In 1970 I began wearing a POW/MIA bracelet for Major Ted Gostas, who was being held captive in a North Vietnamese prison. When you agreed to purchase and wear a POW/MIA bracelet, the commitment was that you would agree never to take it off until the soldier whose name you wore was either released or declared officially deceased. That war in Vietnam was a painful, divisive event in our country’s history. The aftermath of this war left a trail of bitterness for years to come.
One of the highlights of my year as Miss America in 1973, was seeing Ted Gostas arrive back home after years of torture and solitary confinement. Ted and I have maintained our connection with each other over the years and I have watched with admiration, the incredible struggle and courage it has taken to reclaim his life.
This was my only knowledge of Vietnam until Orphan’s Promise started working there several years ago. Earlier this year, we decided to visit those projects. I thought it would be interesting to see firsthand what Vietnam was like 43 years after the war.
All of our work in Vietnam is in Da Nang, which lies right between Hanoi and Saigon on the South China Sea. To my surprise, Da Nang was beautiful! It was far more developed than I had expected. Our hotel was lovely and the staff was welcoming and friendly. Of course, the element that impressed me most was the work Orphan’s Promise is supporting here. We visited a beautifully run training center in the city for deaf children and their families. For some of these children, it gave them their first opportunity to learn and communicate with the world around them… even within their families. In contrast, our next stop was a rural school for deaf children in the countryside. We had all learned to sign our names on our first stop, so we tried haltingly to “sign” with these children. I wish you could have seen them. Their eyes lit up and they swarmed around us, eagerly responding as each one wanted to ask our names, tell us theirs, and enjoy a hug. The room was alive with flying fingers and lots of laughter as we tried to keep up with them. I was particularly drawn to two of them – a 15 year old boy and a 14 year old girl – wondering what would become of them after high school?oon we were off to visit a treatment center for disabled children where they receive physical and developmental therapy. The obvious tender, loving care of the therapists was very touching. Without a place like this, these children would have no hope.
Our next stop was a training center for older kids where they are learning to sew or repair bikes; skills they will use to become independent. They proudly displayed their handiwork.
Finally, we stopped at a children’s home that provides a safe place to live, food, clothing, and schooling for children who are alone and at risk. It was clean, bright and well run.
I was exhausted by all we had seen and done, but exhilarated by the quality of these projects, the spirit of the children, and the obvious impact we are making. YOU make all of this possible and I cannot thank you enough. I came away so wanting you to see what I saw. If OP takes a partner trip to Vietnam you simply MUST come. It’s a new day in Vietnam, and you are a part of it!
Blessings,