The latest word we have is that they are going to arrest Hanh.  It's about time, but that there are others that should be going to jail too.  Then there is the question of getting our property back.  Stay tuned; we are nothing if not persistent.

Waiting for justice

It's been almost two years that we have been waiting for the court system to do justice. Initially it was a civil case and police did basically nothing for us.
Later it was upgraded to a criminal case. We are still hopeful that we will see justice in this case.

Treachery and Betrayal

It's with great sadness that I report the embezzlement of our money and property. We were shocked to learn the Hanh has sold all of the property we purchased and absconded with the money. We have engaged an attorney to see about getting some justice, but it is unclear at this point what the outcome will be.

It is reported that new people have moved into our house and are making changes. We have asked for some kind of restraining order until this matter is straightened out. But so far; no action.

I will fill in more details later. Our desire is to have the use of the property we purchased. To that end, please pray that God will frustrate the plans of the wicked and return the property to us.

My Love returns

What a sight for sore eyes! The last 6 weeks have given her skin a more golden hue and her hair is as gray as mine.

Yesterday, she arrived at SEATAC about 11:00 and cleared customs in less than an hour. We gathered the luggage and made our way back home. Stopped by Costco for some groceries and a hot slice of pizza; yum!!!

Here is a picture of our Thursday group from Nov 19th, courtesy of my friend Doug Greene.

We talked some about the language and she assures me that she can (and will) teach me to converse in Vietnamese during these next 11 months before our return. Our friend Bao has promised to study English too. I guess time will tell.

I've mentioned the school we want to convert into a reading room for the local kids. We still don't have permission from the government, but thought I'd share this picture of it. I really don't think the building is in such bad shape. It just needs a face lift and some paint; and maybe some electricity and water and septic...





Speaking of the kids and our Thursday get togethers. Here is shot of yours truly preparing the popcorn for my little friends. The popcorn and candy is fun and I enjoy doing it. The kids seem to like it too.

We have assurances that these will continue in our absence. I hope so. There is no way to know how much a single act of kindness can affect the life of a child. Imagine the opportunity to sow good seed into their lives every week. What a privilege.

Reflections

I'm still sorting thru my thoughts about the trip but here are some preliminary observations. I'll need to work over my priorities for the coming year.

It is clear to me that the area we're in offers much in the way of opportunity to serve. This comes with some mixed feelings however. I am more aware than ever of how backward the culture is, and how great is the need. We will need to refine the scope of our plans or we will be overwhelmed.

Developing ability to communicate in Vietnamese is clearly one of my highest priorities, for without it I am sort of a fifth wheel. With it our effectiveness would be more than doubled.

I'm challenged to accept what I would call barbarity or cruelty. I refer to the lack of what I consisder basic care for animals. Then there is the inattention/neglect of the children.

The harvest is great, but the laborers are few.

Homeward Bound

Bags are packed, ready to go... Checked email and chat with Michael in the states.

Last night we had dinner with Anthony and Kieu, Richelle couldn't come. Then took a ride on the river boat. Got back around 9PM and collapsed into bed.

Tuesday Morning got to the airport around 9:30 - 10AM for my 11:30AM departure on China Airlines. Requested a better seat than the one I had before and got bumped into business class at no charge for the trip to Taipei. What a treat! Made a similar request for the longer trip from Taipei to Seattle and was pleased to be moved to as seat that was still coach, but had an empty seat beside it. This seat had an armrest that could be raised out of the way allowing me to partially unfold my legs; not perfect but better than expected.

Arrived in Seattle the same time I left Saigon; 11:30AM Tuesday morning. Cleared customs in short order and started looking for my ride. Some how we missed each other for an hour and a half. Finally connected around 13:00 and drove home. Quick meal and into bed. It's odd how you wake up and think you're still in VN the first night.

Wednesday, waded thru a mountain of mail (mostly junk). Slept most of the day and then went to Dad's and visited til the evening. Barbara and Karen prepared a smoked Turkey and man did it taste good Thursday at Bob & Linda's. Didn't get home til 22:00 (10PM) pretty tired.

Loaded my pictures from the trip to the internet. Here is the link.

Monday Morning

We got up and met Richelle for breakfast near the Ben Thanh market. It was good to see her again and catch up on her experiences and insights. She has great stories to tell and humorous observations, as well as weighty comments about the problems of this culture. We plan to gather this evening with her and Anthony & Kieu.

Then we went for a haircut, shave, shampoo and facial massage. Anh got great treatment and lots of it(sans the haircut and the shave). The gal who cut my hair couldn't quite figure out how to make both sides about the same. We finally gave up and reasoned that we could have it fixed if we stopped her before she'd gone too far. She started to dry shave me; WHOA big fella! We switched off to another girl and she gave me the TLC I was looking for. But prices in this part of town are too high; it was about $5 USD.

Today we need to confirm my flight out tomorrow and pack whatever impedimentia is going with me. I'm hoping my uneasy stomach will straighten up and fly right this PM.

It occurs to me that I haven't filed my after action report on our second Thursday (last) story time. We had between 40 & 50 kids show up. There were also half a dozen adults. Anh had purchased toothpaste and brushes and she distributed to the older kids, but they went really quick. Of course we had a big supply of popcorn and candy. The story was about Jonah and the great fish. The program runs for about an hour but they kept coming and didn't leave until about 6:30. Some of the late comers came because they heard we were giving stuff for free. While we want to be generous, we don't want to establish a precident of coming at all hours for handouts. So Anh nipped that in the bud in her own tactful way. The kids here are for the most part unruly, and poorly behaved. I think it is from lack of training in the home.