On January 20, 2024, the Missionary Group, with the participation and support of benefactors and friends, organized a charitable trip to Suoi Tuong, located in Ma Da Commune, Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province, Viet Nam. This area was established with a special focus on Cambodian immigrants living there.
Suoi Tuong Mission Station is situated 80 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, requiring about two hours of travel by road and another hour crossing a pristine forest. The station is nestled within the Tri An Lake and is divided into several clusters of homes built on the lake’s surface. The area we visited is known as the floating house neighborhood because the families there live in houses built on rafts floating on the water. Life for the residents is extremely difficult, with their meager income coming from small fishing boats. On top of that, they face numerous challenges, especially during the rainy season, when they experience hardships due to illness, funerals, or even weddings.
The priest in charge of Suoi Tuong Mission Station welcomed us warmly. He shared his heartfelt desire to gather the local children, teach them to read and write, and help them integrate into society in the future. He has established a tutoring class by building a raft-house close to the residents’ living areas, where Sisters provide free literacy education to children who have yet to learn how to read. Every day, the priest rents boats to transport the children to the class. Furthermore, he facilitates opportunities for benefactors to visit the station and support the local community.
The priest arranged four boats for our group and assigned guides to help us visit the families, offer our greetings, and distribute gifts. Seeing the radiant smiles on the faces of people who endure such hardship and scarcity filled our hearts with happiness. For a brief moment, we could share in their lives and struggles. After encountering this reality and seeing the frail children with sunburnt skin, we left with a deep wish to return and contribute in small ways to help these children develop both morally and intellectually.
As we concluded our journey, we offered our gratitude for being part of this charitable mission. We thank the benefactors who collaborated and supported this trip, making it a success. May the joyful smiles of the children and residents of this place continue to shine through the generosity and love of compassionate hearts and open hands.
Missionary Group