Firsts.....
Kylie Antonopoluous , 18
Coming into this trip, I had a lot of firsts. This would be my first mission's trip, my first time to Vietnam, going out of country, and traveling without my parents.
It was a struggle to get here. My dad said "no way" the first, maybe 5 times I asked him. I kept bringing it up, and eventually he grew to meet Mr. Kalatschan. I then found myself on a plane, headed for Vietnam.
I had mixed emotions; I was so excited to meet all the kids and love on them, yet I was also nervous. Was I ready to learn their stories and the hardships they have faced in their short lives? Each house we arrived at, we were greeted with the biggest smiles and the most loving hugs.
At Mary's Home, I met a little girl name Ut. Ut is not an orphan, yet her parents cannot take care of her, so she stays at the home. Our friendship began when she sat on my lap the first night. We were introducing ourselves and I started scratching her back and playing with her hair. She kept turning around and telling the staff that she loved it and how comfortable it made her feel.
That moment was the exact reason why I came. This has been an eye opening experience, to see the different culture and explore the lives within the culture.
I want you all to meet Gaige. An all -American kid whom I have fully enjoyed teasing him by offering up "exotic" foods and new "experiences" . I knew he was no dummy but imagine my surprise reading the 2 part "essay" he wrote" I hope you enjoy reading his insight into life at age 17. (Be sure to tune in for part 2 in next day or 2)
Gaige Stewart, 17
One's perspective on life is one of the most defining aspects of their character, and its constant development is vital in order to achieve a more enlightened, multi-faceted view of the world.
Few things shift one's completely as profoundly as visiting a foreign nation, which differs in economics, culture, and customs. Fortunately, I got the privilege to undergo such an experience, by traveling many thousands of miles to Vietnam, a country that I had previously only known because it was the sight of one of the worst military engagements in US history.
However, once there, I had my perspective radically shifted when I found a people who had burdened more than their fair share of pain, difficulty and loss, yet found happiness by being deeply in touch with the more important things in life, such as their relationships family and friends.
The friendships I made, though brief, and the sights that I saw will have a profound impact on my life for years to come.
One of my worries about traveling to Vietnam was lack of easy communication with civilians. Of course this has been an issue virtually every time my family and I have ventured beyond the borders of the US, but it was a particularly prevalent problem in this setting, mainly due to the fact that we had to constantly interact with the civilians, who were usually young children.
I feared that the communication barrier would prevent me from being able to fully engage with the kids at the Giving it Back to Kids homes. Fortunately, this could not be further from the truth. At the very first home we visited I met a young boy named Tahm (spelled incorrectly). I could not understand a word he was saying (and vice versa) and did not even know his name until several days later, but that did not stop us from having a blast.
We played hacky sack, boxed, and gorged ourselves on pizza. After only a couple hours, I felt deeply bonded with this boy that I knew virtually nothing about, and was pained to tell him goodbye, despite the fact that I knew I would see him again just a few days later.
The beach party was equally enjoyable, which we spent swimming, fighting with plastic knives, and (for some reason unknown to me) collecting hunks of old concrete on the beach.
Our farewell was difficult, especially due to the fact that I will probably never see him again. Looking back on it, I am amazed at how easily we connected, despite differing vastly in language, culture, age, and upbringing. It was a stark reminder at how powerful human relationships can be, particularly when the distractions and minutia of everyday life is removed from the setting.
There was no need for Facebook or snapchat or something to gossip about. Even a reliable form of communication was not necessary, only two people who wanted to goof off and have fun. I adamantly hope that I had as strong of a positive effect on his life as he did mine.
BBlessed and be sure to look for part 2, "Re-engage with Gaige!!!"
Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
