Kien Giang Day 1/Day 2

Greetings from the aid expedition team from Rach Gia, Kieng Giang! After a sleepless 8 hours ride on a bus from Saigon we’ve finally arrived and jumped right to work. Our first real exposure to the poverty and the desperation of this community was the food distribution. Even before we arrived, the people were crowded into the town square beneath the blazing sun and all fighting one another to inch forward. As soon as the bus dropped us off, we were pushed towards the food truck to unload everything. Chaos ensued. As systemic as the pre-planning had been, everything went out the window, we started an assembly line and just did what we could to get the food off the truck as fast and as efficiently as possible. Each family was to receive 10kg of rice, a bag of condiments, and a box of instant noodles. Each family had to pre-register their residency beforehand in order to be placed on the list to receive food that day. At first, I thought that was an unnecessary precaution but I soon learned that it was for the better.

Upon our arrival, we drove through the town and I was on the lookout for a heaping garbage dump but it was nowhere to be found. My first impression was that this was a very developed town and in fact, it is the second most touristy spot in Vietnam with a beautification process in the planning. I was a bit skeptical as to why we had chosen this as our aid site. However, I realized later that not too far away, tuck away by the ocean, there resided 300 of the poorest families in a rotting landfill. These were the people that we have been raising money for. Therefore, it is instrumental that we gave any and all aid to these families first before anyone else. The other people in town, who were also poor to a degree, did not agree. They too lined up and expected portions of food and goods. Alas, their names were not on the list, as they did not reside directly in the garbage dump. But they didn’t go without a fight! They insisted and begged and reasoned for a portion of the food, each one pouring their heartfelt story to each of us hoping that someone would listen to their pleas. And it was a sneaky technique. A few ladies at a time would surround one of the volunteers and try to break ‘em down with their stories. As heartbreaking as it was, if we had broken the rule for one family, then we would eventually have to do it for all the other families too.

It would have seemed unjust to leave these families empty-handed until we went to visit the families in the garbage dump. Many of you have seen the video we made of the garbage dump in Kieng Giang and listened to our descriptions of its status and the harsh reality that these people live in. This does not even come close to the real thing. I think we need a 4-D experience for that. I thought I had prepared myself for the stench, the billions of flies, and the heaps of trash that I would be seeing, but it wasn’t enough. We could see the heaps of trash as we neared the dump and the smell began to embrace us. I thought it wasn’t so bad at first actually. But as we crossed the makeshift bridge of mud, an obscenely sour smell encompassed us. Respectfully, I tried to dismiss the stench and practiced breathing through my mouth. This did not last long as I began to feel sick and nauseous. I wasn’t sure if I could continue and not vomit as the smell became stronger as we closed on the bridge. Luckily, the smell wafted away as we closed on the ocean, whose water was dark brown and strewn here and there with pieces of garbage. The same ocean in which the entire village bathed, did their laundry, and went to the bathroom. The kids that tagged along with us did not hesitate to jump right into the water to cool themselves down. The ground that we trotted on was muddy, colored with rotting food, pieces of glasses and feces. I was appalled to see these kids walked barefoot in this. They had grown accustom to the feel of ground and their feet numb to the danger.



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Leaving the dumps, the team went straight to work at the newly built school, approximately a kilometer away. The construction of the library was barely started and in great need of labor, just what we were sent to do! We divided into teams and began moving bricks and 50kg bags of cement on our backs (well, the boys did). It was all a very ancient way to do construction labor, moving everything by hand and assembly line. Everyone commented that it was inefficient and we all quickly became tired. The local workers laughed as they watched us tire ourselves out with the manual labor after about 30 minutes (an eternity to us). Fortunately, four hours later, it seemed that progress had been made as the bricks for the outside wall were growing higher and we could tangibly see our progress.

Later that night, we had dinner with the local officials who we have allowed us to work on this project and at this site. Momentarily, they have given us enough land for the school, library, and about 120 houses (our goal is 500 houses). Dinner was the time for negotiation! The merrier we were, the closer we became to our goal. I think we are definitely closer…

Bedtime came early for most of us at about 8pm and about 10pm for the braver souls.
After a much needed rest, we were awoken by Huy-patrol. Loud knocks came blaring at 5:30 am, along with the lights and television turned on to max volume. Those who were more resistant got sat on and tickled until we got up. Crude, but it got the job done.
The weather was much more friendly today, cloudier with a bit of wind. Spirits were high and work was much more efficient! We also bought some dollies and shovels to make the workload easier. With the work we’ve done today, we’ve saved the construction workers about 20 days worth of work! There were only minor injuries today: falls in the mud, knees scraped, etc. Big pats on the back for everyone!

The best part of the day was when the children came to visit and pick out their toys. We took a Polaroid picture of each child and gave it to them. Their faces turned from curiosity at the blank photo to delight as they watch their faces appeared. These children have never had a picture of themselves before. It was so precious and endearing to see how happy they were to receive this keepsake. And oh the smiles! They were amazing. It was a small gift to give for such happiness that was returned. They were even more excited to pick out new toys. It was fascinating to observe that they dismissed gender when choosing their toys. They aimed for boxes that were big, no matter what they contained. Boys walked away with Barbies and girls with Tonka truck sets. The parents themselves were curious at these odd objects and many came back to ask what they were and how they worked. It was these very simple moments and delightful conversations that made each and everyone of us appreciate the luxury we had in our childhoods and reaffirmed the reason why we are here. Stay tuned for more soon...

-Anna Nguyen,
CPP Director