Giao Squirrel- Thank-you for sharing these strong and brave individual's stories. I only wish there was an easy answer to the troubles in life- Keep up the good work- you are helping them by sharing there stories with us. thank-you. travel safely.
Cultural differences Hi - it's fantastic you're doing so much there. But I just wonder if you're aware that some of your 'do's and don'ts' seem to ignore cultural differences. Eg blowing your nose onto a tissue or hanky is considered disgusting in Vietnam and many asian countries. Slurping noodles and spitting bones onto the floor are considered acceptable in noodle stalls. And locals see no problem with chewing with their mouth open - they think it's odd to try to chew with your mouth closed. While it's important to be polite, I don't think imposing Western manners onto locals is useful.
No Hitchhikers! Dear Daughter, We can't wait to have you home again!! But you
know how you always open up your suitcases in our living room upon returning home? Well, I think this time, darling, you will be opening up everything in the back yard!!! Safe travels home!!!
I think you should write a book. Sherry, I know you feel us common folk cannot relate to all the things you have seen and done. To be sure, we cannot fully appreciate the impact these things have had on you. But your way of storytelling makes me feel like I was there. I didn't know weather to laugh or cry when I read your telling of the spider incident. Thanks for making a little housewife's day a little brighter, and reminding me that we are all here to spread what light we can to the world. You are doing that in a way that most people cannot, but we should all strive to do our part in whatever way we can. Happy trails home again. Maybe you and lisa can come visit me in California.
I sure am glad that there are just mountains there and not volcanos!! Remember it only takes a few hours to make the climb!!!! Nicaragua is so far from India! Watch out for all the cow dung! Oh and don't let the cows come in while you are doing yoga. It does mess you up.
Pen Robyn and i walked to the start of Pens village looking for her when we found her it was to late in the day to visit so next time we will have to venture in Sapa to me is a magical place and im so happy Karen sent you there another blog to boost my day pictures make all the difference to an email thanks again Marelyn
hey sis Sherry this is first time i really got to read all of your blogs and i am ashamed of myself. To think I couldnt make time to read these blogs when you are helping kids, travelling around the world and not once have you complained. Its mothers day today and i stopped over moms and dads, and i told them today was the day that i was goin to read your entries. Well i didnt expect all the things that you have gone through and i sit here writing this with tears in my eyes, that i even deserve to have a sister as caring and giving as you. You are a real inspiration to everyone that read you blogs, and we are all so proud of you. Its sad to see all these kids in Vietnam that cannot get medical attention or food or clothing, something we "fat americans" take for granted. Well be careful in India, we miss you alot and cant wait to have cervesas with you at the London Grill or anywhere else for that matter(bet you miss coors light). So keep those blogs coming and postcards and we will see you in a month
love John
amazing Hi Sherry, Your mom just told me about your latest adventure/experience. I am in awe of what she was talking about, but mostly that you are doing such amazing things. Who would have thought that your art would have taken you to so many places and allowed you to touch so many lives. I think that what you are doing is unbelievably generous and loving and I am not at all surprised!! Though I don't really know you that well, personally, who you are is so very evident in the works that you are doing----"They'll know we are Christians by our LOVE"--those hymnal words are so true. God Bless You and keep you safe as you minister to the needy. Love and Peace, Pat Casey
art kids Hi Sherry, eb just sent me your blog address and I'm loving it. I decided this year I am not teaching, maybe never again except for workshops. The photos did make me miss it a little, justa little. The grandkids keep me busy. You look great and look like you are having a wonderful time. These kids are lucky to have you there. happy Spring, D
Massage?? Hi Sherry! Sounds like you need me in a bottle now to give you a massage after your long hot trek in Sapa! Wish I was there! We are trying to settle back into mundane life but it is really hard especially with the weather about 30degrees colder than in Hoian! Will keep in touch. I have a great photo of you and Lua which I will send onto you! Safe travels! Peta
Sapa It sounds like you are in a Joseph Conrad novel. Sapa is so beautiful, and I love how most of the villagers are tinted with indigo. Good luck finding Kurtz. Cheers.
Don't say I didn't warn you! Dear Sherry, Sapa is like no other place in the world. I am so glad that you made the trek out to Pens village it's a unique way of life isn't it?. You are so right Pen is really happy with her life which makes her all the more special to me.Thankyou for the photos of her little family, they mean a lot as I don't get to see her every trip. Did you end up buying her pigs or chickens from me?? Just curious...........Take Care Love and a Hug from Karen.
contrasts well squirl thanks a lot for sharing this side of hoi an to give us a more well-rounded view of this town! what a different lens than the one you have been sharing with us for the past 6 weeks! it is beautiful!!!!!
hey even your toes look skinny!
Thankyou! Congratulations on another wonderful blog entry. The photos were a reminder for me of just how badly I would like to have been there for Tam(pre and post op). However I will always be eternally grateful that you were there to see him through his neurosurgery in my absence.It was great to see the big white bear from Oz sitting up in his bed, a picture of softness amongst the harsh reality of The Danang Hospital!You have informed, enlightened and entertained Lifestart supporters with your blogs and have been a spectacular volunteer for Lifestart in Hoi An. Thankyou for all that you have done and now as you leave Hoi An we wish you safe travelling on the next part of your journey.
cute as a button! congratulations to both you and tam for this successful week, and also for surviving the grueling ordeal.
he looks great! i hope the recovery proves to be just as great...though i do know it is one step at a time.
please tell him HELLO from your buddies leslie and mark!!!!!!!
Hey Sherry,
It is really sad how ignorant and clueless society can be. Especially the way they look at people who have disabilities. People are so quick to place labels on people and are not willing to look past the disability. I love what you are doing, it is really amazing. Be safe. Miss ya
Give give give Three little words, Give Give,Give - we all have so much to offer.
Just take a minute out of your life to compare your life with the millions of similar people round the world in need, and you WILL realise how blessed you really are! So give generously to Lifestart Foundation in ANY way you can. Get involved and if you can't, then send something to keep the wonderful work going.Your life will be so much richer!
sniff, sniff Dear Sherry,Thanks for another great TravelBlog. I have to admit I had a little cry when I saw all of our kids in your photos, I miss them all soooooooooo much! I'm sure the kids will remember this time you have spent with them forever. It's about sooooo much more than "art class".
Thankyou again for spreading your "magic" over all of the Lifestart kids, teenagers and families that you have worked with during your time in Hoi An. Please come back! Lots of love and a big Hug from Karen x
I began traveling in my early twenties and found that the experience offered a mind opening perspective of life in relation to the lives of others around the world. Since then, I've explored over 40 different countries, immersed in their cultures and customs, many of which lack the freedom of artistic creation and expression. Recognizing the many opportunities she was afforded in life, like an art education, would become the driving force behind my motivation...... full info
Sera
non-member comment
Giao
Squirrel- Thank-you for sharing these strong and brave individual's stories. I only wish there was an easy answer to the troubles in life- Keep up the good work- you are helping them by sharing there stories with us. thank-you. travel safely.