Finally arriving home in the wee hours of Thursday morning after leaving Ho Chi Minh City 33 hours before, we were jet-lagged, but satisfied with a job well done. The two medical doctors and a nurse who accompanied us from the United States were great to work with.

By invitation Dr. Hoyt gave lectures for two days and hands-on learning experiences for cardiologists in the Nguyen Trai Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Dr. Hoyt carried a $100,000 echo machine which was lent by a major company to implement his teaching and diagnostic skills.

Even with discomfort for some from the malarial prophylaxis, there were no complaints about no electricity, less than desirable toilet facilities, different food, and the heat and humidity. In two days the two clinics in the Vinh Long province of Vietnam were a success as 719 patients were seen by seven doctors, two dentists, four nurses and many other technicians and helpers. Each patient was given a gift of two cans of milk and a kilo of rice as well as any medications that were prescribed.

We also went to three schools for disabled children (hearing impaired) in Ho Chi Minh City. Four of us had packed coloring books and crayons in extra suitcases or in our personal luggage to take to these children. All this was eagerly received by many children who cannot hear as well as we can, but who enjoyed coloring the pictures. We hope in the near future, they will be able to read the captions for the pictures also. Not having an exact count, we estimate we took about 250 coloring books and almost as many new boxes of crayons to these children. It was heavy, but we were able to get all the books and crayons to their destinations.

We thank all of you who were concerned for our safety, travel, connections, and ministry during the time in this needy country. We also thank a family service, a school class and individuals who were so generous in donating the coloring books and crayons.