As of this writing there is 14 confirmed cases in a population of over 90 million... Yes I'm being careful, washing my hands way to much. But Vietnam is taking all care possible to avoid a massive breakout of the virus. Which in itself has created a host of problems. I read yesterday that Vietnam expects to lose up to 7.2 Billion tourist dollars in the next 3 months!
The other tragedy is the hotels are empty. The hotel we often stay at is 35% occupancy. I'm told there is many hotels that have only single occupants. This is the high season for tourism. 70% of tourism is from China and entry is not allowed by Chinese or anyone who has visited China in past few weeks. This of course has made hotels which is a huge part of economy in Danang to cut staffing in order to save growing losses. So many are out of work. The restaurants are all empty. Even the traffic in Danang is very light.
One thing that none are speaking of is the schools have been closed for the past 2 weeks! I can't help wondering what this will do to a already questionable education system. What I see is this is a time to step up and do whatever gibtk can do. Plans to open a third Dorotheas Project Legacy soon, helping the poorest to have good tutoring so as to do well in school.
The high point, the thing that filled "my emotional tank" was visiting our homes. We brought some ice cream for the kids. Which of course is a treat for all. What I received was way more then ice cream. I got hugs and more hugs.
I watched as the kids interacted with each other. Truly as family. I spent valuable time with Kha. I saw him sitting on the stairs, watching the other kids. Kha has been with us for 16 years. It brought great joy to my heart. He speaks very good English. He told me about his plans to work in a resort. He has already interned in several 5 star resorts and will be graduating next year.
We talked about the kids. He shared how he has tried to talk with a couple of kids that we are having some "issues" with. He said he told them living with gibtk we get a nice place to live, medical care (he was ill few weeks ago and spent a days in the hospital.) We get the best opportunity for a solid education. And most importantly we are loved! I got to ask, Does it get any better? We are the only family Kha has.
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| 2 past heart surgery recipients now living in our University homes attending school! |
To see two of our past heart surgery recipients living in our college homes. Loving life and yes alive! Both are doing great in college and have not only hope for a bright future but have dreams for their lives.
Its working! Thanks to so many that have come alongside gibtk, with prayer, funding and encouragement . Together we are transforming lives. Our university program has had 108 who have graduated with 88 attending! With 90% working in the field they studied.
Please know I so appreciate each of you. Please if you ever want to learn more or have any questions please reach out to me.
><((((º> BBlessed
www.gibtk.org
Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
