Are we REALLY making a difference? (written by Camella Binkley)
I truly have lost count of how many trips I have made with GIBTK, but there have been many. Each trip impactful and heart stirring. I haven't often shared this but my first trip to Vietnam came at a time in my life when I was on a journey of grief after losing my mother very unexpectedly to a tragic accident.
That first trip was life changing for me. Confirmed in my heart that there were children who needed me and I could make a difference in their lives.
Yet with each subsequent trip there are more needs to see - children whose bodies are broken and need life saving heart surgeries; children who have been abandoned and need a home; children who must be rescued.
 |
| A difference was made for this family, a heart surgery is in the near future for this young man, Thanks Camella and Bruce |
It is sometimes overwhelming when you see so many needs. And maybe you, like me, have wondered "with so many needs, are we REALLY making a difference?"
On this trip I received an answer - through the life of one young lady named Ana.
Ana's widowed mother came to GIBTK in 2006 after seeking help from many organizations and being told no. She pled for help for her only daughter who needed a life saving heart surgery. GIBTK heard her pleas and though the surgery was more risky than others because of Ana's current condition, Ana was matched with a financial donor.
My husband Bruce and I had the great privilege of investing into Ana's life eight years ago.
 |
| 8 years after her heart surgery, speaking GREAT English and a good job! Yes thats a life transformed |
Her surgery in 2006 was successful and it has been incredible joy to follow her life. On this trip Ana met our group of ladies in Hoi An for dinner. She greeted all of us bearing gifts of flowers. We laughed over dinner as she shared about her job in a boutique hotel in Hoi An, her French lessons and her desire for a boyfriend.
Now a beautiful, intelligent, compassionate and grateful 27 year old young lady - Ana's life answers the question beyond a shadow of a doubt - YES! We REALLY are making a difference!
Here is another note from Tam our SE Asia director;
8 working years! Wow! It is not so long to a person's career but it is long enough to be proud of what GIBTK has been doing in Viet Nam. It is my joy to see the growth of GIBTK over my working time here. Seeing kids growing up every day gives me energy to do my job. I realize that the more I am with GIBTK, the more passionate I am about helping the children. I understand that these children keep me from quitting when I face challenges. One day I flew back from Cambodia, I was so tired because three nights without sleep knocked me down. But when I got out of the arrival terminal, hugging kids unconditionally made my tiredness go away. The connection with kids makes my heart warm and fulfilled.
In the recent days, I had chance to visit kids at our different homes. I am so proud of my team when seeing kids act and behave in a good manner that we expect. They did a great job in bringing our homes to where it is today. Deeply in my heart I know that our children will have great future and be nation changers. Looking at our children, I thought of my past life. I am so thankful to God for bringing me from nowhere to where I am today. Only God can make it happen!!! I am living in my dream of making difference in people's lives. I was taught that people do not care how much you know till they know how much you care. Being interested instead of being interesting makes a real impact in someone's life. Let share with your friend about this so that together we will make this world a better place.
Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
