I have traveled to many places and met many people. But this trip left me with so many beautiful and heartwarming memories,
Now, I wanted to share it so that anyone who would like to have a similar experience can join Father Joseph Phong Nguyen.
When we arrived at the Orphanage Huong Phuong in Quang Trach, Quang Binh, it was dinnertime for the children. The Sisters were busy taking care of the children, but they still smiled and told us about the children’s daily activities from morning till night. Taking care of a normal child is already difficult! How much more so to raise a child born with congenital disabilities! And there are 100 of them.
That’s the daily work of the Sisters at this orphanage center. Seeing it firsthand, I truly admire the patience and love the Sisters have for the children. I truly admire the Sisters for teaching the blind girl to sing a song that composed by Father Joseph Nguyen so beautifully. Her voice was soaring and pure, just like her personality. Tears welled up in my eyes when the Father stood beside the blind girl as she sang the song he composed. The image was so touching, so beautiful, and it has been deeply imprinted in my heart. Giving a bouquet of roses to the Sisters at the Orphanage.
There was a little girl, about 4 or 5 years old, who kept leaning her head on me since I sat down at the table. She didn’t say anything, she just needed a place to rest! I hugged her tightly, hoping to share some warmth with her because she was so thin and frail. She looked at me with happy eyes but remained silent. I felt so much affection for that little girl!
As I stepped into the hallway, a little girl with a disability, about 12 years old, saw me, called out “Mom,” and ran to hug me. My heart ached, and I suddenly thought, people seek what they lack. This little girl lacked someone she could call “Mom.” There were also many boys who were completely paralyzed and confined to wheelchairs. I asked the Sisters, and they explained that these children needed 100% assistance with all their daily activities.
Besides teaching religious doctrine, providing spiritual guidance, and caring for the lives of disabled children, the Sisters also raise pigs to earn extra income for the center. The Sisters are truly amazing! So hardworking!
Upon arriving in Huong Hoa – Huong Tan, we visited the ethnic minority people. Father Joseph Nguyen distributed money, rice, instant noodles, and other necessities to everyone.
Father Joseph also didn’t forget to give gifts to poor students so that they could focus on preparing for their university entrance exams and achieve the good results that their parents and they themselves hoped for.
Upon arriving at the Orphanage in Lam Dong – Bao Loc, the weather was pleasant and the air was fresh. The children were very happy to receive candies and sweets from Father Joseph, and the Sisters were also happy to receive donation envelopes from benefactors and philanthropists. One of the Sisters took us on a tour of the Orphanage. When we entered a room with many beds, I saw a woman, about 30 years old, sitting on a bed, crying profusely, holding a tiny baby who was sleeping on the bed. The Sister explained: “This woman had recently given birth to the baby three days old, and tomorrow the mother will leave, entrusting the baby to the care of the sisters.” It’s heartbreaking to witness this! Thankfully, this place exists so that the baby will be cared for by the Sisters in place of her mother.
The trip went by quickly, and I was fortunate to visit many places. Everywhere I went, I witnessed the immense sacrifices made by the Sisters and Priests for those less fortunate. May God the Almighty and the Blessed Mother always bless the benefactors, donors, Father Joseph Nguyen, the Sisters, and the Priests, so that they may continue to be angels of love, bringing joy and happiness to all those who are suffering everywhere.
Mây Bình An