Thursday, July 09, 2009
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Flying home
The group is heading to the airport to fly home. They are scheduled to arrive at DFW on Thursday, July 9 at 9:15 am, Terminal D. American Airlines Flt #176 from Narita Japan. They will need to clear customs first before they can join their awaiting families/friends. Check with www.aa.com to confirm flight arrival time.
After 5 years
Craig McFadden
The 3rd and last day at Do Son started early for me (5:30am). As I was walking down the steps, my friends from Birla exited the hotel. We walked down to the beach, took a few pictures and walked back. When we were washing our feet, one of the house mothers came a grabbed the oldest child in my group, and hurried off in the direction of the beach. I didn’t think much of it, so one of the boys and I walked back to the hotel. I was talking with Kevin Mabry, when his son came running up to let us know one of the girls fell and hit her head on a rock on the beach. I ran to get a first aid kit while Kevin ran to get a translator. When we both got back we found out the child had already been taken to a clinic. At that point Cynthia led 5 of us in talking to our Father for the healing and safety of the child and the situation. One of the cool things was one of the kids stood with us while we talked with our Father. After this adventure we left for breakfast. I had some pictures from last year that Susanne and I hand out. During this time, one girl asked me about our faith, because she saw us holding hands talking to our Father. How awesome and a great opportunity. I was able to explain a little about it. I asked the translator if I should talk about it more, and she said this is good for now. After 5 years, this is the first child that asked about it, what a joy.
The 3rd and last day at Do Son started early for me (5:30am). As I was walking down the steps, my friends from Birla exited the hotel. We walked down to the beach, took a few pictures and walked back. When we were washing our feet, one of the house mothers came a grabbed the oldest child in my group, and hurried off in the direction of the beach. I didn’t think much of it, so one of the boys and I walked back to the hotel. I was talking with Kevin Mabry, when his son came running up to let us know one of the girls fell and hit her head on a rock on the beach. I ran to get a first aid kit while Kevin ran to get a translator. When we both got back we found out the child had already been taken to a clinic. At that point Cynthia led 5 of us in talking to our Father for the healing and safety of the child and the situation. One of the cool things was one of the kids stood with us while we talked with our Father. After this adventure we left for breakfast. I had some pictures from last year that Susanne and I hand out. During this time, one girl asked me about our faith, because she saw us holding hands talking to our Father. How awesome and a great opportunity. I was able to explain a little about it. I asked the translator if I should talk about it more, and she said this is good for now. After 5 years, this is the first child that asked about it, what a joy.
Wednesday Afternoon
Aubrey
Oh where do I begin? The squid tenticles, or teh goat, or the fish thats just chillin on the plate, or that brown blob thats the nights mystery meat? One things for sure: half way around the world is really half way around the world.
Father has taught me so much on this trip. He's taught me to certainly be more thankfulfor what I have and to not surround my life with my own creature comforts. It's hard, but He is really opening my eyes to a world way beyound my own. He is showing me that I can do so much more with my life than simply surround myself with things that I want. The kids here are so precious as well as have big hearts. They are all so special and have taught me their compassion and love for one another.
Everything really changed for me though on the first day at Do Son when we took the kids to the beach. I was spinning around in the water with my girl on my back and all I could hear was her laughter. It was at that moment that made every single hour on the plane, in the airport, and on the bus completely worth it. These kids are truely God's children. It only takes a second with them to truly see that, by the grins on their faces.
Oh where do I begin? The squid tenticles, or teh goat, or the fish thats just chillin on the plate, or that brown blob thats the nights mystery meat? One things for sure: half way around the world is really half way around the world.
Father has taught me so much on this trip. He's taught me to certainly be more thankfulfor what I have and to not surround my life with my own creature comforts. It's hard, but He is really opening my eyes to a world way beyound my own. He is showing me that I can do so much more with my life than simply surround myself with things that I want. The kids here are so precious as well as have big hearts. They are all so special and have taught me their compassion and love for one another.
Everything really changed for me though on the first day at Do Son when we took the kids to the beach. I was spinning around in the water with my girl on my back and all I could hear was her laughter. It was at that moment that made every single hour on the plane, in the airport, and on the bus completely worth it. These kids are truely God's children. It only takes a second with them to truly see that, by the grins on their faces.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
First Timer
Lois
How does a first-timer like me even begin to describe this experience? I'll start with WOW.
My time with the kids at Birla is something I will never forget, especially the two days at Do Son.
With one of the translators, I had the privilege of teaching two boys how to swim. Never could I have imagined that Father would use my old swimming experience for something like this. I befriended these boys- I don't know their history, but I loved them instantly. That's just how it is with these kids. Saying our goodbyes to them was very emotional. Now I understand why so many people come year after year.
Visiting the SS4 orphanage at Dam Long was new for all of us. It was fun to give these kids two days to forget their circumstances and just be kids.
