Where in the world is...Ashley Daniels?

May 20th, 2008 - Departure

2008-03-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt compelled to do something - as if you needed to. It wouldnt be a life or death situation, but it would be so strong that you are sure that an opportunity would be missed if you didnt do it. I dont believe in regrets - only that opportunities come and go and there are reasons why we take them on or we dont.

As I have been evaluating what "I" really means, if anything, in the scheme of things I have only become more confused. I have finally been able to take in the experiences of SE Asia and share them. Unfortunately, it has only compelled me to want to go again. This time I know what to prepare for, expect to some extent and ways that I will be able to experience the culture and experiences to a greater extent. This time I could mentor, experience the spiritual side of things, understand the bigger picture.

I am not sure how I will do it, but if its meant for me to travel again...I will. I have to make some choices, we will see where they lead me.....
Peace ~ Ashley

Tatooed Passport....anxiously waiting!

2008-02-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the Tet Party at my former professors' home. I wasnt able to attend, which saddened me, but I am hopeful to see everyone soon. I keep thinking about SE Asia, not a day goes by that something doesnt remind me of the beautiful countries and experiences I encountered. It may be that I have completely changed my tastes in my home decor to that of my 'memorabilia' of the trip and the culture...which has also spread to my office at work. I suppose this is just my way of not letting go! My husband loves it - I wished he had been able to go with me!!

This brings me to the reason I am posting a new journal.....this time last year I was submitting my application for my passport. It arrived from the government blank, a clean slate of uncharted territory.....now its adorned with beautifully tatooed images of countries that accepted me, somewhat. I want to go back so badly this year. I suppose because of the fact that I now know what to expect, at least in terms of the culture, HUMIDITY, the smells, the stares, the smog, etc. I also know that each time I return, it will be a new and exciting experience.

I changed jobs about 5 months ago, so I know that I will not be able to travel this year - well I could, but only for two weeks at a time. Actually if I hadnt switched jobs I do not think my previous employer would have allowed me to go either. Its on my mind - I suppose the trip was addicting. I feel a travel bug creeping up....what a person would do to travel?? Well, to let you know - my passport is ready and waiting. I have all my shots and would be ready to go....maybe next year?!?
Peace ~ Ashley

Giving Back......

2007-09-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

The WVU group with whom I traveled with are forming a student group in order to give back in some way. Not only is the group putting together fundraisers, but they are seeking to give back to the communities and NGO's that we visited in so many other ways. If you are interested in getting involved, please let me or another student/professor know. Human trafficking is all too real and their are so many ways that we can help! I am proud to say that we didnt just take away from our travels! We made a huge impact by our presence while studying there and left behind tools for the people to use to better their organizations and practices. However, knowing that a few of us who traveled there will forever hold the people of Vietnam and Cambodia in our hearts and continue to want to give back.....is priceless.
Peace ~ Ashley

It's Over?

2007-08-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

It has been just a couple of days shy of two months home from South East Asia. I am not sure if anyone even reads this anymore....but I felt compelled to write. I write to you tonight before I lay my head down on my "last" day of summer. I received my grades from summer school, which are excellent, and realized I hadnt registered for my fall classes that start this week.
I have learned a lot this summer about the world, my environment and myself.
I talk about my trip when I can or when I think of it. I picked up Chinese the other day and talked with the lady who owns it. She asked if we needed utensils and my coworker asked if I wanted Chop Sticks. I said no, but the proprietor went on to tell us that she hadnt used chop sticks for about 10 years. She motioned how you would hold them in your hand and said they hurt! It was the most pleasant exchange of conversation I had since being back! I eat there a lot right now. It doesnt really taste of SE Asia, but it reminds me a little of our stytofoamed lunches that were catered to us in class in An Giang.
I took the day off today unexpectantly. I awoke at 6am and felt wonderful. The best I had felt in months. I told my husband that I was taking a ME day. Its the first day I took off without being sick.......the Giardia has continued to emerge only now I think its called post-travelers IBS. That compounded with an illness doesnt make for much productivity!! So, I wanted to read a book - enjoy the day - by myself. It was fantastic! I needed to know that I could enjoy myself and not have to be sick to have a day off, not just from work, but from life. Anyway, as I was taking in some much needed vitamin D, I noticed a lizard emerge from one of the slats in my back deck. It was beautiful! It was small and slender with the most vivid blue/turqoise tail I had ever seen. I kept waiting for it to chirp, much like the ones our hotel was covered in while we slept in Vietnam. The lizard didnt chirp, neither did the 2nd or 3rd one I saw. I was disappointed, yet smiled. No one else would know that some lizards chirp or that I would have a sudden craving for a huge pot of the Long Xuyen's special soup!
I dont know if anyone still reads this, but its ok. I know that the experience is over and done with in everyone's calendars......except mine. Everyday I am reminded of my experience and how I am forever changed by it. Every day is a new day.....its really not over.
Till next time,
Peace ~ Ash

