April 2009 :
 |
Mang Lang - April 2009 |
The April 2009 trip to Vietnam was a calling -- inspiring
Vietnam veterans whose service did not end with the war.
These soldiers read about a 2008 mission led by
Suzanne Sigona and AAI member, Kelly Neal on the
Airline Ambassadors' website. The 2008 trip described Suzanne
and Kelly taking volunteers to a number of places – one
destination near Tuy Hoa, an orphanage run by Sisters of the
Holy Cross. The story sparked the interest of veterans who
served there in the 60’s. The veterans contacted Suzanne --
each telling the story about helping nuns. In particular, the
stories told about a very special nun at Mang Lang orphanage,
"Sister Michelle".
 |
Sisters of the Holy Cross |
Photographs were exchanged and stories told, but the unfinished business, for Suzanne, was to actually meet this wonderful nun. Prior to the Tuy Hoa visit, Suzanne was presented with a letter, written in 1990, from a veteran of the 173rd Airborne who referenced his work and PFC Bailey’s (101st Airborne) contact with the orphanage. They wanted to help again. It was clear that the work of the nuns had reached far beyond the children who were in their care. Through efforts of Kelly Neal, Fran & Jo Monaco, and Suzanne – the journey was set for 2009.
 |
| Sr Michelle with an old photo
and the residents who were there in '66
and now. |
In April 2009, Suzanne traveled back to Nha Trang and wandered off to Tuy Hoa. This time, there would be a mission within the mission.
On Palm Sunday, April 2009, Sister Michelle and some of the handicapped residents, who are still housed at the orphanage, were able to see photographs from 1966!
Through translation, the volunteers, Sister Michelle, and the residents were able to identify people in the photos, share memories and give thanks.
 |
Reviewing Photos |
 |
Sharing memories of 1966, "I was eight!" |
Primarily, Suzanne shared a very special message with the sister. She expressed her sincerest gratitude for all of the work that has been done for the orphanage, and specifically, her heartfelt appreciation, to the sister, for
providing a space of peace
and joy for our soldiers.
 |
New books for the study area for
university women.
|
During the 2009 trip, even more work was done: there was a contribution made to a rehabilitation center in Quy Nhon -- funds will be used to provide an environment for disabled elderly women that will include an indoor bathroom facility.
Another supported project purchased books for a study area of 120 university women. These women are from poor
families. They live in a dorm for two years while they become
established in the school program. During their stay, their
personal area consists of the area covered by their bunk bed in a room that generally holds 4 sets of the bunk bed framework.
 |
Dorm/Bunk Area at a facility run by the nuns. |
Additional aide was provided to the House of Love, supported by Brittany’s Hope, and to the Mang Lang Orphanage.
 |
House of Love |
Suzanne explains, "The journey begins and continues... in gratitude to those who support us."
Plans are being made for the spring trip of 2010.
For more information contact suzanne2wall@yahoo.com.
A Vietnam veteran sent the following quotation to Suzanne,
"To find out what one is fitted to do and secure an opportunity to do it is the key to happiness." - John Dewey |
