So much ... so hard to accept

Funny thing this trip, each time as I begin to write I just don’t know how to begin… Maybe as I think about it, it’s because there is so much to say and express. 

Last night we had our homes together for a pizza party. Although I had seen many of them just few days ago each and everyone, ok maybe most everyone lol! Came and waited in line to give the MOST Loving hugs! Please know hugging is not normal in Asian culture, but these kids remember a father’s unconditional hug.

Amazingly enough, several past mothers from our unwed home, as well as former students came to say hello. The amount of love and respect truly is overwhelming! 

One girl (okay here come tears LOL) which was born at The Father’s House came to me, tears rolling down her checks… I had no idea what’s going on, then saw her mom come up. This 14-year-old was crying from gratitude, yup your right soon as I figured out who she was, and the tears were happy tears we had tear fest together! I asked team members to translate then found out she spoke English. How does this happen?

Another friend came by. We first met Trung many years ago. He was brought to one of our early Wheelchair distributions. We began to wonder maybe an orthopedic surgery could help. It did, many years have gone by, yes, he’s walking, bit of limp but walking and able to support himself! Was a joy seeing him. 

Each of the past kids/now young adults has a wonderful success story! Would love to share them with you, but will wait for another time.

(May was born at TFH and now 14 years old)

One young lady, a teacher from our project legacies sat down next to me. She was at our luncheon earlier in the day.  Telling how much gibtk has inspired her to be and do more. She gave credit to book I wrote, saying if you can do this then maybe I too can do something! 

All the different homes had dances, Was so much fun! Watching them and the K-pop moves. I won’t say which was best because all were great! Guys from Hals home surprised me. AND then there was the Karaoke. Some had wonderful voices. And some I wondered what they did with money parents gave them… You know the money for singing lessons LOL!!! Then again, they had more courage to sing then me… 

Earlier in the days had an amazing time having lunch with our teachers from all 3 project legacies! What an inspiring team of young adults… All with a vision of transforming lives of underprivilege kids. Doing what they/we can to give every kid a chance!!!

When I got home, I was exhausted. Many might be surprised to learn I’m an introvert. YUP true. I have learned some extrovert skill. Being around so much love and gratitude drained this introvert. BUT I would not ever wish to miss even a minute of it! (Well maybe couple of Karaoke songs LOL)

Friends, partners, team members I urge you to understand this is not possible without each and every one of you!!! YOU ARE GIBTK! And WE Transform lives!!!

   Please be sure to read next journal. I have something that on my heart to convey!

Robert Kalatschan

Giving it Back to Kids

www.gibtk.org

robert@gibtk.org