Le Thu Trang

More than half a year has passed but I feel like it was yesterday when I accompanied the group of Japa Vietnam. I was excited and full of expectations time before joining the group, but my experiences during the tour were too precious to me. I thought I already knew about the needs and wishes of the poor people we were going to visit in Cao Bang or Nghe An. It was natural that they would like fresh clean water to drink, medicines when they are sick, rice to eat, etc. Now, back home, I realize that I got to know my values system, and how to live day by day with a meaning.

We met many poor communities in our way and I felt especially pity for the children. It is difficult for me to say why, but the children of Cao Bang impressed me strongly. When I was walking through a beautiful forest in Bac Po I met a 6 year-old boy. It was raining and the little boy was trying to fish by the river. I got near him and called him, but he just looked at me charmingly. I thought that, since he is from a tribal family, most probably he does not speak Vietnamese.

I saw many old half-destroyed houses in the way back to Cao Bang. Most probably, that boy lived in one of those and had come to the riverside in the middle of the rain to catch some fish for dinner, but he is worried because he cannot catch any fish. I could not forget him. I wish the day would come when he could own a warm house, with enough food and a TV set to enjoy life.

In the tour I came into contact with the concrete programs Japa Vietnam conducts to assist the poor people and I feel grateful for that assistance. This was an occasion for me to know better my country. I also want to cooperate to make a brighter future of my country.