April 1-Visits to Ms. Hanh, Mr. Thuong, Mr. Paung, and Mrs. Vac (Make Sure to Read This Inspiring Post)

On return from Dong Ha/Nhi Ha Apil1, Khanh and I headed straight out to visit the few rural folks near Hue that I see on every trip. The first stop was at the home of Ms. Hahn and her sister. Ms. Hahn was born with no arms, but has adapted well to her situation. In essence, her feet have become her hands. She combs her hair, holds cups/utensils, and works with her feet. We had made her life easier through the years with a fridge, shower w/water heater, pigs, chickens, and more. She is always so happy! 

 

On saying goodbye, we meandered down the narrow paths to the home of Mr. Paung and his wife. He requires crutches to get around and has been the recipient of chickens from our program on several occasions, including this year. Khanh and I discussed that they really need a better area to house the chickens. We'll work on that.

 

The next stop was to see my good friend, Mr. Thuong. With just stubs where his hands once were, he works with the best of 'em. Beyond Son and her mother, Thuong is the first person to whom we provided assistance. Starting in 2015, we have helped Thuong and his family regularly. Like Ms. Hanh, he's a spirited, happy, hardworking person!

 

Making Pig Food From Rice

 

 

 

 

Sniffing Dinner Cooking

The final stop was at the Vac house, which we completely renovated in 2018. The heat & humidity have   taken a toll on the paint, though. The place could certainly use a touch-up. We also built a shower/toilet room in the back.  Mr. Vac has since passed on, so it's on his wife's shoulders to care for their son and daughter. The Vac's received chickens from us just a few days ago! Their chicken "coop" sure does need some help and I hope to tackle that project.

 

Vac Daughter Carting Chickens and Feed Home

 

Vac Daughter Holding "Escaped" Chick

 It was in 2018 when we, appalled at the horrendous conditions, did so much work to the Vac house. That was the ever so memorable trip with my daughter, Katie, and granddaughter, Kira. Kira wanted to do something special for the little Vac boy and picked out a toy truck and soccer ball. That little boy seemed so lethargic and depressed when we first arrived. He just laid motionless on his rickety old bed. I swear, those gifts turned that kid's life around. Somebody cared. There's hope.

 

New Bed w/ Mattress!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Propane Stove, Cookware, and Storage Containers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior Cooking Area

New Storage Containers Replaced These

Well, that "little boy", Tran Tanh,  is now a young man of 14 and attending school. 

 

Photo from 2024 Trip

 

 

 

 

Kira's grandmother, Marylee, wanted to do something special for Tanh during this year's humanitarian trip. So, she supplied funds for the sole purpose of purchasing a gift for him. It was decided that a monetary gift would be the best choice. During our visit, Tanh was at school, so his mother received the funds on his behalf. This inspires me to further help this deserving family. As I've said many times, we're providing hope and changing lives. Helping and healing...