Where Gratitude Gathers

by Bảo-Trân Huỳnh

The saying, “You can’t step in the same river twice,” feels truer every time I join a Sunflower Mission work camp. This is my third trip, yet the excitement and humility that wash over me are as fresh as they were the first time. As our bus winds through the rural mountains in Tuyên Quang, my heart is filled with a kind of joy that’s hard to put into words, a unique, once-in-a-lifetime feeling that makes every moment here feel sacred.

The hour-long ride from our hotel is a bumpy journey along a muddy road, but it’s worth every jolt when the school finally comes into view. The fog parts just enough to reveal the building nestled against the mountain, like a promise waiting to be kept. The children are already gathered in the schoolyard, bringing bright smiles and friendly hand-waving.

The air carries the scent of fresh rain, mingled with the dust of the construction site and the sharp smell of new paint. Together, we dive into the work: painting walls, shaping a sturdy playground, and organizing the library.

When the afternoon comes and we prepare to leave, tired but full of gratitude, the families living near the school gather in front of their houses to see us off. Their smiles, so genuine and warm, and their eyes hold a kindness that tugs at my heart. As we pass a family making “bánh ống” for a living, they press fresh handmade snacks into our hands with no hesitation - just pure, heartfelt generosity and gratitude. I board the bus clutching that gift, my heart overflowing with emotions I can barely name. As the school fades behind us, I know I’ll be back tomorrow, and after we complete the school ceremony, I’ll carry Sunflower Mission’s spirit with me for years to come.