Huong, our country coordinator, has developed a relationship with the US Embassy in an effort to get volunteers to help at Papa Shop. We are so grateful for Phuong, one of our committee members. She works with the Vietnamese government and was instrumental in opening the doors to this relationship. Because of this relationship and Huong’s involvement with YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative), she was asked to speak at the US Embassy several weeks ago. She presented her topic “Dressed For A Better Future”. Her talking points of her presentation were the effects of clothes being discarded as waste and how they can pollute the eco-system and damage our health. She shared how recycling and reusing clothes can help solve this problem. Through this, she was able to present Papa Shop, our thrift store/resale shop benefiting youth at risk.
A few days after her presentation, Huong received a phone call informing her that a V.I.P from the Embassy wanted to visit Papa Shop and Papa’s House.
All the way from D.C, Marie Royce, Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs, visits Papa Shop and Papa’s House.
The US Embassy donated three boxes of supplies for Papa’s House and presented our kids with backpacks.
Over tea, Thoa and Ca, two of the kids in Papa’s House, shared their story with the Assistant Secretary of State. The houseparents also shared their story and what led them to take on such a big responsibility as houseparents to 6 extra kids. We have laughed and rejoiced as we have reflected on what has happened over the past few days and weeks. Who would have thought that our once underprivileged kids would sit before high-ranking people in the government and four news reporting agencies telling their story. Just think about where these kids were 2 years ago. “Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown.” (Proverbs 22:29)
Huong, our house mom, painted a picture for Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Royce.
