May I introduce one of our newer team members. Miss Phineath, she oversees our homes in Battambang, Cambodia. She is 23, I share her age only because in many of these photos she looks younger then kids in our homes. Truly a sweet and quite spirit. Enjoy!!!
Many times that I read my email from Robert and Tam about my trip to Danang. I could not find the right word to express my feeling at that time. For other people who have been travelling for so many times will feel like it just a normal thing which happens in life. But for me, who has been spending my life in a cage of obedience and never get out to see how the world outside looks like, it was mixed of exciting, fearing and worrying.
It seemed like I had two minds which were fighting each other. One wanted to go and learn more knowledge and experiences from people in other countries. Another which did not want to go because being afraid of being alone and unsafe. But, I realized that opportunity is not always in our hands.
Finally, I stepped my foot outside the airport with Tam and the ladies group.
While I was in the airplane, I started thinking about how I could communicate with people in Viet Nam and what should I say when meeting GIBTK staff. I was worry about how should I behave with people there. I thought a lot even at that time I was sick in the airplane. I did not even notice that the plane was landing in Danang city.
I could not see my facial expression at that day, but I can tell that I felt nervous more than excited. The weather in Danang was very cool for me. It was 25 degree while in Cambodia is about 38 degree. Everyone walked out of the airport with their smile.
The voice of the kids and GIBTK staff that was waiting for us for hours made the airport looked more alive and full of smile. I was about to cry of all the friendliness and kindness of GIBTK staff to me.
My fear disappeared because of Dragon bridge and Pho (Vietnamese noodle). I was told that I was very lucky because that day is Saturday and Dragon Bridge only spread the fire and water on Saturday and Sunday.
My impression of GIBTK
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| Phineath with girls from Lighthouse and Kathie and Nhung. |
Day by day, I have learned a lot from what GIBTK have done for other people. I spent time in all the houses of GIBTK like Light house, Hai Chau home, Camela home, Hal's home, Father's house and Marry house. Also I learned about many programs of GIBTK like Heart program, Eye program, Wheelchair program, Compassion house, Scholarship program, and Orthopedic program.
The one who has healthy body in good family circumstance may not know that there are so many people who have been struggling and suffering with many problems in their lives. Those people need help and encouragement from the other to continue their lives and their dreams. Some people dream to become millionaire, pop star or travel around the world while some people dream only having home to live and food to fulfill their stomach.
While looking at the board that was full of photos of GIBTK's Humanitarian Activities, I was impressed by what Robert told. There was one girl who could not walk because of orthopedic legs. Her dream was only having ability to walk like the other people. GIBTK fulfilled the dream that this girl used to think that it was impossible. I was taught to believe that 'In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities!!!'.
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| a mom waiting and hoping her child's heart surgery will be funded |
I also attended the Heart meeting in GIBTK's office. There were so many heart patients who came to find help. They all hoped that GIBTK will support their surgery cost. Even some people still hesitated whether GIBTK help them or not. However, GIBTK opened welcoming, greeting with understanding their condition. GIBTK let the old patients who succeeded in their surgeries tell everyone about how better their health and their lives now. My impression is GIBTK accepted all the expenses of surgeries.
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| Thao interviewing a mom seeking funds for a heart surgery |
Moreover, I spent time with all the ladies visiting all the homes of GIBTK one by one. I learned a lot from heart touching stories that all the ladies and GIBTK family shared.
When I joined the ladies and GIBTK staff to Hal's home, I saw hope, happiness and grateful in every bodies' eyes. The boy gave Dorothea two paintings. While looking at those paintings and listening the poem from them, made me cried. I was not the one who received those meaningful paintings, but thinking about I am one of GIBTK staff made me proud of myself. I started thinking about my 26 girls in Cambodia. I wanted to do something more for them like more love, more care, and sharing these meaningful stories and lessons to them.
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| Hai Chau girls (under 16) and Phineath (23 years young and in blue) . |
GIBTK made me realized about what is the difference between Orphanage and Home and what is the difference between other organizations and GIBTK organization.
The mission of GIBTK is transforming lives through medical care, education, nutrition and love. It sounds like what the other organization did. But the difference is GIBTK made the kids realized that they have home to live in better condition than the orphanage. They are the parts of GIBTK family!!!
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| Danang house mom welcoming Phineath to GIBTK family!!! |
Beside this point, I was sick during my trip. But it could not make me feel bad. With all the kindness and caring of all the staff to me made me felt like I stayed with my own family.
I could not find any word to express my feeling about Danang Trip and GIBTK. I just want to say thank you to GIBTK who gave me opportunity to work and learn about what charity mean. Without pushing other down and build themselves up, we help each other grow up together. Rather than using the word 'I' we use the word 'we'.
Thank you GIBTK for helping me realizes myself. Thank you everyone in Danang for the love that is easy to approach.
I will bring all the knowledge that I got from here to apply in Marlene and Vera home.
Sincerely;
Phineath