Our evening at Ming's mother's farm was an unexpected morale boost for all of us. We were treated like royalty -it was a great time for our group to recharge and enjoy each other. It was a true Vietnamese party experience and we were blessed by her graciousness. We came here to share love with another culture, yet in so many ways we are seeing the love reflected right back to us.
Coming here has helped me better understand the intended purpose of these trips. The relationships formed here are obviously divine appointments, and I am honored to have been a part of it.
But when I get home, I do not intend to eat white rice and water spinach for a long, long time!
My time with the kids at Birla is something I will never forget, especially the two days at Do Son.
With one of the translators, I had the privilege of teaching two boys how to swim. Never could I have imagined that Father would use my old swimming experience for something like this. I befriended these boys- I don't know their history, but I loved them instantly. That's just how it is with these kids. Saying our goodbyes to them was very emotional. Now I understand why so many people come year after year.
Visiting the SS4 orphanage at Dam Long was new for all of us. It was fun to give these kids two days to forget their circumstances and just be kids.
Our evening at Ming's mother's farm was an unexpected morale boost for all of us. We were treated like royalty -it was a great time for our group to recharge and enjoy each other. It was a true Vietnamese party experience and we were blessed by her graciousness. We came here to share love with another culture, yet in so many ways we are seeing the love reflected right back to us.
Coming here has helped me better understand the intended purpose of these trips. The relationships formed here are obviously divine appointments, and I am honored to have been a part of it.
But when I get home, I do not intend to eat white rice and water spinach for a long, long time!
Tuesday from Hanoi
Cathy
Visiting Vietnam has connected me with the past and future. The past because it is the place where my dad died 41 years ago as a pilot. The future because connecting with orphans, exchange students, and young people is the hope of tomorrow. Before the trip, GVI was just a phrase I heard at Northwood. Now I can picture the importance of Glocal Venture, Inc. and put names and faces with our work. Even though our family has been involved with local work through home makeovers, feeding hungry children in Haltom area, I now have an expanded global vision through trips to both Mexico and now Vietnam. I had been skeptical how a few days could make a difference, but seeing joy, appreciation, and friendship blossom, I was profoundly impacted. At first, an encounter with a 14 year old girl who seemed distant and forlorn. I wondered if I would see her smile? After a quick exchange of names at our bus rest stop, our paths quickly intertwined at Do Sonand I quickly saw a bond form and grew to love both she andher sister (and many others). Through prayer, physical labor, affection, and monetary support, I can stay close to them and the heart of Father. And who knows-maybe a trip back sometime.
Visiting Vietnam has connected me with the past and future. The past because it is the place where my dad died 41 years ago as a pilot. The future because connecting with orphans, exchange students, and young people is the hope of tomorrow. Before the trip, GVI was just a phrase I heard at Northwood. Now I can picture the importance of Glocal Venture, Inc. and put names and faces with our work. Even though our family has been involved with local work through home makeovers, feeding hungry children in Haltom area, I now have an expanded global vision through trips to both Mexico and now Vietnam. I had been skeptical how a few days could make a difference, but seeing joy, appreciation, and friendship blossom, I was profoundly impacted. At first, an encounter with a 14 year old girl who seemed distant and forlorn. I wondered if I would see her smile? After a quick exchange of names at our bus rest stop, our paths quickly intertwined at Do Sonand I quickly saw a bond form and grew to love both she andher sister (and many others). Through prayer, physical labor, affection, and monetary support, I can stay close to them and the heart of Father. And who knows-maybe a trip back sometime.
Debbie
Before I left home for Vietnam, I had invisioned what this trip would look like. I would be seeing the sites of a different country and I would be helping out with some kids at an orphanage and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. Well I have experienced an amzing country and I have bought probably many souvenirs, but what I expected to happen with "working" at the orphanage just is not exactly what I had in mind. Isn't it amazing how Father works? Instead of me doing something for the children, they did something for me! They gave so much. From kids who had so little material belongings, they had such big, giving hearts. They gave with their joy, smiles, touches, hand holding, hugs, and happiness they showed from the simplest things that we did for them. These kids who had nothing, even gave tokens of their love, whether it was a flower, or a small toy they recieved from the carnival. Or maybe it was in the way they served me at meal time.
It encourages me to stop and examine my own life. How did I appreciate and share with others? What makes me smile? Who do I care about enough at home to share my Father's love with? These children gave us their hearts and they stole mine. I will forever be changed!
Monday, July 06, 2009
A Part of Somethng Bigger
Kyle
This is my 3rd trip to Vietnam to spend time with the children at Birla. Every year is full of new experiences, new adventures, and new relationships. I went into this trip feeling like I had to be some sort of expert. As if going on 3 trips would make me an expert. However, Father quickly showed me that nothing goes as planned. And as much as we try to keep things under our control He shows us how things bloom when they are under His control.
Last year I met a girl from Birla who quickly attached herself to me. Wherever I went, she was there with me; whatever I did, she did it too! This year we began to continue that relationship we had built, but I was quickly asked by the house mothers to watch over some of the younger boys. While I began new wonderful relationships with these other children, I was sad that I couldn't spend the time I wanted to with the girl I was with last year. But Father quickly taught me that this trip is not about me. This trip is not about my feelings, or my heart being filled with love, but it's about pouring out the love He has provided for us onto others. Father also taught me that all the relationships he had used me to build in previous years would become useful.
