An Chi and Deb's 2010 Vietnam Aid Expedition

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Why am I doing this? Maybe the question is, "Why haven't I done something like this sooner?".

I am blessed by many things: I have a great job, good health, a fabulous husband, Lee, and an amazing daughter, An Chi, who happens to be from Vietnam. Traveling to Vietnam to adopt her was an unforgettable experience. I fell in love with the country for so many reasons: it's noisy chaotic crowded cities, it's great food, it's beautiful countryside, and most of all, it's warm, friendly, curious and generous people.

I have wanted to come back for a long time and it seems appropriate to return to Vietnam for the Aid Expedition. I am grateful that I can give something back to this lovely country - and there are so many people who need help.
This trip will be my daughter's first trip back. She has much to learn about the world. I'm sure this will be an eye opening experience for her and I want her to understand how her actions can make such a difference in another person's life. And how a group -- her friends, classmates, neighbors, local community, the community of the other 80+members of our Catalyst group, can ultimately have such a profound impact.

We will be working with the Catalyst Foundation in the southwesternmost part of Vietnam, in a town called Rach Gia. It is a poverty stricken area and the people we are helping reside (literally) at the town garbage dump. They eke out an existence collecting trash for recycling - adults and children alike. There are 180 school children in this village, whom we will provide scholarships, uniforms, clothing. In addition we will be renovating houses, providing medical services and distributing rice to the families of the village.

I hope you will consider making a donation. A little goes such a long way towards making their lives better.