Garage Sale Charity Drive

During Columbus day weekend, we (as in a bunch of people) gathered and hosted a garage sale for charity. We were successful due to the location and the purpose of our garage sale. The proceeds are going to several Buddish Temples throughout Vietnam. The money are used to purchase necessities such as foods and clothings which are donated to impoverish the lives of Vietnamese in certain region such as those living in the mountains or far from city centre. Vietnam is a third-world county with corruption running rampants and public. No attempt is made to curb or hide corruption from senior or minor officials. Citizens "gossips" and complaints but accepted it as a way of life.

Within three day, we made over one thousand dollars. This was possible due to the donation of items such as electronics, clothings, and many other. Thanks to the donors we were able to make over one thousand dollars.

In Memory of Phong Minh Vu

August 18, 2011

IN DEDICATION TO PHONG MINH VU

My future brother-in-law passed away this morning. He was an interesting guy who lived an adventurous live. He contracted a kidney disease when he was young causing him to lose both of his lungs which he has lived without for the past 12 years. He has struggled valiantly and he has lived (in my opinion) BRAVELY. He has enjoyed every moment of his life without regret and sadness, and he has left behind a legacy of laughter, fun, and warmth that will be missed.

I still remember the first time I met him; his disease has caused him to be treated regularly with dialysis creating a malformed shape on his arm. His body is drained and withered under the harsh condition of the treatment forming an allusion of a man 30 years his senior. When I first met him, I had thought that he was my wife’s dad so I greeted him so (in my culture, we have words that depicted older people and really old people as a sign of respect). He was upset in a humorous way, as my wife’s family laugh while letting me know that he was only in his early 40’s. I was surprised when I found out that he was my wife’s eldest half brother. People still mistakenly see him as an elderly man; his strong spirit will not allows anything to hold him back from what he wants to do.

His life left a great legacy to his families, friends, and all the people he knows. He will be missed, and we know that he is happy where he is now after going through years of struggles and hardships. We will miss his smile, his humor, and his laughter.

Be peaceful Anh Phong

A Di Da Phat