wow. what a heartfelt post. i am an american college in love with vietnam who hasn't been there in 4 years. your blog reminds me of the feeling of belonging in such a foreign place. good luck.
Good thoughts Sherry, I'm being sent your blogs by Lisa and it's so great that you're encountering these wonderful children and people. In my travels, I'm always made acutely aware of how rich our own country is and how much we take for granted, including all our opportunities. I hope you continue to write about this, maybe a book could be in the works...
For those of your readers who might not know, child poverty is still extreme in the US. 29 million children live in low-income families. That's 40% of our country's children who are living on the edge. While it may not compare to the extremes you're finding in SE Asia, there is still a lot of work to be done here too.
This site is helping educate and help:
http://www.nccp.org/cat_8.html
Keep up your good works!
Victoria Webb
West Chester, PA
Spread the ZEN!! I will forward this experience to all I know! I am laughing aloud at work (but not sure at which - you caffeinated or the 21st century monk). What a story!! I will never stop reading. I stalk you. Don't be silly.....we live vicariously through each other (you know what I mean sista friend).
Are you sure it wasn't a fashion statement?
More Awestruck Sherry, I so admire you for your courage, spunk, generosity, humor, and talent. Your descriptions blow me away. My world seems so superficial somehow, after reading your experiences with these struggling, incredibly poor yet spirited people. It's heartening to know that earth angels like you and Karen are at work. I know your Mom is very proud of you and no wonder! I will keep you and those you write about in thought and prayer. Take care.
Your Mom told me I'd cry I'm sitting here crying and I'm not sure why. I know that I am in awe of all you are writing and doing in your travels. Your descriptions are so beautiful and touching. I'm sorry it took me so long to start reading your entries (4/14/06). Now I have lots of catching up to do and I could just spend the rest of the day doing that! I've been telling your Mom for ages that you are my hero, Sherry, and reading your entries confirms it.
Help is on the way Dear Sherry, Lifestart Foundation can help this family. I will send the necessary funds over with Peta and Damien on the 26th of this month. Please let me know how much is needed. Perhaps with the help of Dorothee and Giao you can give me a detailed medical report and finacial breakdown for projected costs. If you can sort out what you can for the short term for this family I will look into helping them on a long term basis when I return. I know you didn't sign up for this and it's a long way from art class but thank god you are there in my absence!
Much love and a big Hug from Karen. x
Inspiration Sherry,
I can't even imagine being in that situation and making those type of decisions. Reading this brought tears to my eyes, but only enforces your sentiments, we are sooo lucky. In that situation there is no choice you just do what is in your heart. You are an inspiration.
Love ya,
-L
Mother's "Breakdown" Dearest Sherry, Your mother needs new underwear!! Too bad you can't submit two journal entries at the same time! (You know... like two sets of accounting records!) One for "us" and one for your mom! I am glad you decided to walk from now on! I am praying for Tam's recovery and for people like you and Karen who really try to make the world a brighter place. Love and stay safe.
lifestart hey squirl first may i say how much i am enjoying your writing style...especially your HUMOR in describing some very serious situations...as far as I am concerned, that is a hallmark of a good writer!!! GOOD JOB!
Next, I just looked at the Lifestart website. What a valuable program! And how something is centered in Ireland has found its way to Vietnam via Australia is very impressive.
I totally forgot one of the things that scared the crap out of me was the driving over there, it makes driving in Italy look sane. I never really trusted driving in countries where reincarnation was a common belief, there lacks the health sense of fear that you gain after your first broken bone. Come back in one piece.
Cheers.
Thong, not underware! Too funny!
Your blogs are too cool! AND...on top of everything else your doing your writing is terrific! I can feel a sense of being there with you. Wow! very magical.
Wow! Sherry Baby, I am so proud of you! While I was a bit concerned, I am trusting God that you will be fine over there. And from the photos, you look great and you are eating well! Much love, Lisa
Hi Sherry My name is Amanda, I was in Hoi An with Karen a couple of weeks ago, I am writing a book about Karen's work and was one of the volunteers that helped to open the school. So far your blog entries have made me laugh and cry - your experience with the motorbikes was something i could relate to ;) and now i know what people mean when they say Vietnam just gets to you! You can't help but fall in love with all the kids and i miss Tam's sense of humour and little Phuc's energy! It's great to read all about what you're doing and I know Karen appreciates it. I'd love to hear more!
Take care and please say a big hello and give lots of hugs to all the school kids, Tam and Phuc for me.
Amanda
x
Feeling very fortunate Hey Sherry,
Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your journals and admire what you are doing. You are truly an amazing person. Reading this journal made me realize how lucky I am and also made me extremely sad to think how those children have to live. I will think twice next time I complain about not having enough money to buy the things I want, traffic, blemishes on my face, work, etc.... Be safe(:
G'day from Sydney Was really interesting to see your beautiful photos. We are friends of karen's and sponsor a family through Lifestart (thanks Karen for giving us the opportunity). We are coming to Hoi An Easter Monday and your pics have truly whetted our appetite for the journey ahead. I agree with your uncle - we in Australia also live a truly fortunate life and it behoves us to share that bounty with others less fortunate. Enjoy the journey!
Can't wait to get there! I am a sponsor of Karen's wonderful Foundation and am about to head back to Hoian in 3 weeks for my second time in 6 months. Your diary on Hoian has really summed up how I feel about the place, life and everything that is important in my life. Hoian, the people and especially the kids have touched my heart like nothing else in this world. Hoian will be my second home now.....the place where I go for a reality check. The best part about Lifestart Foundation is that you can actually see where your money is going. I raise money each time before I go back to Hoian so I can make sure our sponsor families can have things in their lives that we take for granted, like clothes and food. I can't wait to get back and see the kids working hard in their new class room! You must feel like you have achevieved so much with your time in Hoian!
You, like Karen, are an angel here on earth It's great to hear how destiny has drawn you to meet Karen and help these wonderful people of Hoi An. My girlfriends and I have sponsored one of the many families who needed a stable roof over their heads for the last year through Lifestart. We had the privilege to meet them last October and bring a large quantity of clothing that Karen had collected for those who needed them. I know that the experience was life changing and eye opening for all of us. Our sponsor daughter, Gai, is training to be a Beauty therapist (just like my girlfriends and I) and Lua,her brother, is able to go to school thanks to our sponsorship. As you know by now, the people of Hoi An are generous despite not having anything to give and kind-hearted and curious. I'm sure you're experience will open up a whole new world of hopes and dreams for these people and yourself. It's wonderful what you're doing!!
Touched I am really touched by this journal. How sad that these boat people can never get clean the way we do, or know what it's like to have a comfortable bed and pillow under their heads at night. What an existence....or as their govt. says.....non existence. The way we live in America, every day should be Thanksgiving. You may have "special" hair as one person put it, but you and Karen are truly very special people!
Although I enjoy your journal entries immensely, they make my heart ache at times. We are such a fortunate nation... most of us never give it a second thought. I am glad you met up with Karen...what a beautiful person she must be to know. Take care, Sherry and stay safe.
Love you, Aunt Ronnie
Inspiration You are a true inspiration to the world. Almost a modern-day Mother Theresa (though you don't have to be part of a religion!) The words that you have chosen to share your perspectives and insights are touching and inspiring. Not everyone can have your experience through your channels, but life is meant to have this much meaning and I am happy that you are finding it.
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
mandy
non-member comment
wow. what a heartfelt post. i am an american college in love with vietnam who hasn't been there in 4 years. your blog reminds me of the feeling of belonging in such a foreign place. good luck.