Successful Vietnam Teacher's Conference

It was evident from the beginning that God has gone before us. He has been at work here in Vietnam and we were able to be willing participants to follow his lead as we hosted the teachers conference. He made our every path smooth so that every obstacle was brought down and the conference was a rousing success. We rose early the first morning for day 1 of the conference. At 6:45 we departed to do final touches on our rooms that we set up the day before. There was much anticipation and excitement in the air as the teachers and administrators of the Bac Ha area began to arrive. After the Director of Education, Mr. Sang, challenged the teachers, Vicky welcomed everyone and made introductions of the teaching team with their translators. Next Niki set the tone for the conference as she introduced the theme “Be the Change” by telling the story about Charlie the caterpillar. In every one of my sessions we had rapt attention as Rick read the story about “Mr Wolf’s Pancakes” and enthusiastic cheers when James, our skillet master, asked if they were ready to make pancakes. Everywhere I looked the teams worked together like a glove to bringing smiles, excitement and a new vigor to change teaching methods in the classroom after they returned home. Although, it seemed quite easy to keep the attendees engaged when the our theme revolved around experiencing pancakes then using this experience to discover how we can use it when teaching Science, History, Math and Language Arts. Every game and race was wrought with laughter. Even our translators became more comfortable and willing to jump in to help us get our message across.

As the conference wound down their were still smiles and praises all around. Mr. Sang, one of the teachers, Vicky and Thao gave closing remarks of appreciation. Then Kari read the story “A Special Teacher” which left many eyes with tears in the room. Niki also reiterated her challenge to “Be the Change” and 9 of us released fluttering paper butterflies into the room. We then boarded the vans tired but with peace in our hearts knowing we just saw God do amazing things for the lives of the teachers and children of Bac Ha.