This trip was quick. Much was built on and new things begun,. Encouragement flowed as I got to see the fruit of our labor. Kids growing up, many now able to communicate with us in English. One thing, which may seem insignificant, but to me meant a lot, was seeing 2 girls from different homes, being close friends. Not just for this night of bowling and pizza, but real friends. Truly GIBTK is a family on the path of transforming a nation one child at a time.
Before I get to our newest program "A Mother's Love" let me share another highlight. We met the new Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In our conversation he mentioned wanting us to work with a hospital I had not heard of before. In interest to building relationship with the new director I agreed.
The new hospital was focused on rehabilitation. They're needs were equipment, including wheelchairs. But what really caught my heart. Was they had "classes" for autistic kids and children with speech problems. Seeing this I felt a stir of excitement in my heart. Even as I type am rushed with emotions. This is the first time I had seen focused help for problems like these. A new program? I think so!
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| Focusing on Autistic Children |
They also shared that often very poor families bring children in who are in need of hearing aids, but the govt. insurance does not cover the cost. They asked for support for these special cases. I told them I think GIBTK has donors, who'd be willing to cover the cost of a hearing aid for a child, don't you?
Now for the special journal Announcement for Mrs. Honey Pfleger!
A Mothers Love
If I am honest, this trip has been a little fast & furious! We decided just shy of a month ago to make a trip to Vietnam with Robert & Kristina for Spring Break.
It has been an exciting time to see the makings and progress on Dorothea's Project Legacy! The kids are moved in, the landscaping completed and lots of smiling faces. I was surprised to hear of the community outreach tutoring classes that have already been implemented and are up and running.
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| Honey with Phuong who was in states for incredible back correction surgery. Honey's always showing A Mother's Love |
During this trip it has been our goal to plan the vision for GIBTK's community outreach to at risk, young single moms in the Da Nang community. With a fresh curriculum we are excited to offer a safe place for these young moms to grow and learn as their children are cared for, loved and prepared for kindergarten. For those of you who know me this is something very near and dear to my heart. Along with vision planning,
I spent time teaching the staff lessons from my Matters of the Heart curriculum for teen moms. I have never had such an attentive group that hung on each and every word. Then again, I'm used to teaching a room full of teenagers! I am always inspired by the
GIBTK's team and their desire to learn and grow. Its very refreshing when you present a new idea and you are met with "I can do that".
So here we go on the next phase of Dorothea's Project Legacy! Time to pick the paint colors, decorations and inspiration to welcome our 1st group of moms to join
"A Mothers Love".
This program will be one of kind in its message of love, building hope and changing lives in this vulnerable demographic. A place of encouragement not judgment!
I think this speaks to the heart and values of my sweet friend Dorothea and the love she shared with her Vietnam family!
Inspired!!!
Robert Kalatschan
www.gibtk.org
Giving It Back To Kids
