These days, I've just been working on my DMI video. I have found the answer to the editing problem I had initially when I was in Hue. The only issue is that the process is really tedious and has pushed my schedule way back because of the extra steps I need to take in order to complete the work. Since I'm only working this through a three year old Mac Powerbook, it's space and speed capability does not match up to its current accelerated ones! To free more space, I even have to transfer all my Vietnam photos to an external hard disk, that probably explains why I haven't been hosting any shots of Hue! Be patient... until I feel I have enough to cover cost for a new Mac set up at home. :O)
I started assisting in class again over the weekend. Level 6's on Saturday afternoon and Confirmation 1's on Sunday morning. What's great about popping into different classes each weekend is that because your face is new, the little ones will actually look up and listen... :op
At this point, I'm only done with the Pleiku trip. But as I was running thru the clips, I'd thought I'd end this session with this video. It was my first song I learnt in Vietnamese called Mot Con Vit (One Little Duck) during my trip to Pleiku with the then postulants. Every little kid knows this in Vietnam and I thought I should know it too! This is the song which earned me my nickname there. Take it away, Sisters...
Here are some pictures of the "English City". There were a couple of obstacles already fixed into place, so I had to work my way around those. I was trying my best to give it a city-feel. And from the little time I had, I squeezed as much paint as I could onto the walls. On certain days, it felt like it was never going to end, yet on others, I wished I had more time to work on it. Prayer kept me focus and reminded me who I was doing this for.
It's half done, so until I go back again, here are some pictures to preview.
The internet cafe, newsstand and mailbox.
Close-up of the magazines... would have been good to have a couple of real magazines to "stick on".
The Internet Cafe with some posters outside its brick walls.
Tomorrow morning I leave for Singapore.
I'd like to share a short impromptu farewell speech I made earlier to the Sisters over dinner.
Thank you for welcoming me!
Over the past six weeks, I've grown...
physically... [they feed me as if I were an archbishop ;p ]
and spiritually.
Thank you everyone, to the the Sisters who attended to me at the guest house, and Sr Dung (pronounced as Yuem), who prepared all the wonderful dishes. And I thank you for believing in what you do. It is an inspiration for me!
The work that I have come to do, is not complete... which means only one thing...
that I'll be back. (Everyone cheers at this point.)
Next stop... Singapore.
(continued...)
First Profession
The newly professed actively participates in the life of the local community and shares in the joys and burdens of community life. She grows in grace and in her commitment to Christ. In community life she strives to live in Christ with, "One Heart and Soul," as an eloquent witness to the Trinity.
The sister lives according to the example of Christ who, "Though he was rich... became poor." in a life of vowed obedience she freely offers herself by surrendering her will to God.
Each year, a month prior to the renewal of her vows, the sister is interviewed by the Superior General to whom she presents a written request to renew her vows. She renews her vows annually for four years before she makes her perpetual profession of vows.
The sister professes to live in consecrated celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Her choice is made out of love for God and his Church. Through her vow of poverty she follows the poor Christ and leads a life poor in fact and in spirit.
Perpetual Profession
Two months prior to her perpetual profession, the sister participates in an intensive two month program of preparation for her perpetual profession of public vows. The sister sends a written request to the Superior General who reviews her evaluation and interviews her to assess her suitability and her sincerity in making a final commitment to the Lord and the consecrated life. After the approval of the Superior General and her Council, the sister is admitted to perpetual profession of vows.
The rite of perpetual profession is a community celebration in which the professed sister is joined by her family and friends in a Eucharistic celebration with the Community to thank God for the extraordinary grace received and to petition continuing Divine Assistance.
Aspirant House (left) and the chapel.
Inside the chapel.
After three days of sweating it out and dodging traffic in Ho Chi Minh city, I'm finally here at the Mother House of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate. I had a lovely aerial view of Hue from the last window seat of the A301.
It's been an amazing time having seen what these sisters have accomplished here since 1920. I dare even to say that because of the Vietnam War in '75, the sisters were able to disperse seeds throughout the whole of Vietnam instead of just concentrating their efforts in Hue. Like what Sr. Nga shared with me... even in the very process of going through a war, does God do many amazing and exciting things!
Welcome dinner by Sr Bong (Superior General - right.)
