I wanted to share a little of my evening with the children of Hai Chau. As the van pulled up the kids saw me and the young ones began jumping up and down and the older got up and walked to me cheering Robot, Robot! Robot! (That’s how they and now some you pronounce Robert). A better or warmer greeting I could not ask nor dream of.

  We came here some 5-6 years ago and began giving hugs! Unconditional father’s hugs. They did not know what to do. Most would just stand there with arms to their sides. Many in our own countries and families have never received unconditional fathers (parents) hugs. Much less these orphans. Yes some have family members but because of poverty, prison or other reasons the children live here. They are growing up here.

  Today and in recent years these children have not only learned to receive hugs but give them. I still am surprised as so many come up waiting for their hug. It means so much to me to see this. Tonight got to me. These kids showed their love. Yes the hugs were great but a number of them would come hug me, kiss my check and say Robot, I love you! I am not sure I have ever felt this kind of love anywhere. Yes there is my family but still not this love and respect I feel from these.

  Huong an 18 year old sitting with me leaned over to my ear and whispered thank you Mr. Robot for sponsoring my education. I really appreciate it. Simple words but I don’t hear things like this often. Maybe it’s just me… or maybe it is the look in her eyes that showed her deep gratitude. (She’s the one in the red with glasses.)

   Or Lieu (the other one in the photo) who ROCKED our last fundraiser with her story who is now living here and preparing for her university entrance exams. And doing well. She is like another daughter and she even liked my cooking and told all the others at Hai Chau how good a cook I am!

  And then there is Loc. If you have a minute or some may remember her story from last summer (see it at  http://givingitbacktokids.com/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=380&Itemid=72 . When I first saw her, never had I seen a sadder little girl. Tonight she walked up to me looking into my eyes and smiled reaching up for a hug. I almost did not recognize this littler one. Read her story, truly it is about what love can do.  Compare the photos of before (at our web site link) and this one. Remarkable…

   Or my Diep. She is really like my daughter. I first met her when she had an extra toe, after fixing that she and I became close. Very close. Several years ago her “father” sent a message to me that if someone would give him some money he would let them adopt her…. (another words sell her)Today she just kept looking at me and telling me she loves me. How much is this worth.

    As I stood in the ice cream shop looking at all the excitement. A thought came to me. Was it from God? I don’t know. To not to get so heavenly minded that I become no earthly good. It can also be said so organizational minded that I am not earthly good. You see the past couple years I have been working to learn to be a better leader and don’t get me wrong this is important.  To “lead” GIBTK into a larger organization.

  But during this trip I have been reminded it is about relationships. It is the little things. The hugs, being there and yes just listening when it does not seem like the conversation is going anyplace.. I am reminded of what my Spiritual father, Ed Cole use to say, “Often we look for God in the supernatural and spectacular and we over shoot the mark. He is in the simple”

  My challenge is; yes how do I lead GIBTK like a larger organization yet keep it small enough that every single child is important. Small enough to continue to give the hugs and build relationships. How do I better train others to have a heart after Father Gods. The Heart of the Father!

  Forgive me if this sounded self serving and about me. I do not mean it that way. It is really me sharing my experiences and being vulnerable. It is also something I want to say in writing so as I will have many of you to remind if and when I forget to slow down and love others.  

  Please also forgive my many typos yesterday and probably other days. Hopefully there is less in this one. If this email made sense to you let me know. I really want to make a point but just not sure how. As Dr. Cole often said “I am not done sharing so sometimes I just have to stop.” Love all of you! Thanks for being on this journey with me!

PS. Check out Giving it Back to kids on face book for more photos! Become a fan.

><((((º>  BBlessed