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Published: February 27th 2011
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I always find it remarkable how in life how peoples paths cross as well as the timing of these events. My journey crossed paths last week with a remarkable lady which resulted in a chance of a life time opportunity for me.
Her name is My Huong.
My Huong co-managers three orphanages in Vung Tau, Vietnam & although her title is Project Manager she wears many hats. From Nurse to Teacher to Financer she is dedicated & completely hands on and with the help of a remarkable team, they provide a safe, healthy home for Orphan children.
My Huong herself has an inspiring life story, so much so that she was chosen to share her story by an Australian TV Network covering the story of Children who were involved in Operation Baby Lift in 1975.
For more information on Operation Baby Lift see link below;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Babylift
I can not write My Huong's Life story any more eloquently than she wrote hesrself so I have also included a link to her story.
To watch her story use this site,
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/-/page/17/#
You will need to click on the video "The lost Children"
To read her story written by her use this site,
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/blogs/article/-/article/7189910/my-huong-s-story/
After we met, I asked her about how I could be involved in the Orphanage as a volunteer. Turns out they are working on a new website and need a photographer to capture natural photos of the children at the orphanage performing day to day activities. It was a perfect union as I got started in Photography by photographing children and my style was natural and candid.
So the shoot would be spread over a one week period in all three orphanages.
What is remarkable about these children is each one of them has a unique story, heartbreaking in fact but in the face of it all is a story of truimph, determination and defeating odds.
Everybody I met in the orphanage from HIV children, disabled children, street children and abandoned children all seem like your regular everyday happy children who have responded to love, a safe home, meals and stability. All of which is a massive effort provided by each and everone of the staff at the Orphanage.
The Nurses work long hours, 7 days a week for little pay and in the week I was there I quietly watched and marveled at their unparralleled dedication
towards the children and babies. I was humbled to say the least.
Watching the nurses take care of the babies is an experience I will never forget.
Patting a bottom with one hand, feeding a baby with another and pushing a rocker with their foot is just the tip of their talents. The babies melted my heart with their instant response to human touch. They are so grateful for a cuddle and kiss and it is miraculous how the nurses manage to spread so much of their love around.
I came abroad for a lot of personal reasons, seeking some answers and more of an understanding on life and human behaviour. If I was going home today, if my trip was over and I was return to Australia; I could do so knowing that my life has been touched in such a positive way that it will have an effect on me forever. I have no answers to the big question, "Why?" but I have been shown the effects of human spirit in a way I have never seen and for that it restores my faith in something I was begining to feel was lost.
I have chosen some of
my personal favourite photos to share & I hope you take the time to please have a look at the links.
Michelle
Contact info for Orphanage: Please only use for legitimate purposes
064.3622345 Vung Tau Vietnam
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victoria
non-member comment
fantastic photos what a great experience to take photos of these beautiful children