Head Checks – Page 16

These 8th graders kept trying to get me to call their classmates bad words, I think. July 12, 2007

Thurs. July 12, 2007 While the inside of the amazingly large Chua Duc Son orphanage is full of child-produced wooden carvings, this stone deity was at the entrance. The monks teach them to create works of art that can be sold, giving them another avenue toward revenue as well as additional skills. Photo: Hoang Ba

Milk is something they just don’t get enough of, and next time we visited they had pork and noodles. For around $100 all 204 of these kids can get more fish, eggs, milk and proteins they desparately need. chuaducson@dng.vnnvn Photo: Lanier Carson

At the back of the 4th grade class there were these 6-year-olds in another class. While I tackled the older 4ths the rest talked with these little tykes.

Uncle Sam (Sum) Hoang and his boys, Anh Hai, Em and Ba were helpful in getting around on days when biking was too far and showing us their beautiful city. Here he shows respect before the Buddhist alter in the orphanage. Thurs. July 12, 2007 Photo: Ba Hoang

We stopped in during class time, as the orphanage offers schooling through college to all their kids. This is a 4th grade class.

There were about 75 children present during our first visit; these girls are from the 4th grade. Michele’s Uncle Phoung, the former teacher, often visits and teaches at this orphanage. Photo: Lanier Carson

“Our one goal is helping these kids,” The head female monk, Thich Nu Minh Tu, said. We brought goodies and milk with money donations during this first visit. These young kids are in 6th and 7th grades. Photo: Lanier Carson

Tuan, forefront, with others during first Play Day. “We only get to play when you’re here,” one novice told Michelle. This is probably so they remain focused. Monk Minh and the others lock up the kites and other gifts and only allow them “free time” on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m.

Quang Minh, (far left standing/glasses) English Instructor and one of the head monks of Thien Mu Temple, with dozens of his novice and beginner monks. Bri, Michele’s friend from university, helped tutor these kids for two weeks in Hue, central Vietnam.