Nguyen Thi Bich from Son Tay township in northern Ha Tay province is a woman who has refused to get married so as to assume the role of an adoptive mother to the orphans at the SOS orphanage village in Hanoi.

Like what usually happens in the countryside, Ms Dich’s parents arranged a marriage for her when she was just 17. However, her lover had to join the army few days before the wedding ceremony. She said she had never experienced a married life with her fiancé for many years until she got the news of his death from the battlefield.

Ms Dich confided, “At the time I was 37 or 38, and had no children. So I decided not to get married and came here…”

Her family and relatives tried to dissuade her but she did not baulk at assuming the role of an adoptive mother to the orphans. The reason is very simple: these orphans have no parents and no family support, and she has no children. It’s better to join efforts to help each other.

Ms Dich is now in charge of taking care of 10 orphans at the SOS village in Hanoi. At first, she did not have any experience and no day passed by without trouble. Every orphan had their own character and got used to a free lifestyle. Ms Dich has gradually adjusted their behaviour and changed their negative thinking. The children often argue with each other when they sit for meals. Sometimes, she bursts into tear when her children do not listen to her advice. However, thanks to her constant and tender care for the children, they have realized the deep love and affection she has for them.

On the anniversary of her parents’ death, Ms Dich takes children to her native home because they have now become her family members. “My parents passed away. I usually take them home and local villagers feel very happy to welcome us,” she said. “My relatives are very friendly to make children become ever closer to one another.”

Vu Anh Thang has one younger brother. His mother was sick and could not afford to bring them up. Thang and his younger brother were taken to the SOS village in Hanoi and Ms Dich agreed to adopt and bring them up in a house called “Huong Duong”. Thang is now an outstanding 8^th grader at the Herman school. He said: “In the first day after coming here I felt very strange and wanted to go back home. Now, after living about two years here I feel this is my real house. Here I have mothers, brothers and sisters who help me a lot in my daily life.”

“In this new school-year, apart from taking care of my health, my mothers have bought me new clothes and books to go to school with,” he added.

Meanwhile, there is another house called “Hoa Hue” owned by Kieu Thi Hue who has spent her whole young life to take care of orphans at the SOS village in Hanoi. Being an adoptive mother for nearly 20 years, Ms Hue has brought up 18 orphans who are now all grown up. She is known to have organized the first wedding ceremony at the SOS village.

Everyday, apart from looking after other adopted children, Ms Hue likes to visit her married children’s families. All of the children and grandchildren also come to see her often during the weekends.

“I used to be a teacher,” said Ms Hue. “When I came here I decided to stay and take care of orphans. Some of my adopted children now live far from home, but they always think of me and come back to see me.”

“Some people asked me why I had to live like a nun. Sometimes I wanted to get married and give birth but I could not because I love my adopted children here very much. They are very close to me and tell me all things they experience in their daily lives. My sons-in-law also trust me. This is my greatest happiness,” said Ms Hue.

Being loved and trusted is a just reward for the SOS village in Hanoi. Though their lives are not always smooth sailing they all feel very happy to take care of the orphans.