March 11 Dalat to Nha Trang

This morning we were scheduled to visit the Dalat mentally challenged children's school. However, we had been notified by phone yesterday that due to a political issue they were not going to allow our visit. Since this is a regular stop for TOP, Jess was able to call his contact there who is a young woman teacher. They have become good friends and she agreed to meet us at a gas station near the school. There we were at least able to present to her some special gifts. One was a beautiful necklace one of our members purchased at home. It was stunningly simple and perfect for this vibrant young lady. She cried and tried to take it off her neck after the presentation, saying "I cannot accept something this beautiful". Another participant gave her some perfume samplers with the caveat that she could share them with the other teachers if she wished. She in return wanted to reciprocate with a gift and so had special Vietnamese tea for us. She was embarrassed and commented ! in humulity "I am a poor woman".

She also expressed her regret that we were not going to be able to visit the school this trip. She will be working to again get the "door open" to TOP on future trips. It seems that others of the teachers have a difference of philosophy regarding our visits and caused the problem. I guess we do have to remember that this is after all not a free country!

As we left this beautiful young woman, she was remounting her scooter for the return ride to the school. She wore the necklace with pride and treated us with her smile and warmth and a wish that we return again soon.

From there we travelled down the Ngoan Muc Pass and along highway 1 to Nha Trang.

Along the way we stopped for a picnic lunch at a roadside establishment. They had covered picnic type tables and served us hard rolls and fixins to make our own cold sandwiches. It was actually a pleasant diversion from the heavier multi-course Vietnamese meals we have had since we arrived (a topic for an entirely separate blogpost when I get the chance).

After the meal we were able to explore one of the centuries old Poklong Giarai ChamTowers. The setting was on a high hill above where the bus could take us. The weather was very sunny and hot so it was not surprising when a few of the group elected not to climb the multitude of unevenly spaced concrete steps up the hillside. What was surprising was when they witnessed the determination of my dear husband to"scale" the mountain. With a very halting gait and leaning heavily on his crutches, he took each of the 70 steps just as we all should...one step at a time.

Soon all the others, with what they felt were excuses not to "tackle the mountain", looked up at his progress and muttered "NO WAY". Then they joined with us as we proceeded very slowly to make it to the top.

Stubborness and determination have always been traits of this husband of mine. Now, as the effects of his wartime Agent Orange exposure attempt to take away from him the mobility that he has always so cherished...he seems to be determined to fight the battle and win.

My daughter has remarked in a return e-mail to me that (based on my first 3 blog entries) she would know to have a tissue handy when she reads the successive ones...I am sure I have done it to her again. However this trip is truely turning into a very emotional one but hopefully with the emotion will come the healing of the invisible battle scars.

All of Life is An Adventure, Just remember to take along some kleenex,
Linda