A few days ago, I was invited to Whispering Palms to share with Kathy Arriola’s (”Aunty Kathy”) 6th-8th grade social studies & literature class about my experience escaping Vietnam as one of hundreds of thousands known as “boat people.” We had about 23 students as well as two parents who attended. What a powerful tool, storytelling is.
I was a bit nervous starting out because I had never met the students before nor had I ever been to Whispering Palms. So I took out some photos and started telling the story of my life in Vietnam - what life was like growing up in a Communist country, how my family and I escaped in the dead of night, how we were rescued at sea and brought onto a tiny island in Indonesia, and how we eventually made it to the United States.
I was so touched when the students read some of the poems they wrote about boat people. If they had read one or two more, I would have cried. To this very day, I am still amazed about the things I went through, the things I saw, the things my family and I endured to get to this point in our lives. I think more than anything, it speaks to the power of the human spirit to succeed and survive in the face of, sometimes, unspeakable challenges.
Thank you again for inviting me to your class. I wish I could go with your class trip to Vietnam. Email me and send lots of photos ok? Especially Kai. 
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:35 am
my son and I are going on the trip. thanks for taking time to share your experiences with the class.
March 23rd, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Heidi: You’re welcome. What a great experience to share in with your son.
March 24th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Steve: Thank you so much for sharing such a personal and moving experience. I feel fortunate to have been in my daughter’s class the other day when you spoke. We look forward to having you attend our end of the trip get-together when we will share our stories, photos, and experiences of our trip to Vietnam. Thank you!
March 24th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Janet: It was my pleasure being able to reshare my story. Each and every time I recount my experience, it reminds me of just how lucky I am to be alive. I’m looking forward to hearing about your own experience in Vietnam at the end of the trip get-together.
March 26th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Steve,
Thank you for sharing your incredible story with me and the world. I will always treasure our chat at the Aqua dinner.
Cinta
March 26th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Cinta: Likewise, I too, am grateful for our chat that night at Aqua Resort and am thankful for the chance to share our stories together. I am honored that you shared your remarkable story with me and I will cherish that experience always.
March 26th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Dear Steve,
We were so blessed to hear your story. We have been reading many things about the “Boat people” and their experiences, but you made it so real for us. The excitement of our trip was truly heightened by your presence, and we are hoping to share our adventures with you on our return. Thank you for opening your heart and soul to us. Having you speak was a special moment for us all.
Kathy
March 26th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Kathy: Thank you so much for the kind words. It was such a joy being able to share my story with your class. I wish you and your students a safe and fun trip. Looking forward to seeing and hearing about your experiences in Vietnam upon your return.