Providing much needed books and SMILES to School Children

Ho Dao Phung Tuong Thanh Le Ta On is one of the few Catholic Churches in a small village suburb of Can Tho. On Church premises is a School for the poor children of the village. It has been in operation for the past 20 years and annually educates approximately 100 children who fall 200% below poverty income level. The tuition for classes, taught 9 months a year, is 15,000 dong per month (0.75 cents USD). Upon arrival we were greeted by a very nice young priest who graciously and humbly accepted our donation of books for all the children of the school. Since it was evening time, after clinic, we did not expect students to be on site. Much to our delight, about 25 children were gathered and playing in the common grounds. Of course, our team jumped right into the games. These children were extremely respectful, funny and talented. Many of them sang songs for us and the boy Im hugging had the most celestial voice of them all!!! To my surprise they requested that I sing a song for them. Having no idea what to sing, but surrounded by the most brilliant breathtaking stars in the sky, my students prompted me to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!! As I finished to a round of applause, it again reminded me of how respectful these children were, because trust me, I did not deserve it!!! I happily provided some piggyback rides during our tour of the Church, School, and dining area. The dining area is made from over 100 year old wood from the original Church site that was bombed and damaged during the Vietnam War. Another day of donations and another day of chills and tears for me!!! Thank you children for making me laugh and cry at the same time!!!