So I didn’t make this clear earlier on, but all four projects (Philippines, Thailand, Saigon, and Hanoi) are all happening pretty much concurrently.  Unfortunately, this means that I was only able to make it for the last three days of Project Vietnam-Hanoi 2010 (PV-Hanoi). 

It’s a shame, but hey, better late than never, right?  Right.  At the Hanoi airport, I was greeted by a friendly face:  Daniel, who had left Saigon a day before me, had arrived earlier on in the morning.  On the long taxi ride to the team’s hotel we talked a little more about the future of SEALNet.  Ever since I got into Vietnam, Daniel’s been a great friend and a significant source of learning for me.  It’s his 5th year being involved with SEALNet, and I can see that accumulated wisdom come out in his insights and how he approaches mentoring of different projects.  Furthermore, he’s very opinionated and vocal, but not overbearing.  You can tell whatever he says, it’s coming out of compassion and a love for SEALNet.  It’s an interesting balance he strikes, one that I  hope to emulate in my own way, if ever I come back as a professional mentor.

So about the project…PV-Hanoi 2010 focused on raising awareness and support in Hanoi for the nearby Peace Village, which is home to a number of individuals affected by Agent Orange (AO).  AO was a toxin released by American troops during the Vietnam War, and it causes severe physical deformities and mental disabilities that can carry on to subsequent generations. 

Unfortunately, I was not able to get to meet the residents of Peace Village; the Vietnam Independence holiday threw a kink in the project scheduling, so I only got a chance to observe the  college team working with the local group of high school mentees.  I was a bit worried about messing with the team dynamic, with me coming on board so late and having that big ‘co-president’ title attached to me.  But the team was overall pretty warm towards me and Daniel, so I was glad for that.

One thing I was impressed with was the level of involvement of some of the high school (and college) mentees.  The (amazing) co-leaders of PV-Hanoi gave plenty of opportunities for the mentees to step up and handle things for the project like logistics and help the high school workshops run smoothly.  I could tell that it really brought the college team and the mentees closer together.

As per tradition, SEALNet projects conclude with a closing ceremony of some sorts, to help bring closure and a sense of fulfillment for both the college team and the mentees.  In this regard, PV-Hanoi went all out, holding a three(!) hour ceremony open to the public. 

Despite the length, the ceremony was put together well, nicely recapping the accomplishments of the past two weeks with the Peace Village while maintaining a joyful, celebratory air with the teary-eyed reflections of the mentees as well as moving musical performances.  The Malay-inspired song was a particular highlight, and I also got to play guitar for a really cute rendition of ABBA’s “I Have a Dream,” which was a duet between my friend Crystal and her mentee.

Afterwards the mentees threw an awesome party for the team members; they rolled out all the stops, securing a space in an elementary school and providing delicious Vietnamese food for us.  Everyone has a great time, full of emotions, laughter, presents and reluctant goodbyes. 

It was an amazing close to what was clearly an amazing experience for all involved.

So that was that.  Four projects, 17 days.  Dozens of lasting, meaningful connections forged in Southeast Asia and potentially the world over, in the spirit of service.

There’s a little more from me to say (5 parts of reflections?! really? haha), but I’ll just leave it at this for now:  I’m honored to be a part of SEALNet. 

-Andrew