A Hand to Reach Out and a Life to be Touched

Since COVID-19 started, many people have been struggling to make ends meet, especially during the lockdown. Transportation was limited, leading to food scarcity. People were only allowed to go out for food in urgent cases. The worst was not being locked in the house but having no food to survive. Since most of the shops were closed, many people could not find a job. Some people could not pay their rent and ended up on the street. Though there was support from the government and charity organisations, it was a drop in the bucket. Struggling with no daily meal and no shelter to rest, these basic needs became a luxury for many homeless people in Ho Chi Minh City over the past few months.  

In responding to the needs of the people, St. Mary House started a small operation offering chicken congee for homeless people living in nearby areas. Once a week, the soup was prepared and brought to the people in the evening. Receiving the congee box with shaking hands, some people seemed to have not had enough food for days. And it does not take too long to “sell-out” of the congee boxes. In Dympna House, the Sisters also prepared packages of rice and sometimes vegetables to share with neighbours and those in need during the lockdown. Some generous benefactors knew about our community and offered to help with vegetables, rice, and necessities.  

The lockdown was lifted recently, but COVID cases have not stopped increasing. The long-lasting pandemic has imprinted its trace on people’s lives. And the people in need are still there, waiting for a hand to reach out. There are many things that we can do and need to do.  

Though life keeps moving on with challenges and uncertainties, the path appears when we have the courage to make the first step. May the pandemic find its time to leave us, and may our hearts grow great in love and hope, waiting for the time to come. 

Author: Sr Trinh Tran ibvm 

Images: Sisters and staff prepare chicken congee boxes.