I had a wonderful time visiting the underprivileged students at Dorothea’s Project Legacy 5 with Bruce and Camella. Named after GIBTK’s president Robert's beloved wife and a friend of Binkley’s family for over 20 years, this project holds a special place.
Upon entry, students eagerly greeted Bruce and Camella with warm smiles, expressing immediate fondness. Despite the initial meeting, they confidently introduced themselves, posed questions in English, and displayed curiosity about the United States, their visits to Vietnam, and their preference for Vietnam.
Bruce and Camella toured each classroom, connecting with students, sharing hobbies, and engaging in meaningful discussions. Some students initially hesitated due to the fear of speaking incorrectly, but with encouragement, they became more confident, asking more questions. This curiosity and eagerness to learn created an atmosphere filled with laughter.
In this brief but emotionally charged moment, the students eagerly sought Mr. and Mrs. Binkley's signatures, surprising the couple who experienced singing like famous stars for the first time. Language was no longer a barrier for the students as they performed outstanding, interesting music performances for them. The highlight was when Bruce and Camella danced to the melody of the song 'Tet Sum Vay' after only 10 minutes of rehearsal. Hesitation and shyness turned into handshakes, high-fives, and hugs.
Bruce's encouraging words reminded me of my own grandparents. He shared with full emotion, 'Each of you has a unique talent. You can become a chef, a singer, an engineer, a teacher in the future as you desire. You have created a family atmosphere for me. Looking at you, I think of my own grandchildren. I see you as my grandchildren, and I believe in your talents. If you work hard and stay determined, you will achieve your dreams.'
Mr. and Mrs. Binkley's signatures encouraged students to study hard, give their best efforts, dream big, pursue their goals, and never give up.
We visited Dorothea’s Project Legacy 2 the next day. Although Bruce and Camella met Trang for the first time, the little girl was confident enough to sing two songs for them. When Trang performed a father-themed song, she sobbed as she thought of her father. We were moved by her warm voice. Importantly, Bruce and Camella gave her a firm embrace and words of support.
For Dorothea’s Project Legacy 3, suddenly, Nhu, who is in grade 8, ran to Camella and had a broad smile. Last year, Bruce and Camella gave her a bike, so when she heard that they would come back to visit again, she was thrilled to meet them and prepared a small gift for them. She expressed her gratitude and sent her best wishes to them. She keeps her bike in excellent condition and recalls everything Camella told her, even after a year has passed. I was deeply moved by Nhu's appreciation and love for Camella. The love and gratitude of Nhu for Camella was great and made me touched.
Witnessing our students, teachers, and donors laugh, joke, and dance makes me feel happy. This is a journey of hope and connection. I would like to thank Bruce and Camella for accompanying GIBTK in transforming people’s lives.
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