by Owen Wiese
Turmoil marked the withdrawal of US forces from Viet Nam. It often took an extended period of time for refugees to safely leave Viet Nam. The refugees then had a long trip to the US and further travel to their destination.
The journey for the Nguyen's ended when they arrived in Sioux Falls and were met by representatives from Lutheran Social Services (LSS). The year was 1975 so we will start our story on that date.
At that time, Lutheran Social Services would find a church that accepted the refugees and take care of their welfare. The Zion Lutheran Church of Garretson welcomed Kim and Ky Nguyen and began the process of getting them oriented.
The Pastor then was Stan Erickson. His wife Ellen worked for LSS, and her work centered on settlement and work support for refugees. The Nguyen's settled in Garretson, living in an apartment above the Johnson Drug Store. Lois Wiese and Sharon Koens were on the committee that made the effort to find the necessary furniture and other household items. They also found bicycles for them to use for local travel.
The Nguyen's were acquainted with other Vietnamese in Sioux Falls and a bond was formed with the group. After a period of time Ky and Kim moved to Sioux Falls and held work positions.
After more than a year. Ky & Kim moved to California, where it was presumed they would have more satisfactory work, and there would be more Vietnamese folks to live near. There was farewell dinner given by the Nguyen's and their friends in Sioux Falls for the people who had been so helpful to them. The group prepared a dinner serving Vietnamese specialties. which the guests found pleasurable.
At first, the Wiese's corresponded with Ky and Kim. Soon Christmas cards became the communication link and that continues to this day. They appreciated the help and friendship they had received while living in Garretson. The cards were always addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Wiese and included a short message and often a picture of them. We are very happy to have that, and hope it continues.
Twenty-five years after they had been gone from Garretson, we received a very beautiful jewelry box decorated in an Oriental motif and in 2016 we received a cordial set with six matching glasses and a decanter. Both gifts were accompanied by a letter of appreciation for the anniversary of their resettlement and the friendship they received through the years.
This Christmas (2021) we received a card from Kim and Ky announcing that they had moved to the Minneapolis area to be close to relatives. It has been very pleasing to us that Kim and Ky have continued the correspondence from all the years since 1976, all based on a brief friendship when they were just learning the ways of this country.
