Do Quy Trang

The summer is gone but this year I keep wonderful memories. Mr. Takeuchi invited me to accompany the group of Japa Vietnam as an interpreter. I am a 4-year university student of Japanese language at Hanoi University Faculty of Languages. I followed the team of Japa Vietnam to Cao Bang and Nghe An. I traveled through Vietnam before, but this time was my first visit to both provinces. I had never seen before dresses like the ones used by the ethnic people of Cao Bang, neither their tall houses. Many things attracted my attention, like the colorful morning markets, the endless rice fields, the streams of clear water and the beautiful clean atmosphere. I began to remember the tales of my grandmother when I was a child. I felt often sad during my visit to Nghe An. In the war times they were never defeated, but now they have to fight bravely against poverty and adverse natural accidents. They lack water and their rice fields become dry with little chance of finding water, they also lack medical facilities. Many children do not attend school to help their parents at home and to take care of the caravaos.

The 7-member team of Japa Vietnam I accompanied endured easily all the hardships of the journey, as well as the rain and the heat, constantly showing a joyful atmosphere.

I asked myself, �gWhy these Japanese people have come so far away to help the Vietnamese�h? Now, I have the answer. They love Vietnam and the Vietnamese. Their love makes them to come to these poor lonely places, no matter the troubles encountered. Thanks to them young mothers and children in Cao Bang get healthier, and farmers in Nghe An can dig wells and get some medicine.

In Cao Bang hospital we had an unforgettable experience by meeting with the birth of a new baby. We were passing by the corridor and stop at the cries of the newborn baby. Spontaneously all of us clapped our hands.

I was blessed by accompanying the group of Japa Vietnam. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, also on behalf of my Vietnamese people. I am grateful for your love to us.