“From my earliest moments, from family love, Vietnam has become a core part of me. Every relationship, memory, and value received ties my heart deeply to this country,” shared Christian Taylor, the 26-year-old American guy emotionally.

Christian was born in America to American parents. His uncle married a Vietnamese woman named Huong (originally from HCMC) in April 1999. Just 2 months later, she adopted him with all a mother’s love.

“My biological parents had marriage issues. When I was one month old, they left me with my uncle and aunt and never returned. And so, my uncle and aunt, who had been married for only 2 months, became my parents,” Christian recounted.

In 2000, his sister was born, nicknamed Dragon at home. The siblings grew up in boundless love and meticulous care from their parents. In his memories, Christian never sensed any difference in treatment between the two children.

It wasn’t until he turned eight that his parents told him the truth about his origins.

“I was shocked and confused, with so many questions in my mind. Then my mother told me, ‘you are my son, the only difference is the way you came to me is a little special. you are my child just like Rong, and nothing changes that,”’ he recalled.

From that moment, I realized something important: my biological parents gave me life, but my current parents are the ones who raised me and gave me love,” Christian said emotionally.

Raised by a Vietnamese mother, Christian received so many wonderful things. From childhood, he was cradled, lullabied, and played Vietnamese children’s songs. Alongside English, his mother taught him Vietnamese, so he mastered the language early.

She also taught him Vietnamese culture: basic greetings, proper ways to address elders, and family hierarchy.

His mother also taught him how to prepare Tet meals, how to light incense to honor ancestors, and how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes.

“Living with mom, I was in a deeply Vietnamese environment. My small American home always had Vietnamese language, food, and stories about this country. Mom’s care and love planted deep affection for Vietnam in my heart,” Christian shared.

Even now, the American guy remembers school lunch boxes from his student days. Back then, worried school meals lacked nutrition, his mother woke early to prepare tasty boxes for him to bring to class.

His boxes always featured Vietnamese dishes like pumpkin soup, bitter melon stuffed with meat, caramelized pork and eggs. These made his friends envious for being unique and delicious.

Special bond with Vietnam

At 18, Christian paused college to volunteer at a church in Vietnam. For him, it was a sacred, meaningful experience deepening his connection here.

During the 2 years in Vietnam, Christian taught English for free and joined other charity activities. When the term ended, he was too attached to Vietnam and requested one more month.

“As a child, I often visited grandparents with mom. Volunteering here made the country even more familiar. I came to volunteer but ultimately, Vietnam taught me valuable lessons on humanity, humility, and gratitude,” Christian said.

Besides his kind mother, Vietnam gave another priceless gift – his beautiful, gentle wife. His wife is Quach Thi Mai (from Binh Duong, now HCMC). The couple met during Christian’s volunteer time in Vietnam.

After returning to America in September 2019, Christian and Mai maintained a long-distance relationship. His Vietnamese girlfriend motivated him to study Computer Science, aiming for a stable work to return to Vietnam and marry her.

In November 2022, after 3 years of long-distance love and full effort, Christian had enough means and confidence to propose to Mai in Vietnam. The proposal surprised her at the airport upon arrival, and the next day they registered marriage.

“In August 2023, my first son was born. The bond between me and Vietnam has become even stronger and more sacred,” Christian shared.

The couple now enjoys a peaceful life in HCMC. Christian teaches English while studying for a master’s degree in Cybersecurity online. They manage finances, childcare, and family life together so that neither feels overwhelmed. Their marriage thrives on mutual understanding and compassion.

Recently, because some of his courses couldn’t be taken online, Christian had to return temporarily to the US, leaving his wife and child in Vietnam. Although it’s difficult to be apart, love and shared goals give him the strength to keep going.

Ha Nguyen