From:  Vui Le                                                             5/7/2003 6:55 AM
To:  Monsignor Joseph Nguyen
CC:  lesgabriels
Subject:  Thank you

Sir:

I hope you still remember me.  I was one of your students at AnPhong Hoc Vien:  the square-headed one with thick glasses.  I left AnPhong abruptly in 1975, and never had the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to you, other teachers, friends and classmates.  I am so glad now that we have a forum to correspond, and to bring some closures to 28 years of silence.

I want to thank you sincerely for your contribution and guidance to my studies at AnPhong.  I remembered that you were a breath of fresh air with your innovative ideas and your confidence.  You taught us how to sing, opened our eyes to the world with languages and cultures.  You also helped us to ask questions, take chances and think deeper.  Although I have never had a chance to tell you, you were my hero at AnPhong.  And I am certain that you were hero to many of us while we were there.

In January, some of your former students, Hung, Huan, Luong, Le and I attended the ordination of Father Francis Hoa Dang.  It was a very touching ceremony as Father Hoa's mother came join him here in the US for the occasion, and brought with her a touch of the homeland.  Father Hoa was the key catalyst that brought us together, and Hung did a tremendous job coordinating with us all.  My wife and I had so much fun meeting with our friends in California, that I am looking forward to the next reunion.  And I hope it would be soon. I contribute this kinship among friends to you and other teachers at AnPhong. 

Thank you,

Vui Le