GIBTK- Relationship, by Karla Desimone 3-30-15

"Giving it Back to Kids - EQUALS - Relationships!" (Written by Karla DeSimone)

 "My Mom watches the show Wheel of Fortune.  The contestants buy vowels to assist them in their attempts to solve the word puzzle.  While I don't' want to buy a vowel, I sure would like to buy some more hours to add to my days while here in Viet Nam!  I have had the privilege to serve with Giving it Back to Kids now since 2002.  My first trip to Viet Nam was in 2007 with my husband, David, and two sons, Luke & Noah.  It was on that 2007 trip that I met many of the friends I will share with you today. 

   First let's meet Trung.  Trung is now 20.  I first met Trung at a wheelchair distribution.  Trung lights up the room with his smile.  When you look at Trung, you see kindness and love and compassion.  Trung needs yet another orthopedic surgery.  I got to talking to him last night and asked him how many surgeries he has had.  I thought 6.  First thing he told me was that he was not afraid of pain.  Trung said he is no stranger to pain and then he shared that he has not had 6 surgeries... but rather, he has had 16 surgeries. 

   I often say things, like "Wow" or "Unbelievable" "Amazing" or "No Way" and then the kids imitate me.  Last night I stayed silent.  16 surgeries thus far and Trung is only 20.  With yet another surgery most likely to come.  And yet, when we are talking, Trung is more concerned about me sitting down, or me being comfortable than himself.  Last night as we ate dinner together, I told him that I didn't eat too much meat.  Each time I would look down at my bowl, Trung put another tomato or cucumber slice in my bowl.  All the while, smiling like only Trung can smile!  

    I met Tien, also in 2007.  Tien is now a very accomplished make-up artist.  She has a good job, kind boss and lives in the shop where she works.   My friend, Linda Shaul of GIBTK, once told me what a gift Tien has with making paper flowers.  When Tien saw me she presented me with this amazing heart made up of hand-made paper flowers.  The flowers are even perfumed, so when I opened the box, perfume filled the air.  Many years ago, Tien went through some of those tough teenager times and some choices she made were maybe not the best. 

    On one of my trips, Robert arranged for Tien and I to talk.  I shared with her about Jesus and how Jesus forgives our past and we are a new person when we put our trust and faith in him alone.  I had an excellent translator and Tien accepted Jesus that day.  I was wearing one of my favorite crosses and asked Tien if I gave her my cross, would it help her to keep her eye on Jesus.  Both of us in tears, she nodded.  Now, so many years later, she was wearing that very cross.  I asked her if she remembered that day and she affirmed she remembered it well. 

    I met Huong in 2007.  Huong's and my relationship is that of daughter and Mom. In fact Huong calls me "Mom".  So long ago, it took what seemed like eternity for me to get a letter to Huong, get it translated and then to receive her reply.  That form of communication soon gave way to Gmail and Skype and our relationship deepened.   I have seen Huong grow up from a young girl at Hai Chau orphanage to the woman she is today.  Maybe many of you will remember Robert's recent post that featured Huong.  Huong graduated from Da Nang University and now works for Giving it Back to Kids.  6 months ago, Huong was given the responsibility to be the House Manager for Hai Chau, the very home she lived in since 3rd grade. 

    Talk about coming full circle.  I see this bright, equipped young woman she has turned into and I am so grateful for the relationships we get to build through GIBTK.  This trip, I asked Huong if I could meet her boyfriend, Nam, and her Mom, Dad and brother. They welcomed me with open arms.  Her dad kept shaking my hand and telling me thank you.  Her Mom, eyes filled with warmth and gratitude, told me thank you for loving her daughter, which has given her the life she has today.  Tonight, Nam, Huong and I are going to dinner together.   

Trang is now 16 and a member of Hai Chau.  Tuesday, I asked if I could spend the whole day with Huong, watching her work at Hai Chau.  I never get to talk to the kid's one on one, so my goal was to speak with all 16 of the Hai Chau kids with Huong interpreting for me.  It was incredible to learn the hearts of these kids.  Trang, now speaks English.  While she tried to speak Vietnamese and have Huong interpret, Huong encouraged her to speak English to me.  Trang's English was perfect!  Before it was time for the next child to come and talk to me, Trang told me she had something to show me.  It was a photo I had sent her from one of my earlier visits.  She kept it all these years.  The power of relationship.  Of course we ended the night with a big pizza party and Kathie treated all the kids to ice cream!

     I have met many new friends this trip too.  First day we were here I met the 20 men from Hal's Home.  I was captivated by these young men studying at the University.  Having two sons of my own, I felt a kinship to them immediately.  Thankfully, I was able to wiggle some room in the schedule so that I could come back to have dinner with Hal's Home last night.  Camella bought pizza for the boys. I could barely wait to tell Camella at breakfast this morning that the pizza was just an "appetizer" for these young men!  Man, they can eat! The house mother and two other young men prepared a feast for the mail course!  Afterwards we gathered together to share about leadership and business experiences.  These are brilliant, caring and fine young men. 

     I will close my journal with a post on Mr. Giao.  Mr. Giao has faithfully served GIBTK for 13 years.  He is not only our accomplished van driver but also a good friend.  Last night after we left Hal's Home, Mr. Giao drove me over to see his wife and son at their toy store.  Of course we all had to pose for selfie. I thanked Mr. Giao' s wife for putting up with the long hours Mr. Giao works when our teams come in with GIBTK.  Mr. Giao's daughter is studying Economics at the University and his son, loves books.  

I cherish the relationships that I get to make while serving with GIBTK.  My life is full and blessed."

Karla DeSimone