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Today marks the 38th Anniversary of the “Fall of Saigon.”

Just those words— ‘Fall of Saigon’ evokes a host of emotions & memories…almost too much to bear at times when images from our escape from Vietnam comes to mind.

Photography via: http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/mar/15/vietnam-photography-huet-guillot-review

Imagine being five years old, playing and doing what five years olds do when your father barges into the door, gathers your little siblings along with your mother, whatever cash they had in the house and began their exodus out of their country.

A child’s mind can’t begin to comprehend.

My parents, barely thirty then along with 3 of my 4 siblings and me (all under 6 years) fled.

What a horrific time in history.

It’s surreal to think that my family was a part of such times.

We left everything we owned. All of our possessions, except the clothes on our back.

My dad managed to bargain his way into an already crowded fishing boat to begin a frightening exit across the Pacific Ocean, the unknown, to escape from the Communist Party of North Vietnam that would take over.

All I can picture when I heard them recount of our journey to friends and those who were curious was an over crowded boat, filled with bodies, crammed like sardines.

photography via: http://jspivey.wikispaces.com/Vietnam+War+EK

I can’t fathom embarking out on a journey and taking the kind of risks my parents took. We were dubbed as “Boat People” in which I wrote about in a previous post that you can visit.

But my parents took the risk in which there was no return.

Setting out into the unknown waters heading to America. Thirst, hunger, and the near lifelessness of their kids’ tiny frames fearing for each life…praying for a safe refuge at their final destination and the dream of raising their children and future generations to be able to experience the freedom that they would no longer have.

Sometimes I wish that I didn’t have such a good memory such as when I saw other children being wrapped up in sheets and tossed into the ocean while their parents sobbed endlessly.

I realized when I was older that what I witnessed was my first funeral during this journey-out at sea.

While being rescued by a US Navy Ship, I saw people falling into the ocean where their lives were claimed by the raging waters trying make their way from our small fishing boat up to the large vessel.

We eventually made it to America and with the help of First Baptist Church in Beloit, Wisconsin who sponsored our family. My parents were able to raise us in the FREEDOM that they so desired.

{Photo missing our sister who eventually joined us 14 years later}

My dad past away a year and a half ago, but his story and his legacy will continue through each of my siblings and me.

There is a depth of details to my story; however, my intention was not to share my journey in this post.

I believe I will write a book one day…something to leave for my children and their grand children as  a part of our family history.

For those new to my blog, I wanted to share this little  bit of my background and history as a prelude to my upcoming travel.

In  a few short days, I will be embarking on the journey of my life. I am going back to the place of my ancestors and rediscovering my roots, 38 years later.

I can’t begin to describe the emotions that I’ve already felt while planning my trip and gathering my itinerary for a tour of Vietnam.

I will be landing in Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City, where it all began…our escape to America.

From there I will make my way to Danang, where I was born and several other towns and village where my relatives currently reside.

I’m EXCITED and NERVOUS to say the least.

You can follow my journey via You Tube Channel as I’ll be sharing some videos or  my blog as I will try to document my trip as much as I can (depending on WIFI capabilities whereever I am).

Stay tuned…I hope to share some exciting photos and Vietnam travel with you!

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