Thanks for coming back to read another entry! Truly I am overcome with emotion (I know many say; "again? What a surprise....) as I read these notes again. Truly this is so much more than a good idea. So much more. I know Hope is being given not just for today or this years Tet but I believe that little things like this begin to plant seeds of hope in yes, the young generation but the parents too.
So darn proud of the gibtk team!
Please read note from several team members; Remember next journal is actual stories from recipients
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| Team preparing for the Tet Store Event |
Lanh, Team leader:
Being a speaker on the Tet shop this year, I felt really touched to welcome all the poor who came for the Tet shop this year. When I introduced the objectives on building the family's value, self-esteem of the parents to the attendees, I saw some parents were moved to tears. Ohhh... this showed me we were doing a special thing that touched people's heart. Happy smiles were shown up on their faces when they chose the gifts for their children and their family. We did not give them a lot of things or money but we gave them self-esteem and value that someone even did not realize this in their life. Just wanted to say: "Oh Giving It back To kids - We made a difference"
Lanh. Team leader
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| Lanh sharing the vision of Tet Store |
Hieu, WHeelchair program:
Today 100 persons paid themselves for our Tet gift (10% of its actual cost). All of them are poorest families in Dai Loc district who are unable to pay $40 to buy something for the coming Lunar New Year. I think they will feel proud themselves because they can afford some valuable gift for their kids at home. It will build up the pride and self-esteem of theirs and their family. A lady told me "My little daughter wished she could come with me today but she had to go to school".
When I was carrying boxes, I hurt myself. One of my finger bled continuously in 10 minutes. But seeing the happiness in their eyes, I think my hurt is nothing at all because the way we transformed their family is the biggest thing I received.
Hieu, Wheelchair program director
Nam, Carmelas Home leader:
I have joined our Tet shop twice but this year's brought me completely new experiences and feelings. I was in charge of getting stories, so I had opportunities to talk and know about the poor fathers and mothers deeply. Seeing them coming here in the early morning, sharing their family circumstances and feelings to buy many things for their Tet truly touched my heart.
One mother who has difficulty in speaking cried and shared that last year she had bought a teddy bear for her son which he treasured a lot and now she hoped to buy him more. A quiet father who has never gone to market buying Tet outfits' for daughters finally chose a pink dress with the help of our staff. An old grandpa along with his beloved granddaughter bought a big bag of candies, sweets and clothes for her and the younger kid at home happily.
Another father was surprisingly happy that he could buy many things by a little sum of money. And, some sensitive mothers burned into tears when we explained our purpose of Tet shop to build up their values in their children's heart. So much happiness, smiles and even tears this morning helped me forget tiredness and believe in what we are doing for the poor. We are not giving them a Tet basket, we are building their parents' values up. We are giving them more precious and important spiritual thing than a material gift. So grateful for the opportunities to do such great things!
Nhung, Team leader:
This morning, I was so impressed to see happy smiles on the parents' faces after they purchased gifts for their children. I can feel the pride and happiness in each eye and word when they shared with me about how excited their children were before they came here. I was touched to hear that these gifts are the special gifts, which they have never been able to buy before.
To me, the fair not only makes their children happy but also proud of their parents who can buy gifts with their own labor. In addition, the parents can hold their heads high with their children. I do hope that the donors will continue supporting us to hold an annual Tet shop so that every family will have a cozy Tet with their family members.
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| Team leader Anh directing the volunteers from lighthouse and Hals home |
Huy - English teacher:
Tet shop made a great impression on me when I did not work as a member in this Field yet. I was told that GIBTK team never tried to show off the name of the sponsors or their organization's name when they did charitable works. I know that must be truly the right charity.
Coming here at Tet shop today as a member of GIBTK, I have experience in everything on my own. Again, my heart jumps for joy because I saw parents' shining smiles with happiness when they themselves had opportunity to buy presents for their kids no matter how hard life has treated them. I feel happy and satisfied because I chose the right organization with a great heavenly mission to work with. We are doing the right thing when storing up our treasures or investing things beyond this earth.
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Thank your customer, tell them how valuable they are to you, but don't go overboard. Insincerity is easy to spot.
Sincerely,
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Robert Kalatschan
Giving It Back To Kids
