Father and daughter's journey of a thousand miles: The ginseng cultivation adventure of a father and daughter.
Expert Duong Thanh Lam took his two daughters to Sin Ho, Lai Chau, where he works, so they could experience ginseng cultivation and learn valuable lessons about hard work.
In the "Father and Daughters Traveling Far and Wide" program, ginseng researcher Duong Thanh Lam took a special trip with his two daughters. Instead of exploring a new land, the two girls visited their father's workplace in Sin Ho, Lai Chau, to learn about his work and life away from home for many years.
First experience at the ginseng garden
On their first day in Sin Ho, Lam's two daughters, Dieu Hien and Sam, became "interns" in their father's ginseng garden. Their job was to weed and harvest ginseng berries. Although simple, this task required carefulness and concentration. Through this, Lam hoped his daughters would appreciate hard work and better understand the dedication he has for ginseng cultivation.
He shared: "Through this work, I hope my children will appreciate the work and efforts of those who work here with me, and understand the hardships and thoughts I've had while working far from home for so many years..."
The journey to return ginseng to nature.
To help his daughters understand better, Mr. Lam took them into the forest on a journey to "return ginseng to nature." He explained that after successfully propagating ginseng from forest sources, returning a portion to nature was a way of showing gratitude. Despite the treacherous and dense terrain, the two girls, accustomed to city life, were incredibly enthusiastic and undeterred by the difficulties.
This also gives both children a better understanding of their father's work, which is not limited to the farm but also includes the arduous research journeys in the vast forests.
Lessons from a simple life
The trip also included spontaneous but meaningful activities, such as the father and his two children planting the national flag on a hilltop. This was an opportunity for them to bond and conquer challenges together. In addition, Mr. Lam wanted his children to have a more diverse perspective on the lives of the ethnic minority people. The children witnessed the hardships but always optimism of the children in the highlands, thereby learning to understand and empathize.
A warm farewell and a journey of growth.
Before the end of their three-day trip, the two sisters organized a small party to give gifts and interact with the children in the village. The gifts, such as books, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, were small but contained genuine affection. Sister Hien thoughtfully chose toothbrushes after learning about the children's many hardships.
Witnessing his children's confidence and compassion, Mr. Lam couldn't hide his pride. He noticed that Dieu Hien, once a shy little girl, had become more confident, while Sam had also become much more active and independent. The visit to see their father had become a profound practical lesson, bringing about positive changes beyond his wildest imagination.
