Danang... I know I have often spoke of how much it means to come "home". How surprised I am when greeted by kids. I wish I had not written those words before. The reason? So they would have more meaning today....
Honestly, if I may be so bold as to speak this way. I was a bit apprehensive about coming to Danang. It is the first time I returned since the passing of my wife. I knew there would be memories, tears and moments I wish I had not to endure.
Well guess what. As we arrived the kids came as always for hugs. But this time it was not like I was hugging them. No this time they loved on me. Hugging me, loving on us with the unconditional love that was, yes given to them through the years. But this time the hugs from the kids and team not only did they make us feel loved but also gave healing.
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| In front of their "home" soon to be replaced |
Our first day we drove out to the countryside to visit a family needing a home. (A massive understatement) The need was obvious but what struck was this family had built a corral for a cow. Last January we had funds for 3 cows. This family was one, which was interviewed, but unfortunately did not make the "cut". Nonetheless they built this corral knowing that one day they will have a cow.
Try as I may I worked to avoid giving a cow to them. After all wasn't a house enough? But it kept nagging me. Tom Pfleger's spoke up and said "split it with you..." OKAY, all excuses gone we told them, even more tears from both mom and dad.
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| Ali Pfleger with happy family getting a home |
But it did not end there, Tom began talking with the father. I knew there were problems with his health. I knew he had heart disease. BUT GIBTK only helps kids right? In my spirit I was quickly reminded of a past time. Where I sensed God "whispering" to me "so you will take care of the kids when they become orphans, but you wont help prevent them from losing their parent?
I knew where Tom's conversation would lead and yes I sensed it was God saying "be my hands and feet. Help where you can. Stop placing borders on how God is to work and where". I don't know about you guys but that is convicting to me... As I step back and see how often I place our God into a box of my making...Which of course is way to small!
Next we visited a family, which the Pfleger family first built a home for them 5 years ago. The next year, helped with some medical issues. When we came they remembered us and were waiting.
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| Revisiting family, |
There we photos of the Pfleger's in a place of honor right next to families wedding photos. It was a time of genuine reunion. Laughter and hugs all around. Some small gifts were given. But the remarkable is what I observed, genuine caring and relationship.
Tom even mentioned how strange it was that though there was several inquires about if roof has leaks, or does the young daughter have bike. But the answer the family gave is no need. We're ok. They were genuinely happy to see them and not for what they could get but just to share some time with them. Go figure huh. A simple thing called relationship being important enough.
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| Renamed "Dorothea Kalatschan Cafe" |
This last part broke me... I have had tears in my eyes since I began to type. Knowing I would come to this part. Many of you have heard me share about the "coffee lady"
How we built a home for her, and gave her a coffee machine and sugar cane machine. She parlayed into a significant coffee shop, which grew into a convenience store with a large inventory.
Recently she enlarged by adding a patio area. She renamed her store to "Dorothea Kalatschan Café!" Okay so this breaks me up. This is the stuff I was afraid to face and feel. Every home we have entered there is a large photo of my late bride. Her impact is felt everywhere. Though I was the big voice she was the foundation of this thing called GIBTK! After all, if not for her it would have never been, but that's a story for another time.
One thing I know is this thing Dorothea began will continue. In so many ways my gifted artist wife began an "unfinished masterpiece" and the work will continue! At every turn her brushstrokes are to be seen.
BBLessed
Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
