Jan

23

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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!

Jan

18

I Love the USA

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To Serve & Protect

Hurray!  We are now back on American soil, and again, we are reminded of how very much we love this country.  Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia made it clear how very precious freedom is to a country, a people, and to us as individuals.  To all those who have served America or are currently serving our great country abroad, thank you.  While flying from Singapore and changing planes in Tokyo this morning, we came upon several young soldiers returning to the USA on R&R from Iraq.  Tony gave each of them a small card with the words, “Thank You For Serving.”  Only wish you could have seen their faces.  Wow. Actually brought tears to our eyes knowing that they will soon have to return to combat in a few short weeks.  At any rate, this was an amazing trip/journey.  Tony did incredibly well and we truly enjoyed the people in every place we visited.  Following almost 3 weeks of non-stop travel, we have been flying two days without much sleep since leaving Singapore, yet, before we go to bed tonight in our warm, cozy home, we want to say how much it has meant that so many of you have kept up with our blog.  We have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your prayers and support.  With gratitude,

Jan and Tony

Jan

16

Singapore

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Singapore

Singapore

We have arrived in Singapore. Talk about a modern city! Everything is new! Building construction along the harbor and waterfront canal has all taken place in the past 40 years! What a contrast with so much of what we have seen elsewhere………………..especially in Vietnam & Cambodia.

Tomorrow we plan to venture outside the city proper and take in the local culture and history of this unique land.

Jan

14

Bangkok, Thailand

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Grand Palace

Grand Palace

Modern Day Bangkok is quite the contrast from most of what we experienced in Vietnam. Much of the city’s business district proper is more like New York City than SE Asia.  We have to remember, while much of SE Asia has been at war most of the past century, Thailand has been at peace.

Very cosmopolitan. Once we ventured into the outskirts, we then experienced the true culture and history of this noted place. Temples everwhere! The Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, Old Bangkok……all were very impressive and allowed us to truly view some of the greatest monuments the world has ever seen. The river transportation system was facinating and a wonder to experience.   With the majority of the population Budhists, there were monks everywhere.

The Night Walk……………..very interesting indeed!  Two days in Bankok. Wow, what a special place to visit. Now it’s time to get some sleep…

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