Generations and Connections

by Annie Vuong

This being my first work camp, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I knew the admirable mission: helping to build a school in rural Vietnam, bringing education and opportunity to countless children for years to come. What I didn’t know was how it would be done, what it would look like, or how it would feel.

Now I know it is done with a lot of sweat and hard work, and it looks absolutely beautiful.

But the feeling?

How can I describe what it’s like to see so many people from different walks of life come together for one purpose, overcoming language barriers, age gaps, and cultural differences with smiles, laughter, and shared effort?

I loved seeing the parents in our crew setting powerful examples for their children. And I loved even more watching our younger work camp members fully embrace not just construction work, but connection—teaching and learning dances, games, and tricks with the local students.

One of my favorite memories so far is seeing the local students surround our very adorable member Martin for the friendship bracelets he brought all the way from the US just for this moment.

Every morning, we take a long and muddy bus ride, and we’re greeted by smiles and waves bigger than the mountains around us. Today was especially tough, hotter than the days before and packed with work that needed to be finished. But as the sun started to set, the children surprised us with performances: dancing, singing, and wildly fair games of tug of war.

And again, I felt it. That overwhelming feeling of unity, of connection. Of generations coming together side by side for a shared purpose.

I couldn’t help but grin.

Needless to say, this work camp has shaped me forever. And I am so thankful.