Oasis of Love - Duc Son Orphanage

The adventures of fulfilling the wishes of Jim Helt in Vietnam have begun! (Read previous post for the backstory). There are 3 of us traveling together, my dear friend Tonya Mayes, our amazing guide and friend Vu Duc Anh and me. And after just 3 days it's clear that while it might appear that we're the ones bringing gifts, a closer look reveals the timeless truth....that in giving, we recieve! The radical hospitality of the Vietnamese people often leaves our hearts full, our eyes watery, and our voices speachless. It's impossible to share it all, but I hope to post a few short recaps of Jim's gifts and the impact they have...on all of us.

Hue is a city of contrast, steeped in the gentle richness of Buddhaism, and also the site of one of the longest and fiercest battles during the American war. The geographic location of Hue makes it a prime target of typhoons and severe flooding, which happen almost annually. Poverty is prevalent, and as a result, children often bear the toll. 

Yesterday we visited the Duc Son orphanage run by Buddhist nuns. Sister Minh Tu heads the family of 130 children! Their ages range from 2 months to 22 years. It's a home, where the primary house rule is Love! There's a firm, yet gentle structure which helps create an air of peaceful playfulness.

Minh Tu is a kind, fearless and progressive advocate for the children. She recently raised money for an in ground pool so that the children can learn to swim. Many of the children lost homes and families to severe flooding, and she believes knowing how to swim helps them conquer fear and could perhaps save their lives during future flooding. And with a wink she said "it also helps keep them out of trouble!" She also arranged to rent a  nearby farm where the children raise their own organic vegetables.

The children were joyful, and the love palpable. While speaking with a beautiful 22 year old woman who has lived there since she was 2 days old, I said "you have a very big family" she smiled and said "yes, many brothers and many sisters" and then she pointed to Sister Minh Tu and said "Mother!"

We were there to meet the kids and to present food and baby formula which had been purchased on
behalf of Jim. When we arrived the children were seated at long rows of tables ready to enjoy a meal also provided by Jim. But before they ate they put their hands together in prayer position and chanted a prayer in unison, thanking Jim Helt for his gift of love. Minh Tu assured us that Jim's spirit will remain there.

Those of you who knew Jim, know that there's no place Jim would rather be....then in the presence of children!