Brian Jeffrey
Return to Nu Village
Three months after officially adopting 22 children from Nu Village, which had suffered from severe floods in September 2024, Khang set out to visit his “grandchildren” during the village’s inauguration.
This journey marked Khang’s first departure from Hanoi in six years, and he carried with him a symbolic box representing a 15-year promise to the children.
“This trip is particularly meaningful. The energy and spirit from these 22 grandchildren motivated me to make this long journey,” he shared.
“I was warmly welcomed by the villagers. The sight of the new school and homes filled me with joy and nostalgia,” Khang added.
Nu Village Recovery
Prior to the flood, Nu Village was home to 37 families and 158 residents. However, a catastrophic flash flood flattened most structures and claimed many lives.
The government took action swiftly to assist in the village’s reconstruction.
Emotional Reunion
Upon arriving in Lao Cai, Khang’s first stop was the old site of Nu Village, where he met the children and locals. At the memorial, he was greeted by Nguyen Thi Kim, mother of Ha Khanh Ngan, one of the youngest children he adopted, who was filled with emotion upon meeting him.
“My daughter often tells people she has two grandfathers. She has been so excited to meet you. Your visit means a lot to us,” Kim expressed to Khang through tears.
Khang also honored the flood victims before visiting the new homes of the children. Although it was their first meeting, he remembered each child’s name and family background.
While speaking with Hoang Thi Hien, who is the grandmother of two of the adopted boys, Khang expressed his desire to care for them until they turn 18, to which Hien gratefully consented.
A Promising Commitment
During his visit, Khang shared his long-term commitment to the 22 children, which includes a mutual promise: he will prioritize his health while the children focus on their studies.
Recalling the tragedy, Khang talked about a poignant moment he witnessed involving a 6-year-old girl named Hoang Ngoc Lan, who lost her entire family in the floods. “Her story truly touched my heart and deepened my desire to support these children as their grandfather,” he reflected.
Additionally, Khang proposed an annual tradition where he takes a photo of himself with all 22 children, allowing them to track their growth and health over the years.
In 15 years, on December 22, 2039, Khang will turn 90, and the youngest girls will celebrate their 18th birthdays. They plan to reunite in Hanoi and recreate the original photo from their first meeting in Nu Village.
After visiting with the children, Khang felt inspired to live long enough to witness their journeys into adulthood.
“Though I can’t predict my lifespan, I’m committed to staying healthy for their sake. If I can’t make it, my family will ensure they are cared for,” he vowed.
Before finalizing their commitment of “staying healthy/studying diligently,” Khang pledged to improve his self-care by eating better, sleeping well, and reducing work stress to prolong his life.
“Being present in our future photos is a challenge, but it’s one I gladly accept,” he concluded.
Khang and the children then signed and fingerprinted their mutual commitment.
