8 Gilli Crescent Phone +61 (0) 7 47735104 CRANBROOK QLD 4814 Mobile +61 (0) 438221114 AUSTRALIA Vietnam +84 (0)126 7751962 Email: dvsmith@ozemail.com.au Web: www.askatvso.com

CHRISTMAS EDITION ASK@VSO NEWSLETTER

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters of ASK@VSO, I usually only produce a newsletter after I have returned from missions in Kon Tum, as I did earlier this year. Here is the exception. Despite not being on the ground, we are still getting things done and I wanted to let you know all the good news. The New Kitchen and Dining Room at Vinh Son 6 Orphanage In my July 2011 newsletter, work was just beginning on this project. The monsoon season created a minor interruption, but I am delighted to report that this work is now complete.

The old kitchen earlier this year The new kitchen which steps up to the dining room

Looking from dining room to kitchen area Since this pic, a concrete apron has been added and The water tanks stabilized on a cement slab. I have already acknowledged those who generously donated to ASK@VSO and who made this project possible. I am really looking forward to providing photos of the children of VS6 who can now enjoy meals cooked in a hygienic environment, and dining at a table instead of the ground.

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So what about fittings for the new facility? Well here is another good and, I think, inspiring story. As you know, we have two primary schools here in Townsville, where students are pen palling to children in the orphanages. I visit the schools and show DVD’s of the kids in Kon Tum, and field many questions from the kids here. Last year two Year 6 girls from Annandale State School, decided to do a bit more than write letters to the kids in Kon Tum. They raised $300 for the orphanages. This year, one of those girls, who also happens to be the school Captain, raised $1000. Wow!!! She is 12 years old. Her name is Taylah Larkins-Smith. What an amazing thing. Such unselfishness and thoughtfulness towards those less fortunate, from one so young, bodes well for our future. So, the plot is to use Taylah’s contribution to furnish the dining room. I am hoping we can name the dining room at VS6, Taylah’s Place.

Another great event recently was with the other pen pal school, Good Shepherd Catholic Community School. We were able to have a Skype session with their pen pals at Vinh Son 1 orphanage. Children at the school and at VS1 were so excited. Language was a bit of a battle but smiles transcend all barriers.

The kids at Good Shepherd School singing their school These girls see their pen pal Y En at Vinh Son 1 song to the kids at Vinh Son 1. This was really great fun. When some of the children saw their pen pal for the first time, they were over the moon. One girl had sent her pen friend a friendship band and when she saw her friend wearing that gift, well, how good could it get?

Taylah with Derek, her Mum Cath, and Principal Jan Cooper Taylah

with Cath and a bear presented by Northern Defence Courier. She has named him Sapper.

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The kids at VS1 on the big screen at GS School, Kelso Some of the boys at VS1 seeing an Australian class room for the first time. Winter in Kon Tum Being in the northern hemisphere, it is now winter in Kon Tum. It actually gets cold in the Central Highlands and the littlies in particular feel the cold. There has been a problem in two of the orphanages with scabies. Good friends, Nurse Sue and Doctor Phillip are now in Kon Tum and will be doing a major attack on the scabies. All clothing, bedding and so forth will have to be boiled. It is no small undertaking. One major problem is that in some of the orphanages, two or three children must share a blanket. There are not enough to go around. As you know, I sent out a call for help and the response was terrific. I am blown away by the generosity of folks who willingly jump in and lend a hand. Not only have we been able to provide blankets for each child in each orphanage (770) but we have also funded a winter jacket for each child. Thank you all so much for your support on this.

These photos show VS1 with bales of blankets, VS3 with jackets and blankets. VS4 with jackets, VS6 with blankets and jackets and VS2 with blankets. Blankets for VS4 and 5 are being held back until the scabies treatment is completed.

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In my last newsletter, I wrote about the students in Ho Chi Minh City. I am pleased to report that they are doing well. The three who are studying nursing are now on work experience in a large hospital in HCMC. These kids do not earn any money so we fund everything for them, and that is not much compared to what could be the case here. We fund their travel to and from the hospital, their uniforms, stethoscope, other essentials and one meal a day. I believe this is money well spent, but if anyone would consider sponsoring one of these young people, that would be terrific. Just contact me on my email.

These photos show the students dressed for work experience, at their very small flat with study table we funded The flat did not have a table so they used to study, eat and do everything else in the floor. The final pic was taken during a Skype session when good friend and tireless worker at VS5, Teresa Lung visited.

We are on the WEB I also mentioned that I was working towards getting a web page up. Well it is here. I do hope you will check it out and please pass it along to your own network of friends and family. The more who know of what we are doing, the better.

PLEASE CHECK OUT WWW.ASKATVSO.COM

So as you can see, even though I am not in Kon Tum, heaps of stuff is happening. I will be heading off again in June 2012. At the risk of repeating myself, sincerest of thanks for your continuing support. The children have nothing but their prayers for you, to give in return. But you and I know that the best reward we get is the smiles on little faces. May I please wish you all, along with your families and friends, a truly happy, holy and safe Christmas and a prosperous 2012. Derek Smith ASK@VSO