Hang Pham

I have five brothers and two sisters. I am the sixth child of my parents’ sons and daughters. I lived with my family in the Viet Namese Country, which is poorest of the poor because of the long war and slow development.Nevertheless, I am very proud of my nation. Through many hardships, no freedom to practice religion and a life of suffering, generation after generation always had strengthened faith in God. Consequently,my parents educated me to put my faith in God and be loyal to my national mother.No matter what, God will bless and protect me from evil.

I lived in Viet Nam for about twenty five years. In 1975, the war in my country ended, a communist government took control and my father was in prison far away because he was in the military of the republican government. The communist government was very oppressive and dishonest with the people. It made my life hopeless and a nightmare.During this awful period, I lost my childhood and the opportunity to finish my education.

By the time I was fifteen, God had given me a conscious awareness of the youths living around me; there were still some young people who had nowhere to go and were starving.Also, the lonely elders begged for compassion. In a significant moment, I realized that God had given me much mercy. From then on , I devoted my heart and the rest of my life to living the single and serving God in the needy. I joined a Eucharistic Youth Group and volunteered in a gospel program for the children at my parish. Once a month, I volunteered to go with a group of Brothers from the Saint John of God Community to serve the poor people who lived in a village outside the city.With enthusiasm, I kept volunteering until I left my country.

In 1992, I came to the United States with my family (through my oldest sister’s sponsorship). I have lived with my family in Overland Park, Kansas, since then. I think this is my second hometown, if I could say!

For the first couple years, I missed my home and my friends very much. I had to leave them aside to adjust to new cultural traditions, society and lifestyles – and the climate. In the beginning of my new life, I studied ESL (English as a Second Language) at Donnelly College at the same time I was working. Years later, I transferred from Donnelly College to Johnson County Community College to continue my education. I continued working in the deli department of Hyvee.When my life was stable in my new journey, I decided to join a spiritual exercise group to nourish my spirituality by listening,meditating, sharing experiences and praying with companions about the gospel. Additionally, at my parish, I volunteer teach bible school to teens on Sunday, along with other activities. although my schedule is very busy with school,work and being the family bookkeeper, I enjoy what I’m doing.

During this time, God has given me an opportunity to meet Americans and Viet Namese people in religious communities. It is very interesting and stirring, but it hasn’t been my intention to enter religious life. Because my hands are empty, I don’t work in a career and my education is unfinished, I am afraid of my weakness! I favor living the single life and volunteering as a lay missionary.

However,my plan and goal is the opposite of God’s will for me. I absolutely believe God has always let me make my own life decisions while the Holy Spirit led me to make a choice toward the journey God set for me. Step by step, God has let me wander, question, search and discern during a long journey of twenty years to fulfill a missing part in my heart.

God sent a friend, Father Lac, of the Precious Blood Order.He introduced me to the Adorer sisters and encouraged me to come and see how God works among the sisters of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Community.Yes! After having contact with Sr. Rita Schilling, several times, I was invited to come and see the beautiful works and amazing sacrifices of women who have devoted their lives to Jesus Christ. I discovered the gratitude of the Adorer Community compels my heart.

I am thankful to God! When I reflect on my journey, every single joyful moment, as well as the suffering that has happened in my life. I fully acknowledge that God’s purpose has been to discipline me to become a strengthened tool in his hand.He is waiting and waiting until I am willing to come and say yes to him. I am here to follow your pleasant calling to work in God’s vine garden in the late afternoon.

US Mission Center, 4233 Sulphur Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109, 877-272-1870 Vocation Office, 1400 South Sheridan Rd., Wichita, KS  67213 - Telephone: 877-ADORERS (877-236-7377) (Copyright 2005 Adorers of the Blood of Christ)