Hello from Hanoi

I'm typing this fast b/c I've had some difficulty getting or staying on the internet. So, please forgive any typing errors. I hope that all of you are doing well and had a safe trip to Vietnam. I've been in Hanoi since late last Saturday night (May 26th). The luggage didn't arrive, but I "made do" with what was in my carry-on bag until the luggage arrived late Monday. Definitely will think more about what I do and do not pack in my carry-on. Sunday and Monday I was with the "physician speech therapist" who is the leader of efforts in Vietnam to get more speech therapy training and staff. I enjoyed meeting with and collaborating with her, her colleagues, and a group of people who are in training to learn about speech therapy. I've been at the Op Smile office in Hanoi most of the day today in meetings about speech therapy issues.

Rich (electronic medical records) and I have been text messaging to stay in touch. I've enjoyed reading about Rich's adventures throughout Vietnam. He and Kristie (guest on the mission and a from the New Orleans where I'm from) have had an ambitious travel agenda! The plans right now are for Rich, Kristie , Jimmy Grotting (Op Smile staff member) and I to have dinner tonight in Hanoi if we can coordinate our location and plans. Tip: If you visit Hanoi and come to the Op Smile office at 16 Ngo Quyen Street (across from Citibank, near the corner of Trang Tien Street), be prepared to see a nicely appointed office with very industrious, helpful staff. Also be prepared for walking up 4 flights of stairs. Can help if you need to rest to stop in at the art gallery that is on floors 2 and 3. Looking forward to seeing you in Ho Chi Minh City and then in Bao Loc. Take care! Charlotte (speech therapist)