Revenge of my Reaper - Gaining Closure!

2007-06-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

My first week back was difficult, but the last few days have been harsh. Apparently, the Giardia in my system did not rid themselves in SE Asia. So, I have been fighting the stomach and GI issues all weekend and for the past couple of days. I can honestly say that this is the worst pain I have EVER felt in my entire life. I have attempted to not whine about my pain and act as if everything is fine, but all that has gotten me is a numerous outpouring of individuals willing to donate their supply of Imodium AD to me. As if I hadn't thought of that!!!! I am singing the praises of my professor, who is a nurse, as she continues to check in on me. I think she is the only one who knows the severity and pain associated with this lovely pet that is in my gut! THANK YOU SUSAN!!! I haven't totally lost faith in humanity, or shall I say the humanity that is of those who are closest in my life!

So, I guess people were right. Time is priceless in coming to terms with the end of an adventure. Time to think, to cope, to cry, to sleep and to heal. Time to visualize my new beginning and the light at the end of the tunnel. Time to focus on how to fit back into a place where I didn't quite fit in the first place.

You know what helps immensely? Connecting with those who were right there with me on the trip. Sharing inside jokes and anecdotes. Sharing pictures and stories and updates. Keeping in touch with the girls who we know as the V-Riders! Knowing that soon our emails will fade, the time between connecting with them will grow wider and that possibly the loss of contact with some of the wonderful people that we share memories with is inevitable. Understanding this is just as important as trying to gain closure to the experience that we just enjoyed and endured. All I can do is smile....no matter who doesn't get my inside jokes or who can not share in the simple joys of everyday miracles. Deep down I have this growth in my heart that I feel I share with many who traveled with me. We have that connection and it doesn't matter that others do not. That is what makes it special; it was our experience and I will forever smile knowing that. I love you guys - I miss you!!

Back to Life - Back to Reality

2007-06-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Yes this 1989 hit from Soul Ii Soul has been playing through my head since the moment I walked into my home from my SouthEast Asian travels. Cheesy, yet appropriate.
It says it all. The song expresses what I cant. Not the most poetic of tunes, but it fits.

So we ran out of coffee creamer and I really really wanted coffee. I love STRONG coffee, so the FF milk in the fridge wouldnt cut it. Then it hit me: Vietnamese White Coffee. I looked in the cabinet and found a can of FF sweetened condensed milk. YES - IT IS AWESOME!! I didnt put nearly as much as I had in Ho Chi Minh and it was fat free as opposed to the full flavor variety of Vietnam.....but I am hooked.

I returned to work this week. I should have taken the week off, because my mind still isnt where it should be to function fully in being back. I was able to take off the whole day on Wednesday. It was much needed, physically and mentally. I had a nice welcome and most everyone was interested and asking about my trip. I still dont really talk about it, unless someone asks. I know that some people had said that their friends get sick of hearing about their trip, so I have been so conscious of not talking that I dont feel as though I am getting to share much. People really arent interested, but I am attributing that to my philosophy on egocentrism. (Thanks for listening Annette!) Is there a support group out there??? :)

Instead of preparing so much for the shock of going on the trip as well as studying the Vietnamese/Cambodian cultures, I wish I would have had a bit more preparation of how to integrate myself back into my life here. I am chaulking all this up to learning experiences, but that is so cliche!

