Greetings from Vietnam

Posted by Don and Maria Whitney November 28, 2011

Greetings from Vietnam

Greetings from Vietnam,

Yesterday morning, we went to the officials office to sign the final papers for our permit to stay on the property. Everyone was cordial, smiled and shook our hands and through our interpreter, said they were glad we were there. Then an hour or so later we received a call that we could not stay on the property at night because there is a new law that said that only the relatives of the owner of a property can stay on it. Because we are foreigners we must stay and be registered at a hotel. Soooo, we're on the road again! We had plans to come to HCMC to speak at a small graduation, so the timing worked out. (We know God is in control) This morning he gave us this scripture in Ps 32:7,8 "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." We are waiting and following His lead.

There are friends working on our situation with the Government as I write, but I cannot share anything else. We'll give an update as time progresses. When we go back, in 2 days, we'll have to stay at a cheaper hotel near the property until we see what God does.

Duong and her mom

God has also given us a wonderful assistant. She is about 23 years old and will be graduating from the University in March. She has a heart for poor children and wants to work with a charitable organization. She is absolutely precious and takes great care to make sure we are comfortable and our needs are being met in this land where we cannot understand anyone, and they don't understand us. God brought Duong (you don't pronounce the d) to us right after the team left to go back to the states. At first we weren't sure about having Duong with us, but after 3 days we can't live without her. She is an absolute gift from God.

Duong gets a little nervous at night with all the activity in the ceiling though. We calm her down and assure her that God is keeping us safe. Funny...while it's annoying to know that there are snakes, rats or whatever up there, and that they are very loud, we still feel the peace of God and that we are safe in His arms. I believe Duong notices God's peace on our lives as well. Had a great time sharing with her last night.

Demonstrating Water Filters

All in all we feel we are the front runners for Mark and his family; smoothing the way for what God has planned and the rescue of His precious treasurers.

Facebook does not always work for us so we'll share some pictures here. Thanks for your prayers and support.