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This past year has been very difficult for my family and I. As many of you already know my wife Dorothea was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Honestly in many ways, she has done better then I have.
If I were to get completely honest there are times it has been difficult to focus on GIBTK. Even this trip I was not sure if I would go till last doctor said go! Thank God for the GIBTK team! Once again because of them GIBTK did not miss a beat!!!
BUT it is seeing what GIBTK does that keeps Dorothea and I in this ministry to help kids have a chance, a hope for a better life!
The following is a letter written from one of "our" kids who recently graduated college. I am in awe in his listing all of our GIBTK family, The following letter he wrote to our team; This is what boosts our energy and help us to stay focused on what Father God has called us to.
"IT'S" WORKING!!!
Dao Quoc Thanh
"My beloved GIBTK family,
At the beginning of this letter, I'd like to give my most sincere thanks to father Robert and my generous donor, as well as to all the staff of GIBTK, all members at Hal's home, Lighthouse, Hai Chau Home, Mary's house, etc. Thank you for helping me become the man I am today. Thank you all for everything."
"How can I ever forget every single happy moment at Hal's home. Every time I got sick, you took care of me. Every time I fell down, you raised me up... and so many, many more. Thank you, my big family."
"Although I leave Hal's Home, and our organization, I always stay grateful for your help in bringing me up. Thank you for supporting me, helping me accomplish my dream to pursue my study at University. Today I have earned a bachelor of business administration. The knowledge I obtained, together with your encouragement and love, make it possible for me to walk on the road of success in the near future. And someday, I'm going to do the same thing you've been doing for poor children. There are so many difficult lives out there and I was one of the lucky kids who was taken into your protective arms. I'm so thankful for that."
"I also want to give my thanks to our house moms, Ms. Minh, Ms. Xuyen, and Ms. Luom. They took such good care of me for all these years from the day I moved in till my last moments here. Thank you for always standing by me and encouraging me when I needed it. I will never forget your deep love and care. In my heart, you've been my second moms all along. I love you so, so much."
"And to the staff of GIBTK. Thank you all, for supporting and guiding me to do the right things. I love you all."
To the girls at LightHouse, thank you for giving me such wonderful unforgettable memories. I wish you all will have successful jobs in the future.
And how can I not mention other children from other homes, especially Hai Chau home. I will not ever forget you for the rest of my life. Even though two years living together is not a long time, it means so much to me. You will always be the ones I love the most. Your innocence and purity, your care and your silliness, too. I will keep all of them in my heart."
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| Thanh at Dia Loc Orphanage where we first met him |
"Last, but not least, I'd love to give my deepest thanks to my brothers at Hal's home: Minh, Thinh, Hung, Tuong, Nam, Duy, Quy, Phung, Ha, Hoang, Tam, Tien, Oanh, Tra, Cuong, Tinh, Vinh and Enzo's kids: Nhi, Trinh, Vui, Ti, Bao, Hang and our two guards, Mr. Ngon and Mr. Thai. I will miss you so, so much. It was unmeasurably sad for me to leave our home. I don't want to be far away from you at all. Going back to my hometown must be the hardest decision I've ever made in my life. Though I felt so much pain in my heart, I had to make that choice at the end. If I had a wish, I'd wish for time to be turned back. Back on the days we lived together, cooked, played soccer, hung out. Oh, all those memories are rushing back to me, and crushing my heart with so much joy and sadness at the same time. I think I'm about to cry now. There are still so many things I want to say to you, but I suppose there's no words that can describe my feeling right now. I just want you to know that I love our family, more than I can say."
Finally, Farewell everyone. Thank you for everything. I love you all!
Best,"
Your son, your brother
Dao Quoc Thanh
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