Great Memories!

Jet Lag - Reverse Culture Shock - Reality

2007-06-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

Good morning, or evening or what time is it????
There are so many interesting stories, sights and updates that I would love to blog about, but I cant. I cant seem to be able to reintegrate and function back into my psuedo-perfect American life. Everyone warned me that I would come back a "different person." I just assumed that it would be better.....but how can being so uncomfortable around my personal "home" surroundings be better? First of all my sleeping patterns are messed up and to make matters worse, I have one day to fix them. I must paste myself back into the reality pages of my life. Off to work, off to school, off to home....then do it again tomorrow and the next day and the next....
I miss the traffic...yes the traffic!! People living their lives at all hours of the night. I am still doing it, why isnt everyone else?!? I miss the sounds, the smells, the smog. The lizards chirping, the 'happy birthday' song, the durian stench, the smell of fish stock hanging in the air. All of these things that made me feel nausiated the first day I stepped foot outside in Ho Chi Minh are what I am craving. Mostly I miss the guineness and selflessness of the people. No fronts, no persona's to hide, no ego's to match. Pure, good hearted, soulful people. They were strangers and still welcomed me as if we were long lost friends reunited.
Obviously this wasnt a vacation for me. There are things that I have yet to discuss in my blogs, journals , etc that I studied, pondered and am still processing. I didnt just peek into another world's culture, I experienced it and lived it. I learned a little more about who Ashley is and who she shall become. I am scared, I am excited and I am blessed -- but I am torn. My heart feels broken. I still need time to process things and yet I have no more time. I am angry, humbled and tired.
Basically, I have no idea why I just vented and poured my guts out if only it was in my reaction to reverse culture shock. I had no idea how hard it truly would be for me. I am craving the company of those who experienced it with me and hardly anyone else. They know: they lived, breathed and experienced it a lot like I did. I dont hate my life here or the people around me. I just cant express the oddity that is my emotional rollercoaster. I am reading, researching, and planning my next trip. This is helping some, but I suppose this is something that just needs to be worked out over time.
So maybe I should clarify "better person." Maybe it doesnt quite register on the outside, but it does in my heart. Its so easy to want to shut the gate, but the road is long and wide open. Things that once mattered - trivial. Things that were of no concern - passion. What an experience? When does it end? Do I want it to end?
Peace ~ Ash

I won the Pot....literally!

2007-06-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to Neal and Jim:
So approximately 3 weeks ago two gentlemen, whose names appear above, put together a pool. Now, for disclaimer's sake, I understand an appreciate the dark humor of the two! Thus, the pool was called the "Parasite Pot," which collected money to award the first student who contracted the first parasite of the trip. OK, OK, this sounds horrible.....but let me give you a little history on the group. First of all, as with all groups, the dynamics are always tested. Some individuals fell ill from the stress of traveling (as in my case with the Strep Throat the first week) and some becuase they do NOT listen (as in the case with those who had ice, poorly cooked food and fresh veggies). So, you can imagine with a group of headstrong individuals who heed no warnings.....something was bound to pop up in one of our bodies!
I won the pot. No I am not joking. I, one of the careful ones, who listened and attempted to eat and drink as safely as possible took home the title of "Parasite Pot." I can laugh at it now, but at 3am - after the experience of the Brothel and Angkor - I begged my roomate and Dr. Susan to just let me die!!!! I have NEVER in my life experienced pain so bad in my life. To make a long and disgusting story short and lacking gross details: I contracted Giardia and experienced Ecoli poisoning. Thank God Susan took this trip with us. She was a godsend! I received medication for the Giardia and began antibiotics for the poisoning. I was taken to an SOS clinic in Phnom Pehn as soon as we arrived from Siem Reap. The diagnosis was exactly as Susan had treated me for. I am feeling much better now. I am still watching what I am eating and have cramping, but I do have medication for that as well. At least I am alive! HAHA, just kidding....well this is my last night in Ho Chi Minh city before leaving for the airport at 315am.
Peace ~ Ashley & the Siem Reaper (yes I named it - I earned that priveledge!)

