A DAY WITH VIETNAM QUILTS by Tracey Mitchell

It was an early morning that brought a small group from ILV together with the staff of Vietnam Quilts. We eagerly piled into two buses to complete the three-hour journey to Duch Lin, Bin Thuan Province, 140kms southeast of HCMC. Upon arrival, we were met by Hang, the program director in Duch Lin. She and a couple of her staff expertly guided us through the narrow dirt roads.  We were warmly welcomed by each family we visited and often the neighbors as well. The children especially touched our hearts, so happy and cheerful, particularly a little boy with Downs Syndrome, who was determined to become a stowaway on our bus. The families, who had so little themselves, offered us refreshments and proudly showed off their accomplishments small  businesses and farms – which they had started with the help of the program.  The incense farm was great and, of course, the quilters.  Everyone was excited to meet them.  A feast was provided for lunch at the offices of Mekong Plus. After lunch we were treated to a presentation by the staff of all the work and programs they are involved in including farming, education, medical, loans, book drives, support for children with disabilities and the many opportunities they provide for women and children, opportunities we so often take for granted.  For me, personally, it was hard not to be affected by the level of poverty. However, the people we met had a true sense of pride and self orth. They had achieved something great against impossible odds. With the help of the programs provided, they will continue to achieve and begin to inspire others, thus reminding me that “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Vietnam Quilts is a non-profit program, within a French-Belgian NGO, Vietnam/Mekong Plus. For more information, visit www.vietnam-quilts.org 




“High Tea” at the Caravelle Hotel was a delight for ILV members.  We enjoyed an elegant buffet with dishes ranging from delicious desserts and finger sandwiches to savory meats.  Everyone enjoyed their favorite tea or coffee and the opportunity to get better acquainted.  Thank you Tracy for the smiles on our faces and a lovely afternoon.