I have personally been involved in giving the gift of mobility to thousands over the years. Thanks to Don Schoendorfer and the Free wheelchair Mission team GIBTK has given away over 120,000 wheelchairs. With all those chairs the need is still so great. Every distribution I meet many who have been home bound for years. Many who after years waiting are just now getting a wheelchair for the first time.
Today is a story written by my daughter Kristina and meeting one of these recipients. It is followed by a recollection of her first few days in Vietnam. Written by 14 year old Zoey.
Please enjoy;
Tears swelled in my eyes, as my heart made soft beats of sadness. This moment in time, this was why I was here. In front of me sat a man, 22 years old of age by the name of Sanh. Living with CP for his whole life, and having just receiving his first wheelchair after waiting 2 years.
Sanh used a crutch his entire life to get around his house, and can now use his wheelchair to move freely wherever he wishes to go. I approached this man with a smile and introduced myself. Asked him how he was and found out he could not speak. This pushed me over the edge; that a 22-year-old man was not able to communicate with the world his needs, his emotions, and especially his dreams.
I soon learned that he could recognize his parents faces and voices and nod yes or no. He started to do it with my translator and I. But he did not respond until we asked him if he was excited about his wheelchair. A big smile spread across his face and he moved his head with a big nod yes.
As I was sitting next to him hearing his story, I started to think "What if this was my brother?" I would constantly be worried about his health, emotionally and physically. It was horrifying to think about and a spot I would never want to be in. And that surely brought tears to my eyes.
Sanh had such a kind and loud spirit of presence, despite his inability to talk. He spoke more to me than words ever could have. Am I am forever grateful to have been able to have met him. I said goodbye to him, and shook his hand. The interview was over, but I will never forget the things he taught me.
 |
| Kristina at Go Vap, it is same place we first met her when she was only 11 months |
Kristina Kalatschan
My first days in Vietnam were surreal. With the amount of happenings around us, there was never a dull moment to be found. Being in a new environment (and might I say a less fortunate one) has really opened my eyes and brought me a new perspective on my own life.
I may not be the most blessed person to walk the earth, but the hand of cards I've been given aren't nearly as bad as they could have been. I've come to realize that I've been granted a truly beautiful life.
Our first full day here was the day we went to Go Vap. Hearing that the majority of those kids will never know the permanence of a family broke my heart, but it was nice to know that our group could show them the love of a family, at least for a few hours. Their little smiles are something I'll always hold near and dear to my heart.
Day two we flew to Da Nang. Our group was welcomed with open arms by the kids and staff from the Hai Chau home, and later we stopped by their home to hang out for a while. It amazes me the amount of joy these kids possess, despite the circumstances.
Yesterday we distributed water filters to the people of the countryside, and I never imagined that something as simple as that could make such a huge impact in their lives. These people told their stories in such a way that I couldn't help but thank God for what I already have. I'm fortunate enough to never have to do things such as journey down to the river in order to get drinking water.
This trip has already expanded my world views a ton, and I hope it continues to do so. I feel so so incredibly blessed with this opportunity I've been given.
Zoey, 14 year old, Huntington Beach, Calif.
|
|
|