***Just to update on this post....I am doing considerable better. I have to have some bloodwork and other tests ran, but as long as I continue to stay hydrated, I feel better. Thank you Susan and the rest of the gang for supporting me. As you all know I HATE attention drawn to me, so your patience and understanding means so much. Susan, thank you for sacrificing yourself and your sanity to keep this group together. We were truly blessed having you for over a month.
Ash

My professor took me to Angkor and a brothel!!!!!

2007-06-16T01:41:00.001-07:00

Hello again - What a crazy night! First of all we visited an agency today that helps girls at risk for human trafficking to learn a better way of life and new respected skills so that they can reintegrate into their communities and make a living. The agency also utilizes grassroots efforts and community organizing to educate local communities about the trauma of domestic violence, which may lay the framework for trafficking. I purchased an intricate silk scarf that one of the girls made. It took her about a week and I met her. All of the monies made from the purchase of the scarves and material goes directly into an account of the girl who made the product, therefore she will have money to begin her new life from.
After visiting this agency, we began our adventure to Angkor. If last night was not awesome enough (the sunset at Phnom Bakeng was amazing!), today we visited two temple complexes: Bayon and Angkor Wat!!!! I had to literally pinch myself so that I would know I wasnt dreaming! I was in awe of the magnificance around me and the history that unfolded centuries before. I took several pictures, but to just climb and roam around the complex by myself and experience the spiritual side was more important to me. I just took it in, I cant explain the experience....just understand that pictures would not have done justice.
We had an active day and ended it by celebrating Chi's birthday at the Cambodian Kitchen. Then we were invited to partake in something that few will ever have the opportunity to experience from an outsider's view: We visited an open brothel! I have to admit that I was scared, but as with all activities on this trip, the professors have taken measures to assure our absolute safety! Due to our studies on trafficking, particularly the sex/human trade, this activity was more research than an evening out. We split up into groups so that we would not look as obvious and played the parts of tourists out to have a good time. I had no idea what I was walking into: From first impression it looked like a bar, much like we see at home. However, as we made our way through the bar, we soon saw the horror that we had been studying! A fish bowl full of women, most younger than myself, on display with numbers attached to their scantaly clad bodies. We had built a rapport with the bar workers and made our way into the fish bowl area where we observed the behavior of the workers as well as masses of men who came and left quicker than paying for a meal through a fast food drivethrough. It sickened me to see this, but after talking with a couple of the women (girls) there it was obvious that not all were there because they were debt bonded, but because they can make more in one night than they could in a month having a trade or education. How do I process this.....I am still processing it. It angers me. It brings out the hate I have for the men with money who throw it around and humiliate these women, girls and young boys. I am still processing it.....more to come.
Ash

Home?

2007-06-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I arrived back to my home in the US at around 230am on Thursday morning. I have spent the last couple of days trying to get back to a "normal" sleeping pattern. I have saved several of my posts that I didnt publish, so now would probably be a good time to do that. For whatever reason, probably because I didnt finish them, I just wanted to wait until I returned to finish them. I will also be posting pics periodically, but if you cant wait then email me or check out the myspace and facebook accounts that I set up. Thank you for your warm welcome back home, but I hope you understand how bittersweet it truly is. As I have stated before, this was a huge step in many ways for me. Its opened doors that I never knew existed, professionally-personally-emotionally. I suppose this is a normal reaction, but I am saddened to come back. I do have my memories, which are still vivid as the days I spent there! I dont want to say goodbye, but until next time. Hope you enjoy the saved posts....they get interesting!
Peace ~ Ash

Cambodia!!!

