stay feeling accomplished and blessed to have the opportunity to build something so great for people that have so little.
Being greeted with a delightful lunch back at the home-stay we divided the gifts up for the pre-school kids. A short 10 minute stroll was all it took to see the smiles emerge on the kids’ faces. Before we could pick who’s gifts went to who, the kids already decided what they wanted. As everyone in our group pitched in something, it was an enjoyable experience to see how they all reacted and how happy it made them all.
A further walk down the path led us to the pop rice factory. We all were amazed at how sustainable they were and how they reused and recycled their resources. Their huge woks filled with sand helped increase the temperature to help it rise above 160°C. The crackling that was heard almost instantly once the rice was thrown in was quite loud. As we made our way through the factory we saw the magical sight of hand made coconut toffee. Before we made our way home we were delighted and surprised to meet our new pet… a snake! Don’t worry it doesn’t bite!
We are all excited to return back to Ho Chi Minh city tomorrow for another fantastic day!
Now for life outside the wall,
By Aaron & Bailey