We started teaching at the church three times a week as soon as we got to Vietnam.
We had two classes each an hour an a half long. From 6-7:30 pm we taught a class for young kiddos that were still learning how to read and speak english. The second class was for people that were more advanced in their English. They were just working on listening and responding.
The first day we had class I was partnered up with a boy who was not interested in learning and there was a boy sitting in the row behind me who was intently working on his homework. After talking to him for a little bit I learned that he was waiting for the second class to start, he was here because his sister was in the first class.
Each time we taught at the church I worked with Sammy. His English was so good, so we just practiced conversation and I tried to teach him words that he didn’t know yet. I started asking him about his life and family and let me tell you this kid is one of a kind.
His dad works in Ho Chi Minh which is a 10 hour drive away from Nha Trang. His father will come home once every two months for the weekend. He has a younger sister who is so adorable they both live with his mother.
He would like to go to university in Australia when he is older to be a Doctor or a Pastor.
Many of you know that when I was a teenager my dad had to move to another state for work coming to visit for a couple days here and there. I, unlike Sammy, started acting out during this time. I got a boyfriend, started lying to mom, did not respect my curfew, never wanted to help around the house, and stopped caring about what my mom and dad were going through. I didn’t appreciate the sacrifice they made for me.
Sammy is doing the opposite of what I did, he is only 13 years old and is so mature. He is perfecting his English, he is getting good grades, he is helping take care of his little sister, helping his mom do chores around the house, and appreciates the sacrifice his parents are making for him.
I have come a long way from the 16 year old girl that didn’t care about anyone but herself, athletics, and a boy.
But it is refreshing to see someone not taking the path I did.
Whatever Sammy ends up doing, he will be amazing at it!
