The Next Chapter

“…In truth, grief is a great teacher, when it sends us back to serve and bless the living. Thus, even when they are gone, they are with us… We remember them now, they live in our hearts; they are an abiding blessing.” - Gates of Prayer, The New Union Prayer Book

I’ve been home from Vietnam two-and-a-half weeks. I expected that by now I would have had ample time to reflect on the trip, gather my thoughts and write some terrific final chapter to the Kindergarten story. But the truth is I’m still steeping in the experience, still putting my thoughts together, and finally realizing that the Kindergarten is just one chapter in a bigger story.

My journey to Vietnam started with the loss of a brother nearly forty years ago; my involvement with PeaceTrees and the Vietnamese people will, I hope, continue for many years to come. I love the fact that something rooted in sorrow has now spread its branches in joy, and am reminded of a quote by John Welwood: "…the heart cannot actually break, it can only break open. When we feel both our love for this world and the pain of this world—together, at the same time—the heart breaks out of its shell. To live with an open heart is to experience life full-strength." This trip was filled with moments of open-hearted, full-strength wonder.

The images that stay with me are a patchwork of contrasts: shimmering emerald rice paddies and the jumbled concrete buildings of roadside towns; a profusion of butterflies and streets buzzing with motor scooters; older faces lined with stories and younger faces shining with possibilities. Over and over I saw juxtapositions of rural traditions and urban commercialism, old and new, east and west. But the images that remain most vivid – the ones I see when I close my eyes – are those of children. They are images of eager eyes, shy smiles, laughter, curiosity, delight, and hope.

And then there’s the David Warner Kindergarten. Being in A Xing, being able to see the results of so many people’s gifts and efforts, was both humbling and exhilarating. I wish everyone who was part of the project – donors, supporters, encouragers – could have been there to share in the celebration. For me, the school represents a timeless community of family and friends. It is peacemaking at the most basic level. It is tangible compassion. To all those who made it possible: my deepest, heartfelt thanks.

So… now what? The trip is over, but the work is not. There is more to do at the David Warner Kindergarten. The kitchen has been built, but the school needs funds for food. The fence has been built, but families still need microcredit loans that will create economic growth and self-sufficiency. And as always, there are more people to meet, more trees to plant, more friendships to forge.

I hope everyone who has been involved with the Kindergarten will consider making a PeaceTrees trip, and I hope everyone with an interest in PeaceTrees will let others know about the good work that is being done. I invite you to pass along my blog link and the PeaceTrees URL. The more people who are aware of the needs and opportunities, the more good we can do together.

I’ll still be posting a link to my photo albums, and there may be more stories and updates to share in the future. But for now I turn the page with gratitude, and look forward with hope and anticipation to the next chapter. Thanks, one and all, for an extraordinary and joyful journey.

Love,

Sue