Our World, Our Future: Solidarity in Vietnam

The Australian Passionist community has a young adult immersion pilgrimage that went to the Philippins and Vietnam. Recently we shared one of the young adult experiences in the Philippins. This week, fellow pilgrim Justin Wenham will share on his experience in Vietnam from an article that he wrote to his school magazine:

At times, all of us have difficulty in showing how we feel; whether this be, happiness or sadness. This is what I was confronted with at the Phu My Orphanage. There were people aged between only a few months old to around 23 years old, who were not able to even smile as they just did not have the ability to do so. However by looking into their eyes, we knew we had brought love and joy to their lives. Leading up to the pilgrimage I knew I would most likely have an emotional attached to a particular orphan, I just had this feeling. And I was right. His name is Lei, I’m not sure how old he is, but he is located in the baby section.

Lei is blind, and looking into his eyes you could not see his pupil, as they were just white. I wish he could be able to see how beautiful he really is, Lei does not try to change the way he is made nor the journey he is on. He trusts the path he is given, much like he trusted me. He couldn’t see, however when I lifted him up out of his cot he would immediately wrap his legs around me knowing I would take him outside, but what struck me was that he had no clue where I was going to take him however he still trusted me. I have said the word trust a few times, as for me; this journey was about learning to trust in God, for example if sometimes doesn’t go the way I wanted or expected, I don’t mind as I know it’s for my benefit in the long run.

The number of nurses were completely outnumbered by the orphans, so feeding as you could imagine would take a long time, especially with feeding taking about an half an hour to an hour per orphan. So the group each session, breakfast and dinner would try to feed 3 kids each. I learnt so much from feeding, like it doesn’t matter how long it takes to reach your goals or the setbacks when climbing the mountain of life, what is important is getting there. When I was feeding a 23 year old I found out that we should all never judge a book by its cover. At first glance this guy I was feeding looked only 15. In life never judge a person by their appearance.

The emotions I felt when holding one’s hand was so powerful. Never had I ever thought holding a child’s hand would have such an impact on me. Letting go was extremely difficult, as I felt guilty knowing I was leaving behind a person who wants me to spend time with them, walking away and having my back turned was like showing I didn’t care about them. Whenever there was a situation where a child extended their hand for me I would always take it, as the energy and love flowing through our hands to one another was indescribable.

What was also difficult for me was when a child grabs my hand and bangs it on the rope which tied them to their cot, not allowing them to move. I wasn’t allowed to untie it as their kids were tied up for a reason, such as walking around freely meant they would be a danger to not just their self but others. Letting go in this instance just brought a tear to my eye every time I had to do it, walking away from a person confided to a small space and not allowed to leave. The most difficult part of the two weeks and most likely my life was when I had to walk away from Lei, my blind boy. Holding Lei for the last time, with his head peacefully resting upon my shoulder, I began to cry. I’m not sure if I will ever see him again but I will never forget my last moment with my brother. Lei was giggling, and his laughter was like Elmo. He began to sing and smile as I gazed into his beautiful eyes; I knew I had brought happiness to this once upset boy.