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NEW LIFE – TOUR THE FUN 2024: LOVE ON EVERY STEPS

03/09/2024
Posted by: New Life
Category: NewLife Activities

On August 30, 2024, we, loving people from every corner of the city, together started a journey that will probably be engraved in everyone’s heart. The trip was not just a walk, but above all, a meaningful journey to the less fortunate people in the remote areas of Bu Gia Map, Binh Phuoc.

1. Warm-up: Decoding the Secret Letter and Going to the Morning Market

Early in the morning, before the sun had even woken up, we—the members of the New Life family—enthusiastically gathered at the office. Laughter and lively chatter filled the air as we worked together to solve a riddle, then formed the shape of “TTF 2024” with our own energized bodies. This wasn’t just a simple warm-up; it was a test of our connection and team spirit right from the start of our journey. After decoding the riddle and arranging ourselves as planned, we moved on to another equally exciting task—going to the market to gather ingredients for the evening meal.

The morning market, with its colorful and fragrant stalls, was inviting, but what excited us the most was the act of choosing, negotiating, and discussing the evening menu together. Everyone was eager, and laughter erupted when someone unexpectedly chose a vegetable or fruit that the group hadn’t anticipated. Once everything was ready, we boarded the bus and began our 150 km journey.

2. The 150km Journey – Every Step is a Memory

The convoy of vehicles set off, carrying with it a sky full of excitement mixed with a bit of anxiety about what awaited us ahead. The long roads led us to the heroic land of Bình Phước. The journey felt longer as it was filled with the joyful stories of the team members.

Finally, we arrived at a nameless restaurant—no problem—though it seemed unremarkable, the food turned out to be surprisingly delicious. After enjoying an amazing “stone soup” lunch, we continued our journey toward Bù Gia Mập.

3. Gift-Giving Program – Spreading Love

After lunch, the convoy continued to An Bình parish to start the gift-giving program. Divided into two groups, we set out with 105 gift packages, delivering love to the people in difficult circumstances in the Đa Kia commune. Despite the rain and the slippery red dirt roads, nothing could stop the steps of those full of passion. The gentle smiles and joyful eyes of the locals as they received the gifts made all our exhaustion disappear. Each gift handed out carried with it a piece of happiness, extending our hearts and bringing hope for a better life to those still in need.

4. Cooking Competition – Connecting with Love

In the late afternoon, we split into five groups, with each group assigned to cook at a different family’s home in the village. The path to the families’ houses wasn’t easy—rain, slippery mud, and red dirt clung to our feet—but this only added to the excitement of the cooking competition. The road was so slippery that one of our members, Ms. Hồng Diễm, even fell into a ditch. Luckily, she escaped unharmed, with both her body and beauty remaining perfectly intact!

Upon arrival, the ingredients we bought in the morning were quickly laid out. The fire was lit, and everyone rolled up their sleeves, getting to work—from picking vegetables and cutting meat to frying and stirring. Everything was done in an enthusiastic and joyful atmosphere. This wasn’t just a cooking competition; it was a chance for us to share love with the locals through every dish and every gesture. The feeling of cooking and chatting with the villagers, experiencing the warmth of human connection amidst material scarcity, made all our exhaustion melt away.

By the end of the cooking session, each dish was beautifully presented, not only delicious but also full of emotion. Each dish served as an invisible thread that connected us to one another, binding us with the warmth of human connection in this remote land.

5. Campfire Program – Where Bonds Grow Stronger

As night fell, we gathered around the warm campfire. The evening began with traditional gong dances performed by the local ethnic people. The resonating sounds echoed through the mountains and forests, making everyone feel more connected to both nature and the people here than ever before.

Dishes like grilled chicken, herbal soup, bamboo rice, and traditional jar wine were prepared by the locals, adding a special touch to the campfire experience. As the wine began to take effect, the bond between everyone grew stronger. Laughter and singing filled the air, accompanied by stories about life and our journey.

In the flickering firelight, we became like one big family, erasing the boundaries between urban and rural life, between strangers and friends. The campfire night ended as our legs grew tired, but each of us carried the lingering warmth of the experience in our hearts.

6. Farewell – Reflecting on Unforgettable Memories

The next morning, after enjoying a simple yet delicious breakfast, we participated in a few small games to kickstart the day. One of the games, “eating cake with your face,” resulted in some hilariously “unforgettable” moments that brought waves of laughter and made everyone feel more joyful and connected before parting ways.

We bid farewell to the parish priest of An Bình, who shared a few words that brought us a unique sense of peace. We also said heartfelt goodbyes to the warm and welcoming people of An Bình parish before setting off on our journey back to the city. On the way, we made a stop at Suối Mơ, where we took a moment to relax and capture some photos. Then, we continued our journey back to Thủ Đức City.

On the return trip, the atmosphere was calm yet warm. Each member shared their own personal feelings about the special experiences we had—cooking, bonding, and the campfire with the S’Tiêng people. Simple yet meaningful stories from cooking with the families to gathering around the campfire seemed to touch each of us deeply. A wide range of emotions surfaced, and many tears were shed—tears of joy, emotion, and the warmth of human connection.

A special mention goes to MC Phi Vũ—the charming, humorous, and ever-adorable young man. With his witty humor, intelligence, and skillful ability to turn the mood around, he kept the atmosphere on the bus both lively and reflective. Phi Vũ not only encouraged everyone to open up and share but also brought endless laughter, helping to ease the fatigue after the long journey. His masterful guidance played a big part in creating a genuine space for sharing and connecting everyone together.

On the bus, each person received a “Certificate” as a memento of the trip. But beyond that, what truly mattered were the heartfelt emotions and valuable lessons we had gained over the past two days. These memories will forever be a treasured part of each person’s journey as we continue on in life.