A Letter of Gratitude from Điểu Thị Sé
Dear Fr. Peter Trần Công Vang, dear religious sisters and brothers, beloved benefactors at home and abroad, and the entire Việt Tộc Family,
Every journey has a beginning and a destination. As I held in my hands my Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education from Thu Dau Mot University, the first thought that came to my mind was not the hardships I had endured, but the people who had quietly walked beside me throughout that journey.
My name is Điểu Thị Sé. I am a daughter of the S’tiêng people, born and raised in Hamlet 2, Bom Bo Commune, Đồng Nai Province. The path from my small village to a university classroom has been long and filled with challenges. There were moments when I thought I could not continue. Yet, through the love, encouragement, and prayers of Father and our generous benefactors, I found the strength to persevere, overcome every obstacle, and finally reach my dream.
The Việt Tộc Family has been much more than a source of financial support for my education. It has become a true home where I have always felt welcomed, cared for, and accompanied. Here, I have been listened to, encouraged, and inspired. Through every gathering, every shared moment, every sincere word of encouragement, and every quiet act of kindness, I have grown not only in knowledge but also in faith, confidence, and a spirit of communion. These countless expressions of love have strengthened me and encouraged me to believe in myself and faithfully pursue my dreams.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Fr. Peter Trần Công Vang and to all our benefactors, both in Vietnam and around the world, for your quiet generosity, unwavering support, and the opportunities you have given me to pursue my education with peace of mind over the years. My heartfelt thanks also go to Mr. Joseph Chánh Hoàng, the Redemptorist Fathers, the religious sisters, and all the volunteers who have lovingly guided, listened to, and accompanied us with such dedication. Your love, sacrifice, and countless unseen acts of kindness have been a constant source of encouragement and have made today’s achievement possible.
Perhaps the greatest gift I have received is not simply a university degree, but the lesson of gratitude, the spirit of sharing, and the responsibility to serve others. I have come to understand that everything I have today has been nurtured by the generosity and compassion of so many people. For this reason, I continually remind myself to live in a way that is worthy of that love—by serving others, living a meaningful life, and sharing goodness wherever I can.
Many new journeys still lie ahead of me. Yet I will always remember that I have been deeply loved, believed in, and given the opportunity to soar by so many generous hearts. I hope to become a teacher who loves and cares for her students, who is dedicated to the vocation of education, and who is ready to contribute, in whatever small way I can, so that children—especially those from ethnic minority communities in my homeland—may have greater opportunities to learn, to dream, and to build a brighter future.
From the depths of my heart, I offer my most sincere gratitude to Father and to the entire Việt Tộc Family. May God continue to bless Father, all our benefactors, the Redemptorist Fathers, the religious sisters, and everyone who has so generously accompanied us with abundant graces, good health, and lasting peace. May the Lord reward each of you abundantly for every sacrifice and every act of love you have shown us.
With my deepest gratitude,
Điểu Thị Sé
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6 days ago
Từ gia Phước An , vượt hơn sáu giờ xe để đến Đắk Lắk trong đêm. Dẫu đường xa và về đến khá khuya, lòng vẫn đầy niềm vui vì hôm sau được gặp lại các em H’Mông, Êđê và Vân Kiều nơi những buôn làng thân thương.
Mỗi chuyến đi là một hồng ân. Xin Chúa tiếp tục đồng hành và chúc lành cho hành trình yêu thương này.
After more than six hours on the road, we finally arrived in Đắk Lắk late last night. The long journey is more than worthwhile, knowing that tomorrow we will have the joy of visiting our Hmong, Êđê, and Vân Kiều children in their villages.
Every mission journey is a gift of grace. May God continue to guide and bless this pilgrimage of love.
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6 days ago