Reflections

• Inspiration - We were inspired by the Joma Bakery Cafe people who started their Starbucks-like business in Laos, expanded to Vietnam and are headed to Cambodia. They hire rescued girls from human traficking and provide good jobs for them. Our hats are also off to Tim and Toby who have opened a Hanoi restaurant with good food (even by our standards) and have hired kids coming out of orphanages. Both of these organizations have established quality businesses with a vision to minister to people physically and spiritually. The folks at Glocal Ventures (NGO we work with in Vietnam) go the second and sometimes third mile to assure we meet with who we need to, set up Hanoi transportation which frequently means going with us, and are a liaison with SS3, monitor the use of donated funds to assure they are spent as designated, and guide us to safe and good places to eat. We are also inspired by people working cheerfully and without complaint in conditions that most Americans wouldn't like.
• Laos - The opportunity to help start care for the elderly. The high numbers of English speakers, reducing the need for translation. The fact that they have identified a need, but don't know what it is... The rural challenges of accessibility and lack of infrastructure. We spent enough time (approximately 54 hours) to know we need to spend more time there. Their desire for improvement.
• Vietnam - The meeting with DOLISA, their preparedness for our meeting and the open door for the first annual Elderly Care Conference in November. We expect 7 volunteers on that trip, which is exciting. The visit to SS3 and the seeing the pigs project which is enhancing the diets there, growing kids and expanding vision. The almost overwhelming needs in the existing facilities...SS3, Agent Orange/orphanage, and the realization that these are some of the best in the country.
• Encouragement - We were encouraged along the way by divine appointments on airplanes, restaurants, and knowing that there were family members, friends, Sunday School classes and even some folks we don't even know who were praying for us. It was humbling to be in meetings with top level officials in a foreign country and knowing we couldn't have set up those meetings on our own.
• The Opportunities - are everywhere. We need wisdom in taking the best steps to help meet the almost overwhelming needs. We need like minded volunteers who are willing to join us on these trips so that we can begin to develop continuity and make faster progress. We need for God to open the doors that He wants us to go through and continue to give us vision. Upon our return, a business friend commented, "it looks like you could have another full time job." He's right, and like Paula said, "this is a job that costs money rather than pays money." Maybe it doesn't make financial sense, but this is some of the most rewarding work we do. Two verses offer guidance...the first is: Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. -James 1:27 The second one is found several times in the New Testament and simply says Love your neighbor as yourself.
• Donations - We haven't solicited and aren't asking for donations, but are frequently asked about it. Since we're volunteers, any donations go straight to what we're doing. We are in the process of establishing a not for profit corporation which will allow volunteers to have a tax deduction for their travel expenses and allow people who desire to donate, to receive a tax deduction. Feel free to contact us about that. Our desire isn't to become fund raisers or lay guilt trips on anyone.
• Questions??? - We're an open book.