where letters become something more

Letters
Beyond
Borders

real letters. real people. real conversation.

Better than another notification.

400+
Pen Pals
50
U.S. States
96
Countries

and growing.

a little about me

Welcome, friend.

If you came across this on your For You page or found your way here out of curiosity, I don't think that's random.

Hello. Hola. Xin chào. I'm Monica.

I'm a storyteller, writer, and entrepreneur — and my whole life I've been chasing one thing: real connection.

I travel the world. I sit across from strangers at dinner tables. I ask people questions most people are too afraid to ask. Because I genuinely believe that the most meaningful things in life happen when we open ourselves up — when we take the risk, when we say yes to the opportunity.

Letters Beyond Borders was born from that same belief.

There are people in this world who feel unseen. Who keep everything inside because they don't know where to put it. Who look around at 8 billion people and still wonder — is there anyone out there who gets me? I've felt that too. And I never forgot it.

So I started writing letters to strangers. And somewhere between the stamps and the envelopes and the words on paper, something beautiful happened — real connections formed. Real friendships. Real moments that didn't happen by accident. They happened because someone took the risk and opened themselves up.

That's what I want for you.

Write to me. Say what's on your mind. And let's see what happens.

✉ this week's letters went out to

Duy T. · Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Catherine N. · Braintree, United Kingdom
Elsa R. · Aix-en-Provence, France
Lydia F. · Singapore
Helga H. · Alvarado, Mexico
Kathy Y. · San Jose, CA
Chanel D. · Philadelphia, PA
Jayliss D. · Yonkers, NY
Kristen B. · Milford, DE
Leonta W. · Denton, TX
Callie Y. · Fairview Park, OH
Genesis S. · Salida, CA
Sandra G. · New Haven, CT
Allison M. · Garland, TX
Andy H. · Bedford, MA
Kristyn M. · Hillsboro, OR
Thao N. · Fort Worth, TX
Motti S. · Los Angeles, CA
Tram B. · Fort Worth, TX
Kathy T. · Dallas, TX
Michelle A. · New York, NY
Damian S. · Bowling Green, VA
Shikara A. · Little Rock, AR
Duy T. · Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Catherine N. · Braintree, United Kingdom
Elsa R. · Aix-en-Provence, France
Lydia F. · Singapore
Helga H. · Alvarado, Mexico
Kathy Y. · San Jose, CA
Chanel D. · Philadelphia, PA
Jayliss D. · Yonkers, NY
Kristen B. · Milford, DE
Leonta W. · Denton, TX
Callie Y. · Fairview Park, OH
Genesis S. · Salida, CA
Sandra G. · New Haven, CT
Allison M. · Garland, TX
Andy H. · Bedford, MA
Kristyn M. · Hillsboro, OR
Thao N. · Fort Worth, TX
Motti S. · Los Angeles, CA
Tram B. · Fort Worth, TX
Kathy T. · Dallas, TX
Michelle A. · New York, NY
Damian S. · Bowling Green, VA
Shikara A. · Little Rock, AR

Updated every Friday

the red envelope

Every week, five letters get a red envelope.

Every Friday, I read through the letters I received that week and randomly choose five of you to receive a red envelope with your reply.

Not everyone will receive one, and that's what makes them special.

The more we continue writing to each other, the more chances you'll have to receive one. Every letter keeps our friendship going, and every Friday is a new opportunity.

If you receive a red envelope, don't throw it away.

Collect five red envelopes before the end of the year, and you'll be able to redeem them for a personalized experience we'll share together.

Maybe you've always wanted to visit a new city. Maybe there's a restaurant you've been wanting to try. Maybe it's an activity that's been on your bucket list for years.

You choose the experience,
and we'll make it happen together.

Just make sure you keep all five red envelopes somewhere safe. You'll need them to redeem your experience when the time comes.

and the experience? it could be this...

🍽️
Dinner, Just Us
A one-on-one dinner, just us. You pick the city—we'll make it happen.
🛫
Let's Go Somewhere
That trip you keep talking about but haven't taken yet? Let's go.
🪂
Something You've Never Done
That thing you've been too nervous to try? Yeah… we're doing it.

*Experiences are subject to mutual availability and scheduling. Letters Beyond Borders reserves the right to determine the nature and scope of the experience at its discretion. All experiences are facilitated in good faith and are non-transferable.

Tired of only getting bills in the mail? Imagine someone you love feeling the same way.

Don't keep this to yourself. That's not very pen pal of you.

ready to write?

Let's start a real conversation.

I write first. Always. Once I send your first letter, you write back — and from there, our conversation is ours. To get started, just fill out the form below.

I also write in Tiếng Việt and Español — because sometimes a letter means more in the language someone grew up speaking.

What I'll need from you
01
Your full name

The name you'd like on your envelope.

02
Your mailing address

Full address including city, state/province, country, and zip code.

03
A little intro about yourself

Tell me something real — who you are, what you're into, what season of life you're in. There's no wrong answer.

Here's an example ↓

"Hiya! My name is Monica Pham. My address is 123 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75001, USA. I'm an entrepreneur, graphic designer, writer, traveler, and foodie. I also love collecting the cutest mailing stamps I can find — and yes, I also collect salt and pepper shakers. Don't judge me. I enjoy having dinners with strangers, drinking matcha, and connecting with people from all walks of life. And when I get bored? I'll randomly fly to Paris for dessert, Japan for ramen, or New York for pizza — and come right back home. Something about Letters Beyond Borders just feels like exactly where I'm supposed to be right now."

