Dream Came True

Dream Came True
Today’s journal was written by Ngoc Pham - a teacher of life skill and emotional health program in Viet Nam. She is so incredible and GIBTK is blessed to have her in team. 
 
My heart is overflowing with emotion as I look at a photo of myself and my colleagues at the GIBTK organization. Wow, I have made it to my destination! Throwback, I often remember how difficult it had been to get to where I am now.
 
(Ngoc and other teammates in Life Skill and Emotional Health Program)
 
Born in a poor family in Binh Lam commune, Hiep Duc district, Quang Nam province, I experienced a lot of pain and miseries by everyone in my village. Things became tougher when I was just 7 months old because my mom died. My older sister and I had to move in with my father and my stepmother. My childhood was not as carefree as my peers.
 
(Ngoc when she first came in Lighthouse)
 
My stepmother had a large family, so my stepbrothers and stepsisters faced difficulties in life, too. I went to school in the morning, and in the afternoon, I stayed at home to help with cooking, feeding the pigs, herding buffaloes, farming, and so on. Despite the difficulties, I felt secured since I had my father protect me. But liver cancer took my beloved father away from me, when I was 12. I felt absolutely powerless and gave up on life. But, as time went on, we continued to live and study with the love and care of my stepmother and brothers and sisters. Because our circumstance was so terrible, I dropped out of school several times. However, I had a tremendous desire to continue my study, so I went to the highlands in the summer to peel the bark of acacia trees to earn money to buy school supplies. Then, just as things were beginning to improve, my older sister died of an illness while I was in 12th grade. I was devastated since the last of my beloved family passed away.
 
(Ngoc with her students at a public school)
 
Just as I was about to give up, the hands of my brothers and sisters, friends, teachers, and especially GIBTK, grabbed me and pulled me up. I was able to live at Lighthouse and continue to study at the university in a profession that I am passionate about. I never felt more fulfilled in my life than while I was there. Being at Lighthouse, I could enjoy good meals, be taken care of when I was sick, get nice clothes, attend school, and receive other help.  
 
(Ngoc graduated university)
 
Not only a place to enjoy good food and dress well, but also learned many necessary skills. We learned emotional health, leadership, and English. All of those experiences have been really beneficial in my present job position. I will never forget the sense of a big family where I feel loved by housemothers, brothers and sisters in the houses, and even the GIBTK’s staff. It was a beautiful time for me.
 
(Ngoc with her students at another public school)
 
The good fortune didn't stop there, I got the opportunity to work at GIBTK immediately after graduating. My work is to teach Life Skills and Emotional Health at Legacy 2 – a community project of GIBTK in Que Son district. This is very enjoyable work for me. It not only fulfills my passion but also allows me to do meaningful work for the society. I am currently married and extremely pleased with my little family. Looking back on my path, I am incredibly thankful to the GIBTK organization since I would not be where I am now without its assistance. Thank you for loving, assisting, and guiding me throughout the years. Also, thank you for helping me fulfill my dreams and allowing me to work at GIBTK to spread kindness to others. With much appreciation. 
 
Sincerely,
Ngoc Pham
 
Robert Kalatschan
Giving it Back to Kids

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