An all around update

Let's see, let's see... I am now about finished with my initial research and have started writing my document for the Center. It is not proving to be an easy task because electricity is pretty inconsistent in Hoa An. So I have retreated to the city to try and do some work but I seem to have writer's block... that's not good. It'll pass surely... there is a lot to organize so I keep trying to organize. For me, starting is the hardest part. It is quite a good feeling though to know that I am now starting the writing as opposed to right before I am supposed to be turning in the report.

I will also be doing some research on the school garden here... very exciting. The Center helped to establish a school garden that actually introduced organic farming to the community. The children took the skills they were learning at school home with them. Parents were impressed and the Center helped the parents learn how to grow organic vegetables at home. They now have contracts with restaurants in Can Tho and sell the vegetables through the University. Very impressive community development. I am excited to learn more...

I just returned from a vacation of sorts to Phu Quoc Island - south of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand. Phu Quoc is a fairly undeveloped island with some beautiful beaches, famous fish sauce and Phu Quoc dogs. I found a little slice of heaven the last night I was there - Bungalow #10 at the Beach Club. A tiny little place with ten beach bungalows, down the road from the main city, right on the beach. It was quiet and had great food. A truly perfect place to relax and one that I wasn't excited to leave so quickly. I do believe I will see it again one day...

All in all I am doing well... I will admit to a bit of homesickness. Try not to dwell on it too much though. It's good to learn these things about one's self... what brings comfort, what pushes your limits, what you miss the most, what you don't... don't think I'll go into all that here. Can't go revealing my secrets in public, you know.

There are a group of American students coming to the Center this weekend. Peacework is helping sponsor a sports camp with student athletes from Duke and UNC. The program should be quite incredible, endorsed by the NCAA even. It will link sports to education and will encourage the secondary students they will be working with to continue on in their education. They are in the process of building a multi-sport court where they will teach futball (soccer), tennis, basketball, badminton and volleyball. The American students and students from Can Tho University will be living at the Center... the program will continue for the next six weeks so the Center will be full of folks the rest of the time I am here. I will help out with them as much as I can, more as a Peacework staff member than anything. I'll keep you updated on how it all goes.

Chao for now.