Google Translations & An Entrepreneur with a Heart of Gold
By Karla DeSimone
As a GIBTK board member, it was incredible for me to finally get back to Vietnam again after a long gap due to COVID-19. With many things to do, I packed each day with as many activities as possible, starting with visiting my dear friend, Trung.
I first met Trung with GIBTK nearly two decades ago during a wheelchair distribution. My family and I were immediately drawn to his smiling eyes and even bigger smile. Each time I have come back to Vietnam, Trung always travels into DaNang City to see me several times during my visits. We communicate regularly via Gmail thanks to Google translating my words into Vietnamese and his into English. However, on this trip, I really wanted to visit Trung at his home and reacquaint myself with his Mom, who I had met many years ago. Let’s just say, I am SO glad we did!
(Karla and Trung outside his home)
When I pulled up to his house, Trung was waiting at the front gate. I couldn’t get out of the taxi quick enough to give him a hug!
(Trung and Huong catching up - my heart is happy)
Trung led me up to a table and immediately pulled out my chair and got cold water for me to sip as we chatted. As long as I have known him, the word gentleman has come to mind to describe him. He is thoughtful and considerate and always thinking of others, but today, I was able to add a new word to my description of Trung, “entrepreneur!”
(Time for a selfie!)
Through email, Trung told me a few years ago he was making joss paper for a living. Joss paper is beautifully presented colored paper that incorporates copies of paper currency. All of this intricate creativity is then burned for a relative that has passed to make sure that they have sufficient money to take care of themselves in their afterlife. While Trung had sent me photos of his work, I didn't grasp the full magnitude of his creativity until I saw it with my own eyes. While the living can burn joss paper anytime for their relatives, the biggest demand is during Tet, when he can get more than 7,000 orders. It can take him six plus months to prepare himself for these orders and he works tirelessly from morning until night.
(Trung and SOME of his inventory!)
During this lovely afternoon, I was able to meet more of Trung’s family members, his mother, brother, sister-in-law, three nephews, girlfriend, and his dog. Since I care so deeply for this young man, seeing his support system brought me great comfort. It reminds me of a time long ago when I thought it might be, “more efficient” to donate money to GIBTK rather than actually travel to Vietnam myself. I am the first to report that there is NOTHING like being there in person to see firsthand how GIBTK transforms lives.
If you are one of the folks who have followed GIBTK for a long time, maybe even contributed to our programs, please know you are always welcome to see what GIBTK does with your own eyes. It has changed my life and I believe with all my heart that it will change yours too. Maybe it’s time to just say “yes”.
(Trung’s brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and his Mom)
For years I have been praying for Trung to find his passion and occupation and on this trip, he confirmed he had indeed found it. He created a business, has a supportive family and girlfriend, and Trung has become an entrepreneur! May God continue to bless his business and take it to the next level!
(Meeting Trung and Ngan later in the week for coffee)
Gallery - Click Images
