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It was August 2001 that my wife Dorothea and I first came to Vietnam. For me Vietnam was not what I was accustomed to, definitely not anything like the Newport Beach I was accustomed too. On the other hand Dorothea feel in love with the people.
Our first day we met our daughter, Krisitina (her name at that time was Ngoc). She was 11 months old. I remember holding her up and saying she's won the lottery! She's coming to family and a country where she will have every opportunity possible.
Adoption at that time required 2 trips. When we finally got to fly home (first scheduled to fly on Sept 11, 2001) I remember clearly saying to God and to Dorothea I'll never come back to this place. I've been back around 65 times since that bold proclamation.
After returning home the faces haunted me oh so many children I had met. Knowing that many if not most would never have the opportunities my new daughter would have. I went to Dorothea and said, "I think were supposed to do something in Vietnam." She as so many loving wives smiled and said yes but her eyes said DUH bout time you figured it out! Lol.
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| Legacy 2 kids dancing a story of encouragement |
From the beginning GIBTK has seen incredible favor with govt and others. In April of 2002 we received our non-profit (501 c 3) status from the IRS. GIBTK began. We have seen constant growth. I so wish my dear Dorothea was still alive to see where our dream has grown in the past few years. She graduated to be in Father God's presence in March 2015
Legacy is not what you've done in the past but what was begun that continues. My dear dear Dorothea had a great heart for people and even greater heart for kids. She dreamed of giving everyone an opportunity, a chance and in her case, many many opportunities and chances.
In May of 2016 Dorotheas Project Legacy 1 was launched. And grew. The need was quickly recognized, that we needed project legacy's all over, (dare I put into writing my dream/vision) SE Asia! A place where children from the poor family's can come and receive the opportunities children in our homes receive. And yes my 2 children receive at our home!
This trip Dorotheas Project legacy 2 was launched!!! YEA GOD!!!! In Vietnam children attend school for half days. And in order to do well in school need to pay for tutors after school. With the poverty the kids who come to Project Legacy live in this is impossible.
At Project legacy we have teachers which provide Math, English, Physics, computer, chemistry, soft skills and emotional health training, parenting skills for parents. We also have at legacy 1 Judo and Art. We have at both locations "A Mother's Love" (where single moms come to learn the things new moms need to know.
A couple of aspects, which are still in process, is establishing health clinics within these centers. A place where those living in rural and mountainous areas can come and receive simple and good medical advice. A place where Pregnant moms can receive pre- natal vitamins and care. Staffed with a nurse who is in communication with doctors and surgeons. So if it is something more serious and one needs to get to the hospital, we can get them to the city quickly and safely.
The hope is to be able to do early diagnosis for treatable aliments, diseases and disabilities. I know this makes my dear departed wife very happy. In fact I'd not be surprised if she's not elbowing God to be sure His favor and "attention" continues for GIBTK.
This trip has been awesome. I often say that but so much happened that would open the trails to the future. This trip was filled with Divine Appointments! Our flight from Danang to HCM was delayed by about 40 mins. As we were walking out of lounge, I hear a voice calling out "Mr Robert!" They came over. It was 2 men from Vina Capital Foundation. One was the new CEO. I wanted to arrange a meeting with him but was told he's out of country. But here he was.
We met the next day at his office. He began with the subject I myself wanted to talk to him about, Laos! He began by saying he was in Danang meeting with Dept. of Foreign Affairs, about expanding their support for heart surgeries into Laos. (Vina capitol foundation and partners with us on our heart surgeries in Vietnam.)
He wondered where GIBTK stood in extending our partnership in Laos. Funny, I type in tears at the airport...(not good,) You see this is exact question I wanted to ask him... Go figure... maybe its all part of Gods plan? To transform Nations and change cultures? We came to agreement and hope to travel there together to meet with top govt. officials as well as survey the land to see what's our next step.
But wait! It does not stop there... Several years ago the US ambassador visited our office and one of our homes. With him was a lovely lady from the US Consulate to Vietnam. She took a keen interest in our work and said she wanted to help. Alas she was transferred out of the country. AND guess what country she is US Consulate to? Yup Laos.
As my meeting began to draw to a close with Vina Foundation exec I asked about something I saw on maps below (we were by those maps only because he had an unexpected delay and we had to wait. Vina has an ongoing tele-medicine program already working in Vietnam.
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| Mr. Bruce says dream BIG! |
Coincidence? I doubt it. I can go so much further telling you of the "coincidences" that happened on this trip. The 5 and 10 year plan I was thinking about this trip, much that was far into future maybe so much closer after the divine appointments. Place I have said II would not go, guess what maybe GIBTK will be there sooner then ever dreamed.
My sweet Dorothea rest in peace! But be reassured your Legacy continues! The legacy of loving, providing opportunity and transforming lives.
God Bless all of you who read these. Please continue to read, pray and if so led support GIBTK!!! If interested in joining trips please respond. Next group trip is in July.
><((((º> BBlessed
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