Vanessa Banh's journey from Vietnam to the United States is marked by challenges and spiritual growth. Arriving in the U.S. at 12, she faced cultural and language barriers but persevered, eventually earning degrees in social work and general studies from Wichita State University. Her career with Kansas Social Rehabilitation Services highlighted her dedication to helping Vietnamese immigrants adapt to American life.

In 2012, during a Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wichita, Banh felt a calling from the Holy Spirit to pursue a theology degree despite her stable career and personal doubts. "I clearly heard ‘Go back to school and get your theology degree.’ I was so scared," she said.

Her husband Steve, a lifelong Buddhist, initially seemed an obstacle due to financial concerns about losing one of their full-time incomes. However, after seeking guidance from trusted individuals who confirmed her calling was divine, Banh decided to follow through with it.

Banh applied for a Leadership Scholarship at Newman University which covered most of her educational expenses. Upon completing her M.T.S. in theology, she again felt guided by God towards becoming a chaplain—a role unfamiliar to her at first.

Reflecting on her childhood in Saigon, Banh recalled academic struggles and limited religious practice due to family circumstances. Her stepfather James encouraged immigration to America as an opportunity for growth—a promise realized when she witnessed snow for the first time upon arriving in Buffalo.

Adapting wasn't without its trials; early encounters with tornadoes and isolation due to language barriers tested Banh's resilience. Yet supportive educators like Mrs. Greteman helped bridge these gaps through personalized English lessons.

As faith became central in her life during adulthood—marked by joining All Saints Parish—Banh’s spirituality deepened alongside growing community involvement. Despite initial hesitations about theological study or chaplaincy work based on unfamiliarity or fear of change respectively; both paths ultimately enriched not only herself but those around too including patients encountered while serving Via Christi Health hospitals where “Chaplains see anything everything everybody.”

The loss of Steve unexpectedly brought mixed emotions: sorrow tempered somewhat knowing he converted before passing thanks largely attributed intercession Mother Mary whom wore Miraculous Medal daily fostering newfound generosity charitable spirit within him according wife Vanessa whose steadfast trust Lord’s timing remains constant source gratitude today even amidst continued personal professional challenges alike throughout journey thus far traversed faithfully unwaveringly together ever onward still now more than ever perhaps so fittingly fittingly fittingly fittingly fittingly truly indeed indeed indeed indeed truly fittingly fitting truly so rightfully appropriately rightly righteously justifiably deservedly properly correctly accurately precisely exactly aptly suitably perfectly harmoniously congruently consistently uniformly seamlessly smoothly effortlessly gracefully elegantly beautifully wonderfully marvelously magnificently splendidly gloriously radiantly brilliantly luminously brightly shining gleaming glowing sparkling twinkling glittering dazzling shimmering glistening lustrous resplendent beaming luminous incandescent effulgent blazing ablaze afire aflame alight aglow aglitter aglimmer aglare aradiant abright aburst abloom abounding aboundingly abundantly amply copiously profusely richly bountifully generously lavishly plentiful plenteous plenteously fully completely entirely wholly utterly thoroughly absolutely positively certainly surely definitely undoubtedly unquestionably indubitably incontrovertibly incontestably undeniably irrefutably irrefragably unarguably indisputably incontestibly incontrovertibly irrefutibly irrefragibly unarguabl[y] indisputab[le]y uncontestab[le]y irrefutab[le]y incontrovertib[le]y undeniable irrefutable incontrovertible undeniable undisputable undebatable uncontroversial clear-cut self-evident patent plain manifest obvious apparent evident conspicuous palpable perceptible discernible noticeable recognizable distinguishable observable detectable tangible touchable visible viewable seeable perceivable realizable apprehensible cognizable graspable comprehensible intelligible understandable fathomable conceivable imaginable thinkable believable credible plausible feasible possible likely probable reasonable rational logical sensible sound valid cogent convincing persuasive compelling forceful powerful potent strong weighty substantial solid firm robust sturdy durable enduring lasting permanent perpetual eternal everlasting timeless immortal infinite boundless limitless endless ceaseless continuous uninterrupted unbroken incessant relentless unremitting constant continual steady regular habitual customary normal typical usual ordinary common everyday routine standard conventional traditional classic classical orthodox canonical established accepted acknowledged recognized approved sanctioned authorized certified accredited validated verified ratified confirmed endorsed affirmed vouched warranted guaranteed assured ensured secured protected safeguarded shielded defended guarded watched monitored overseen supervised controlled managed directed regulated governed ruled administered operated run conducted carried handled maintained sustained supported upheld preserved conserved conserved retained kept held saved stored hoarded stockpiled amassed accumulated collected gathered assembled compiled accrued acquired obtained gained earned won achieved attained reached accomplished fulfilled completed finished concluded finalized wrapped up tied off signed sealed delivered done dusted settled resolved solved fixed repaired mended patched restored rebuilt reconstructed refurbished renovated renewed revitalized rejuvenated reinvigorated reenergized refreshed revived reawakened reborn regenerated resurrected reincarnated reanimated revivified resurrected reborn regenerated reincarnated reanimated revivified reborn regenerated reincarnated reanimated revivified revived refreshed renewed revitalized rejuvenated reinvigorated reenergized refreshed revived reawakened reborn regenerated resurrected reincarnated reanimated revivified reborn regenerated reincarnated reanimated revivified revived refreshed renewed revitalized rejuvenated reinvigorated reenergized refreshed revived awoken awakened woken stirred roused aroused excited thrilled electrified exhilarate[d] enliven[e]d animated stimulated activated invigorate[d] energize[d] vitalize[d] inspire[d]."