As a continuation of our mission in Vietnam, several of our CSI volunteers returned for a second visit with the girls at The Blossom House in Hanoi after completing a successful surgical week in Thanh Hoa. The Blossom House is a foster home for girls aged 5-18 years run by Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam. HSCV is a non-profit organization founded by Minnesotans Chuck DeVet and his daughter Annetta. The home provides holistic care for girls from families living in extreme poverty.

Our workshop about self-esteem, self-confidence and career dreaming was a hit. We had great conversations and questions, with a focus on positive self-image and self-care. The girls really enjoyed writing positive messages about themselves and their peers. As much as we would like to be the the most exciting act in town, the highlight of the afternoon was a personal video made by Vietnam Idol Kids finalist, Jayden Trinh Jesudhass. The video is a gift from Jaden and his mother to CSI and The Blossom House.

Con Nguyen, CSI Board Member and volunteer, also did an interview with a radio station that highlights CSI’s work in Vietnam. It will air on SAY ME Vietnam 105.4FM on March 29th in Vietnam, New Zealand and Australia. It will be available for podcast soon after the broadcast. We will provide a link when it becomes available to us.