Enjoy this collage of the entire team giving love away!

Here are a some stories written from various members of the Texas Team while in Vietnam.

Christine:

Today the team and I went to the Da Nang Water Park with kids from two orphanages, There were about 50 kids with us in total, all of which were precious to not only the Lord, but to me as well!  From the moment I saw the kids as we arrived at the water park, my heart was filled with love for these kids as they laughed and played with each other and the team as well. On my way to the park I found myself thinking about how I wanted to impact their lives and impart joy, but shortly after spending some time with them I realized that they were imparting joy in my life! It was a huge surprise realizing just how infectious their smiles and laughter were! The kids just pulled me by the arm and dragged me into the water. They splashed me and I splashed back. The fun was just beginning. As the boys and girls took off my sunglasses and put them on themselves, I watched their smiles grow even bigger and bigger and in that moment I understood what the concept of GIBTK is all about. Even if it was just for a moment, just for one day, these kids experienced fun with water slides, food, ice cream and bubbles, the little things that I, like so many other Americans, take for granted – happy memories. Today was a special day for these kids and also for me. For me it was about gaining a greater appreciation of sharing the beauty and joy of life. For the kids I suppose it was the same thing. They really aren’t that different from adults..we are all God’s children in His eyes anyways. My prayer today is that God would continue to unfold the reality of how far a simple act of kindness such as spending time with another person can really go because today I saw firsthand that it goes farther than I thought I knew.

Carlos:

I’ve been going to foreign lands my entire life.  I’ve seen poverty in third world countries and seen so many miracles in places that seemed hopeless.  Coming to Vietnam I expected nothing less.  What I didn’t expect was to feel so compelled to do more than what I was already doing.  I didn’t expect to cast vision about bringing more American Youth next year…I didn’t expect to partner with one of my friends (John Michael) to build a house for a family…I definitely didn’t expect to take time and dream up ways to raise money for Vietnam endeavors…BUT I HAVE! This morning I  was given an incredible compliment that challenged me…I was called a Warrior.  Somehow when I see the kids here I see more in them than what they see…I see hope, I see futures, I see Christ’s love forever changing their lives…I look at their lives and obstacles and when I put their obstacles next to God’s plan for them I can’t help but call them the Warriors!

Aric:

While being here in Danang, I so badly want to put on that red cape and that famous “S” on my chest and come to the RESCUE!  For years these children have been crying out for help. I, being Aric Dang have strived to be that so called “Superman” in their lives. Being there today and every day, but I can only do so much. I’ve finally come to a realization that I can’t do much, but God! God’s love and blessings can bring so much joy to a child’s face. Because the love of God, these children can overcome anything. I just want to leave the reader with this. SHARE GOD’S LOVE!!!