(This is another “sneak peek” to our latest edition of the Hope Haven Rwanda Magazine. Send us a message to have one sent to your mailbox for more on this story and many others!)
As Dr. Tuan Nguyen and I stepped into Yvonne and Samuel’s home, we were immediately impressed by how spotless it was. It shouldn’t have surprised me. I’ve seen Yvonne managing the cleaning staff at Hope Haven for almost five years now and she is known for her high standards.
That day we introduced Dr. Tuan Nguyen to Samuel, her son, and the newest recipient of a Hope Angel. Tuan, as a physician and businessman, really resonated with Samuel’s story and could not wait to meet them. Dr. Nguyen started where Yvonne’s children are starting, but because of his diligence and hard work, he has flourished as a successful businessman and medical doctor.
“I was so excited about the opportunity to sponsor someone. Growing up, we were very poor. There was a Catholic nun that helped my family out. I’ve always wanted to do something like what she did and this was the perfect opportunity.”
Dr. Nguyen shared more about his family. “After the civil war in Vietnam, my family escaped in the middle of the night with four other families on a boat. They were supposed to travel 580 miles but they ran out of fuel. Luckily a boat came by and saw them. They gave some gas, and even though they couldn’t speak our language, they pointed the direction the boat should go. So my family proceeded in that direction and ended up in Hong Kong. My father was very abusive to my mom. One day he beat her and she had a miscarriage. My mom left him at that point and that’s when the nun helped our family out. Mom went through a lot for me and my siblings to give us a better life. And she always pushed us to work hard.”
Henriette, one of our social workers, piped in: “Samuel, are you ready to work hard? What do you want to be when you grow up?” Samuel responded, “A doctor.”
Dr. Nguyen exclaimed, “I’m a doctor!” Samuel and Yvonne almost fell out of their chairs. They were so surprised to discover Tuan, Samuel’s new Hope Angel, was a doctor… (Read the rest of the story in the magazine).
These types of beautiful interactions remind as all that we have a purpose and we may need some encouragement along the way, but our God is faithful to fulfill His path for us. Who can you encourage this week?