Sapa corner

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

A few days ago, I came across two elderly H’mong women. They were collecting cardboard boxes outside my house. Their daily work was to pick up plastic bottles, paper, and metals from trash cans for a living.

Though I had seen these women many times on the streets in Sapa, I hadn’t had a chance to talk with them yet.

It was noon, but the two women were still working very hard. With suntanned skin and skillful hands, they folded the boxes very quickly.

I guessed they might be hungry, so I went to them and asked if they would like to have some steamed sticky rice with sesame salt for lunch. They looked at me with gentle eyes and nodded.

After preparing two packs of warm sticky rice in my kitchen, I brought them to the women. They accepted the food with joy, and this made me happy.

Seeing the H’mong women’s smiling faces when having lunch was a meaningful gift for me in this Christmas season. I felt like Jesus had sent them to me as a reminder that Christmas means loving and caring.

Sharing with you.

May the spirit of Christmas fill our hearts with love, peace, and care.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

With love,

An An