Central Vietnam is very cold, but perhaps more troubling is the indifference of people for each other, even their own relatives.
Thankfully, the Dominican Sisters of the Good News always visit the poor, neglected, and lonely elderly. Although their children and grandchildren are nearby, they rarely help or visit. When visiting the elderly, everyone can immediately smell the stench coming from the rotting wooden beds where they lay. Their blankets have beensoaking in urine for a long time that it keeps people from coming near. But they are miserable; weak and bedridden. How can they take care of themselves?
The Sisters wrote to the HongAn Association:
Dear Sister,
I sent you some pictures of us giving gifts to the poor. This Sunday, we will continue to send your generous gifts to the elderly people. Looking at the pictures, you cannot help but to feel sorry for them. Thank you for warming their hearts that are cold from the weather and poverty but, most of all, from being abandoned by their loved ones.
Here, the Sisters brought gifts for this old man. He took cookies out and wanted to eat so they unwrapped them and gave him water. He ate all the cookies and drank a whole glass of water. Afterwards, the Sisters helped him lie down in the bed.You see, it is freezing cold and he is only dressed in thin clothes.There are no warm blankets. He lies there cold, smelly, and neglected. You know what? That very nightthe Lord took him home so that he would no longer suffer!
On behalf of those we helped, I want to thank you and dear benefactors. May God bless your benefactors as well as your families.
