18 days ago, we met 22 nervous year 9 students, ready and rearing to undertake their Vietnamese adventure. The challenges they faced included extremely hot and humid weather, testing physical and mental conditions in the village, and the challenges of dealing with new friendships, personalities and even stinky bedrooms.
It has been a stunning, cool, exhilarating, eye-opening, Fine, Good-vibing, riveting, gratitude-developing, #yoloswag!XD, adventurous, sick, exciting, RAWR XD, LMAO, Kewl, #random, Four-star, okay, wet, BAE, and hyped trip (their words, not ours). And for us, it has been Positive, Energetic and Hectic.
One of the most testing and rewarding experience was our community build on an isolated island on the Mekong Delta, where we took on the adversity of being the first group of westerners to step foot on the island giving to the local community, ever in their history. With the money raised from our fundraising walks, stalls and other activities we have been able to make a significant difference to the quality of life of the family who were living in a basic shanty on the outer rims of this community. The additional funds will be contributing to the provision of a toilet to this house. However, unlike Vietnam Yellow’s purchase of a cow for another rural community, we were unable to name our toilet (although some unpublishable were provided by the students :D).
Whilst the group was tired and physically depleted in the days following the build, they have consistently maintained a positive energy throughout the whole trip (particularly when given the opportunity to go shopping). It has been an absolute pleasure to work with this group of young eclectic teenagers.
We have observed their personal growth and support of each other and witnessed the everlasting bond that has been created in a short number of days. This trip we know has created a special connection amongst us all, so when we walk down the corridors, the hellos we share will be special to each and every one of us and have a whisper of Vietnam Red.
Thank you for sharing your children with us,
Mary Tattersall, Jess Chirnside and Norman Burke
