Season's Greetings

Season's Greetings
MERRY Christmas to one and all. I hope you and all that’s yours are doing well. 
 
This has been a special year for us in that it marks our 20th year working in Vietnam and 10th year working in Cambodia. Simply stated, without you we would not be.
Let me be clear on a very important point, WE NEED YOU! Yes, donations are important, but just as important are all of the kind words and comments on social media, emails, and notes of encouragement.
 
We at GIBTK are relationship driven. I want to thank you for continuously growing relationships between GIBTK and each one of you. We would not be able to do what we do, without your partnership.
This pandemic has made it very difficult and challenging for all of us. As a result, at GIBTK we’ve worked to pivot, in order to take care of needs due to the pandemic. Through the years there have been many things that have happened, requiring us to pivot away from our normal programs and take care of the current needs. As Vietnam and Cambodia are quickly changing, so are their needs. We especially want to thank you for your support when these times arise, as GIBTK adapts to meet an ever-evolving world.
 
Rick Warren once said, “The greatest enemy of tomorrow’s success is yesterday successes”.
As leader I commit our team to finding new and more efficient ways to transform lives. We meet new needs as culture and times change. We find ways to motivate others to make a difference in the lives of so many families. Through the years we have come up with some new ideas of ways to do our work. Though a few of our new ideas may have seemed a bit crazy yet you trusted us to implement them. Our Leadership Classes and Emotional Health Classes have proved invaluable with our staff and our programs.  
 Our programs can only move forward at this level if we’re trusted and are dependent on collaboration!
 
Imagine a three-legged stool. The first leg is donors, the second leg is the GIBTK team, and the third leg is the government and our partners. If ANY one of those legs gives way or becomes weak the stool will tip over. The same with us we need you! We need all 3 legs! Yes, we need the supporters but without the collaboration of the government, our partners, friends and teammates we would not be able to do anything with any efficiency. 
  Noble peace prize winner, Mother Teresa, once said, “I alone can’t change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters and create many ripples.”
  Will you, our partners, and friends help us to continue throwing pebbles so we can make many ripples throughout SE Asia and meet the needs of a changing society and the changing world?
 
Another time mother Teresa said: “I can do what you cannot, and you can do what I cannot, but together we can do great things.”
Coming out of this pandemic, I am confident all of us will be even stronger together. As an organization we want to be part of the future of this wonderful nation and in SE Asia. We will continue to seek your help to prepare the youth for the future. Yes, in SE Asia, but also in our country, we are hoping to begin our youth trips this coming summer. I personally commit myself, as well as GIBTK, to working and partnering to prepare today’s youth and their families in this post pandemic world. 
I would be remiss if I did not recognize and thank the GIBTK team, from the bottom of my heart. Truly GIBTK would not be what it is today were it not for them. Together we are strong!
 
In preparation for our 20th anniversary, I stopped and looked at our accomplishments. It amazes me and without you it would not be!
We have posted some great videos on our YouTube channel highlighting our programs, but I also hope you’ll consider coming and seeing for yourself on one of our upcoming trips. Again, thank YOU for being GIBTK! 
 
If you shop Amazon and are not already supporting another organization. Would you consider logging onto Smile Amazon and choosing Giving it Back to Kids as your charity? Every little bit helps. And of course, donations can be done safely on our website, www.givingitbacktokids.org
 
"We highly appreciate you and thank you for transforming lives"
 
With thanks and be blessed!
 
Robert Kalatschan
Giving it Back to Kids

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