A 31-year-old Vietnamese woman, Dang Thi Quyen, returned to her family after 20 years in China, rejoining her 14 siblings and their spouses during the Lunar New Year. Her journey highlights the resilience of family bonds.
A 20-Year Odyssey
On February 6th (the 9th day of Tet), 49 days after her mother’s passing, Quyen crossed the Lao Cai-Hekou border into Vietnam. This marked a reunion with her family after nearly two decades of separation.
Quyen, then a seventh-grader, became a victim of human trafficking in 2006. A stranger lured her and a neighbor onto a train and took them to China. Her arduous journey began then.
She endured captivity, forced labor, beatings, and even forced marriage. She lived a nomadic existence, begging at train stations and sleeping under bridges. Her return, marked by tears of joy as she was embraced by her family, underscores the determination of her family to find her.
Family Love and Unwavering Persistence
The loss of their daughter weighed heavily on Dang Van Chan’s family for 20 years. He passed away in 2020, never having the chance to see his daughter again. Quyen’s siblings persistently searched, reporting her disappearance to authorities and combing the countryside for any clue. But they found nothing.
Hope of her return dwindled, especially as her mother also passed away without seeing her daughter again.
A Touching Reunion at Tet
Through relentless efforts by family members, social media campaigns, and the support of well-wishers, Quyen’s image was widely circulated. From a lost daughter in China, she was identified and reconnected with her family.
Her eldest sister recognized her immediately, proving the strength of family ties. Quyen’s return to her family after 20 years is a testament to the power of love and the enduring will to overcome life’s challenges.
Conclusion
The story of Quyen’s 20-year journey from China and her reunion with her family evokes significant inspiration. It highlights the importance of supporting and protecting those affected by human trafficking. It’s also a profound expression of gratitude towards those who helped reunite her with her loved ones.
