This immersion has absolutely blown my mind! All my expectations for this trip were smashed and I can honestly say this trip has been one of the greatest, most rewarding experiences of my life. Before the trip I was fairly nervous and didn’t know what to expect but I was also extremely excited to immerse myself into a new culture and way of life.

My favorite part of the trip was most definitely the time we spent in Hue though we stayed in the most fancy hotel, the community service activities we undertook here will forever stay with me. Visiting the orphanage though quite confronting was such a life changing experience. Making kids whose lives are hard with great challenges smile and laugh was a sensation I can’t even put words to. In Hue we also began building the school. From the moment we arrived at the little parish in the rice fields with blaring music and the most friend community, I knew what us Mercy girls set out to do would change the lives of so many. Shoveling piles of sand and laying hundreds of bricks in the heat of Vietnam though extremely labour intensive, made me feel so happy and joy as Mercy girls all come together and were able to help those who need it. I will never, ever forget the time we spent in Hue and all the memorable people who were a part of the orphanage and parish.

From this immersion I was able to develop a first hand impression of Vietnam. Vietnam is one of the most welcoming and friendly countries I have ever travelled to. Everybody always has a smile on their face. Vietnam also has a very strong culture and I truly admire the countries cultural history.

Before traveling to Vietnam I only knew the surface of the country’s history but after the trip I have accumulated a much deeper understanding and was able to notice how the country’s history is still so important to the cultural and physical aspects of Vietnam.

My most treasured memory from this trip would most definetly be my time spent with Fathe Kha at his parish and his final thankyou speech to our group. He was beyond greatful to our Mercy community and it blew my mind that helping and giving up 3 days to help build his school could make a community so happy.

This trip has impacted my life in such a tremendous way. It has made me so much more greatful and appreciative of the life I have been gifted with. In future any opportunity that presents itself I will more than happy to jump at the chance as I am lucky enough to have the opportunity.

It you asked me to fault this trip, it would be impossible. Every single aspect of it has been life changing and I am so thankful for this opportunity as it is something I will never ever forget. Vietnam both physically beautiful with gorgeous landscapes and culturally amazing with such amazing history and the most welcoming people is a country I hope to come back to. A very big thank you for the life changing trip you provided to us 18 girls, it will never be forgotten.

Thank you!!!