When I got the invitation to come visit GIBTK in Vietnam, I quickly said yes. Before coming here, I was searching for a sense of purpose. I had been growing rapidly at work but yet I felt like there was more to life than the positions and pleasures that we often chase after.
Arriving at the GIBTK office, the first thing I noticed was the warm smiles that welcomed us in. Around the office were photos of the children’s transformation. After settling in, we had a meeting to go over our week to visit the houses and projects. I was excited to see what GIBTK was all about, I still didn’t know what to expect.
The moments I got to talk with the children truly warmed my heart
Then our journey began at the Father’s house. We stepped off the van and the girls and their cute babies welcomed us in. We sat around and the girls shared their dreams and aspirations in life. You can see their eyes light up when they talk about their dreams. I realized at that moment, we are more alike than different. Just like the girls, I also had dreams and aspirations. It warmed my heart to see GIBTK giving the girls an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
I had a wonderful time at The Father's House
After the Father’s house we headed over to Mary’s House. As soon as we parked, the girls ran up and you can see the excitement in their eyes. The girls quickly embraced us with a warm hug and greeted us with so much warmth. There was a confidence about them that stood out to me. In Vietnamese culture, we struggle to show affection, but yet these girls right away showed emotional maturity. After seeing the house, we sat down in a circle to hear everyone’s stories.
Sitting together and listening to touching stories
To say the least I was touched by stories being shared in that circle. Despite their unfortunate beginnings and circumstances, the girls did not look like at what they’ve been through. They were well spoken, smart, kind, and full of joy. You can easily see they’ve been poured into and cared for. They spoke with confidence and a grateful heart for the opportunities given to them by GIBTK. To be honest, they inspired me. They inspired me to be more confident and to be bold and to never give up. The girls have such a bright future ahead and the best part was, they believed in it too.
Incredible girls
As the week went by, the team took my family to different places and projects. From delivery bikes to water filters to poor families, there was so much more. I saw the boots on the ground and the impact GIBTK is making not only for the kids, but communities. The staff from GIBTK was so special and they love their job. It wasn’t hard to see the love and genuine care they’ve poured into these kids, families and communities. I thought to myself “this is what it’s all about”.
Distributing bicycles to students and providing water filters to difficult households
I am so thankful for the opportunity to witness this past week what GIBTK is doing in Vietnam. This organization is not just making an impact on lives being changed but generations. It inspired me to know that it is better to give than to receive. Our own goals, dreams, and aspirations is not all that there is. Outside of our own desires lies the opportunity for real meaning and purpose. It’s less about what we can do for ourselves but more about what we can do for others.
A touching heart meeting with touching stories
GIBTK gave me new hope. I am bringing with me a heart of gratitude and a calling to serve others. I can’t say it enough but I am truly grateful and honored to be able to witness the amazing things this organization is doing.
Thank you GIBTK for giving the kids a new hope for their future and the confidence to chase after their dreams. Thank you for being a bright light for their future.
Sincere thanks to Giving It Back To Kids
Lastly, thank you Robert for his yes. With Robert’s yes, it gave the kids another opportunity to say yes to their dreams and future. I am so thankful he took that step of faith.
Me and Robert
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