2007-06-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!
Thank you so very much for all your comments! I am bittersweet at this point because it is almost over....but so much to come! We arrived by boat to Phnom Penh, Cambodia from Vietnam on Wednesday. This country is so beautiful, but to tell you the truth, knowing the corruption and trafficking saddens me! We visited the Genocide Museum from Pol Pot regime as well as toured the city of Phnom Penh. We thing visited the King's Palace.....it was truly breathtaking. I have never visited a palace or been able to stand 10 feet away from a throne!!! The best part of Phnom Penh so far was meeting a street child who Dr. Newfield, Dr. Newfield and Jim Keim met with last year. She was at risk of being swept up in the sex traficking buisness, however she is doing well and continuing with school. I was able to meet and interview with her two nights in a row and am able to communicate with her via email. She is 17 and works selling books on the street to tourists and travelers to pay her way through school. Her dream is to go to the university!! More details to come when I return home!
We arrived in Siem Reap today after a 5 hour long bus ride. We saw beautiful country side, rice fields and the opportunity to eat insects! WOW - no, I did NOT partake in this activity. Actually, none of us did. The pictures will say it all! Anyway, we are in a nice hotel and were able to visit one temple of the Angkor Wat temples. I stayed until sunset and have AMAZING Pictures! I can not believe that I am here experiencing this! Tomorrow we are visiting a social service agency and then spending the day at Angkor Wat! The people here are so sweet and I have a new favorite food, PASSION FRUIT! My breakfast of choice now! We will be traveling back to Phnom Penh on Sunday and then will be going back to Ho Chi Minh City until we leave on the 13th.
As I said before, this is truly bittersweet. I have experienced so much in so little time. I have made some incredible friends all over the world! I am blessed and humbled. I cant express what I feel....I miss home, but this is ending so soon. The world is so wide open to me right now, there are so many things out there that I never understood or entertained the idea of doing. Lots to think about on my 18 hour plane ride home!
Well, I am not sure how often I will be able to post on here in the next days as I am literally breathing it ALL in! Thank you all for your support and know that this is a dream come true in so many ways that I can only touch on.
Peace ~ Ash

Groups and Kam Choie

2007-06-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,
Just thought I would write a bit since I am on my lunch break and you guys are asleep! I just finished a session on aspects regarding groups and working with them. Helpful for work!! Anyway, we just discovered a well known secret here near the University....banana ice cream or what they call Kam Choie! My classmates ate the Kam Choie while I ate a sweet black bean and ice drink! An american english teacher here, Lillian, took us! It was delicious! Ok, well back to group work and class....as soon as I can find a cord I will try uploading pics....the ones of us eating different foods are hilarious! Some postcardish pics as well!
Ok, I will talk to you all soon! I have less than 10 days here now! :( Reverse culture shock will be horrible!!
Peace ~ Ashley

Sunday in Long Xuyen

2007-06-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Xin Chao ('sin chow' - hello),
Just wanted to check in. The whole city of Long Xuyen was down due to a storm last night. The cable, internet and power were all out except for places with backup generators--luckily this included our hotel. THus, it has only taken me like 23 minutes to load this page while I chat to my husband (who I miss!!!!!!!!!!!) online. HAHA, so I miss my DSL and Cabel modems!! I am guessing because the power was out in many places, the city was pretty calm. We had a relaxing Sunday, breakfast and some downtime and then my roomate and I took a rickshaw (sp??) to this awesome restaurant that serves these Vietnamese crepes, which are similar to an omlet...only 10 times better!!! Then we went shopping at their "big" mall, which is like a nice target with escalators and is 4 floors! HAHA, but seriously i found a few gifts for people, so I am really excited!
We have two more classes and then we will be traveling to Cambodia. I am really excited. I have waited all this time to see Angkor Wat and it is so soon!!! I will update more hopefully after the next two classes!
Thanks for all the messages.....Feel free to post or send me a message via Yahoo! email!
Peace ~ Ash

