This weekend I got the opportunity to visit Que Phong district, 7 hours from Hanoi and close to the border of Laos. It is the poorest area where Aspiration fund is helping 30 children and where 5 local volunteers are active. Let me tell you the story of this unforgettable, unique and emotional experience...

On saturday the local volunteers took me to a poor village high in the mountains to visit several huts of the Aspiration children. The children I met are all between the age of 9 and 13, and most of them lost both of their parents. They now live with their sick and old grandparents, what makes the parental care and support lacking in the life of the children. The huts where they live in are so small, rain can come through and inside it is very hot. Some of the orphans only have the financial support of Aspiration to live from, which is 20 euros each month. They face a lot of difficulties with buying books and other school equipment, because they also need to provide the family with this money. Although they did not have anything, I was welcomed so warm in every home and the children and grandparents told me that they were very happy to see me. They see that someone cares about them and wants to support them in getting a better life. Some of the children cried when they talked about their situation, and this really broke my heart in thousand pieces. There was also time to eat and drink together, to laugh and to have fun. This first day was full of emotions and I felt so grateful that I got to experience and see the bad situation where the Aspiration children come from.

The next day I got to meet two little brothers and their friend. The brothers don't have their parents anymore and live with their sick grandmother, also in a tiny home, which the government provided. The boys showed me where they cook dinner and where they sleep, they literally have nothing but the support from Aspiration. They told me that they like soccer and want to become professional players. Even in their bad conditions Aspiration is teaching them to never stop believing in their ambitions and always try to chase their dreams. The next stop of was in a new village, where people of the Khmu tribe live. The children were waiting for us in the beginning of the village and walked with us to the home where a lot of people from the village gathered. All the children looked so innocent and sweet, they really stole my heart! In this home we also ate, played, read and talked together. The last stop was at a dorm, where some more fortunate children can live close to their school. However, they told me that these children have better conditions than what we had seen before, I was still shocked about the rooms they live in. There are no windows, it was unbelievable hot and the rooms are about 6 m2 where 2, 3 or sometimes 4 students live! I could not believe that this was seen as a better condition. I met Lan and she told me that her uncle and brother take good care of her and she got good grades in school. When we were about to leave, Lan hugged me and started crying. I felt really bad to leave her behind, but again so motivated to help her and the other orphans for a better life. Even when I will go back to the Netherlands, I will never stop helping them and do everything I can! This weekend really opened my eyes, mind and heart. I will never forget all these wonderful children and the heroic volunteers that I have met!!