Every year, volunteers representing Sunflower Mission travel to Vietnam as part of our annual Work Camp to help complete a school in progress, teach workshops for local students and families, and present scholarships and gifts. Here, we document our reflections, thoughts, and lessons learned. Follow along.
by Sara Akerberg
Hi! My name is Sara Akerberg. I am 10 years old, going to the 5th grade at Condit Elementary School. This is my first time going to Vietnam and with Sunflower Mission. I am going with my mom to see where she was born. I want to learn about the country, its people, and volunteering.
Read Moreby Tyler Dao
Many of us were still jet lag but anxious and excited to finally see the school which we will be working the next couple weeks. The short 1-hr drive bus ride started early Tuesday morning around 7:30 am from Muong Thanh hotel — I am a notoriously late riser but found I awoke and on time for roll call.
Read Moreby Ethan Bui
”Palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy...” Unfortunately, no statement could’ve explained my feelings on the bus ride more accurately. Our first commute to the school was undoubtedly nerve wracking and nauseating, full of twists and turns, and seemingly cliff-hanging moments. Thankfully, I had my trusty bus buddy Paloma by my side to comfort me.
Read Moreby Dan Q. Dao
Today, we visited the school site for the first time and immediately got to work painting the five classrooms and bathroom, starting the mural work in one classroom, and clearing the yard of trash and debris. See how the day went down in the photo gallery below!
Read Moreby Zoe Pham
This work camp is the first time my brother and I asked to go without prompting or “volun-telling” from my mom; this was my 3rd trip with Sunflower Mission and I felt way more confident and excited to learn more Vietnamese, get out of my comfort zone, and make new connections with fellow volunteers and the students the primary school would be serving.
Read Moreby Jacqueline Hoang
Today was day one of my second workcamp with Sunflower Mission. Seeing all the new, unfamiliar faces at breakfast this morning was quite overwhelming, but I know these people will be like family after 2 weeks.
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