Anh-Chi: I've been in Vietnam for almost a week now, and my trip has been quite eventful every day. I met with the dressmakers for my family business, who have worked for us for the past 13 years. They handle the entire production side of our business through patterns, samples, final product, and shipping. We just received another very large order from Lord & Taylor, so I'm thrilled our children's clothing line is doing very well at a leading department store. This should keep our employees busy for the next month or so, and give them extra incentive to continue improving.

I didn't realize how much our business is contributing to the lives of workers in Vietnam. Our employees work for us full-time, and rely on our business for their sole income. When I visited them, I was so pleasantly surprised to see well-furnished workplaces with modern amenities. They went from meager earnings to earning a decent enough income to live comfortably.

Not only did I get to meet our wonderful employees, but I also got to revisit my childhood. I saw the actual homes I used to live in (both in Saigon and My Tho). I couldn't believe I spent 4 years in places that seem so foreign to me now. Hopefully throughout the years, I will become more and more acclimated to Vietnam, and feel as though it's my second home. It's difficult to see the levels of poverty in this country, but I hope to someday contribute on broader levels whenever I come back. My mother started a charity 15 years ago for children of leprosy-stricken parents. Although she was unable to maintain the success of her organization, I'd like to work further on this project, along with other efforts to help the needy in Vietnam.

Both my mother and mother-in-law have always reminded me to never forget my roots. However my life turns out, I should be grateful for my upbringing. Although I'm not the most fluent in Vietnamese, I do have a good command of the language. I can communicate effectively enough to someday take over the family business and pursue other work in Vietnam. My mother-in-law is especially adamant about my cultural awareness, and she'd be more than happy to see me visit often. Even if she doesn't have too much time left, I know she'd be proud of me. Her entire life has been devoted to providing for her family and community in Vietnam, so she hopes to pass some of that altruistic spirit onto me. And once I have children, I'd like to teach them the same tools -- to respect family and the elderly, and give back to their community.

Connect with Anh-Chi in the momlogic community.

Connect and win in the momlogic community! Enter the community

Get the latest news, celebrity gossip, and stories! Newsletter sign up