Some of the babies who left to go and stay with their new spanish families and start their new lives.

The toddlers had a chance to look at the books I bought in Da Nang. They really enjoyed turning the pages and pointing to the pictures.
One of the children in particular loves looking at herself on peoples cameras (and posing)!

The day the babies left.

Today a lot of the children at the Baby Orphanage were taken by Tina and Kate on a pre booked bus (paid for by volunteer) to the dentist in Da Nang.
When the rest of the volunteers arrived at the Orphanage it was obviously much more quiet. After a short while we were informed that a group of spanish people would be arriving soon and that six of the babies would be leaving to go to their new homes.
It was a very emotional time for all involved. I feel very privileged to have witnessed this happening, but felt for Tina and Kate who had missed it and also Kendall and Cheryl who were at the Disabled Hospital.

The day I saved a starfish!

I found a big starfish on the beach at Da Nang. At first I didn't think it was alive as it was in quite dry sand, but when I picked it up I could see it moving slowly. I put it back in the sea and it was really beautiful with all the sand cleared off. Oh and I also got sunburn on my back. Doh!

Marble Mountain in Da Nang

Marble Mountain in Da Nang

We are in Da Nang for the weekend. Today our gvn translators took us up Marble mountain. Here there are a lot of temples and steps, steep steps!! I think I will be feeling it tomorrow - that and the sunburn on my nose! We climbed to the very top of the mountain and the views were stunning. Think this will definitely be one of the highlights of my trip.
Last night we went to the big supermarket here. It is huge, it has three floors.
I bought a few books for various classes (animals, number, alphabet), a lacing game and a few icepacks. When we went to the Baby Orphanage on Friday morning a lot of the children had fevers - complaining of sore heads and tummies. Hopefully the icepacks will be a bit of a relief for the hot foreheads.
We are going to visit the beach tomorrow before we head back to Tam Ky.

Shopping in Tam Ky for material.

Mrs Hanh took us to a material shop on Friday afternoon. I bought some material that is going to get made into dress up skirts and capes. Think I will come back later to get white material for doctors and teachers outfits.
Kendall and Kate in picture together. Kate is leaving on Thursday with Tina.
Mrs Hanh in other picture.

Second day at Tam Thanh - learning about colours

What a fabulous afternoon! The girls in this class are just great. We focussed on talking about colours today. We spoke about primary, secondary and shades of colours. The girls then got to mix some plasticine together to make different colours. They loved this. The girls also loved getting their photos taken and then looking at them on my screen.

Dressing up at Baby Orphanage

Dressing up day at Baby Orphanage today. The kids really enjoy this and so I am really excited to be getting some new dressing up clothes made. The mats that I want to buy will come in handy when the kids want to do some physical play like handstands etc.

Great day

I had to get up really early this morning as I was observing the vietnamese teacher at the Baby Orphanage. She teaches a variety of subjects to the children of school age. We discussed what resources she could use in the classroom and arranged to meet up next Tuesday afternoon to go shopping for some things.
I have given over some of the fundraised money to pay for fruit at the Baby Orphanage and some other placements. Will let you know in detail next time. A chunk of the money will be going towards paying for the shelter to cover the play area outside.
At the Home of Affection we are looking to buy a computer which will be great for english skills, typing skills and generally knowing how to use a computer.
I am going shopping with Mrs Hanh on Friday afternoon to buy some material that can get made into dressing up clothes. Today the children at the Baby Orphanage were copying the teacher and taking on her role. Will get the teacher's uniform made up for dressing up. I think I will get a doctor's coat made too. There are some hospital toys at the local supermarket - stethoscope, thermometer etc. I would also like to get some fairy/princess dresses and pirates constumes as well.
The children in the photos are all from the Baby Orphanage. When we arrive here the children are given fruit bought by volunteers. The girl with the bag - my bag, was very keen to wear it just like I do. They are all loving the talking postcards that I brought with me. I used these today at one of my new placements. I swapped my class of 15-18 year olds and now I am teaching Wednesday and Thursday afternoons in Tam Thanh - a fishing village. I love it. There are seven girls in my class aged between 9 and 13. They are extremely enthusiastic and very keen to learn. They also loved my talking postcards. Think I will take them with me tomorrow as well.