I arrived at Vinh Son 1 in March of 2019 with 15 baseball gloves, 10 baseballs, and the idea of teaching baseball to kids. Two weeks later I left with a heart full of joy and a promise to return to share Christmas with the children. Covid delayed my return, but in December 2022 I returned to Vinh Son newly retired possessing the time and inspiration to find a new passion in my life. Kon Tum has become my second home, and the children and sisters of Vinh Son have become my second family.

 

I retired after a rewarding 23 years as Executive Director of a nonprofit agency in Madison Wisconsin serving low income minority communities in programs ranging from child care, after school academic support, senior services, and workforce development for Latino immigrants. While I did not know it at the time, teaching baseball to Vinh Son children was the beginning of a wonderful experience that continues to this day. 

 

"Is this heaven, no it's Vinh Son"