Piecing Life Together

Our current headquarters at New Horizons Building and the surrounding area was once known as Kai Tak Refugee Camp. It was a temporary home for thousands of people who fled Vietnam in the 70's and 80's. They were often referred to as the Vietnamese Boat People. In February, I met with Thanh Tazumi, a former refugee, who came to revisit, reflect and remember that part of her life.

After 90 treacherous days at sea with 11 family members, Thanh landed in Hong Kong in 1981. She was only a child, but she clearly recalls her emotions: "I was so happy to be off that boat. I remember being in awe of all the lights. I was from the Vietnamese countryside and had never seen so many lights!"

Thanh and her family settled in the Kai Tak Open Camp at New Horizons' grounds. Forced to flee Northern Vietnam, they were glad to live in safety, but conditions at the camp and the cultural adjustments were challenging. While touring the grounds on her visit last month, many emotions and memories resurfaced for Thanh.

As we made our way down the hallways of New Horizons Building, (it was New Horizons School in 1983) Thanh reminisced about the hours she spent sewing in the classroom with her teacher, Ms. Alice Liu. Most children chose to sew a small bag, but Thanh loved sewing so she opted for a queen size quilt! After living in the camp for three years, Thanh and her family settled in Canada in 1984. She lives there today with her husband and two children. Thanh wasn't able to take many possessions when she left Hong Kong for Canada, but she kept her quilt. 32 years later it still covers her bed!

Before she left in February, we met at the airport for a mini reunion with other New Horizons alumnae and former refugees. I surprised Thanh by inviting Alice, her former sewing teacher!

New Horizons Building holds great historical value, but more than that, it also has great emotional significance. Many Vietnamese people continue to return to recount memories and find closure. Please continue to pray as this piece of land, including New Horizons Building, faces possible redevelopment.