Welcome arrow Vietnam Trips Archives arrow July 2010 arrow 7-14-10; On a Lighter Note, the "Sick Lady"
7-14-10; On a Lighter Note, the "Sick Lady" Print

Hello from Hanoi.  It has been raining hard and I'm stuck in my room (tiny). All was going well; enjoying some needed rest and then heard the downpour like it was right outside my door. Sure enough there was rain pouring into the hallway.

Wasn't long 'til power and also internet went out and there I am, stuck in a small room with little to do. Except listen to the committee in my head. Friends tell me not to go into my head alone, it is a bad neighborhood, they're right. Soon I was wondering if I was doing any good, if anyone ever reads these things and so forth.

But thank God many of you wrote and told me different! Some have replied with help for the hearts and our other programs. Yea God! Still need Faith, but I BELIEVE.

The last few days of emails have been a bit tough so I thought I'd break it up with a report from board member Bob Stephens. He is here helping with teams and also revisiting some of our past recipients. Here is his note on visiting who I have lovingly called the "sick lady".

Bob Stephens; GIBTK board member, retired NB police and good friend and my "go-to" guy.

Huyen's House in 2003 " the sick lady"
before house
   "One hundred and twenty kilometers southwest of Danang in the countryside is the small farming community of Ten Phuoc. Three hours from Danang by van plus 3 kilometers walking from the road is the home of Huyen Thi Tap a 38 year old single mother of 4 children.

 

 

Returned home to die...
sick
In 2003 Robert Kalatschan visited her family to determine if they qualified for a GIBTK compassion house. After walking in the 3 kilometers Robert found no one home. Robert was starting to walk back to the van, when neighbors arrived practically carrying a very ill Huyen. Huyen was returning from the doctor's office where she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Robert remembered Huyen, who was too weak to stand on her own, cry out "who will care for my children". Robert directed GIBTK staff to arrange for Huyen to be taken to Danang general hospital for examination.

 

  It was determined that the country doctor, who lacked any modern medical technology, had misdiagnosed Huyen. Doctors in Danang determined that she was suffering from brain swelling caused by an insect bite. This was easily treated by antibiotics. It took a 10 stay in the Danang hospital and $226 of antibiotics for Huyen returned home cured from this life threatening condition. If the GIBTK had not "bumped" into her she probably would have died without the meds.

 

 

Huyen's home today!
new house
In March of 2004, Robert and I visited Huyen's family to dedicate their new home that was built by Giving It Back To Kids. This was a very tearful reunion with a mother overcome with emotion. Not only was Huyen healthy, but her family now had a new home to live in.

 

 

 

Tears of grattitude, even 7 years later!
tears
Today July 12, 2010 I returned to the Huyen family residence to see how they were doing. She immediately recognized me from before and it was the same tearful re-union from a grateful mother. As I hugged Huyen, she soaked my shirt with tears. Not tears of pain, but with tears of thanks. Thanks for helping and for caring about her family.

 

 

 

Sharing and caring
bs hugg
The children are now 7 years older, and everyone looked healthy. The oldest Boy (19 yrs.) is mentally disabled and unable to help his mother. The 10,12, and 14 year-old children are all attending school. The home was very well kept, and a small room has been added.

 

   I presented the still struggling single mother with gifts of cooking oil, milk, soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, and other household necessities, as well as 1 million Vietnamese Dong (about $50.00 US dollars). Yes it was all the Vietnamese money I had with me!  

Walks 3-5 miles a day selling her food
work

 

 

 She earns about $55.00 per month cooking and selling rice cakes as a street vendor. Walking about 5-7 kilometers a day carrying 30-35 pounds of product slung over her shoulder walking on dirt paths. The Huyen family also raises pigs, and chickens.

This woman has a very hard life, but I know that Giving It Back To Kids has made it a little easier. I feel certain that this is not the last time I will make the trip to Ten Phuc to visit the Huyen Family.

Bob Stephens, Ten Phuc, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

><((((º>  BBlessed

 
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