So, like I've said, I'm really not a blogger... but I could think of no easier way to update all of you on the sights, sounds, smells and my experiences in southern Vietnam than to put it all in one place and invite you to check out if you'd like.
As a preface to this blogging adventure in itself, I ask that you please do not expect expert grammar or punctuation, let alone writing... Imagine me saying all of this to you face-to-face, hand movements and all, and then hopefully you will be able to overlook any technical mishaps. I also cannot promise much as I don't fully know what my internet access will be like once I make it to my final destination...
But, alas, enough on what I'm not and on to what I am - and that is in southern Vietnam for the next two months and 11 days. I am working on the international summer service project requirement for my Master of Public Service. I am working for an organization called Peacework (http://www.peacework.org/). Peacework is an international collaborative development organization that facilitates short term service trips at project sites around the world. I am working with them to research and document an intergrative community development project at the Hoa An Center in the Mekong Delta. The Hoa An Center is an agriculture research station of Can Tho University about an hour south of Can Tho in the village of Hoa An. The Center has numerous projects throughout the village - organic farming, school gardens and micro-finance loans. I will be trying to document as much as I can about the entire Center and its work, including its history and development as a Center, the environmental and economic conditions of the area and its evolution after the Vietnam War, or American War, as it is called here.
I have been here since Wednesday evening, the 21st. Flew from Little Rock to Ho Chi Minh City. Spent a few days there and now I am in Can Tho, about 170 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City. I finally have a few minutes of downtime with a consistent internet connection and a body maybe, just maybe over the complete 180 degree time change (twelve hour difference than LR) so here is my very first post. I am going to get some pictures together and try to get them posted.... More soon....
