Why I do what I do

Greetings from Vietnam!!! And Hope and pray for a different and better New Year. I think it was challenging for many for others very rough. 

  The primary purpose of this trip is to visit our govt partners, the many church partners as well as spending time with our kids. Tet (Lunar New Year) is a VERY special time. For westerners imagine, Christmas, New Years, 4th of July and your birthday all rolled into one! 

One thing I am looking forward to is our Tet store but more this in future journal. As GIBTK has continued to mature and yes grow, my positions have shifted in some ways. It seems more and more it is about meetings, training and less for me to actually spend time with kids in our homes. Or go out to countryside for our various projects. 

Honestly, I’m not a meeting kinda guy. And staying honest it is wearing. Our first stop was Go Vap orphanage, were we first met my daughter Kristina in 2001! It is where God touched my heart! There’s tears forming in my eyes. 

  We have continued giving support for a physical therapist through the year. Most of the kids here are disabled. Purpose of this visit was to thank the leadership there and bring a basket of goodies. 

As we walked towards the meeting room, I saw the staircase that led to the room where I first met my sweet Daughter. Maybe it’s not so much as I saw but rather felt the memories. It stopped me in my tracks. Tam said Robert meeting over here. I answered her, I need a minute….. 

The meeting went well, as usual niceties. When leaving I asked is it ok if I go upstairs and see the kids. When I walked into the room, I was slapped upside the head realizing this is why I do what do! It’s all about the kids! Every kid deserves a chance. The flood of memories of the weeks spent here during the adoption came flooding back.

Getting a giggle for an infant… one young baby the doctor asked if we can help with funding for surgery. (I wish you can see the emotions I’m fighting back) The baby was born without a rectum. Cost is $600. You bet was my answer. But later on, we found out that it was funded.

Next we visited our partner, Vina-Capital. Discussed having a party of past heart operations come together this summer. A Time of jubilation!!! 

Our last stop was a church partner. They are awesome and help distribute water filters and wheelchairs and translator our leadership training materials for GLS. A good friend for sure. And guess what? 

In his home he has 36 Hmong minority kids staying there. Learning music and going to school. Learning to expand their dreams. I got to share a bit of my story with them and encourage them to dream, DREAM BIG!!! 

Yes, this is why I get to do what I do! 

Yes my position has changed a bit, more leadership stuff, but it is all worth it! We are transforming kids lives. I say all this but need you to know it can’t be done without your support, words of encouragement, and prayers!

Happy New Year!!! may it be filled  with positive breakthroughs!

"We highly appreciate you and thank you for transforming lives"

Sincerely,

Robert Kalatschan

Giving it Back to Kids

www.gibtk.org

robert@gibtk.org