A couple in Nghe An 'builds happiness' for orphans.

"The children's home"

That's the name that Mr. Vo Duc Duan (born in 1980) and his wife, Ms. Vang Thi Hanh (born in 1982), gave to their house. The three-room house is built on a spacious plot overlooking the railway line in Nghi Lien commune, Vinh City. Behind that seemingly simple nameplate lies a major decision that not everyone would make.

Having fallen in love in their youth, Mr. Duẩn and Ms. Hạnh were together for 15 years before getting married. Being fond of children, they always dreamed of a happy home filled with the laughter of their little ones. After a long and arduous wait, they were devastated when doctors informed them that they could not have children together. Heartbroken and disappointed, they ultimately chose to stay together.

“The idea of ​​adopting a child came to us as soon as we knew we couldn't have children. Without hesitation, my wife and I went everywhere to complete the adoption process. There are many abandoned children, but deciding to choose and raise them is not easy at all. Seven years ago, my wife and I adopted our first child. He was a bright, lively 6-year-old boy, the son of a poor woman. More than a year later, I officially put up the sign ‘Children's Home’ to announce to everyone that we had adopted him.”orphans"—Sitting in the middle of the yard, looking out towards the gate," Mr. Duan shared.

When deciding to adopt children, Mr. and Mrs. Duẩn faced not only economic difficulties and the responsibility of raising them, but also many other obstacles. Many people thought they were taking on too much. "Raising one child is difficult enough, let alone many. What if the children don't consider you their parents?" – these doubts constantly surrounded them. But that wasn't Mr. and Mrs. Duẩn's biggest concern.

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I have always respected the children's origins and never thought I had the right to take away their chance to reunite with their biological parents. Therefore, this home is always open, welcoming mothers who have made mistakes and are pregnant, providing them with a place to stay until they give birth. I also always allow these mothers the right to visit and reclaim their children if they are able. Many people tell me I'm foolish, that after raising them for so many years, it would be a great loss if someone else took them away. But for me, the most important thing is the child's happiness, so we have never regretted it when some children are returned by their biological parents, because it means they still have a family.

Mr. Vo Duc Duan

The four children currently staying with the couple are proof of their perseverance and unconditional love. Baby Bong is only 3 months old, and because she's so young, Mr. Duan has to take on the role of a stay-at-home dad, working during the day selling coffee, teaching martial arts, tending plants, etc., and staying up all night to change diapers and prepare formula. Baby Xoai, 3 years old, was born with a leg deformity; it took almost a year of the couple taking turns caring for her, and persistent physical therapy before she returned to normal. She clings to her father's chest whenever she sees a stranger, only allowing him to hold her. Carrot, 4 years old, always runs after her father, quick, attentive, and always ready to "take orders" from her parents to care for her younger sibling. Khoai – the eldest and only son in the family – is always considerate of his younger siblings and close to his paternal grandparents…

Each child has a different personality, story, and background, but they are all indispensable pieces in the family of Mr. Duẩn and Ms. Hạnh.

“Being a parent is never easy, especially when I'm a teacher in the mountainous district of Binh Chuan, only able to go home once a week. To ensure our children receive love from both parents, we alternate between Con Cuong and Vinh City. They're all around the same age, the youngest just a few months old, and the oldest only 6, so they need a lot of care. For us, the greatest success is seeing our children healthy and growing up, so we both accept sacrificing our career ambitions to prioritize them. In return, every time they rush into my arms, vying to be held, chattering excitedly, I know that all the difficulties are worth it,” Ms. Hanh confided.

Definition of happiness

Besides their active contributions to charitable activities, the people of Hamlet 18 in particular, and Nghi Lien commune in general, still mention Mr. and Mrs. Duan as unique individuals with minority choices. The origin of this difference probably stems from their conception of happiness…

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For my wife and me, happiness lies in transforming our own misfortune – the inability to have children – and the misfortune of abandoned children into a true family, a home with both parents and love. I am happy to care for as many children as possible, giving them the love of their biological parents and relatives, providing them with both emotional and material support.

Mr. Vo Duc Duan

Six years isn't a very long time, but it's enough to leave unforgettable marks on Mr. Duan and Ms. Hanh. Like any other parents, there were times when they were tired and exhausted, but they never once thought about giving up. Because with each passing day, seeing their children grow up healthy, those hardships become priceless happiness for them.

In the househappyWhen asked about his concerns and anxieties for the future, Mr. Duẩn frankly stated: “Even though society is developing, the reality is that there are still too many abandoned children without a place to live. I understand that I cannot help everyone, but at least, I hope that fathers and mothers who intend to abandon their children will think of us, remember the address of this home, and give the children another chance. And if given the choice again, we would still choose this journey, walk this path, and still open our arms to those unfortunate lives.”

Happiness is not a destination, but a journey each person creates with love and sharing. For Mr. Duan and Ms. Hanh, happiness is not measured by what they have, but by what they give. It's the radiant eyes of abandoned children, the trusting calls of "mom and dad," the warm feeling of a home becoming a shelter for young souls... Happiness is sometimes imperfect, but when there is enough love, it becomes complete in its own way.