TEARS OF THE ELDERLY
It is shameful and humiliating for underprivileged elders in Vietnam to spend the end of their time on earth in a struggle to find basic sustenance. Some of them live alone in shacks even though they have children or grandchildren. If their families help at all, they are often passed back and forth because their families don’t want the full responsibility of caring for their elderly relatives.
Instead of “living life to the fullest,” these poor old people are suffering self-pity and misery because of their declining health, chronic illness, and memory impairment.
When the Sisters come to visit, they feel such sorrow at the sight of an elder curled up in bed, cold and shivering. Upon seeing the Sister enter the room many of these poor people shed tears of joy. An old lady lamented, “Everyone has one life to live. Why is my life so miserable???”
The Hong An Association hopes that its efforts will not only solve the current difficulties for the less fortunate but will contribute some happiness and enjoyment of life to them through words of encouragement and motivation. With the help of the many Sisters serving in the remote areas in Vietnam, we at the Hong An Association earnestly invite our benefactors to join the “Hong An Rice Program.” The benefactors of the “Hong An Rice Program” will play a crucial part in helping the Sisters to give enough food and comfort to these poor elders.
LEPROSY PATIENTS
In the 19th century there were four diseases that were considered incurable: Leprosy, tuberculosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Leprosy was ranked at the top because of the frightening effects from pain, disfigurement, and amputation. Many believed that victims of leprosy were somehow being punished for their sins. Villagers were afraid of this contagious disease and would chase away lepers to die alone. Thankfully, attitudes and beliefs have changed. Lepers are no longer chased out of villages but here is still some ignorance about this disease and some rejection of these victims. The solution is more humane – lepers live in their own communities away from the rest of the population.
Please know this situation is not ideal. Most of the lepers are unable to care for themselves due to the progression of the disease. There are many people, like the Sisters, who wish to make the sacrifice to care for the needs of the lepers. Funds are needed to carry on this mission of providing meals, medication, and other necessities to this population.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your donations.
