June 22 Lucky Girls (Katie)


Kira and I are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to join my father for this year’s visit of compassion in Vietnam. It was an eye-opening, educational, and rewarding experience for both of us. Though there are other things I am proud of him for, his humanitarian work in Vietnam is one for which I am most proud. I’m not able to comprehend fully to what extent, but I know that there is always a degree of difficulty in returning to Vietnam after his haunting 1968 experience. It takes a uniquely strong soul to prevail over those memories and emotions and keep returning to create happiness and healing in the sites that held such horror. Last night at our lodging in Anchorage, I walked into the dining room to find Kira telling a child and her mother about the people that her Grandpa helps. She spoke with such obvious pride that I had to smile. She had answers to whatever questions they threw at her as well. This has been a month that she will always remember. I’m grateful for all of you who support his efforts to improve the lives of poor and handicapped families in the areas where he fought fifty years ago. And thank you to those in Vietnam who facilitate my father’s efforts… Khanh, Thong, Nhung, and Mr. Tuyen. One hundred thirty-five students and numerous families lives have been positively affected because of your kindness and generosity. Just a sixty to eighty dollar investment can provide them the means to provide for themselves and regain their pride and self-sufficiency. What a tremendous success this year's endeavor was!


Comments

  1. UnknownJune 22, 2018 at 9:30 PM

    Beautifully said. 😊

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dodie GainesJune 23, 2018 at 6:34 PM

    As a Viet Nam veteran who was also in the infantry in I Corps and have returned to Viet Nam many times, I want to express my heartfelt thankfulness to Neil, Kira, and Katie for all that they have done on their 2018 Humanitarian trip for the kind hearts of those in Viet Nam. I have been long time friends with Khanh, Thong, and Nhung. I have looked forward on a daily basis to the well expressed blog of all that they have done. I wished that I could have enjoyed the trip with them and look forward to that possibility in the future. Neil, your heart is in the same place that mine has been. I have really enjoyed the charm and happiness that Katie and Kira have expressed on their trip to Viet Nam. I am humbly proud of all of you. May others be inspired to help Viet Nam along with your leadership. Once again, from one boonie rat to another----thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. GmanJune 25, 2018 at 10:34 PM

    Thank you Katie and Kira for going with your Dad and your Grandpa! I know how much he was looking forward to this trip with you. Katie, you did such an outstanding job with your blogs and the pictures were beautiful!
    Neil, what can I say. What you do for the select group of people that you take care of has to be very rewarding to you and them. It's also rewarding for all the donors who support your cause.
    Keep doing what you do my friend! I'm very happy that your trip was another success!

    ReplyDelete

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