We Are Family
by Elena Tran
Thank you for being here. Whether you're following our 2025 Work Camp adventures from afar or joining us on the ground, your support means the world. To my incredible work camp family, thank you for showing up with your time, heart, and hands.
The beginning of Work Camp is always full of energy. It brings with it hope, possibility, and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. Our hearts arrive wide open, ready to give, connect, and grow. For many of us, this journey is also a time to explore new places, embrace new experiences, and enrich ourselves as global citizens.
But what truly brings us back is not just the excitement of the first few days. It is the moments we share in the coming weeks - the laughter, the teamwork, and the quiet acts of care - that stay with us long after the trip ends.
As we reflect on last year and look ahead to 2025, my daughters and I would like to share a few personal thoughts.
NaNhi: “Last year reignited my love for Vietnam and deepened my passion for helping others. I have a feeling this trip will bring even more new experiences, and I hope to contribute in ways that help others rekindle their own love and passion for Sunflower Mission.”
Emma: “The image of students climbing all over the playground we built still stands out in my memory. It made me realize how different their lives are from mine, where having a playground is expected. This year, I hope to contribute more to the playground team, learn more about my motherland, and meet new people.”
Elena: “So much still stays with me from last year. What I remember most are the moments we treated each other like family - when someone reached out for help or extended a hand in kindness. One memory especially stands out. We visited several families the village identified as most in need, and during one visit, we met an elderly woman in a small hut. She looked frail, and I wasn’t sure how she felt about our presence. But a teammate gently knelt beside her, held her hand, and asked with genuine care, ‘Bà, how are you feeling today?’ She then listened with the kind of attention one gives to family. That moment reminded me how powerful simple compassion can be. Work Camp gives us the chance to be human, to both give and receive. We really are a family here. We’ll eat together, sweat together, and help the students of this community grow and thrive together.”
As we begin Day 1 of our 2025 Work Camp, let’s bring our full selves.
Let’s make this experience meaningful. Let’s make it unforgettable. Let’s go!
Elena Tran is a co-founder of Sunflower Mission and currently serves on the organization’s Board of Directors. She is a co-lead of our 2025 Work Camp, ensuring a safe and impactful experience for all participants.