My first day was filled with introductions to not only the members of the US group, but also to the COV staff in Vietnam. It was great to finally meet Ben after only “meeting” via the telephone and through emails. The other members of the delegation also consisted of Jane and Margaret, who are both psychologists from Greensboro, North Carolina, and Joe who is a new COV board member and has many years of experience working and living abroad. Ms. Huong and her team were so welcoming and gracious in their efforts to put together a schedule of events to help give us full exposure to the wonderful work being done by COV to serve the Vietnamese people.

 After a brief visit to the office, we visited an orphanage in Hai Chau that COV supports. The kids were gathered out front upon our arrival and welcomed us with waves and hellos.

 Some children were so intrigued by the presence of foreigners and quickly interacted with us, while others were more shy and kept to themselves. Those that interacted with us, were enthralled by our cameras and wanted the instant gratification of seeing their picture digitally.

 After a brief tour of the house and gathering more information from the housemother and manager about the orphanage, we called it a day.