The ladies are having an incredible time. Today a short but poignant note from Kathie Mitchie and an incredible word from long time friend Marina Vario;
"Do or being?" by Kathie Mitchie
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| Hearts survey case Kathie is going to fund, Girl admitted though happy to hear news of funding was scared!!! |
This week is filled with Precious moments in time that can never be forgotten!! Hugs, love and stories shared, special glimmers of Gods gifts in the small and then there's that trust factor! Could it be that special? I am indeed blessed!!
The joy of Seeing the kids and heart patients overwhelms my soul. Dear God, what is it and how can I do more. Notice the 'do' word? It's really an act of 'being' more. Being with and fully present is the gift!
Kathie
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| Just 2 days later, successful surgery! And relieved mom and dad!!! WOW evidence of a living God? I think so!!! |
Marina's experience
From the country of Cambodia to the city of Da Nang; so very different, yet the same. The same hunger for love and affection... some asking me over and over, "What's my name?" so I would remember them!
Evident was the same beautiful smiles and searching look in their eyes! It was different though, because Cambodia is not as developed and has a small town atmosphere, while Da Nang is a thriving city, beautiful in so many ways.
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| Now 5 and healthy after successful heart surgery |
Two very special meetings were arranged for me here in Da Nang at the offices of GIBTK! First I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with a heart surgery recipient that my husband, John and I sponsored a few years ago. Hein is a beautiful, thriving little girl who is now 5 years old. She and her mother drove in by motor bike for many miles to be with us and let us see how well Hein is doing, and to share their gratitude! They were such an encouragement for the new families being interviewed for heart surgeries.
Next was my face to face meeting with Lam. She was one of the 1st Father's House expectant moms seven years ago! John and I had the the privilege to sponsor Lam and her baby! She and the baby's father got married and John and I were able to help finance their wedding. They now have 2 children, 7 and 2 years old. John and I have had the opportunity to also help her start her own business.
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| Lam and Marina |
Although she gets motion sickness, Lam traveled 5 hours by bus to see us, meet with me and have a reunion party with other girls from The Father's House.
She told me, through an interpreter , wiping away her tears, that she does not know what her life would be like without, GIBTK, The Father's House, and John & I sponsoring her. This was so touching and emotional!
Thank you Giving it Back to Kids for arranging these two very sweet and heart wrenching meetings for me.
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| "Whats my name? Please don't forget me!" |
I would be remiss if I didn't share with you about Marlene's and Vera's homes in Cambodia. The sweet, precious girls living there, have literally been saved from human trafficking. They live in modest, but clean homes next door to each other. The girls greeted us with unconditional love and beautifully choreographed dancing and singing, led by one of the older girls, Lekana. These girls sang and danced to modern Christian music. Seeing how much they love Jesus with every fiber of their being, brought me to tears! When we had to leave a few days later, it was bitter sweet. There were lots of tears on both sides!
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| Cambodian girls loving and funning with Marina! I don't think any will forget them! |
Each home we have visited, funded by GIBTK, has greeted us with an unconditional love, with extra special greetings for our fearless leader, Dorothea the brave, they all knew she had been sick. There were many tears to see her face to face, from kids, house moms and GIBTK staff.
This is my 1st time in Asia, even though I am very good friends with Robert and Dorothea. I have worked with GIBTK since its inception, twelve years ago. I've let my phobias and fears (motion sickness, etc.) keep me from coming here, until God tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Marina, it's time!" Please don't let your fears stop you from seeing 1st hand what GIBTK is doing over here in Asia! It is LIFECHANGING!
For me, all in all it has been a life changing experience, with more to come!
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" Phil. 4:13
Next stop.....Ho Chi Minh City!
My love to you all,
Marina
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If you feel a heart tug and are willing to allow Father God to "mark" your life come! Come and see, come and be with our kids in SE Asia. I have trips this summer for families, teens, and young adults. There may be a "special" trip as early as this May! And of course Sept all this year. If Marina came you all can come. Stop the fears and reasons!!!
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Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
