Scholarship/Orphanage Day 2 (7/19) || Bill Bui

Our call time was 9:00, with us arriving at Chua Tu Hanh at around 10. Once we arrived at the temple, the monks greeted us with great warmth and performed a ceremony to bless us with good health. Shortly after the ceremony, the rain came pouring down. The rain continued pouring as we ate lunch, but thankfully started clearing up as we finished eating. After eating lunch, 16gers went to pack goody bags to give to the kids there at the temple. These gift bags included cookies, milk, and soda. We then got to greet the kids, where we gave each of them a goody bag and a stuffed animal. The highlight of the day was what came after: being able to interact and play with the kids. I alongside my peers had an amazing time hanging out with the kids. We played volleyball, soccer, cards, stickers, and drew on shirts. After an amazing time getting along with the kids, it was then time to head over to the elder area, which housed many elders who didn’t have a home to return to. We gave the elders snacks, soy milk, and soda.

Overall, visiting the temple was a humbling experience. Seeing the orphans and elderly people living there felt heavy and beautiful at the same time. Interacting with the kids showed me just how much we take for granted. The kids had so little, yet always had the biggest smiles on their faces that radiated with life. Visiting Chua Tu Hanh was one of the most memorable places for me personally, and I am so grateful for the interactions that I had.

Sitting around the table about to eat lunch at the temple.

16gers packing and making goody bags to give you to the kids.

A group of us, along with Dr.Bui, are playing volleyball with the kids.