Whispering Palms’ Vietnam Trip Party

Two months ago, I was invited to Whispering Palms to share about my experiences as part of the “boat people.”

Last weekend (Sun. May 20th), Miwa and I were invited to Herb and Elena Soll’s house to attend the Whispering Palms’ Vietnam After-the-Trip Party. We spent six wonderful hours together with new friends eating, laughing, watching slideshows and sharing stories.

The photos and slides were amazing, even the Vietnamese tour guide wearing that speedo (but it was more like a thong)! Thank you Heidi (Gabby & Cody’s mom) for sitting next to us to provide the stories to accompany the slideshows. And thank you to Janet M. & Dr. Tony Stearns for the slideshow and Joe for the videos.

We had so much fun hanging out with the kids after everyone left…the “Party after the party.”

Gabby, who was playfully spitting seeds on me.
Cody, who kept wanting to put his body inside the large cooler.
Min Joo, who ate soggy chips after the neighborhood boy sneezed on them.
Jessica, Herb and Elena’s daughter.
Cleo, whose dad works for the Hyatt.
Emma, the quiet one who’s already driving!

We were also glad to have gotten to know the others, like:
Clay, who loved the brownies (esp. the corner slices).
Amber, whose smile continues to brighten my day.
Hunter, I hope your scab heals soon.
Kai, who will soon be taller than his dad.

Thanks again for inviting us to join you all and a special thanks to Herb and Elena Soll for sharing some beautiful stories about Alaska, Africa, Peru, and the early days of Saipan.

Below are photos courtesy of Janet McCullough and Dr. Tony Stearns from their Vietnam trip.

Photo: Halong Bay Floating Village

Photo: Halong Bay

Photo: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

Photo: Hoi An

Photo: Whispering Palms group in front of a rubber plantation outside of Saigon

Photo: Saigon street scene

Photo: Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

Photo: Whispering Palms students posing for a photo at Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island

Photo: Halong Bay Sunset