The emotional moment of stepping onto the special journey back home
Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, the Central Youth Union of HCMC, and Bamboo Airways have once again joined forces in the journey home for those who are far from their native land, organizing the farewell ceremony “Bringing Tet Home” at Tan Son Nhat Airport and providing gifts to support their return after a hard year’s work.
In those emotional moments, students and workers shared their feelings about their special journey home. Mr. Ha Van Tuan, 33 years old, from Thanh Hoa, has been working away from home for 10 years to make a living, with income barely enough to cover living expenses and support his children’s education, and has not been able to return home to celebrate Tet with his parents for 5 years. His dream has now come true, and he shared with a lump in his throat: “I am very grateful for the program; it’s thanks to it that after 5 years, I can finally be with my parents. And it’s also my first time flying, so I’m even more excited. Now I just hope to bring some homemade sticky rice cakes from the festival back for a family meal, to celebrate Tet together more joyfully.”
The journey home was not only filled with heartfelt gifts but also accompanied by performances from volunteer students and a lively farewell by singer Duc Phuc and rapper Lang LD. Having performed at many prestigious shows on grand stages, this time brought unforgettable emotions for both artists. Perhaps because, for the first time, their performance was not just entertainment, but a blessing for those who have worked hard all year and now can fulfill their longing for family and loved ones.
Overwhelming emotions during the reunion moment
The journey home was both happy and poignant, with all the difficulties of the past year bursting forth on the shoulders of a mother, warm on the tears of Hoang Thi Tham. She had many times brushed aside the idea of visiting her family, but this time was different. When held in the embrace of her loved ones, she truly realized that her dream had come true, and all her efforts had been rewarded.
Returning home to the harsh land of Central Vietnam, Tran Van Manh, a student from Thanh Hoa, did not feel tired or distressed. He eagerly looked for his family and pointed out the path to his family’s small house on the mountain. When he saw his parents waiting at the door, tears of the struggles for survival could no longer be held back. That moment of reunion was something he had dreamed of for so long….
Sharing in the tears, but they were of happiness, of reunion. This year, Tet feels more complete, as the family eagerly prepares the New Year’s Eve meal. Although difficulties still remain, the children far from home and their families receive a boost of strength from the warmth of family love.
The New Year’s Eve meal is now full, with hopes for a brighter future
Not merely giving away tickets home for Tet to thousands of Vietnamese people, the “Bringing Tet Home” campaign goes further by genuinely accompanying them on their journey home. This is a stepping stone for hopes of more practical support programs, so that despite the difficulties of the past year, everyone can eventually return to the comforting embrace and love of family.
Returning home is the most sacred call every Tet season. However, not every child away from home can fulfill this longing amidst the struggles of life in foreign lands. Now, as we read these wonderful moments, somewhere in many families across the country, there is an overflow of joy, laughter of happiness, and reunion. Finally, Tet has truly returned!
For program details, visit: http://MangTetvenha.DoanThanhnien.vn.
Please contribute a loving hand, share information so that reunion tickets reach those who deserve them through the “Bringing Tet Home” program at: https://www.facebook.com/Pepsivietnam/ or https://www.facebook.com/Pepsivietnam/photos/a.113436125455399/2188951464570511/