Our January visit to the Anh Dao Orphanage focused on completing the monthly restock of food and essential household items. After checking in with the caretakers to see what was running low, we headed to the local markets to pick up the supplies they needed most.
The Monthly Restock
We arrived with a vanload of staples to keep the kitchen and the home running smoothly through the coming weeks. The delivery included:
- Dry Goods & Proteins: Bags of rice and sweet rice, beans, ramen, mushrooms, and seaweed. We also brought a variety of vegan meats, vegan shrimp, and eggs.
- Cooking Essentials: Large bottles of cooking oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, sriracha, and sugar.
- Daily Hygiene: Boxes of diapers, along with plenty of milk, shampoo, detergent, body wash, and floor soap.
A Touch of Tet
Since this visit coincided with the Lunar New Year, we added some festive items to the delivery. We spent time with the children and the elderly residents, handing out traditional Tet sweets and lucky red envelopes to mark the holiday. It was a pleasant afternoon spent ensuring everyone had what they needed for the celebration.
Thank you so much to our kind donors: Christopher Dang, David and Trini Nguyen, Melanie Maddocks, Nicole Londt, two anonymous donors, and a donation made in memory of Hue Hao Nguyen. Thank you to all who made this visit possible!
About the Anh Dao Orphanage
Established in 2004 by Buddhist nun Thich Nu An Son, the Anh Dao Orphanage is a safe haven for a large group of children in need. Located in Ninh Hoa, just 62 kilometers north of Nha Trang, this heartfelt home offers a structured and nurturing atmosphere where joy and kindness flourish. Visitors are always struck by the cheerful spirits of the children and the genuine delight of spending time talking, playing, and simply being present with them.
To support the children’s nourishment and help offset monthly expenses, Sister An Son cultivates a modest farm behind the orphanage, near the girls’ living quarters. The farm yields fresh vegetables that are served in daily meals, and any surplus is sold to contribute to the home’s upkeep. It’s a beautiful cycle of care, sustainability, and love in action.
