New Faces!

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About a 10 minute motorbike ride outside of town you'll find a quaint and happy little farm and it's happy owner, Hiep, one of Lifestart's recipients.

Hiep (age 35) contracted polio when he was 7 years old resulting in the paralysis of his left leg. Hiep’s father passed away and his elderly mother owned the land around his tin house. The family were farmers who always worked hard, but struggled to survive with very little. In addition to these challenges, Hiep was unable to find any work because of his disability. Hiep met Karen last year and told her of his dream of transforming the abandoned land to grow herbs and help support the family, but could not afford the money for seeds.

Karen admits she simply could not imagine how Hiep could physically manage to transform such an overgrown wilderness. With one leg completely paralysed, he is unable to stand unaided or walk without crutches.
But Hiep's vision was clear, his enthusiasm was plain to see - so on behalf of Lifestart, he was given a seedling grant for the land. In a matter of months, Hiep impressively transformed the land just as he said. He proudly shows us the long, neat rows of healthy, organic herbs; mint, chives,spring onions, lemongrass. Karen and Lifestart also raised enough money for a 3-wheel motorbike for Hiep, allowing him the ease and freedom to travel outside the farm.

Hiep is an excellet example of Lifestart's mission. By providing a sustainable donation, a better quality of life can be achieved for an individual/family and community. Just as before, I admire Lifestart's sensitivity and patience to fufill their mission with respect and consideration to the individual's wishes, as well as the culture.

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Photos

Hiep And His Land
Hiep made his crutches himself out of bamboo. And check out the muscles on those arms! Hiep nearly knocks my shoulder out of my socket when he shakes my hand.

Hiep's House
Hiep is very happy with his simple farm and house, shared with mom and brother.

Rows Of Herbs
Wow, the rows are lined up perfect! How'd he do that without a computer?

Herb Samples!
Hiep shows the variety of herbs. I gather a handful to press in my journal

The Village Farmland
Outside Hieps land there is a community farm owned by the village. They use seaweed and seashells to help fertilize the soil.

Hiep's Buffalos
The buffalos used to help farm the land

We're Coming!
Oh look, a tourist! Take our photo!

Snap Away
Mom and baby aren't shy

Hiep is HIP
The man in black on his 3-wheel motorbike

Comments

[Leslie Jane]

2 words...
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

[Shannah]

Growing Opportunity
I am always amazed by people's visions. Some people strive for big houses, big bank account and fancy cars, but what do these things truly give a person. Heip's vision is not only a portrait of a beautiful landscape, but a dream that will pay it forward to others. It is truly amazing what he has accomplished! And boy does he has some bisceps!