Hesitant to write but

 

   In the "plan" visiting the homes we not scheduled. Instead were taking them out for ice cream or dinner. As I sat eating I was overwhelmed to the point of feeling uncomfortable. The gratitude I see in the eyes of kids. Coming, wanting to take selfies with me. Giggling all the while. Precious children. I'm "used" to this.

 

    But as some came by to personally thank me. Rubbing my arm or squeezing face in unconditional love. Love as a child can give. I had to wonder what would have been these children's destiny, If not for gibtk? I will spare you of the things that came to mind.

 

Two promising dancers, sisters forever!

   I was told one loved dance and was gifted to do so. I asked her if she'd like to take dance lessons?  She came out her chair in joy! Smiling from ear to ear. But just as quickly pointing to her friend saying "she's good dancer too! Can she do it too?"  I said no promises but we will see if there is a class we can enroll you in. Train up a child in the direction they should go is what I read in the book I pick up in the mornings. Not the way we think they should go but see their giftedness and help them develop their talents.

 

   As I have spent time with the different homes in Vietnam, I am constantly amazed and encouraged we re on the right road. I look and see kids who are not just roommates, friends but family! They care for each other. They always look to include others in everything.  

 

    I was telling the young men from Hal's home how proud I am of them and why. Then of the young men pointed to the house and say some things to her. He did not want to leave out "Mom." Yes maybe she runs the place but she loves the young men as her own. It was clear she had respect of these young men. She earned not because of her position or title but because of her love.

 

2 from Hal's home with 2 or our newest kids to Marys Home

   What really rocked me was a couple of the girls from The Father's House. Single moms looking at me with adoration, I guess that was the look. All I know is it made me uncomfortable. I know who I am but this thing called gibtk is really amazing. It is transforming kids and single moms lives, change that will lead to generations.

 

   I was hesitant to write this short note till reality came back to me. It really isn't me. I'm the "lead" guy. But it really is all of you! It's what makes gibtk so awesome. It's the people of gibtk. Those who read write and yes support these kids a world away.

I wish more could come and see what I see in the eyes of these kids. The utter gratitude and thankfulness. Grades are improving as is they're English. They are family to each other. And the house moms... Amazing woman living out a calling.

Hals home young man being a big brother to Ut from Marys home

   Some of you may remember a young boy who came into Carmela's Home last year. He first came up to me and looked at me repeating a phrase. When I asked a team member what at he was saying. They told me he's asking if you're his daddy? My thoughts... Yikes! As the year rolled on he had behavioral problems at school and home.

 

   Last trip he came to the airport to greet me. Again saying "daddy?" This time I took him in my arms and spoke to him as father, Saying don't hit kids, behave, in a soft dad kinda way. The girls told me his behavior had changed remarkably for the better. I saw what the voice of a father could do for a child. I also realized that I am not here, and there are no fathers to fill the role.  Yet! I felt that his unruly behavior would return.

 

   Tonight he sat across from me at dinner. The house mom told me he just received a merit certificate for his good grades at school. Amazing? You bet! When I asked him really? He sheepishly nodded. I told him I'm proud of you! He smiled back....

 

   So what's the answer? For the time being we continue to train. Train up young men to be fathers. At then end of the week we will be meeting with church leaders. Talking about Willow Creek's leadership summit. My hope and vision is to wake up the church (dare I put that in writing?) To train the men to be father's to the fatherless. After writing my last journal I was reminded what we felt called to Vietnam to do. To bring a fathers love to a fatherless nation. The Father's Love! I guess after 14 years were still on the right road!