VOSH-Indiana Goes to Vietnam

In late September 2002, a group of 31 people embarked on an eyecare mission to Vietnam. It was VOSH-Indiana's first mission to southeast Asia. We were met in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) by our tour company. After almost an hour of discussion, our supplies were impounded by customs--not to be seen again for three days. Even with the proper paperwork, the customs agent would not allow us to take the supplies with us.

We immediately went to "Plan B"--which moved our sightseeing to the beginning of the week and then working to the second half of the week.

On the third day, the supplies were delivered to the hotel. The next day we were off to the worksite at Dong Nai (about 25 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City). We were greeted by the hospital staff with flowers for each of us. Following the opening ceremonies, we placed the flowers on the grave of the priest who founded the hospital. We then went to the building where we would work for the next three days. There the patients met us with a standing ovation (I am sure a first for a VOSH-Indiana mission).

For a large, full view of the photo . . . click on the picture.

	Jeff Henn with mission supplies.
	A boat ride on the Mekong River.
	Another view from the boat ride on the Mekong River.
	Street in Ho Chi Minh City.
	Opening ceremonies.
	Opening ceremonies.
	Founding priest's gravesite.
	Working with patients.
	We had built a house for this lady . . . $1500.
	Working with patients.
	Saigon River
	Farewell dinner.
	Farewell dinner.
	Faces of Vietnam.