One Body Village - Một Thân Hình

One night, two days in the lives of OBV's children!

15 February 2010

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It was 1 AM in Saigon when I began to gather my thoughts and experiences about the Vung Tau Trip in Viet Nam. This trip allowed me to spent time with the kids and got to know the children as we stayed 2 days and 1 night together. I learned that these four girls had been abandoned by their family members emotionally and financially. They were stranded and homeless for days even though they were only adolescents. They were raped and abused while living on the streets. One Body Village Organization took these girls off the streets and had been given them a home. In the home, these girls had schedules to follow throughout the day. They got to go to school for the general education and hand-on experience with the career that fits their talents. They also learned how to cook and clean up together as a team. These children have been fighting for the bright future even with all the obstacles ahead of them.

While on the road, the girls were singing happily and loudly in the car. It was raining when we got to Vung Tau. Regardless of the gloomy weather, we had the best time ever! We put on our bathing suits and swam in the water as if the day was sunny. We were splashing water at each other and singing songs. It was joyful to see the children laughing and enjoying themselves in the water. After swimming, we went to a nearby restaurant to eat seafood. Everyone was exhausted and slept through the whole way home, except for the driver

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Even though these children have the long journey ahead of them, I am glad to be part of their lives for two days. I'm proud of them for having the courage to change their lives from the past. I feel that these children are no longer lost but found. They have a family where they belong. They have the tools to accomplish their dreams. Most importantly, they have the support to be a better person for society. With continual love and motivation from One Body Village, the future for these kids can only get brighter.


Kim Nguyen

 

Words from Father Martino Nguyen Ba Thong and OBV:  This year (2010) “annual vacation” – Father Martino took two young ladies Kim and Maria for a “come and see” mission trip in Vietnam and Cambodia.  Kim is in her mid 20s, came to the US at the age of 6; Maria is in her early 20s – born and raised in this land of “honey and milk”.  Here you will find some of their reflections.  Father Martino will also lead another 10 days Mission trip for young people (17 years and older) this coming summer of 2010.  If you are interested please contact him fathermartino@onebodyvillage.org – Space is limited – only the first 15 can go!

It was 1 AM in Saigon when I began to gather my thoughts and experiences about the Vung Tau Trip in Viet Nam. This trip allowed me to spent time with the kids and got to know the children as we stayed 2 days and 1 night together. I learned that these four girls had been abandoned by their family members emotionally and financially. They were stranded and homeless for days even though they were only adolescents. They were raped and abused while living on the streets. One Body Village Organization took these girls off the streets and had been given them a home. In the home, these girls had schedules to follow throughout the day. They got to go to school for the general education and hand-on experience with the career that fits their talents. They also learned how to cook and clean up together as a team. These children have been fighting for the bright future even with all the obstacles ahead of them.

 

While on the road, the girls were singing happily and loudly in the car. It was raining when we got to Vung Tau. Regardless of the gloomy weather, we had the best time ever! We put on our bathing suits and swam in the water as if the day was sunny. We were splashing water at each other and singing songs. It was joyful to see the children laughing and enjoying themselves in the water. After swimming, we went to a nearby restaurant to eat seafood. Everyone was exhausted and slept through the whole way home, except for the driver.

 

Even though these children have the long journey ahead of them, I am glad to be part of their lives for two days. I'm proud of them for having the courage to change their lives from the past. I feel that these children are no longer lost but found. They have a family where they belong. They have the tools to accomplish their dreams. Most importantly, they have the support to be a better person for society. With continual love and motivation from One Body Village, the future for these kids can only get brighter.


Kim Nguyen

Words from Father Martino Nguyen Ba Thong and OBV: This year (2010) “annual vacation” – Father Martino took two young ladies Kim and Maria for a “come and see” mission trip in Vietnam and Cambodia. Kim is in her mid 20s, came to the US a the age of 6; Maria is in her early 20s – born and raised in this land of “honey and milk”. Here you will find some of their reflections. Father Martino will also lead another 10 days Mission trip for young people (17 years and older) this coming summer of 2010. If you are interested please contact him fathermartino@onebodyvillage.org – Space is limited – only the first 15 can go!