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To My Dearest
Friends,
It had been
over two months, and alas, I can reflect on all that had happened this
summer - a time to reaffirm my spirituality and to count all the
blessings I received.
The first
blessing ws the Đồng Hành (DH) gathering last July. I appreciated so
much the opportunity to help prepare for the gathering. I made many
new friends from all over the nation, online and in person. Thank you
for your spirit and presence.
And extra
round of applause goes to the Youth Team members and the Love Boat
People for their endless energy (where do you get it!) and devotion,
which made the Gathering a great success. You made my job easy. All
those involved in administration, workshops, activities, foods,
transportation, security (for sacrificing your rest so we can have
ours) and so many others�please know that I can go on for pages and
still cannot thank you enough. I am impressed by your fervor and
generosity. You guys and gals did a wonderful and complete job.
My second
blessing was returning to the East Coast for the Love Boat People
Prayer Companion Retreat, led by cha Tuấn. These people gave me so
much love and friendship, I felt like a member of their little family.
We walked together, helped each other discover our purposes. I was
humbled by knowing that God takes each of us - regardless of
background, motives, and insecurities - into His embrace so we can
know His love. Through this retreat, I encountered God, who has
walked beside me day by day, on your journey together. He has sent
both you and me a lot of loving prayer companions. “Do not be afraid,
I am with you.”
The Midwest
Region Gathering was a blessing because I didn’t have to prepare as
much since the agenda was similar to the DH gathering last July. I was
impressed by the program�from the workshops to the Holy Rave. The
purpose of Holy Night was to develop the relationship between adults
and the youth as one family so that both parties can understand each
other�s perspectives, which may help resolve conflicts. Are we
willing to take the first step toward understanding and listening to
others in our family? Are we willing to change ourselves so that we
can resolve conflicts in our family? The open forum attempted to hear
everyone’s questions and to offer answers that may deepen one’s
relationship with his or her family - immediate, group, and Đồng Hành.
I hope everyone discovered a spark - perhaps we can share the radiance
this flame when we see each other again in Denver next year.
Last, but not
least, the tragedy on September 11th. How can one consider this a
blessing when there was so much sorrow? Initially, I deemed the event
pure evil. But as I joined the nation to pray for the people in New
York City and Washington D.C., I started to feel warm, which must be
from the Holy Spirit. I can recall the day everyone pulled together
to check on our loved ones. On television, I saw people helping each
other, regardless if they were family or strangers. I saw others
risking their life to help another. I saw the spirit and beliefs of
our nation growing strong. Tons of emails had been relayed to
encourage and to support praying for others. Within our Đồng Hành
family, we emailed our friends and loved ones in the Northeast region,
to let them know that we cared. In memory of the lost ones, let us
continue to pray for them, and especially, for their families. May
God’s love and comfort exist among each and everyone of them.
Each of God’s
blessings is a gift with a meaning. I am overwhelmed by His joy and
must not take it for granted. We need to continue to share His
blessing and gift. Please resume and return back to our Youth team
planning for next year. There are a lot of activities added to our
agenda, such as the Christmas project fundraising, World Youth Day on
July 18 - 22 of 2002 in Toronto Canada, and the youth ministry goals
that we had set for next year. “Goals are never achieved by just a
single player, but by a group of players working as a team!”
Okay, let’s
roll the ball team!!! I am looking forward to talking to you soon.
May God bless you all.
In His Love,
Trần Thu Hường
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