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I know some and especially those who know me might find this difficult to believe, but I woke in a not so good mood. (Those who know me, stop laughing!) In one those moods my wife would have called crunchy. It was hot and humid and still early. Our plan was a pizza party for all our homes.
Surely they don't need me? And for sure would have done fine without me, maybe missed for only a moment. But it is I who would have been the BIG loser.
What an amazing time for sure, pizza, ice cream, candy, talent competition between homes. I could've seen video and enjoyed in my air-conditioned room. What I would've missed is family!!!! Yup those who now me, your right I' m fighting back tears as I type.
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| 3 who were born at The Father's House! What if... |
As we got out of the van kids came and gave hugs as always and then.... A little one now 9 years old came up running throwing herself into my arms. Pushing my nose and making the weird sound I did when she was little. You see she was one of the babies at the Fathers House. She moved out 5 years ago. Her mother graduated as a teacher. Now mom has her own kindergarten / preschool. Then 2 more girls grabbed ahold of me pushing on my nose waiting for the clown noise they heard so many years ago. Both former babies now 9 and 10. Moms with successful business's.
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| the 3 girls when they lived at The Father's House |
I couldn't stop from thinking what if? What if there was no Father's home. Vietnam is in top 5 for abortions in the world. Including China, India, and the US. Not per-capita but actual. When we got permission, the govt. told me if a girl finds "herself" with this "problem" she must get rid of it or move to new city and begin new life. Poor, pregnant and new city... I had to wonder what if... would these 3 cuties be alive? They are! And full of life!!!
Looking around seeing the kids, beyond what you'd expect or dare hope to see in kids living together. Seeing what we only hope kids in our own families could be like. Maybe its 'cause many had gone through trauma and now have a life together walking a road of happy destiny?
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| One of the "guys" from Hal's home taking care of baby from Father's house |
Hugging each other. Even camaraderie between the kids of different homes but clearly all gibtk family! I noticed sitting next to me one of the "guys" from Hal's Home holding a baby from The Father's Home. Mom not nearby but hanging with baby like a good uncle, THIS is family!
Through all the dancing and singing, though a competition between homes. All cheering on each of the homes teams. FYI We called it a tie and each home got the grand prize.
Seeing kids who grew up in our homes, had surgeries now married with children. The lovely Diep. As young girl she'd 'cry in frustration that she could not speak in English to me. Today she spoke clearly to me in English. Telling me of life, her husband and how much she loves her baby!!! Yup tears again! You see this little hard girl calls me her father.
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| Diep telling me don't cry as she has tears building in her eyes |
I have to add this photo of graduates from Hal's home. Out of nowhere they showed up. A bouquet of flowers. All successfully working. One married and a child on the way. I was touched but nothing compared to what one said to me as I was thanking him for the "guys' showing up. He leaned in and said "it is us who thank you! If not for GIBTK we would not have the lives we have today! THANK YOU!" Giving me BIG HUG! Both of us getting a bit emotional.
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| Surprise visit of Grads of Hal's Home, saying if not for gibtk we would not be who we are today |
What a loss it would have been to me personally if I opted "to rest up" you know take care of myself, right? Thank God, He got me there and fact being got me to Vietnam and the AWESOME privilege of being a part of this thing called Giving it Back to Kids!!!
This thing called GIBTK is so far above my pay grade!!! It is the gibtk team (which includes all of you) and a Mighty God!!! All glory to Him!
><((((º> BBlessed
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