Could it be the pizza? No way, not what I sensed and saw. I made this trip for several reasons. The primary reason was to come and encourage our team, and visit the kids. After all it has been over 6 month since I had visited the kids. Hard to believe but I did not get a chance to visit the homes on my last trip in Sept. That trip was cut short by an approaching "super typhoon"
As I began to type I hate to say this, but honestly I just realized last night that time with the kids was in July! Yikes! Anyhow, I came to visit the kids and to encourage our team. I "thought" without me being here surely the team would be unraveling, right?
Not the case! What I have seen in the few days I have been here is a team that rose to the occasion and has continued to learn, read and grow in their leadership and most surprisingly, in their emotional health!
The kids are speaking English! Some very limited but many I am able to talk with them! Beyond just hello how are you and what is your name! The kid's care for the battle my wife has been fighting. They all said "Hello, we miss you" and as I began to speak flowery type greetings to them I was repeatedly interrupted and asked, "How is Dorothea? We worry so much for her. "
What an amazing thing is happening and GIBTK gets to be a vessel that God has poured out His Love to the people of Vietnam. The gratitude is so thick you can almost cut it with a knife.
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| House moms came to say thanks but I let them know it is them who have been so important to GIBTK!!! They do the hard work! |
Many of you may remember Hanh, whom I lovingly called Clickety heals. This is because at age 19 after a number of orthopedic surgeries, she was able to wear her first pair of shoes. She had heard I was in town and wanted to come and say hello and thank you. One more time!!!
Well we spoke for a little then I asked if she wanted to come to the pizza party for our 3 children's homes. Excitedly, I asked if she liked pizza. She shrugged her shoulders, saying she has never tried it!
When we arrived, there were kids everywhere, all over, loving and laughing with each other. House moms were talking with other house moms. It was, well, I guess the word is family! This brought a lot joy to me. The homes were not self-standing, they had become like one.
Hanh sat and watched the kids. Some came to sing a song about God. I didn't know the words, but was told by a team member that it is a song sang about a loving father. See, just the thought of this brings tears to me! Gosh I am SUCH a wimp! What happened to that tough guy I want everyone to think I am....
I looked over at the lovely Hanh and tears were rolling down her checks. I think I know what she was feeling, that simple thing called belonging. See, Love in action!
The house moms wanted photos. But before this they said some nice things but I looked into their eyes and shared that THEY are doing the heavy lifting, sharing how important they are. Honestly yes I came to encourage but seeing what I saw it came easily and from the deepest part of my heart. We all teared up together then posed for photos.
I came to encourage. And share some teaching. As fate has it a lot of the topics touch on encouragement to remind how simple words, and slowing down to look into someone's eyes and saying "Thank you", has great power in just that.
If you have been here in the past, may I suggest if at all possible, come back again! Come see what all your prayers and support have done. Generations are being changed, lives transformed.
I wish there was a way for me to look into each of your eyes right now and say THANK YOU!!!
><((((º> BBlessed
Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
