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We first meet Huong at our Hai Chau home in Danang. She came to us when she was in 3rd grade. She was always a joy, smiled and was sorta shy but still stepped up and quickly became attached to long time friend and GIBTK cheerleader Karla Desimone.
Karla became her second mom. In fact in many ways mentored her as her own daughter. We watched her grow up excelling in school till she moved to the Lighthouse, our college girls home. As she neared graduation she shared with Karla her real dream is to work at GIBTK but was to scared to tell "Mr. Robert". Karla insisted she tell "Mr. Robert"
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| Karla, Huongs 2nd mom, willing to invest in a childs life, what a reward!!! |
Houng began as an intern, then worked the front desk. Today Huong is the house manager of Hai Chau , the home she grew up in!!!
This fine young lady, and I do not use the term loosely is still excelling, Still learning as much as she can. Always taking notes when guests or I come to share life skills. Her love for gibtk and the kids she works with is without limit. This thing called Giving it Back to Kids is working!!!! YEAH GOD!!! And Yeah to friends like Karla who took the time to mentor!
Here is a note she wrote to me, and all of you!
"Dear Mr. Robert!
Firstly, I would like to send wishes of both health and happiness to GIBTK family and my donor!
I was one of the kids who was helped by GIBTKs in many ways and I have been working for Giving It Back To Kids organization over 1 year. I dreamed of a job that could bring me opportunities to help disadvantaged children.
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| Huong with another grad, Lieu |
I am so happy when my dream became true because after finishing my study at Duy Tan University. I worked for GIBTK organization as administrator and now I am in charge of Hai Chau home as the house manager where I used to be brought up. I have never forgotten the period time when I lived at Hai Chau home where we were interested in and took care of each other like sisters and we lived in a friendly and harmonious environment.
Especially Mr. Robert who has generous heart toward children of Viet Nam. Who gave me the unconditional love of a father. I will always keep it in the bottom of my heart and treasure it like a sacred gift, a priceless love.
To be honest, I feel special when I was put in charge of Hai Chau home as the home manager. My job description is to help transform other's lives.
It touches my heart whenever I think of Hai Chau as well as think of your generous heart that inspires me a lots and I have told myself that I must do the same things you have been doing for the unlucky children. It make me happy, excited, full of energy. I think of the new ways, new lessons from you and GIBTKs staff to become a good house manager to help the kids and apply in my job. My enthusiasm urged me to come back to my second home to help the kids to do the right things and open successful doors in the future just the way you did.
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| Huong's first official position,receptionist at GIBTK office |
My life has been transformed by GIBTKs organization. I am now reaching my dream and Hai Chau kid's lives are being transformed every day. My happiness is manifold when I see the children growing up in this way. I see this nation is changing through small things with what I am doing. You are light mirrors who lighten up and encourage kids to live better and firmly step in our life.
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| Now overseeing the home she grew up in!!! How cool is that? |
I feel proud of myself when I can contribute myself into the mission of GIBTK which has a common goal. You have raised me up, confidence therefore I must do it with the kids like the way you have done for me. Thanks to him, I recognized that I survived after my difficult situation and exist until now. I can see the beautiful day of the kids through you. I feel lucky, enthusiastic when I'm working in this meaningful job and become a part of GIBTKs family.
Thank you is not enough to say to you and GIBTK but I think my transformed life is the thank you to all of you. There are still so many things I want to say to you, but I suppose there's no words that can describe my feeling right now. I just think it's not only my job but also my passion. I also know that it's not easy for me to do as house manager but I think I was born to do this job. Thank you for transforming my life.
Finally, I send big thanks to you, my donor and GIBTK family again. Best wishes for you and good luck in your life.
Love
Huong"
It's working!!!!! Training up a new generation in Vietnam. Helping them to be all they can be!"
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