“My extended family pooled all their money, called in favors with friends and relatives and sold everything they had—every possession—just to buy a boat. Getting your hands on a boat was an extremely risky business. They were only available on the black market and anyone caught trying to buy one could be jailed or killed.”
This quote is said by Anh Do to reflect how perilous it is for his family to seepage the Vietnam War-torn nation to Australia. After the end of the Vietnam war, Anh recollects how his parents and the entire extended family scuffle to acquire a boat to use it in escaping to Australia. Boats are only available in the black market and obtaining them is a very risky affair. However, Anh's family is ready to take the risk because it has to get out of Vietnam at all means. The extended family raises funds from all relatives to purchase that boat. In the process, Anh remembers how his father witnesses the death of Uncle One who is murdered in the process of acquiring the much-needed boat.
“We must save the child! We will fight to the death to SAVE THE CHILD!”
Escaping from Vietnam to Australia using a boat was a dangerous journey for Anh’s family. Anh remembers that while they were on the boat in the high seas, they were attacked by the pirates. The buccaneers seized the youngest toddler on the boat, then lifted the toddler and ripped the nappy. A miniature portion of gold-plated chopped on the floor. The buccaneer picked the slice of gold and threw the baby on the side of the boat and threatened to throw the toddle in water. Tam, Anh’s father screamed and said that the family had to do everything possible to save the baby.
“What a great country!”
Anh Do recalls saying these words to reflect on how happy they were when they arrived in Australia which was a sharp contrast of Vietnam. In Australia, Anh’s family discovered that they are among the luckiest people to have ever lived because the new country was friendly and the government was ready to help its citizens and refugees. Whenever one got sick, he or she was taken to hospital and given medication for free. When one was not able to get employment, the government gave a retainer amount to help him in surviving. Therefore, Anh will never forget the blessing of migrating to Australia because it opened opportunities for him and his family.
