Big Splash

A great big splash was made in Vietnam yesterday! It may not be as big as the “Shot heard round the world, but it was big to me personally anyway. Bill McDonough and I were in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday for the much awaited launching of the Mekong River bound, Ship of Life.
We thought it would be a rather simple affair but the shipyard made it a rather momentous occasion. There were several hundred people on hand to witness the event including every single employee! The company just shut down. WE later found out why. They held a big party after the launching and every one partied! We drank water at the party but everyone else enjoyed lots of the local favorite, Tiger Beer! There were numerous toastings and each one became louder and louder.
During the earlier ceremony, several interesting things occurred. There was, of course, the required breaking of the champaign bottle on the hull. There was also a wreath of flowers to congratulate everyone for a job well done. There was also an offering made to some “unknown god”, I suppose. There were two plucked chickens, more flowers, and lots of incense burning on a rather simple altar right in front of the boat. Several came and bowed before the altar before the launching! I think they were praying for the future safety of the ship.
Needless to say, it was a great day for Partners IN Progress and Bill McDonough who have been dreaming and working at this for 4 or 5 years. The final details should be accomplished in the next few weeks. Thank You Lord! You are so good.