In the quiet countryside of Kentucky, as January’s snow drapes the landscape in a pristine white, Di Tran stands in his warm home, holding a cherimoya, known affectionately as “Chái Na,” with his six-year-old son by his side. Beside them, a kaffir lime tree, “Chanh Số 8,” stands as a testament to their roots and the tropical heritage they hold dear. This moment, captured in a photograph, is one of profound gratitude and reflection for Di Tran.
Di’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From the humble beginnings of a mud hut in the rural expanses of Vietnam, where even the simple luxury of a Chái Na was beyond reach, to his current life where such fruits are a tangible symbol of change, Di Tran’s story is a tapestry woven with determination and faith.
The Chái Na, now readily available and shipped from Florida—a state where Vietnamese immigrants have toiled and planted for years—represents more than just a fruit to Di. It’s a connection to his past and a symbol of the progress he’s made. The journey of the Chái Na, from being carefully tended by Vietnamese hands in Florida to arriving at his doorstep in snowy Kentucky, mirrors his own path to success.
Di reflects on this progression with awe. “It’s crazy to explain when I am grounded on this fact,” he muses. The stark contrast between his life then and now is not lost on him. He attributes this transformation to a higher power and the collective effort of kind-hearted individuals. “If it’s not God and God’s people that makes all these happen, then how do you explain?” he asks.
His expression of love for God and his fellow humans is profound and heartfelt. “Oh God, I love you and our God people,” he declares. In his eyes, his story is a living example of the power of divine grace and human solidarity. He believes in the strength of community and the importance of supporting each other with love and care.
Di Tran’s sentiment echoes through the silent snowfall outside, a reminder that even in the coldest winters, warmth can be found in the bonds we forge and the gratitude we share. His story is a beacon of hope and a reminder that from humble beginnings and with the support of a community, remarkable journeys can unfold. It’s a tale that he hopes will inspire others to recognize the beauty of life’s interconnections and the endless possibilities that faith and togetherness can bring.
P.S. Special mention to the two books featured in the photograph—“Drop the ‘ME’ and Focus on the Others” and the children’s book “VALUE.” These titles mirror Di Tran’s life lessons, underscoring the significance of setting aside ego to concentrate on the well-being of others and instilling essential virtues in the next generation. Di Tran’s commitment to spreading a message of interconnectedness and fostering a spirit of communal support is further exemplified through these works, which continue to inspire and educate both young minds and adults alike.