Hi, my name is Yen. I was born and raised in Vietnam and currently live in the United States with my family. Despite being far from home, my heart always stays with Vietnam and with those who are unable to live life to the fullest.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to contribute to an abbey's mission trip to Northern Vietnam after the devastating Typhoon Yagi. Through the lens of those who joined the mission, I saw innocent children become orphans overnight; I saw elders eating through tears of relief after days of starvation; I saw beautiful village wiped out in the blink of an eye.

This year, disaster has struck many parts of Vietnam again with even more devastating effects. People have lost their homes, their belongings, and their loved ones. The heartbreaking images and stories propelled me to turn my compassion into action. I began crocheting for hours at night after finishing schoolwork and saved all the proceeds for the project. My unwavering effort convinced my parents to accompany me on a mission trip to Vietnam this December, 2025.

For this trip, my goals are to

With very little time before this journey to help the underprivileged in Vietnam, I'm here to gather support from those who also want to uplift underserved communities but may not have the opportunity to travel because of life's hustle. With only $5, we can put a warm jacket on a child in the mountains of Bao Loc. With $5, a soft blanket will help a senior sleep through the night with comfort. With $5, a family affected by flooding will have a meal that carries them through another day.

A simple carton of milk can bring back a long-lost smile. Through a smile lasts only a moment, the happiness it brings will last forever.

Thank you for joining me in bringing warmth, comfort, and hope to the people in Vietnam.