Beautiful Kids

The kids rush to greet us by the side of the road as we ride our bicycles through their villages. One will shout, “Hello! What’s your name?” “Wendy.” Then all the kids repeat, “Wendy!” and laugh uproariously. Only a few know something different, like “good morning” or “good bye.” And a few older teenagers flatter us with “I love you!” Vietnamese village kids lead healthy lives- they play outdoors with friends, ride bikes to school and home for a lunch break, and enjoy badminton and soccer. Government propaganda posters encourage two kids per family so both can receive an education, and except for some poverty here in the Central Highlands, every child I’ve seen has looked well fed and well loved.