-^-for posterity-^-

hanoi.

i have traveled north to strengthen the bi-lateral ties of north and south mennonite central committee vietnam. the two factions have not had a history of animosity but this good-will trip was made under the auspices of increasing cooperation and mutual understanding.

hanoi is different from the south. hanoi is stripped oddly with tiny roads much like a european town. hanoi is always bustling with activity. hanoi is also not as economically developed as the south. on the 13 km trip from the airport to the center of town, one finds themselves passing constant rice paddies and farms. anywhere 13 km outside of ho chi minh city one will find buildings and urban sprawl. the people also speak indescribably differently using different words and tones.

mcc recently moved to a new building located on a confusing stretch of twists and turns in the middle of town. the building is large and beautiful. the move is mostly completed and the mcc staff are in good spirits.

all in all, the trip has began successfully. initial talks have lead to promises of more coordination and cooperation with the north promising to supply extra funding to the south. the southern coalition has been very well received and a celebration is planned for tonight as a further demonstration of the two parties future commitments and everlasting relationship.