Day 7 - Thank You!

There is a quote that says, "You are one person in the world, but to one person you are the world." That has truly been our motto during this aid expedition. In some ways it feels like we have been here longer. Other ways it has gone too too fast. From the beginning when we went to the orphanage we met children who were just like all the children in the world - a little shy around strangers (definitely scared of the dentist's chair!), but with a little nudge had a little smile for us. Then we went to the most rural parts of the Mekong Delta in two small villages that had been neglected for too long. The children saw strangers approaching them yet reached out for a hand to hold. They were overjoyed to see pictures of themselves and to receive the simplest of gifts. Then to go to camp and the only worry for the day was if they could have TOO much fun! Our entire amazing team wanted to come to make a difference in the life of one child, but in reality each child that we met made a lifetime impression in our hearts.

The medical team saw over 600 children and over a third of them had such a bad case of worms that they didn't know why they were always in pain and so small. Deep in the Mekong Delta region of Dong Thap Province families are living, bathing, washing, and cooking from a river that is black as oil, polluted with garbage. When asked if they would drink bottled water they turned us down to give to the a more deserving, poorer family. It's countless generations only knowing how to be resourceful with what they are given. We will follow up with these children as we partner with other larger non profit organizations like the Red Cross and CARE International.

The home renovation team did great! They were able to see first hand what $400 could purchase and change the livelihood of an entire family. A permanet structure to call HOME! Wow....the first one most had ever had and the first thing they would tell us was how they would open their door to any child that needed it.

And the children on our team went to visit schools and were treated like the celebrities...when all we had to offer was milk and some rice. The kind thank yous and the big smiles warmed all of our hearts....we can't wait for you all to see the pictures!!!

Speaking of pictures - internet has been extremely slow so we will post them soon....we promise!!!

Thank you to all of our amazing donors and team members on being a part of our journey to Vietnam once again. It was truly the best one ever! (Even though that is said every year!) We thank you for your endless support...next Aid Expedition is Spring 2008! We hope you will "Be the CATALYST for change that you wish to see in the world."

Peace,
Caroline Ticarro-Parker
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Catalyst Foundation
cntpar@catalystfoundation.org