My Vietnamese friend, Long, came to Singapore last week. I knew him when I was in Vietnam for YEP in Dec 2004. He was on holiday with his mother and caught up with me. He is an architect now, but going to further his studies in Australia this July.
His visit reminded me of my time in Vietnam. It was a short 2 weeks visit, but filled with first class genuine hospitality and friendship from the Vietnamese children and people.
We stayed in a deaf school in District 10, made a playground and a library and donated hearing aids. Communication was purely by hand gestures for we could not speak Vietnamese nor do we know Vietnamese sign language. But we could understand the children through various ways and means. And often times, one does not need to speak to express how one truly felt.
It's written all over her face
I would think this is how an angel looks.
Being deaf does not make one dumb or, any less pretty
Being deaf does not stop one from being happy or having fun
'Hello!! This is our classroom!'
There were many children but I still remember them pretty well. I have reason to believe that little children, whatever their condition, are gifts from heaven. I have learnt much more from them than they from me. I really wonder how they are doing now. Long hasn't been to visit them recently either so he could not update me. Perhaps it's time to experience Vietnamese hospitality again soon.
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