The life of Luong (born 1993, originally from Hung Yen and later raised in Dong Nai) changed after settling in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and son. Mornings offer dew-covered lawns where deer graze alongside rabbits and squirrels roaming the grounds.

In 2023, through mutual acquaintances in HCMC, Luong met Walter F. Hammer, an American national who became her husband.

At the time, Walter traveled to Vietnam frequently for tourism and business partnerships. Initially maintaining a friendship, Luong assisted Walter in connecting with commercial partners while he shared professional guidance supporting her teaching career in HCMC.

Through frequent interactions, Luong developed affection for Walter, particularly appreciating his genuine care for Liam, her son from a previous marriage.

"He spent time playing with my son, carried him on his shoulders, and treated him with authentic warmth," she recalled.

Having both experienced previous marital breakdowns, the couple spent considerable time discussing family life, parenting approaches, and long-term plans before entering a relationship.

On Valentine’s Day 2024, Walter proposed. Luong felt deeply moved as he expressed affection for her while committing equal devotion to Liam.

In March 2025, Luong traveled to the US and married Walter one month later. By August that year, she brought her son over to reunite. The three-member family established their joint life at Rush Valley Mills in Pennsylvania.

Prior to relocating, Luong had heard her partner describe living in a quiet rural setting, though she could not fully envision the environment. Her first morning at the estate produced an indelible impression.

"That morning, looking through the window, I stood mesmerized by the serene scenery, dew-laden lawns, and deer grazing peacefully. Nearby, Mill Creek flowed past an historic red building. It felt like stepping into a fairytale," she said.

Life on historic estate

The Rush Valley Mills estate spans four hectares and was acquired by Walter in 2003.

The grounds feature several historic structures, notably a 375-square-meter red wooden building that operated as a water-powered gristmill starting around 1718. Her husband renovated the building into four rental apartments.

Her immediate family resides in a nearby green house constructed around 1750. Spanning 120 square meters, the structure was renovated by Walter into a comfortable living space including a kitchen, workspace, study room, and bedrooms. The property contains a workshop housing tools, industrial equipment, and robots.

"When purchasing this property, my husband was a young engineer with a stable career. He devoted seven years to renovating the estate, working through weekends without taking vacations," Luong said.

For Walter, the estate represents years of labor and dedication. For Luong and her son, it serves as the foundation for their family memories.

Daily, Luong gets up early to prepare meals before heading to her teaching job. Her husband escorts their son to the school bus stop before starting his workday.

In the evening, the family gathers for dinner, sharing household chores while discussing child-rearing and work. As Walter's parents have passed away, the family spends free time visiting his extended relatives.

Living close to nature provides memorable experiences. In summer, the family wades through streams to catch crabs and snails. During winter snowfalls, they use the sloping terrain in front of their home as a sledding hill for their son.

Luong also uses land along the stream bank to cultivate melons and Vietnamese herbs, preparing traditional meals to ease home nostalgia.

She frequently prepares braised pork, braised fish, and boiled vegetables, alongside weekend variations like chicken pho, bun moc (pork ball noodle soup), and bun rieu (crab noodle soup). Walter enjoys various Vietnamese dishes, noting their light and appetizing flavors.

"A minor challenge involves driving 45 minutes to the nearest Vietnamese market, meaning required ingredients are not always immediately accessible," Luong noted.

During her initial period in the US, Luong occasionally struggled with cultural integration, operating with basic conversational English. Additionally, she faced practical learning requirements, including driving lessons, paperwork completion, and job hunting. Fortunately, her husband remained supportive through every step.

"After about a year and a half, Pennsylvania has become my second home. While I miss my family and homeland in Vietnam, in Pennsylvania I have Walter, Liam, my job, friendly neighbors, and family routines we build daily," she said.

Thanh Minh