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Father and convenient probably don't belong in the same sentence. I'm back in Vietnam. I've kept it a secret from most, especially social media. The reason? A friend from Church who also is part of our Skype program
(Where we match a friend with one of our kids in VN to help with pronunciation) came to me and asked, "Are you going to Lieu's wedding?"
In Vietnam it is customary to not send invites till 2-3 weeks ahead time. What got me most was my friend Lucy, was recently messaged by Lieu and told her there is 3 things she is forever grateful for. Her life, her God and for father Robert... I walked away saying I'm not going till July, but had this nagging gut feeling, you gotta go. But God???
You gotta go. That's what a father does.
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| Loan brought her sister in 2007 looking for funds save her sisters life |
Many of you have met her. She has been to 2 of our gala's. For those who have not, let me share a bit of her story. We first Lieu and her older sister, Loan in 2007. Her sister came to one of our heart surgery meetings. Looking for help for her younger sister.
Loan could not stop crying. Lieu clearly uncomfortable at her sisters, sadness. They shared their parents both had died. They now live on the floor of the brick factory that their mother worked at. Loan said through tears, I have done my best for my sister; I use almost my entire salary for medication for Lieu's heart condition. The doctors say she will die unless she a heart surgery soon.
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| Lieu's site when she saw we came to the wedding |
Of course gibtk funded the surgery. We also were able to get a piece of land from the govt. and built a house for them to live in. The surgery was successful and Lieu excelled in school. We brought her to our college program, and she graduated in 2014. Her sister got married and has 2 children.
All the kids I meet are special but some a little different. Lieu is one of those. Lieu and I have had a special relationship. Through the years it seems like every time we see each other one of us begins to tear and the other joins in. She has called me father for some time now.
So yes a father does what he needs to do right? Or do they? So many of todays "issues" could be eliminated if men would grow up and take a stand for being a father.
After 3 flights (over 25 hours) and a 3-hour drive we got to the wedding. As we got out of van, Loan confused me, she came running up in tears rolling down her face. I thought as much as she's crying this must Lieu but she looked different. Then I saw on the stage was Lieu and her husband to be. Tears of joy rolling down her face. Soon as the ceremony ended she ran towards me. Now both Lieu and her sister were crying with joy. So I did what I knew to do, cry with them!
Vietnamese weddings are "different". In some way much the same, lots of food and lots drinking. I sat with the girls from out lighthouse. I am impressed with them. There were 2 open beer bottles at the table but both stayed full which the family placed there. The girls sat like ladies, dressed beautifully but ladies!!!
As Lieu was hugging me I could not help thinking about this young lady who in 2007 was told she'd die if funds for surgery were not found. Now some 9 years later here was this beautiful young lady, University Grad, getting married. How's that for transformation?
Then I looked at the other girls from the lighthouse, and realized here was girls from utter poverty, now going to school and will break the cycle of poverty in their lives. And what about all the other 590 kids who have heart surgery? And all the other kids from our other programs? I know over 20 have gotten married, 56 have graduated College. Generational impact. Giving hope not only to those who were hopeless, but to me too!
I so clearly see this is a work God has called us to, this includes all of you and many others! What a deal this is. So does convenience and father belong in same sentence? I don't think so, but being a father sure is worth it! The payoff can be great when men step up and take responsibility.
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| 2 sisters and their husbands, what if Lieu did not get her surgery.... |
I am forever grateful to Ed Cole for being a spiritual father to me. For raising me up. Please know there is none who realizes more then I how much I still need to grow. But thank you Dr. Cole! These days Christian Men's Network ministry continues. Raising up boys (of all ages), sons to be fathers. Paul Cole has continued and recently launched the Global Fatherhood Initiative. Has there ever been a greater need for fathers as there is today?
Thank you reading my words. The journey that my wife and I began in 2002 is beyond any words I could try to write. Struggles? Sure! But would I have missed out if we thought "oh this is too hard, how can a barely made it out of high school, pizza man who fished a lot be able to be part of this thing called Giving It Back to Kids."
I guess many of you know the answer. By saying yes to God. And taking the steps. But it could not have been done without all of you
><((((º> BBlessed
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