May I begin by saying Seasons Greetings

May I begin by saying Season’s Greetings…

To be honest I’m not really sure how to begin this year’s year-end letter. It has been yet another challenging year for us, and truth be told, maybe more challenging for many of you. Giving it Back to Kids honestly is doing well. I recently learned about some fascinating facts about eagles. Eagles are unique in many ways, but one aspect about them that really caught my interest was that when a storm comes, they fly directly into it! The winds then catch them, and they soar safely up above the storm

(Moms and babies at The Father's House)

We as an organization have done much the same in many ways. We have continued doing what we could, although we met challenges along the way due to the pandemic. Much of Vietnam was locked down, for 2 months. Those living in the lockdown areas were unable to leave their homes. If seen on the streets they would be fined $350 USD, which is an unattainable figure for many families without jobs due to the virus. Food and necessities were ordered online and delivered by the military.

(One of our past heart patients received food relief during the lockdown)

A word which has become more common in these times is “pivot.” So, GIBTK pivoted and soared above the pandemic storm. We began to see that due to closures of most places to work, many families were unable to afford basic needs like food. In both Vietnam and Cambodia, GIBTK reached out and provided much needed care packages to over 183 impoverished families and 200 men in a drug rehab program! Our homes in Cambodia and Vietnam have held strong, as has our amazing team! 

(One of the moms in our A Mother's Love program received relief during lockdown)

Though challenging as it was, they pivoted and as a result, they were able to accomplish much in 2021! Accomplishments included providing 197 lifesaving heart surgeries, distributing the gift of mobility with 6,176 wheelchairs, providing 212 water filters giving families clean water, and distributing 351 shiny new bikes to children in rural areas! We also saw many of our college students graduate from their universities and secure jobs in their area of study, new babies were born in our home for unwed mothers, and we continued our work of transforming the lives of the children in our homes. Truly, GIBTK is blessed to have the team we do!

(One of our past heart recipients)

None of us are sure how much longer this season of life will continue, but I do know that much like the eagle, we as Giving it Back to Kids will fly into the storms of life and glide above them, meeting many of these new needs. One thing for sure that I want to emphasize is that if you who are taking a moment to read this letter, might I remind you that YOU ARE GIBTK! Whether you send a word of encouragement, take time to pray for our work, write a letter to a child through our Friendship Program, or are able to partner through a financial gift, YOU ARE ALL GIBTK!!!

We also launched a YouTube channel which highlights our individual programs. Please check it out by going to YouTube and searching for Giving it Back to Kids. Our team has assembled some great short videos! 

Please feel free to reach out to me personally with any questions or comments. My cell number is 714-423-3515. Email is best robert@givingitbacktokids.org.

Once again, let me end by saying “Season’s Greetings and may this coming year bring you new blessings!

Robert Kalatschan

Giving it Back to Kids

www.gibtk.org

robert@gibtk.org