Sapa corner

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

One day, while I was thinking about where I could buy fresh tea leaves in Sapa market, an old Black Hmong woman carrying on her back a rattan basket full of green tea leaves passed by my house. 

From a distance, I called her. With a bamboo walking stick in her hand, she slowly came to me. This Hmong woman wore a traditional indigo costume. At an age of over 80, she was thin and had skin as brown as the colour of the soil in Sapa hills. The wrinkles on her forehead and around her eyes looked like the lines of rice terraces. Though her eyes were cloudy, she still could see everything around. 

Looking at her, I asked how much a bunch of tea leaves cost. The old woman replied, “I sell them at 5.000 VND for each.” To be honest, her bunch of tea leaves was quite ample for me to use within one week. However, I wanted to support her, so I took two bundles and paid her 10.000 VND. 

Surprisingly, the woman handed me another smaller one and said it was for me. I begged her to let me pay for it. But with a gentle voice, she smiled and answered, “No, that’s my gift to you. 10.000 VND is enough for me. Now, I have to go.”

At that moment, her action truly touched my heart. Holding three bundles of tea leaves in my arms, I felt moved. This aged and meek woman taught me a lesson about knowing enough and giving. I was thankful to meet her. May she be healthy and peaceful always. 

Sharing with you. 

Have a beautiful day. 

With love,

An An