Thursday, August 21, 2014

A former Vietnamese Refugee's Passion to Give Back to the Philippines


Thank God for the life of Mona Le. Her parents are Vietnamese refugees in the Philippines before. Below is her inspiring story of hope, determination and gratitude unto God, her family and those who had been part of their lives.

“I was born and raised in a refugee camp in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. I didn’t have any citizenship even I was born there since we were refugees that’s why we escaped the camp and we moved a lot. We were hiding from the government in order for us not to be sent home or back to the camp. Fortunately, we met Bishop Colin Bagaforo. He was a priest in a cathedral church in Cotabato City during that time and he helped us in many ways. One of them was, he sent me to a private school from kindergarten to elementary. That’s why I like sharing my blessings.  He showed me the importance of giving. A little help will lead to a big one. You never know little things you do could change in someone’s life in many ways. I am neither rich nor perfect but I am fortunate and that’s why I like sharing my blessings.  But anyway after 16 years of waiting in the Philippines, the United States of America finally approved us including thousands of refugees in the Philippines to be a permanent resident here and to be a citizen!

I went to school here. Attended and graduated with an associate degree from Georgia Perimeter College with major in foreign language. My concentration is in business, and I had been in Dean’s list for couple of times. I then went to Georgia State University to get my bachelor in business management minor in hospitality. I graduated as Cum Laude in December 2012. 

Now, I’m working full time in Fulton county superior court as the assistant of one of the directors. I am also helping my parents in managing our nail salon & spa during on the side.
Honestly, my parents are more inspirational. They had been through a lot of things. What I’ve been through is not even half of what they had been.” – Mona Le
Mona Le’s birthday wish this year is to collect two Balikbayan boxes of books and educational resource materials as well as school supplies to benefit indigenous communities assisted by the Galing Foundation, Inc. thru its Mindanao Outreach. 

Thank you Mona Le for such a big heart! Thanks as well to your wonderful friends who are committed to help you fulfill your birthday wish. Below are some photos of a pre-birthday surprise celebration and their contribution to her birthday wish. 
Some of the donations from her friends
 
Surprise pre-birthday cake

Some wonderful friends

GFI Box 250 and 251 shipped in December 2014

Some brand new school supplies donated by her friends





Thank you Atty. Bryan Ramos for sponsoring the shipment of the 2 GFI Boxes. Recipients are Amado M. Quirit Sr. National High School in Malapatan and Lamlifew Elementary School in Datal Tampal, Malungon, Sarangani Province.

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