Cham Village and Chau Doc

2007-06-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I just returned this evening from the town of Chau Doc. We first visited the Center for Individuals with Social Evils. This agency was basically a drug/alcohol rehabiliatioin center with vocational training as well. The director of this agency was in my collaborative group this week at our workshops at An Giang University, which I learned a great deal from. We were able to learn about drug rehabilitation in this country and meet with several of the "learner" at the facility. Music is a huge part of their recovery and free time, so they treated us with some songs, which were absolutely beautiful!
After this, we ate lunch at a roadside cafe and visited a pagoda that is dedicated to the female godess where this temple complex is visited by thousands of people a day...as it is thought to have healing properties. One experience that I had there was that many women came up to me and a couple of other females in our group and wanted to touch us. They wanted to feel our skin and because we are not skinny, wanted to hug us. They even patted us on the rears and touch other parts of my body. Personal space is NOT well recognized in this culture, but I have to say that we are like movie stars over here with the attention and staring that we get on a regular basis. When first experiencing this, I was stunned, but I have grown accustomed and interact more freely now! Its kinda nice to be seen as a "star!" We then traveled to a Cham village where we visited a Mosque and were invited to one of the follower's homes where we were shown beautiful embroidery linens.....Just wait to see what I got! The hospitality was amazing and this is one of the first times a group such as ours was permitted to visit this village!
Gotta go for now....more to come.
Peace ~ Ash

Kai Trai School

2007-05-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

Good evening!
Today we visited the Kai Trai School for children. This school provides education for children who are either orphaned or disadvantaged in some other way. The school was established 3 years ago after a group of donors got together after the 1999-2000 floods. THe interesting part is that the land was donated by a wealthy jewlery store owner and most of their funding comes from private donations!! After speaking with the director and staff, we were able to interact with the chidlren. They were amazing!!! We played games and sang sóng with them! The founder of the school had attended the conference last year and stated that due to the workshops, she has introduced some ò the social work aspects in working with behaviorally challenged children! She will be attending our classes next week.
Tổmororow we leave for Chau Doc, we will not be spending the night now because many children are getting out of school and we can not obtain a bus to take us back on Sat. So, it will be a long, but VERY interesging day! The people with the dififerent agencies that we are working with are incredible, such as the NGO's, Pacific Links, Project ADAPT, etc. Luckily I am keeping a journal, because this blog is not doing my experience justice!
Last night, a family òf 4 on their motobike stopped me and my classmate,Wes, on our way back from the internet cafe. They pulled over and wanted their young children to use their english with us! It was AMAZXING! they were so sweet and when I put my hand out to shake their hands, they lit up and talked so much to us. The little boy can count to 10 and the little girl could ask me all sót ò questions. They were pleased when we complimented their English and giggled á we tried a couple of Vietnamese phrases! I have embraced the language barrier and many ò the cultural differences. I have been able to order in a restaurant without a translator, so that is an accomplishment in and of itself!
Well off to a dust cafe to the BEST steak and onions I have ever had!!
Love all!
Peace ~ Ashley

Karoke with the best!

2007-05-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Good evening!
This week we have been studying Community and Family assessments as well as substance abuse. It is so good to work alongside of the Vietnamese staff and students and learn from their perspective. Social work needs to be professional here. There is so much need and such a desire for it to increase! The framework that has been laid is amazing!!! If only it could grow bigger! I truly think that it will.
We all went to the Karoke Bar in our Hotel for a get together with us and the Vietnamese students. It was a lot of fun and I have great pics! We are leaving for Chau Doc in a couple of days, which is one of the heaviest areas for trafficking. It will be interesting. Well I have to go, I know I am not keeping up with this as I would like. So much to do and so much to see! Love you all!
Peace ~ Ashley

