Mai Tam, December 2007
Dear Benefactors and Friends,
As we are approaching Christmas and New Year, on behalf of the children and mothers in Mai Tam, I would like send you all Christmas and New Year greetings. Each and every one of us here would not have a chance to experience this meaningful and Holy Season if we have not been helped by you. It is our 30th month since Mai Tam Center was opened. And since that moment on none of our children and mothers affected with HIV have ever been left out. It was through you, through thousands of little acts of kindness, through hundreds of smiles and tears you have shared, and even with many unnoticed prayers that have made us today. As of now, we have 34 orphan children living in our center. Fortunately, 7 infants have been intervened early during pregnancy, therefore, they have been prevented from HIV infection. Thanks to the help of St. Paul sisters whose generous hearts have opened their Pre-school to welcome 15 of our children. For the older children, 6 of them are now in primary school. And with your help, we continue to support food, transportation, schooling fees for them. The younger ones (below 4 years old) are receiving care at Mai Tam center. We experienced the lost of 3 children due to AIDS complication which is also a reminder of how fragile and vulnerable our children are despite of advances in medicine and care. It is also a reminder for me and for each one of us to be always on guard with our limited knowledge and that we always rely upon your help, support and prayers to make our works better.
We are also happy to see as many as 24 mothers who came to us in a desperate condition are now regain their self-esteem and strength. Their health is now in control. And all of them are also working normally either by sewing or floral designing. Many of them have reconciled with their family members who because of ignorance and fear have rejected them. There are 4 women who are now living independently and using the skill that they have learned from Mai Tam to earn their living.
Today, Mai Tam has also reached up to 120 children in the community who are infected and affected by AIDS. We try to encourage their extended families not to abandon these children by providing assistance for their tuition fees, hospital fees and complementary nutrition monthly. We believe that in the coming year, with your continuous supports, we can reach as much as 300 children.
As the year is closing, we would like to thank you once again. We are so grateful for all that you have done to us. May God continue to bless you this Holy Season and throughout the New Year.
Fr. John Phuong Dinh Toai, M.I.
Director of Mai Tam Center
Mai Tam 
