On Saturday we visited both Jeremy and Roses birth families. It was a long day just because of the distance and what we were trying to accomplished. We spent approximately 9-10 hours in the car. Both families live in very beautiful mountainous regions but are profoundly poor. They were both overjoyed to see the children. We spent an hour or two with each family. I am very glad that we did this. I think it was a good decision.

Well today we left the Kien Giang. We flew to Saigon and then on to Hanoi. I cannot believe how much it has changed. There are so many high rises and lots of really nice houses. But the old quarter is mostly the same..... very quaint but very crowded now. We had one of the traditional meals that Hanoi is famous for (a fish meal sauteed with lots of greens and placed over noodles. It was very good. Rose had noodles.

We went back to the site of the Claudia Hotel which is now a dress shop. Unfortunately Ms. Thuy was out of town. We talked to her on the phone. Oh well. Maybe the next trip.

Tomorrow morning we leave for the provinces. It will be a long day and then back to Hanoi tomorrow night.

Hello again;

Well camp is done. Yesterday was the final day. We saw a lot of patients on the final morning. I know I drew a lot of blood. There were some very sad situations presented to the doctors who to a certain extent were powerless to help but sent to the hospital in hopes that they could. Some even sadder emotional situations with young girls.

Anyway, then we went to the trash dump (a smell which I cannot get out of my head). It was unbelievable but the people actually live there. There was a very very young baby there as well. It was a very emotional time for everyone.

Then we came back to the hotel and showered and got ready to go to the school again for the big celebration (Cambdian New Year). Lots of food made by the locals and lots of celebrating and silly skits and songs and dancing and stuff. Everybody was sad to leave the kids.

Back to the hotel and took the kids out for ice cream and adults for drinks and saying farewell.

Today we are headed back to Saigon (flying so we can make a flight back to Hanoi this time). Then we hopefully visit Ms. Thuy and do some shopping. Then on Saturday we are going to Yen Bai and Phu Tho to see the childrens families. Then back to Saigon.