Last week, we received an update from OBV that the housing arrangements would have to change due to permitting issues with the local government. In Vietnam, whenever someone from out of town stays overnight at someone else's residence, the owner of the residence must register with the local government and receive a special permit to be noted in the owner's family record book.
Long story short, it's a paperwork hurdle that is made suspicious by the fact that they're housing many girls, and made even more risky by having two American's on the premise.
OBV's current recommendation is for us to either stay at an OBV house in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city, which is a one-hour, 15mi commute to the OBV compound, or stay at a hotel 3mi away from the compound. Option 1) is better for play, option 2) is better for work.
I asked for more details and photos of the two options available. I've also asked if they could look into renting a modest apartment for us nearby or at least between the two areas.
Concerned that the final decision would come down to cost, I sent the OBV board a friendly but firm reminder that Thuy and I are forgoing a lot of personal opportunity cost and spending much of our personal savings to make this volunteer trip happen. We're OK with not getting paid during this expedition, but we'd like to make sure that our residency is adequate, to the best of OBV's ability, for our six-month stay.
We'll be able to make a more informed decision once they send photos and details of the options they've provided. Better to know what we're getting into before we leave rather than be surprised when we get there.
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