Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

     What can you do in Viet Nam in a week? A lot if you ask me.  Five students and two chaperones went to VN to continue our global community service. With a tremendous support from parents, alumni, staff and students from Punahou, we gathered as many things as possible (old clothes, stuff animals, school and medical supplies) for two orphanages.  We even raised some money from selling sleeping bags and used the proceeds to buy food.  Some students went out of their way to use their own money to buy things for the orphans. 

Our first visit was at the Mai Lien in Saigon run by a Catholic nun. The orphanage has about 20 kids aged 3 to 16.  We were greeted us with smiles and happiness.  We spent two hours with the kids, playing and communicating with one another. Although these kids did not speak any English and our donation was small, I can,  nonetheless, attest that these orphans appreciated the care and love shown by our students.

         Two days later, we went to the Phuoc Thien orphanage in Mui Ne. northeast of Saigon.  This orphanage was run by a Buddhist nun.  We donated the other half of what we brought; some rice and dried goods.  Again, we saw how a small stuffed animal or a used pen can make these kids so happy.  I want our students to understand how fortunate they are and that they can make a difference in the lives of these children.  I had a chance to talk to the head of the orphanage and found out that most of these kids were either abandoned by their parents because they did not have enough money to raise them or they lost their parents. They live in the orphanage and go to school until they are 16 and then they go out on their own. 

        The visit to the two orphanages was short, but very meaningful.  I hope to continue bringing our Punahou students to Viet Nam every year.  I want our students to understand that, there are children who need help and,  more importantly, love. [Mr. Dang]

Special thanks to:

• Mrs. Bruce and the Central Union Church
• Mrs. Craven, Ms. Hayashida.
• Parents, faculty, staff, and students at Punahou.
• Dr. Scott, Dr. Conway, Mrs. Stabb, Mrs. Iacovelli, Ms. Anderson.
• Mr. Dengler for the wonderful web site.
• Kelsey Prock for being a good friend and a great co-leader.
• Mimi and Miranda Dang for their support.

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Viet Nam Reflection by Kelsey Prock
When asked by friends and family how I planned to spend my spring break I would tell them all about how I planned to explore Saigon, visit orphanages in need, and travel to exotic beaches.  They would all express envy and excitement, UNTIL I told them that my colleague and I were going with five teenagers and then the tone would change to almost
apologetic.  Little did they all know that five teenagers could make a wonderful trip even better! Enough has been written about our adventures in prior posts, I too was touched by our time at the orphanages, my senses were hammered by new smells, sounds, and images in Saigon, and life in the Mekong was a humbling experience to observe. 

But for me, not only did I spend time absorbing Vietnamese culture, but also the culture of what it is to be a Punahou student. Each day of our journey together was filled with new adventure and through it all I was able to see five unique teenagers more clearly.  I was fascinated with John's genuine interest in science (chemistry specifically) and how he could make connections and see it in everyday things.  I was tickled by Stephen's wickedly funny and smart sense of humor that poked out at the most appropriate times.  I adored Camille's mature outlook on life and her independent nature (which allowed her to journey with a group of all male students to Vietnam - few freshman girls are as comfortable as Camille is in her own skin). I was moved by Fizz's generous nature to everyone on the trip. He acted selflessly in every situation.

Whether it was carrying other's bags for them when they were too tired or switching seats in a restaurant to make someone else more comfortable, he was always thinking of others.   And finally, I was inspired by Peter's endless knowledge of US history and interest in becoming a more global citizen.  Not to mention his incredibly positive attitude in EVERY situation which made all that we did so much more enjoyable.  What I learned from these five teens was that a Punahou teenager is an intelligent, well-rounded individual.  One who can think for themselves and can follow their passions, without taking
themselves too seriously.  They are the type of human being who is aware of others around them and the challenges they face. As well as someone who puts the needs of others above their own.  In essence a Punahou student is the kind of student we should be proud to put out into the world.  Their willingness to engage in new experiences with open minds and their thoughtful questioning of the world around them was inspiring.  It enforced, for me, how lucky I am to work in such a
wonderful place and to have the opportunity to work with such phenomenal individuals. 

So to all of my friends and family who doubted travel with teens, I laugh.  They should charge extra for such things.  To see the world through the eyes of educated young people who have not yet become apathetic or uninterested - that is a truly a mind opening experience.  I thank John, Stephen, Camille, Fizz, and Peter for letting me journey to Vietnam with them so that I could not only explore a beautiful country abroad, but also be more in touch with those who surround me each day.
A special thank you to Vinh Dang, without whom we would not have learned the difference between traveling through Viet Nam as tourists and traveling with a purpose.  Thank you Vinh for bringing your knowledge, experiences, and global consciousness to us through this adventure!