|
Another great trip is coming to an end. Much has happened, more then I dare fill your inboxes with. But I'd be remiss if I did not post journals written by our youth team. Todays is written by Elenista, my son Tommy's girlfriend. She's a pre-med student at Baylor, also a member of the Asian club at Baylor. The club has raised funds for GIBTK in the past. A real joy to see the younger generation pull away from Netflix's and their phones and love on the kids. Here's her note, enjoy!
"This trip has been a learning experience to say the least. Many situations that were once only simple statements of understanding became reality in front of my eyes. As someone who grew up occasionally seeing the impoverished state of China, it was easy to say, "Yes, there are many misfortunes in Asia". But it was only until going to Vietnam where I personally felt for the children who were abandoned, who will never have a whole family, whose lives will forever be changed due one single event."
"One of the most moving moments for me was when I visited the Father's House. It was rainy and humid day and I was already tired from visiting the children of Dorothea's Legacy One, but as my eyes landed on the first baby with the cutest pout and cheeks my spirit was immediately lifted. All I knew was that I wanted to make these darling faces smile, even if I had to make the dumbest expressions. Everything was all smiles and laughter until I held this beautiful baby boy in my arms. He was so beautiful... his little face scrunched up as his lips pouted, peacefully laying in my arms.
I don't know why I began to cry, but as I saw this precious gift in my arms, knowing that there was a chance that I could not have held him, my heart broke. That was also the moment where almost fairy-tale like, I wished with my whole heart that this baby boy will grow up knowing that he is loved. That even though he may not have a father or a conventional family that he is surrounded by people who loves and cares for him.
That urge within me to make sure that these children know just how loved they are is how I have felt throughout this trip. Seeing the bright smiles on these children's faces and seeing just how little they have in comparison to me has really put my life into perspective. There are these two brothers living in Carmella's Home who were just left on the beach at the age of 5 and 6, but I was able to watch them dance in front of their friends without a care in the world.
Although not all of them problems have been solved, seeing them just smile even after all that they have been through shows just how strong these children are. You just can't help but hold these children, wanting to know everything about them, especially their stories. There's always the initial disgust and sadness after finding out the horrible things that these children had to endure, but it's also impossible to stay upset because they are able to find love within their friends who have become their family after all this.
To me there is no better word to describe these wonderful gifts from God than strong. They are so incredibly strong, constantly smiling and willing to work for a better future. I believe that's what inspired me the most during this trip is the strength within these children. They are fighters and that empowers me to want to work harder so I can one day give back to these children.
As a sophomore in university, this past year have been difficult because of the change from high school to a new environment. I always knew that no matter what I do, my goal was to help those in need, but due to the difficulty of my majors, a lot doubts surfaced. However, since I have seen these children, my purpose has been renewed. The idea of helping children in need is no longer just an idea, but faces and smiles that will forever inspire me to keep working.
I came onto this trip having the vague idea that I will learn from this experience, but not realizing how attached my heart would become after just a few short days. Every single child I have interacted with has so much potential just as every child that enters this world and it is absolutely devastating to know that they will never have a "normal" childhood.
At Mary's Home I met this young girl named Ut and on the first day of meeting her I did not get to really talk to her, but on the next day the smile she gave me was precious as she danced her heart out in her performance. I couldn't help but think of her as my child or even my little sister. I felt so proud and although her parents could not see her, I felt honored to see her performance because it was something she was passionate about.
Saying goodbye to Ut and the rest of the children was difficult because not only do I not know when I will get to see them again, but only knowing that I can't be there to show them love everyday. But it is comforting to know that they will be surrounded by their family. Maybe not their biological one, but one that is even stronger. One that is bonded by events that will forever change their lives, but will not allow it to define their futures."
><((((º> BBlessed
|
