|
This past week I have been reflecting and have come to the decision it is best if I refrain from making bold proclamations / predictions. I thought back to 2001 when I left Vietnam with my new daughter. Boldly saying to Dorothea and myself. "I will never come back here again" Well 14 years latter I have been here some 60 times.
Just a few weeks ago I told our team, hotel staff and all those who would listen I would not be back for probably 6 months or more. Imagine my surprise when I found myself flying to Vietnam after only a matter of almost 3 weeks.
For several years Boeing Asia has given us a grant that helps our education and outreach programs. Two weeks ago I received an email from the secretary of the president of Boeing Asia. She told me that the president had been meeting with the US Ambassador to VN, telling him of the programs they collaborate with us on.
|
|
| Ambassador Osius speking in fluent Viet to our house moms. "How does he do that????" |
Ambassador Osius asked the Boeing president, Skip Boyce is he could arrange a visit. In the secretary's email she ended it by saying "We" would appreciate if I could be there. (Did I mention we have a substantial grant request in the works?) She continued saying, Oh and the Ambassador will there next week.
At first my thoughts were are you kidding? How do I do this? My daughter birthday is the 30th? Dare I go for just a few days? My answer to Boeing... "You bet!" It's been a big deal. Press core and assistants coming in a week ahead. Then more assistants and more press folks this week. Press at first requesting to bring a crew of 20. Narrowing it down to 15.
|
|
| One of our Hai Chau boys stepped on his own and took the Ambassadors heart hostage |
Its funny as look at myself and just wonder when will I learn. As the day approached I worked to "set up" a few of the kids in our homes to talk and represent GIBTK by hugging etc. But, as God would have it, He did it his way. One of our more quiet boys caught the heart of the Ambassador.
Several other kids moved in and reeled in hearts of The Ambassador's team. Made up of his sister who is a journalist / teacher, Nate an economic officer of Consulate general and The Consulate General of the USA, Rena Bittter.
|
|
| Our own Chip Chip winning over the hearts of the Ambassador and his sister Ashely |
Ms. Bitter's heart was touched as well. She came alongside of me and in a whispering tone said, "we collaborate with a number of organizations that do similar work as gibtk. But it seems gibtk does it better!" I, in my humble manner totally agreed!
She went on to say lets stay in touch. Put your people in touch with my people (or something like that, lol) and lets see what can be worked out.
|
|
| Consulate General Rena Bitter with Economic Officer Nate Rettenmayer in background |
The Ambassador? Well as he was leaving he had the look of so many of our guests have, a smile with tears building in his eyes. Thanking us, giving us some token gifts and saying he will bring more "next" time through.
I'm not sure what will come of all this. For sure we have been on TV and in articles already. Hanoi govt knows we are friends with the Ambassador and that cant hurt. We fulfilled a "short notice" request from Boeing and that cant hurt either.
One thing I can already bank on is an introduction I received to a place called Fablab! AKA GOFAB (Go fabulous). What a remarkable place. It has 3d printers. And the vision of a young man with doctorates earned in the US.
It is a place for young students and thinkers to come and build. A place for innovations and dreams to come true. Making working models of ideas. A place for out of box thinkers.
All the things I have been trying to get our team to understand. What we need to get our teens involved with to be prepared for this new Vietnam. I went back today with our leadership team. Who fell in love with the concept and before leaving had a list of students to get involved. FABLAB is born out of M.I.T. University. Not a bad place for innovate thinking.
Amazing what can and will happen if you're just willing to say ok. I don't know how, don't necessary want to, but ok. Much like Peter said if it be You I'll get out of the boat. God is looking for unknown champions to step out. Is He asking you? Is there something that keeps tugging at your hearts? I hope you say YOU BET!!!
I am forever grateful my spiritual Father taught me the concept of being ready in season and out. That I heard there is those who say; Yea.. but... and there is those who say YOU BET!!! Then figure it out.
Love you all thank you for reading
|