My Vietnamese Roomate

2007-05-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all!
Sarah and I have a new roomate.....Phuong! She was one of the volunteers that showed us around Ho Chi Minh City at the social services agencies that we studied. She is visiting and attending our classes this week and needed a place to stay, so why not with us!!!! She is teaching us so very much. The Vietnamese are such giving people! She is only 17 years old, but a true sweetheart!
Today we looked at the assessment of communities and families. With all of our lectures, we always break into groups where there is an even mixture of Vietnamese students, WVU students as well as those who can translate English/Vietnamese very well. Thus, we are able to get a wide range of perspectives in order to effieciently convey the social work concepts to the other students. The group work is amazing! I have to admit that I was hesitant at first, but group processes are AMAZING!!! I am learning so much from the students at An Giang University! The group work I was involved with today consisted of methods of gathering data as well as a rapid family analysis. How well this goes along with my COSA track in school as well as some aspects of my job back home as well!!!
For the most exciting part of my whole experience here thus far......I got fitted this evening for my very own custom Ao Dai!!!!!!!!! This is the traditional Vietnamese dress for women!! Chi's aunt makes these traditional Vietnamese gowns and I got to pick out the fabric and style and everything!!! I can not wait!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then Chi enabled me to enjoy my favorite part of the trip.....but that is to be discussed at a later time!!! :) Our dinner tonight was absolutely AMAZING! We ate these pancake type things that are similar to omlets and they had sprouts, shrimp, pork or beef....I dont know, but this is the definitely the best meal I have had thus far!!!!
Well, I have definitley gotten the sickness out of the way and just in time!! I have already made dibs on being Neal's Program Coordinator for next years trip!!! HAHA, we will see -- At least I can be a part of this program one way or another. I have no regrets, missing my family or not!
I have the best buds here too! Sarah, Wes, Phuong and last but NOT least.....Chi!!!
Hopefully be back on tomorrow!
Peace ~ Ashley........by the way Dr. Rhonda, by far the best to hear from you!! Cant wait to show you pics while we do dental work!!! HAHA!

Workshops, Strep and the Beach

2007-05-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
My family knows, but for the rest I will admit I had an illness. I came down with strep throat on Wednesday morning. I healed enough to make the weekend adventure to Hai Tien, which was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen in my entire life. I am feeling a bit better and will hopefully not relapse, as we know has not been fun for me over the past year or so!
Anyway, we traveled about 3.5 hours away to the Kymer Village of Hai Tien. We went rock climbing along the Cambodian Border in caves that were used by the Viet Cong during the war. We also visited a pagoda that you enter and walk through a cave and on the other side of the mountain is the beach!!! It was awesome. Reminded me of the one in The Goonies!! Kept waiting to see a pirate ship! :)
The food here is the same: rice, rice and more rice. Good thing I can eat rice!! I have tried several dishes, mostly shrimp, fruit and seafood. My favorite treat is Green Coconuts. They just plop a straw in and let me slurp away! AAAHHH they are awesome!
On a more somber note, we were eating at a cafe and some children came up to us (as they usually do, we do stick out you know!!!) and one of the children kept wanting us to buy lottery tickets from him.....but of course for many reason we do not. So one of our professors pulled out a coin and played a bit of "magic" with him. So the boy figured it out and got the coin. The next thing we knew, the little boy flagged down a man carrying a cart full of snow cone type drinks and the little boy ran and bought himself one. Knowing he was a street kid, which I can explain to you all when I return, and that $.06 made one little boy smile for about and hour was so precious.
Earlier this week, I have encountered the nicest people. When I was sick, the maid kept checking on me and even gave my back a massage!! (For my pervert friends: NO HAPPY ENDING!!!) Then when I would go to have tea, the waiter brought me a rose to make me feel better!! I wouldnt get that at Motel 6!! HAHA, anyway there is so much to tell and show. I just can not think of what to say right now! I have definitely had to reesablish my perspective of poverty....... that is an understatement!
Going to go for now. More to come!
Peace ~ Ash

An Giang University

2007-05-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

Hello All!
I arrived in Long Xuyen on Sunday evening, so I have started my classes at the University. Everyone is pretty nice and it is so interesting how our society views child abuse and violence and how differently they view those concepts. We studied a couple of social service agencies while in Ho Chi Minh. When I have more time, I will give more details, but social work here is not thought of being professional. Unless you are a government worker, you are a volunteer....even with schooling/training. So think back 40 years or so here in the US.
We are studying aspects of abuse and human trafficking this week and then will get to visit an agency. I have 2 more weeks of classes, then we travel to Cambodia.
I have met some really cool people here and know that I have made some new friends for life. Again, I wish my husband was here to experience this with me, but despite that inconvenience the experience is AWESOME!
It continues to be hotter than hell, but that just means i get my own sauna everyday!!! LOL We went to another market last night and I beleive are trying a new local restaurant tonight. Its about $2 to $6 daily to eat......that just means more room to bring back souveniers...after I buy WATER!!!
Well, time to go back to class..........oh yeah, I am a pro at the squaters now!!! LOL
MOM - Rach: i will try callig you very soon!!!
Peace ~ Ashley

Hot and Humbled!

