Today's note is from Honey Pfleger. I have much to learn from people like the Pfleger's. Though I often talk about staying in touch with past recipients, and we do well. But as I walked with them I realized that too often we don't go back to visit families who we built homes for.
I truly believe that the different programs we do are only a entry point into people's lives. This day I saw this in action. First the Chin family received much needed upgrade to their home and maybe more importantly was our conversation with the oldest daughter. She does well in school and we encouraged her and promised there would be funds to attend University when time came.
Too often kids from families that barely have enough to survive dare not even dream of the possibility that they can attend a University do to the poverty of their families. I will be sure we our GIBTK TEAM stays in touch and helps her to dream.
The second home was a wonderful case to help. And what got me "pumped" was learning the oldest girl is attending University to become a doctor. She borrowed money to attend school, and rents a room in Danang. She's a perfect fit for the Dick & Ann Moore tuition program and not need to bear the burden of pay back school funds and mom does not have to scrape up funds for a room. Her focus can be on getting a good education and contributing back not only to the community but break the cycle of poverty her family has lived in for generations.
Yay Pfleger's for being relational and for revealing blind spots in our work.
Here's Honey note! As always if led please drop a note of encouragement and I will pass it on.
Pure Joy - Hugs- Tears
Our family has not been back to Vietnam all together with GIBTK for 3 years.
Vietnam holds a deep place in our families heart. We have made many friends here, watched our sponsored children grow up and succeed, despite the challenges these young lives have overcome.
Our trips always starts with lots of HUGS laughs and smiles. Did you know that the number of hugs a person craves per day is 13 and it takes 20 seconds for a hug to have a healing response. :)
Today the GIBTK team & our family headed to the Danang countryside to visit the Chin family. We met the Chin family 8 years ago when we had the honor of building them a compassion home. We have built a sweet relationship with this family and visit them whenever we are here in Vietnam. Our family portrait with both families hangs proudly on the wall of their new home. No words are necessary between us, it's in the eyes, the hugs, and the tears each time we meet. As parents we know the depth you will go to provide shelter, food and clothes for your children. They are healthy now, happy and thriving. They have hope!
Today we also had the opportunity to interview a single mom with 2 children, living in a stick shack on a flood plain. During the rainy season they have to scramble to a makeshift platform as the flooding consumes their small shelter. We were met by many of her neighbors who quickly ushered us to the right home. Their desire for her to have a better life for her family, moved me to tears as many of them are struggling also. It reminded me of Mathew 12:31 in action, "Love thy neighbor as yourself".
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| Ali with Chins Daughter, promise of tuition when time comes | ||
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| Note school achievement on "wall," She will be joining our University home soon!!! | ||
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| Imagine how this father-less home is like during the torrential rains that come regularly | ||
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