John's Summer Adventures

Hello friends! I just wanted to let you know what I'm up to this summer!

I'm going on a two-part trip with a big group of Vietnamese Catholic Youth to Vietnam and Australia

Part1: Vietnam
We're going to be traveling in a group of about 30ish all over Vietnam as pilgrims to learn about our roots, culture, motherland, ourselves, and to service the poor.

The last time I went to Vietnam, I only went to the southern half, so it's going to be AMAZING to finally see Ha Long Bay, La Vang (the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to hundreds of villagers)


I can't wait to post pictures of my own! There are soooo many family members I want to visit, but I don't know if I'll have time to see them all =(

Part2: Australia for World Youth Day!
After Senior year in High School I went on a backpacking tour/pilgrimage to 13 countries of Europe, and ended up in Germany to participate and drum for World Youth Day 2005, a celebration that the Catholic church holds every 3 years for youth all over the world to meet each other, share our experiences and to learn about our amazing faith. During the final mass with the Pope, there were a MILLION people all gathered in one place

Yeap...I'm in there somewhere..people were talking, dancing, praying all night in solidarity with one another, sharing hugs, kisses and smiles celebrating life and the gift of faith that God has given us.

Although it won't be as big...with a predicted 27,000 from North America, 4,000 from South America, 4,000 from Africa, 54,000 from Europe, 10,000 from Asia, and 100,000 from Australia..it's going to be an AMAZING experience and I'm looking forward to a faith boost, heh. WOOohoOOO i'm so excited! WYD 2008!!

The ceremonies will end on July 20th, but after that, we have until July 27th to explore Australia and to go to Cairns to dive in the Great Barrier Reefs! Jennifer told me it's beautiffull! Can't wait!

Part3: uNAVSA!
I get home the 28th, get to spend two days at home before taking a bus from San Jose to PORTLAND OREGON! for uNAVSA 2008! (United North American Vietnamese Student Association) A conference where people from all over the nation gather to share our past and to shape our future. I'll be there until August 4th to meet Viet folks from all over the nation!


I'll be back in Berkeley August 5th to start my M-F 9-5 work schedule again =( but I'll need the money to make up for the whole summer haha!

Until next time!
JV