This was our second group of parents looking for help for their children. There were 5 kids needing surgery. Going into this meeting we were already over what I had planned to spend. As we walked into the room I saw a couple of the children who already had surgeries, first. It was incredible to see life in these kids.

Who's laughing more?

Can this be the same father?

Cassidy's new healthy friend

 How joyful was this moment? It was probably the lead-in that God orchestrated! I was already zeroing in on a "projected budget". Honestly I am not sure why I try to set up a "projected budget" because God seems to have other ideas, every time! Funny thing is He always finds ways to cover the costs.

For this group, all the surgeries but 1 was higher in cost. 2 cases are extreme emergencies. As I sat there, I heard the costs. Forgive me please, sometimes I work to distance myself from the child or from trying to imagine what the parents feel (SEE just typing this brought tears to me! Darn!) And think about the financial end! Well, these were higher than usual.  

How do I do this? What can I say... How do I get into these matters of the heart?

It seemed like these moms took turns crying while waiting for the "interview" to begin. One child was wiping tears away as they fell from his mother's eyes. One by one I began to try and find a reason to postpone the surgery, but each case was severe and needed help NOW! For one child the doctors said that if they waited more than a few weeks, it would be too late to help the child.

"Don't cry mom...it'll be alright"

Her sweet daughter had so little energy. I wondered what if this was my daughter... What would I do, Yah I know I got away from "the numbers" and felt like a father.

The last girl, was this her last opportunity?

"But God," I pleaded, "How? How can I agree to all this?" In my heart I felt God saying (it sometimes seems that He gets my attention in ways that are not so sweet)" Stop all the drama! Get down there and tell those families that WE will fund their children's surgeries!" I was reminded that God' arms have not gotten shorter and He has never left us out of money. (Close though;-0) and that the thing that makes God happy is Faith.

So we agreed. Now I got to ask.... Anyone feel like helping? Sorry for being so blunt but that's how God shows up. He uses people and if I don't tell others of our needs, how will you know? Forgive me for this journal. I write to you as I am thinking. Scattered? Probably but I hope I do not scare you off, I am using this to share a little of what a couple of hours can be like in my time in Vietnam.

If you're led to help with a partial surgery or perhaps a full surgery you can either send a check to our office or go to our web site www.givingitbacktokids.org. Thanks for allowing me into your homes via email.

><((((º>  BBlessed