Jan

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Tony & Janet

Following are some final thoughts on our trip to SE Asia. It has been a privilege to be able to take this journey.  We saw and gained a deeper understanding of how closely, yet varied, different cultures and people are in this world.  The children especially touched our hearts for they were like children everywhere – full of giggles, curiosity, and joyfulness. One obvious difference however is the fact that most American children do not have to beg for money or sell trinkets in the street to survive. Realizing that this behavior is an essential element of their daily survival pulls at your heartstrings. Of those children fortunate enough to attend school, each must have families or a sponsor able to pay for the child’s education. English lessons begin in first grade so students are able to converse quite articulately at an early age.  In their young eyes, America and the Western World is the land of opportunity, which is why learning English is so important to them.  It can become their ticket to a better life.

Towards the end of our trip, an excerpt from the Daily Word, which I read each morning, was especially profound as it sums up the essence of our experience. “We unite in expressions of happiness. We exchange the jubilance of the human spirit with abilities to inspire one another, to thrive individually, and to expand joyfully amidst a multitude of life happenings.” 

By all accounts, this past three weeks was truly an amazing journey.  Tony did incredibly well on his “Return to Vietnam” and we were enlightened by the people in every place we visited.  In closing, we want to say how much it has meant that so many followed our experience through our website blog. Everyone’s support and feedback has been tremendous!