Today is Saturday, December 2nd, 2006; Karen's Korner #945
(Normally no Karen's Korners on Saturday, but since I missed on Tuesday, Saturday will make five for the week!
And my apologies for yesterday's Karen's Korner and the 12 Days of Christmas; one reader emailed to let me know that she had checked for the validity of the dates and the Catholic Church. The site told her that the supposed tradition is a hoax!)
Pat and Bob Cameron, our new friends who we met while in Branson earlier this week, wanted to let us know that the "American Dream" is still alive and well today.
The couple offered as evidence the Tran (pronounced TRON) family, who arrived in Branson, as Vietnamese 'boat people' in 1979. The family was sponsored by the Presbyterian Church there to get a new start. The Trans owned a restaurant in Saigon so it was only fitting that dad began as a dishwasher at a hotel in Branson.
Mom and a daughter began tying lures for an international company from their home and became very good at what they did. The two sons also got jobs. "The family lived about 1 1/2 miles from where Mr. Tran worked, so he walked to and from his job," said Bob. "Our church family members took turns driving Mr. Tran to work. What we didn't know is that was an insult to them and their culture. As quickly as they could, Mr. Tran bought a bicycle so that they were once again independent and on their own."
As soon as opportunity presented itself, the Tran family opened and operated an Oriental restaurant in the Branson area and the hard work by the entire family continued.
Fast forward until today. The Trans have just rented their restaurant building, which they still own, to a new Mexican restaurant, after operating their Oriental restaurant for the past 21 years. They also own an apartment building in downtown Branson, along with another commercial building. As one could probably imagine, the value of all three of their properties have increased drastically in value in the 27 years they have been in Branson, Missouri, and America.
They have gone from having nothing when they arrived at America's shores to being somewhat wealthy people. "This is an example of the American dream remaining alive," said Bob. "The Trans believed in hardwork; saved their money; and believed that a person can better himself or herself when they are given the opportunity."
The Trans family: they didn't need a handout; they needed a hand to get restarted. They took care of the rest!
May we all continue to learn from people like the Trans and from people willing to help others to help themselves!!
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