Finding Purpose

I fell in love with Nhu, (the little one standing) when I first arrived to volunteer at Peace Village about 4 years ago. My family and friends know her name and the story of her sweet, spunky style very well.

When I first met her the general consensus among the staff was that she would never be able to walk on her own. I arrived last year amazed to learn that she'd begun to take some short distance solo cruises on her wobbley little legs.

And now she not only walks on her own, she also makes it her mission to walk down the hallway on a regular basis and into the room where those less fortunate live out their days on small beds and cribs. She stands beside them and holds their hands!

What a gift to see that perhaps she's discovered her deeper purpose on this planet, on her own and against all odds! 

I've often felt helpless, and struggled with the very human urge to "fix" things that in my culture seem wrong or unjust. But slowly I'm learning the importance of just showing up, bearing witness to what is, and trusting the unfolding of the life force of LOVE! 

Blessings to you little Nhu, on your new found mission of compassion!! YOU GO GIRL!!!

The Power of One

I met Gary Jost and his wife Kathy at their mountaintop home in northern California while on my way to Viet Nam in 2013.  Although that’s the only time we’ve been together in person, we’ve stayed in touch by phone and email.

 In mid November Gary called saying he’d decided that for the holidays this year he and Kathy were donating $5,000 to the CORE Children’s Surgery Project in Viet Nam and challenging friends to donate enough to match their gift. I was moved by his generosity, sent him the information he requested and didn’t think much more about it. So on December 9th when I opened an email from him listing 23 people who had donated a grand total of 10,770 I was amazed, and quickly realized my Christmas was complete!  I couldn't have asked for a greater gift!  And today, donations have grown to 12,500, enough for 8 surgeries!  

So eight families who have been waiting for a miracle for their child will soon learn that hope has arrived!  And eight children will receive quality surgery and follow up care to correct physical deformities caused by our government’s use of Agent Orange on their homeland years ago. For some this will mean being able to walk on their own for the 1st time. And for others the surgery will increase dexterity making it possible for them to use their hands and fingers. For some it will correct facial defects which cause embarrassment and isolation. But for all it will covey the clear message that there are people in the world who care. While we cannot undo the atrocities of war, we can vow never to forget those who's lives are drastically changed as a result of our countries decisions and actions.

And it’s all happening because one person started the ball rolling! One man who lives atop a mountain in California cared enough about children who suffer from the remnants of war half a world away to make a difference in their lives. He dreamed up a plan and invited others in! The Power of
One, very cool indeed! 

Thank you Gary, Kathy and all who have given to this round of surgeries!  And to all who read this, thank you for caring about the children too!  

Love and gratitude! Paula 

For more information on CORE Viet Nam and the Children’s Surgery Project click here