The sweet girl I watched over last year hurt herself the last day we were in Do Son. She needed to get stitches on her forehead. It broke my heart to see her hurting, and embarrassed, and scared. She didn't come out of her room for the rest of the trip and said little more than three words to anyone. But today, as we spent our last amount of time with the children at Birla, I was allowed to go up to her and her friends' room with other members of our team. This girl who has felt like an outcast for the past 24 hours still had tears in her eyes. I took out a toy I had brought her and handed it to her, hoping it would help cheer her up. It had little effect. Then I took out some markers from my backpack and my journal, I tore a page from my journal and drew a picture on it of a flower. She added on to my picture by drawing a stem and leaves. Slowly I saw her energy come back as I was spending time with her. I knew she trusted me and slowly she began worrying less and less about the bandage on her face. Father showed me how a horrible situation can be alleviated by the love He provides. A love that began last year, and I selfishly wanted to push this year, but Father showed me that his timing is perfect and I was able to impact the lives of several young boys and cheer up one sad little girl because I did not get in the way of His plan.
How amazing and blessed I am to be allowed to be a part of something that is so much bigger than I am.
This is my 3rd trip to Vietnam to spend time with the children at Birla. Every year is full of new experiences, new adventures, and new relationships. I went into this trip feeling like I had to be some sort of expert. As if going on 3 trips would make me an expert. However, Father quickly showed me that nothing goes as planned. And as much as we try to keep things under our control He shows us how things bloom when they are under His control.
Last year I met a girl from Birla who quickly attached herself to me. Wherever I went, she was there with me; whatever I did, she did it too! This year we began to continue that relationship we had built, but I was quickly asked by the house mothers to watch over some of the younger boys. While I began new wonderful relationships with these other children, I was sad that I couldn't spend the time I wanted to with the girl I was with last year. But Father quickly taught me that this trip is not about me. This trip is not about my feelings, or my heart being filled with love, but it's about pouring out the love He has provided for us onto others. Father also taught me that all the relationships he had used me to build in previous years would become useful.
The sweet girl I watched over last year hurt herself the last day we were in Do Son. She needed to get stitches on her forehead. It broke my heart to see her hurting, and embarrassed, and scared. She didn't come out of her room for the rest of the trip and said little more than three words to anyone. But today, as we spent our last amount of time with the children at Birla, I was allowed to go up to her and her friends' room with other members of our team. This girl who has felt like an outcast for the past 24 hours still had tears in her eyes. I took out a toy I had brought her and handed it to her, hoping it would help cheer her up. It had little effect. Then I took out some markers from my backpack and my journal, I tore a page from my journal and drew a picture on it of a flower. She added on to my picture by drawing a stem and leaves. Slowly I saw her energy come back as I was spending time with her. I knew she trusted me and slowly she began worrying less and less about the bandage on her face. Father showed me how a horrible situation can be alleviated by the love He provides. A love that began last year, and I selfishly wanted to push this year, but Father showed me that his timing is perfect and I was able to impact the lives of several young boys and cheer up one sad little girl because I did not get in the way of His plan.
How amazing and blessed I am to be allowed to be a part of something that is so much bigger than I am.
Many Blessings
Maddie
I love the moments in life when Father reveals the purpose of trials and situations and even just little frustrations. For me, this trip has been filled with realizing the purpose of many events, all of which have just made me in awe of His greater plan for my life. The struggles and illnesses have allowed me to understand the desire just to be close to someone. These kids would just cling to us and I just know that is why we are here. It may seem like such a small thing to give--closeness and love--but it can move mountains and change hearts. The language barrier brings you to such simple terms with the kids--name, age, brothers/sisters--yet a strong bond is still formed that tugs at all kinds of strings in your heart. It's something far beyond anything I could do on my own plan or my own strength. The kids have such joy in their eyes with what little they have, it just changes the way I look at my life and the blessings I have been given. I have been blessed so that I can bless others, because seeing that joy in their eyes is worth more than anything of this world.
I love the moments in life when Father reveals the purpose of trials and situations and even just little frustrations. For me, this trip has been filled with realizing the purpose of many events, all of which have just made me in awe of His greater plan for my life. The struggles and illnesses have allowed me to understand the desire just to be close to someone. These kids would just cling to us and I just know that is why we are here. It may seem like such a small thing to give--closeness and love--but it can move mountains and change hearts. The language barrier brings you to such simple terms with the kids--name, age, brothers/sisters--yet a strong bond is still formed that tugs at all kinds of strings in your heart. It's something far beyond anything I could do on my own plan or my own strength. The kids have such joy in their eyes with what little they have, it just changes the way I look at my life and the blessings I have been given. I have been blessed so that I can bless others, because seeing that joy in their eyes is worth more than anything of this world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
