By Jessica Williams
As the story of my own life unfolds, I was gifted with the opportunity over the past two weeks to spend quality time with a well-orchestrated children's foundation in Vietnam named Giving it Back to Kids, and that is exactly what they do. From day one I was warmly welcomed into the homes set up by GIBTK, blessing these children with a safe environment to grow, shine, and dream. I felt a connection of love and trust from both the GIBTK staff and the kids themselves, as they shared their joy of being a part of one huge family helping and guiding and leading one another to a better place.
At the Father’s House, a GIBTK home for unwed mothers, I met a young 15-year-old new mother to be, heavily pregnant, restless, and nervous. She was surrounded by women, girls, young toddlers all supporting her fears in this new chapter in her life. While I sensed her fear in her silence, I also felt that she knew she was in the best place to navigate this new chapter in her life and most importantly, she was not alone. I relied on fellow new mothers and so I absolutely share the feelings I felt when entering this unit of strength in women.
I couldn’t even get through the front door as we entered Mary’s Home, a home of girls from 4-18 years of age. The girls huddled around me, and I felt like a younger version of myself there. No matter their age or history, what struck me was their smiles.
I was then driven to the Lighthouse, a home for college girls, Carmela’s House for younger boys, and Hal’s Home for college age boys. A series of neighboring buildings, each raising emotionally grounded and studious young scholars. These children are taught life skills as well as everyday academics. These young adults told me they’re studying to be doctors. I’m in awe of their confidence, discipline, and pride.
The following day I joined a bus loaded with staff and teen volunteers as we shared our English language skills enthusiastically on the ride. Their rare questions astounded me, and they all have a genuine love to learn more than their capacity, and they do so with natural engagement, educated manners, and curiosity. We stopped to deliver the gift of a wheelchair to an elderly couple living in a rural home.
Tin, a staff member of GIBTK exhibited his inspiring leadership skills as he steered us volunteers to assemble the vibrant blue wheelchairs. One of the chairs we assembled was given to a man who had not left his bed for 3 years! Listening to Tin’s instructions, the husband and wife looked on with rising joy in their eyes. My heart was with the woman of the house because the caregiver in a household is often forgotten about. I witnessed as the gentlemen was hoisted into the wheelchair and given the new freedom of being able to explore his own front yard, viewing chickens, flowers, and land beyond the front gate.
As a devoted mother and transformation guide, I feel so at home with GIBTK. We share the same values and vision to make a difference in the lives of those we meet. Everybody deserves to live a more balanced life of harmony, no matter their circumstances.
Gallery - Click Images