Have questions before you join? You're more than welcome to ask — just reach out to my assistant at solena@foodwithmonica.com and she'll make sure they get to me.

By submitting your introduction, you agree to the following:

Your letter or story may occasionally be shared on social media or other platforms at my discretion. Your name and any identifying details will always be kept private.

Not every letter will be shared — only the ones that feel like they're meant to be heard.

want more of my world?

The full story lives on my Substack — thoughts, letters, life, and everything in between. Come read along.

Read on Substack ↗
Instagram
@foodwithmonica
Threads
@foodwithmonica

Mark your day on our calendar

Drop your name and date of birth below, and once a year your letter will arrive dressed up a little extra — just because.

Heads up — make sure you send your pen pal introduction before submitting your birthday. This only saves your birthday, not your mailing address, so I need your introduction on file first to know where to send your letters.

keep the letters coming

This runs on
STAMPS & LOVE.

Every letter is written, packed, and sent by hand.

This takes real time. Real supplies. Real energy. None of it is cheap—and none of it is easy. But the moment I put a price on it, it stops being what it is.

This is my passion. My calling. Something I do because I genuinely love it—and because I believe real human connection shouldn't have a price tag.

When you choose to support, you're not paying for a service. You're believing in what this is.

And that belief is what allows me to keep reaching more people—
one letter at a time.

Monthly Support
Support $10/month
Buy Me a Coffee
One-time support
Venmo
@monicapham888

made possible by

Our Sponsors

These businesses believe in what Letters Beyond Borders is building. Go show them some love. 💜

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get in touch.

If you choose to support this, thank you. Really.

It allows me to keep doing this in a way that feels intentional. To keep writing, to keep responding, and to stay present in these conversations without rushing through them.

It also helps with the little things that add up — stamps, envelopes, supplies, and even small touches I like to include along the way, like celebrating someone's birthday or making a letter feel a little more personal.

But more than anything, it allows me to keep using something I've been given in a way that actually reaches people.

To connect with someone I may never meet, but still create something that feels real on both sides.

To bring a little bit of joy, a little bit of excitement, and something to look forward to.

And that means more than you probably realize.

Letters really do go beyond borders.

— Monica

got questions?

Things people ask me.

Do I have to donate to write to you?
No. You can absolutely write to me without donating. This has always been open to anyone who feels called to it.
What happens if I do donate?
Your letter moves to the front of the line. I still read everything — but when I sit down to write back each week, priority queue letters go first.
How often do you check your mail?
Every Friday. My assistant checks the mailbox and I spend my weekend writing back to that week's letters.
How long does it take to get a response?
It depends on how many letters come in that week. Some weeks are lighter, some are heavier. If you're in the priority queue, you'll hear back sooner.
Can I request a red envelope?
No. Red envelopes are completely random and chosen from that week's letters. There's no way to request one — and you won't know it's coming.
How do I increase my chances of getting a red envelope?
Stay in the conversation. The more you write, the more likely your letter is part of the weekly batch I'm choosing from.
What do I do if I receive a red envelope?
Keep it. If you collect five before the end of the year, you'll be able to redeem them for something we get to experience together.
How are letters sent and how long does delivery take?
I'm currently based in Vietnam through March 2027, so your letters are going out through Vietnam's postal service. Expect about 3–4 weeks to reach the U.S., and about 2 weeks to reach anywhere else, Asia included. Unfortunately letters are not trackable — that's just part of the magic of real mail. If it's been more than two months and you haven't heard back from me, shoot an email to my assistant and I'll look into it.
Can I write to you in another language?
Yes! I write in English, Tiếng Việt, and Español. If you'd like to write in one of those languages, go for it. I'll write back in the same language.
What should I write about in my first letter?
Anything. Seriously. Tell me who you are, what you're going through, what you love, what you're figuring out. There's no wrong answer. Just write like you're talking to someone who actually wants to know.
How long are your letters typically?
It depends. Some letters are short and to the point. Some fill every inch of the page. I write what feels right for the person I'm writing to.
Do you include anything extra in your letters?
Sometimes! I love including stickers when I can. Keep in mind that forever stamps only cover up to one ounce for standard letter mail — anything more than that is considered a package. So I always keep it within that limit. But if you ever receive a package from me — that's a surprise.
Can I write to you more than once?
That's literally the whole point. The more you write, the more our conversation grows. Keep going.
What if I move and my address changes?
Just email my assistant with your updated address and we'll make sure it gets updated on our end.
Can I send you gifts or extras in my envelope?
You're more than welcome to! Stickers, stamps, little notes — I love it all. Just keep in mind that adding extras may require additional postage on your end.
When does the red envelope redemption period reset?
Every year. You have until the end of the year to collect five red envelopes and redeem your experience.
What if I collect five red envelopes but the year ends before I redeem?
No worries — it rolls over to the following year.
How will I know my letter is in the priority queue?
You'll receive an email confirming that your letter has been sent. This is only for priority queue supporters — not everyone who sends an email will receive this confirmation.
Can I send you stamps directly in the mail?
Absolutely. It allows me to keep writing and sharing my love with the world and with the people who need it most.
Is there a waitlist?
Not right now. But honestly? That could change tomorrow — it all depends on the numbers. I'm only one human and I have to be mindful of my capacity so I don't burn out.
How many pen pals do you accept at a time?
Right now there's no limit. But that may change depending on volume.
Monthly
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