Chris' Humanitarian Mission to Vietnam

Chris had the amazing opportunity to go on another Humanitarian Mission, this time to Vietnam. This trip was only about 10 days, as opposed to the 3 week trip last year to the Philippines. I say ABOUT 10 days because he crossed the International Date Line, so his days were all messed up! He flew 7 hours to Tokyo, Japan, then another 7 hours to Bangkok, Thailand, then another 2 hours to Northern Vietnam (Ha Noi), where he would be working. The following two pictures were in the Bangkok Airport.This is the government building where Chris worked at for the first of his two missions. It had much nicer working conditions than when he was in the Philippines (tents and run down class rooms). He used one of the offices as his dental clinic - no A/C, but at least he had a ceiling fan. These are the crowds of people waiting to be treated. Hard at work, showing his skills to the local dentist.Chris and his assistant took a field trip one day to visit a dental clinic, and meet with a local dentist. Chris was having fun messing around with the optometrist. What was the diagnosis?
He needs these ridiculous glasses! Sexy huh?Here is Chris with his assistant SPC Vestal and his translator (he was a Dermatologist). This is where Chris had his second mission site, another local government building. Ahhh....relaxing after a hard day of work. Now, those of you with queasy stomachs, may want to skip this next part. Chris and some of his colleagues went out to eat a traditional Vietnamese dinner one night. Their dinner included some stuff that I find pretty nasty, like river snake, worms (he said they were really more like grubs - like that makes it any better!?!), and crickets. Eeewww. They were able to enjoy a some sight seeing before heading home. Here they are in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
This picture is taken from the entrance of the Ha Long Bay Caves. I thought this was just gorgeous.

Chris took the tour through the caves, and was treated to views like this.
The next day it was time to start heading home. They had one day to sight see in Bangkok, Thailand. Chris and his assistant toured the city together and were able to see many temples and the Royal Palace. They kind of got swindled by their taxi driver, who was also their unofficial tour guide, but I guess that's a risk you take.
They took a boat tour, and saw houses and shops built on the water. Kind of cool. I am so grateful that Chris is able to have these experiences at this point in his life. The only thing that might make it better would be if I could go too. Maybe someday when we are empty nesters.