We wake up at The Victoria Hotel in Can Tho. Everyone is in good spirits and talking about yesterday’s monumental achievement in raising such a large amount of money.
We make our first journey of the day to visit and distribute gifts and money to the HIV centre which is15 km from Can Tho.
The centre is not only responsible for hundreds of people but it also trains health workers in the care of HIV patients. In addition, it is the main specialist HIV centre for the south of Vietnam.
The patients are of all ages and I hope that we have bought them a little happiness in their fight to live a full life. It is particularly sad to see children suffering with this disease but even more important that we take positive action to support them.
Before the long journey back to Saigon there is time for one more visit, as we create a new community along the banks of the Mekong River with the presentation of new homes and the supporting infrastructure for 30 more families.
And then a complete surprise and certainly, one of the greatest moments of my life. The Red Cross in Vietnam give both JEM and me special awards to recognize our work in Vietnam. I can’t believe that I deserve this, but it will make me more determined to do much more.
5 hours later we are back in The Sheraton Saigon Towers. It is time to reflect on our first 2 weeks and the unbelievable effect it has had, but before I can reflect for too long I fall in to a deep sleep, still holding the Red Cross award. This is the one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world and also one of the most tiring.
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