Building the Roots

by Hai-Van Hoang

Today was the Completion Ceremony of the school we have been pouring our blood, sweat, and tears into this past week. Despite how relentless the humidity was, and the fact that my stomach was doing somersaults after the whole marinating pork fiasco of the previous day, it was extremely rewarding and emotional to see all the children gathered today to celebrate a new educational door opening for them, in hopes of paving a brighter, unrestrained future.

As I watched the various performances by the kids, all of them adorned in their costumes and wearing bright, giddy smiles, I felt so joyful to be able to witness everything that has unfolded during this trip. This trip contained many firsts for me: my first time visiting the motherland, the first time doing an intensive, physical work camp, and the first time helping to build a school. Although there were times in which I felt incredibly out of my comfort zone — from the language barrier to the unfamiliar environment I’ve entered — I nonetheless loved every second of it. To be able to see the room I was assigned to go from a blank, empty canvas to a classroom filled with color and hope was an amazing, emotional experience to have. Today, as the blue rope was cut to commemorate another school being built, I thought to myself how I, along with all the volunteers, helped to build the beginning roots of a endless possibilities for these kids: with careful nourishment, love, and patience, I hope to see them flourish in the future.

I loved surrounding myself with a team of individuals who carry the same selfless, heroic devotion to give children in need opportunities that weren’t there for them initially; I’d met some wonderful personalities throughout my time at the work camp whose values truly spoke to me, and I’m sure to treasure these memories for the rest of my life