2007-05-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hey,
These last couple of days have been packed with so many new experiences and emotions that I couldnt possibly describe before they kick me out of this internet cafe! I used a squat toilet for the first time, which wasnt bad after all!!! When you gotta go, you gotta go. The food has been AMAZING!!!!!! I cant wait to share all my pics of the food. Well they are kicking me outta here after all.......I did visit the War Remnants Museum. It wasnt so much the experience within the museum that got to me, but the fact that I walked around and experienced it with my new Vietnamese friends. I cant explain the hurt in my heart for these people and how welcoming they have been with me and everyone else. I think my heart hurts, because of the ignorance from those at home who are so narrow minded that they can not look past their misconceptions about what happend during the War, much less the beautiful country Viet Nam is today. You all have NO idea how much we can learn from this country! I will try and tell you more tomorrow or in a couple of days.....thanks for your kinds words.
Ashley

Miss Saigon in the house!

2007-05-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hey All!!!
First of all, how cool is it that I am in a city full of 4.5 million people and only about half of them tried to fun over me with their motos today!! HAHA -- so far I am taking it all in. It smells different, sounds different and obviously looks different. I am absorbing this experience so I can share with you all. Its incredible. Today we walked around the largest city in Vietnam and visited a market. Not only did I see beautiful silks and jewelry, but I also saw an open fish and meat market where I was inches away from fresh pig brains, giant carrots and a VERY aggressive shop owners. I purchased postcards, so those should be on their way shortly. I was able to experience a green coconut today! That is a a mild cold drink that we can have if bottled water isnt available. I also ate dragon fruit as well as some other exotic fruits that were AWESOME!!!! I am not sure I can eat my Dole pinapple ever again!! HAHA..........on a more somber note, we visited a shelter for girls who were rescued from human trafficking today. It reminded me of a group home, sort of like what we have at home only for younger girls. We recieved a lecture today on the social services for individuals in the child welfare system similar to what we have, only a MUCH different culture and attitude. I worked with a woman who has been a social worker here since the 60's. She has worked in the the field of child welfare/adoption/trafficking and was able to show me the perspective of their culture. I was amazed.
We also enjoyed a traditional Vietnamese meal, visited a local coffee cafe and hung out with some local students. It rocks. I can explain, but I hope to be able to better communicate once I get more than 2 hours sleep!!
I love you all and know that this is the chance of a lifetime - no words can explain.
Peace ~ Ash

Granny's Blessing

2007-05-12T06:03:00.000-07:00

I just received a phone call from my grandmother, who we call granny. She wanted to talk to me before I left and wanted me to know that she had no worries about me at all! She goes to church with a woman who just got back from taking her son to Vietnam and heard all about the trip. She said that I will be traveling to a safe part of the country and that I will have the time of my life. I believe that this just increases my excitement!!! I encourage all of you who are worried about me to trust in granny and know that I will be fine.
Thanks Grandma Anderson!!!!!
Peace ~ Ash

4 Days and Counting!!!!

2007-05-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's 12:18am on Saturday morning and I can not sleep. I am not nervous, anxious or confused as it has not sunk in that in less than 4 days, I will be en route to Southeast Asia. Ok, I lied....I am freakin excited!!!!!!!!!! I cant hardly contain myself. The only drawback is that my best friend can not be with me. I will miss him more than words can say, but he and I both know that this is something that I must do and he has been my largest supporter in going.
I am not packed. I do not think that I will truly be able to comprehend what I am doing until I actually freak out on the plane and then arrive on the Vietnamese soil! I cant explain how blazze' I have felt. Its SURREAL! I just can not believe I am going...its not real! Keep me in your thoughts as I embark on this adventure of mine. I promise you that it is only going to grow me as a person! I promise!
Until next time......