So is this story about a miracle? Or about one of the fruits of the miracle called Giving it Back to Kids. Surely proof of a living God and a plan He had to help the less fortunate!
Before I get to a story written by one of the miracles of GIBTK, I want to let you know we are in the planning stages of this summer's trip. It will again be focused on teens and families with kids. Tentatively I am looking at mid-July. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining us please let me know. We already have several teens signed up.
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| Huong (in red) from days gone by |
Huong a child who grew up in one of our homes and is now a key staff member and manages the home she once lived in. Was mentored by GIBTK cheerleader extraordinary, Karla DeSimone and has grown into a fine young lady who is getting married soon!!!
Here's Huong journal;
I have been working for Giving it Back to Kids for two years. I have had the good fortune to learn a lot of new lessons and work through many challenges. I am truly thankful for the chances and challenges that help me be a part of GIBTK. GIBTK has a vision to help those in need and I am so grateful to be a small piece in the big picture.
Coming to GIBTK, I have known and learned great things. My first exposure to GIBTK was one as a child who directly benefited from GIBTK. I like to think I have been a part of GIBTK my whole life. I grew with the organization as a young girl at Hai Chau and now I get to give back to the very organization that gave me hope. I am impressed with the training lessons I receive from my leaders. Chi Tam and Robert's lessons open my mind, build a strong team, develop leadership skills, and build humility.
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| The TEAM!!! |
Until now, I still cannot believe how lucky I am to work at GIBTK, because everyone helps one another. They are not jealous, we do not argue with one another, we share with and support one another, and guide each other to the top. It is not the mentality of every man for himself. I am not sure about how other organizations and companies are, but for GIBTK, it is surely a friendly environment for people to work and learn together.
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| Huong sharing her experience, hope and strength at Project leagacy emotional health class |
More than anything, I am impressed with the emotional health program. This program is a very special and unique one that only GIBTK has. The program aims to help learners become healthier, more positive on mental aspects, solving emotions healthily and wisely. The program is open to all ages (over primary students) to learn from the simplest lessons in life to the most complicated feelings people have. I really love the emotional health program because it helps process my thoughts and actions. I know exactly why I should learn this and why I have to change when I have unhealthy thoughts, which can help me change.
What makes me more surprised and very happy, is that I and two friends are going to join and teach children at the community classes. We in turn teach feelings about happiness, sorrow, being guilty, shy or forgiveness and mercy. We teach how to identify their true personalities. I can see smiles and fascination in the students when learning. One boy said that he found this emotional health class to be very interesting and different. He shared that he had never learned it anywhere else and how much he thought of it. Above all that, I know it does not have to be a great thing or expensive gifts that matter.
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| Taken at "Dorothea's Project Legacy" garden |
What matters is that we teach them how to know and overcome feelings they have, because they are real and they have to face them in their life. If the children learn and understand all the lessons when they are still young, I believe they will be more mature, successful and happier in marriage, in life and future generations' lives. I have a big smile on my face because I know we did something for them. Sometimes I feel nervous but their smiles and interest make me feel stronger. GIBTK makes a difference and it comes from the love that helps this organization be successful and shine.
I understand that these feelings of mine are still not strong enough or mature enough. But I know that I have grown so much and will continue to grow by learning and being open to change. I want to say thanks. I want you to know that I am thankful that there are still a lot of good people who are willing to help others with unconditional love. I love GIBTK! Together we can do great things!
Love
Huong
Robert Kalatschan
www.gibtk.org
Giving It Back To Kids
