A Week in the Central Highlands: Gratitude and Giving Back
by Barry McGeough & Vi Ma
We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to spend a week in the central highlands of Vietnam, volunteering with the Sunflower Mission. As a couple with both American and Vietnamese heritage running through our veins, this experience held a special place in our hearts. It allowed us to reconnect with our roots while also doing our duty contributing to a cause close to our hearts. In this blog post, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the ability to give back and be part of an elite group of volunteers.
Volunteering is a powerful act of kindness that knows no borders. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Our week with Sunflower Mission exemplified the profound truth behind these words. Witnessing the impact of our collective efforts, we were humbled by the transformative power of education. Building schools in the central highlands of Vietnam not only provided children with a safe space to learn, but it also opened doors to a brighter future.
Joining the Sunflower Mission volunteer team was an honor and a privilege. As Maya Angelou beautifully stated, "I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." We felt this liberation as we worked alongside a diverse group of like-minded individuals, united by a common purpose. The sense of camaraderie and shared determination fueled our enthusiasm, making the week an unforgettable experience. It was a reminder that when we come together and channel our energy towards a noble cause, incredible things can happen
Our journey to the central highlands of Vietnam not only allowed us to contribute to a worthy cause but also reconnected us with our Vietnamese heritage. We experienced the warmth and resilience of the local communities, who welcomed us with open arms. This connection to our roots gave us a profound sense of belonging and made our service even more meaningful. As Desmond Tutu once said, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."
Our week with Sunflower Mission in Bang Chuoi left an indelible mark on our hearts. We are grateful for the opportunity to give back and be part of an extraordinary team of volunteers. Our appreciation goes to the leaders and the board members of Sunflower Mission, Co Duy Loan and Chu Tuan Dao, Thay Thanh, Dr Nam, Co Kim, Chi Huyen, Chi Jane, Anh Dinh & Chi Quynh and not to forget all of the amazing meals mornings, noons and nights from Chi Phuc & our lovely nuns and em Phung for their unwavering commitment to empowering communities through education. The hard work we invested in building the playground and play structure was both challenging and rewarding. As we reflect on our journey, we are inspired to continue making a difference and encourage others to join the path of service, proving the African proverb true that ‘if You want to go fast , go alone. If you want to go far, go with others’ How far Sunflower Mission has gone, with this group and others, together …
