Image

Daklak – Phu Yen – Gia Lai Province

Tony Ly

April 21, 2022

1. Cuprao Town, Madrak District, Daklak Province, July 5, 2019

Cu Prao Town in M’Drak district, Dak Lak province is a purely agricultural community. They mainly produce short-term agricultural crops such as sugarcanes, beans, cassava, maize, etc. It is a place in one of the most remote areas in Daklak Province. Every year, it often rains for a long time, causing serious crop damage. When this happens, people often lose their incomes which leaves children lack in many things. Schools are far from home. Roads and bridges are often flooded during winter. This situation often affects the children of the Ede, Tay, Nung ethnic groups.

We were squeezed into a space of more than a thousand people, but they were all very excited and looking forward to receiving TMT FOUNDATION’s gifts. Innocent smiles on the faces of children who are still in need are truly an inspiration. Everything about both in material and spiritual, left many imprints in our hearts.

2. Phu Mo Town, Dong Xuan District, Phu Yen Province, July 6, 2019

We had to wake up at 2am but drove 8 hours to reach Phu Mo Town. People were very happy when day saw TMT FOUNDATION’s car. They were so thankful that even in such a remote area, TMT FOUNDATION was able to come and visit their place. Hearing that made all the efforts worth the while. Honestly, when speaking with the families there, they shared that the meals of many families usually only have rice stuffed with salt, chili and wild vegetables, sometimes, in good days, with meat and fish. We hope that the gifts we brought them, somehow, helped.

3. Kon Chiang town – Mange Yang District – Gia Lai Province, July 6, 2019

This is a town in a remote area of Gia Lai province, a land that has suffered many bombs and bullets of war. Mainly the Ba Na ethnic people live here. The road to this place is extremely difficult. In fact, we needed a trailer to pull us because we can’t move due to the deep swamp. But when we reached the place, the people were are extremely warm and affectionate. The children were active because they received new bags and some school supplies. The people were happy when they were given food. They confessed and shared that life in their place is very difficult. After receiving the gifts, they don’t want to leave yet. They showcased their traditional dances to show off the beauty of their culture. Although lacking in material things, they showed that they are rich in love. Surrounding the bonfire they lit, they danced together with our team. They even let us taste their special cuisines such as grilled chicken with lam rice, boiled cassava, sole wine and many more. It was truly a trip. plenty of emotion!

4. Leper Village, Dak To, H’rave Town – Mang Yang District, Gia Lai Province, July 7, 2019

They are the people with leprosy caused by left over-poison from the war. Each family has different levels of illness, different joys and sorrows, and different misfortunes. But they all share the same poverty, difficulty, sadness and suffering. Even their descendants, who are completely healthy, cannot escape the reality of what this disease affects.

Looking forward for the event, people showed up very early. Amidst the fact that they have disabilities, their optimistic spirit is phenomenal. Additionally, there was also a box of candy we gave out to their children to double the fun! The children are mostly barefoot with old and dirty clothes. Hoping to visit again and give new sets of clothes for them.

Just like us, ordinary, normal people, they too have the same desires as us. They want to live a normal life; study and understand things; interact with others, have a family. But now, given the situation, these still remain a dream.

5. Buu Chau Pagoda – Pleiku Gia Lai, July 7, 2019

As a home for 53 orphans, the stories of the children who were abandoned by their parents right from the moment they were born, were extremely sad. Fortunately, they were brought here and raised by nuns.

Visiting the children here and learning their struggles made us sad. There were many newborn babies have been abandoned just lying in an iron cradle. They deserve better. I hope their parents realize that the angels they left are the greatest gift they could have. I’m sure they would regret their decision seeing how strong these children turned out to be.