Growing up in Vietnam, Ching-Shui Juan (阮清水) dreamt of becoming a lawyer or a doctor. However, her family plunged into poverty after her father’s business failed, casting a long shadow over her youth. During those difficult years, she believed love had a price tag, and money was the only salvation. This mindset drove her to seek financial security abroad, leading to a profound personal transformation in Taiwan.

A challenging transition

At the age of 20, Juan moved from Vietnam to Taiwan through an arranged marriage. The union lacked a foundation of affection; her husband had agreed to the marriage largely due to pressure from his parents, who had paid a significant sum to a matchmaker. In the beginning, Juan frankly told him that he did not need to treat her well as long as he provided money, believing firmly that love could not exist without financial stability.

Adjusting to a foreign environment, coping with cultural differences, and facing societal biases took a heavy toll. To send money back home to Vietnam, she worked at a betel nut stand despite her in-laws' disapproval. Family relations grew increasingly strained, especially under a strict domestic atmosphere where even having children felt transactional. Though she was physically in Taiwan, her heart remained with her grandparents in Vietnam. She constantly worried about her grandmother selling fruit under the scorching sun and her grandfather, who had suffered a stroke. Lost in anxiety, her interactions with her family were filled with conflict.

Finding joy in selfless service

Community volunteer Feng-Man Hsiao (蕭鳳滿) frequently visited Juan, inviting her to participate in environmental protection activities. Initially, Juan was unmoved, questioning how much money could be made from recycling compared to her current job. However, curiosity eventually led her to a local recycling station. Seeing so many people working with bright smiles, she asked a volunteer how much they earned. The answer—nothing—left her astonished. Intrigued by how people could be so happy without financial compensation, she decided to give it a try.

In 2013, Juan joined a class for new immigrants. She began to reflect on her daily behavior, recognizing her short temper and habit of raising her voice. Resolving to change, she started with small, positive actions, encouraging herself to smile more. She and her sister, who co-managed a Vietnamese food stall, initiated a meal delivery service. Every Wednesday, they prepared warm meals for vulnerable families and elderly residents.

We just go week by week and do as much as we are capable of doing.— Ching-Shui Juan, Community Volunteer

This simple dedication has kept the meal service running for over 12 years, providing steady support to numerous individuals in the community. The initiative also inspired her family; when her father returned to Vietnam after a visit, he started a similar meal service in his hometown, which has now been running continuously for nine years.

Uplifting the community

Inspired by others who saved money from cleaning houses to make charitable donations, Juan decided to do the same. She took on house cleaning jobs, using the opportunity to practice humility. Through gathering support for various causes, she learned to bow and apologize, realizing that true charity is about awakening compassion rather than just collecting funds. As she softened her approach, her family atmosphere improved significantly.

In her spare time, she learned to make intricate jelly flower art. Her dedication turned these desserts into exquisite, artistic pieces that grew popular. She now teaches this craft, using her classes to build connections and share her life experiences.

Beyond her own family, Juan pays close attention to the well-being of other immigrant women in her community. When she notices peers struggling financially but unable to find regular work, she offers them money in advance to prepare traditional Vietnamese snacks. These snacks are then shared or sold at community charity events.

Direct giving can sometimes make them feel embarrassed or create dependency. By allowing them to use their skills in exchange for dignity, they can stand on their own feet. — Ching-Shui Juan, Community Volunteer

Today, Juan actively promotes vegetarianism and community service in both Taiwan and Vietnam. She connects daily with peers in Vietnam via video calls, transcending the distance to share positive teachings and support. By transforming her past hardships into a source of strength, she continues to uplift those around her, proving that a life dedicated to helping others brings the deepest fulfillment.

Written by Jui-Chin Li (李瑞琴)