Attempting art classes, round one

Pooling together our talents and resources with the masquerade fundraiser in mind (to feature and sell the kids art/photography/crafts they create on this trip, with proceeds going to them through Giving It Back to Kids - Nov. 22 in Springfield), a schedule had been made for two orphanages involving various activities with the kids: creating short films, writing bios, painting, photography, and fabric dying.

On the ride back to Hai Chao on Sunday morning, we hammered out the tentative plan, knowing full well that things might go otherwise (tip: key to success in travel and things such as this - flexibility!). After more nail painting extravaganza, a lunch break, and the mural already in full swing, we haphazardly began...

After a giving a brief lesson with help via a translator, Sesha bravely let about eight kids loose with film-full cameras. We will eagerly await their development too, not only to see what raw images they captured, but also the assumed array of horrible close-ups of our faces, snapped over and over again.
Brandon also collected a group and began to teach them about film: the camera, shots, story-line, plot, angles, and "ACTION!". He asked what they wanted their movie to be about and they said, "Dancing!" And it was so. A natural director emerged from the group as well as a star. They had good ideas and Brandon put them use. Before long, they had a great short film and he was able to play it back for them through his camera hooked up to a TV in their main room. Oh, the laughter and delight on their faces! It was quite incredible.

While those classes were going on, Hanna and Charity led a group in dying fabric out front on the street. The kids caught on with ease and although it went quicker than expected, they looked great; our plans are to sell them as scarves at the masquerade.

Chris had an abstract painting project set up, which captured some interest and led some to create colorful butterflies. Everyone was also involved in coloring and drawing with the kids throughout the day.


Sam played guitar for and with the kids as they were enamored with it, and him.

Amidst the ending chaos, Sarah and I handed out Vietnamese bios (typed translations on 12x12 colorful cardstock - thanks Rachel!) for the kids to fill out that say:

First Name
3 adjectives
Who wishes
Who dreams
Who fears
Who likes
Who loves
Who believes
Who plans
Last Name

The response was strong as many appeared thoughtful as they wrote. We are looking forward to having them translated, giving us more of an insight into the hearts and minds of these precious kids.

While we left the orphanage with a fantastic collection of their art, our hopes are that we left them with a gateway into their own imagination and creativity at hand. Robert (the founder of Giving It Back to Kids) finally made it to Danang today, and spoke of the the importance of teaching the kids to dream - a completely foreign concept to them.  We are looking forward to sharing their creations with you, and seeing what else evolves as more of their personalities and needs are met and nurtured.