Although we've only been on this trip 3-4 days now, I've already labeled "Sleeplessness" as a common theme. Apparently, waking up several times a night has been common among the workcamp members, myself an unfortunate victim.

Ahh, Sunflower workcamp. Here goes: [DISCLAIMER: might be a tad cheesy]

I fell in love with Vietnam all over again on our way to Long Xuyen - everything about that day indicated "VIETNAM." Eating fruit on the bus, playing cards [13], crossing a monkey bridge, eating more fruit, riding in a canoe, wearing a leaf hat - it was just so...refreshing.

The team members are getting along very well, despite being from different age groups, backgrounds, and even cultures. But we're all here for one thing: we feel a connection to Vietnam and its people, and we're here to help. Coming back to Vietnam just reminds us of how fortunate we are because we have one thing: opportunity.

First day of workcamp including painting fences, windows, doors in the blistering hot sun. Let me tell you, I'm going to come back extremely tan. And I love it. Kinda like a battle scar, you think? The entire day I was trying to think of what to blog to share the experience, but there really are no words. Despite the heat, no one complained [okay, we complained a little] but everyone was just so eager to work with positive attitudes that even when Chu Tuan told us to take a break, no one wanted to.

Then the children came and it got crazy! I don't know many Vietnamese games and songs, but I quickly learned as the 20+ children opened up to us old folks and let us play with them. Their beaming faces, their curiousity, their genuine laughter at just singing silly songs we nothing short of amazing. =]

Doing this kind of work [if you can even call it work] is..what's the word?...fulfilling? invigorating? satisfying? There's really something said when you can get a diverse group of people together to lend their time, energy, and labor for a common goal.

My long-windedness aside, quick recap:
Vietnam = hot
Children = fun
Food = excellent
Fruit = heaven in my mouth
Team = happy
Work = progressing

The morning has come and mosquitos are gnawing at my legs. More to come later! =]