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In my book Real-Time Connections – I deal with people using their jobs – but also their passions and whatever they have.  We were acting in “real-time” as a family when we brought home an exchange student that lived with us for a couple of years and then became a part of our family through the holidays, etc., for many years.  We went to his wedding last Christmas in Hanoi.  Nikki was cleaning out a desk when she found these two emails from dated August 1, 2001.  One is from Mr. Tu, Ti’s father, speaking of Ti, the other was from me – I had been on a trip in which I was in 3 countries and I was writing it from one of them and our emails came at the same time . . . There was apprehension on all our part.  A Christian pastor’s family opening itself up to an animist, Buddhist, atheist – whatever – teenager to live in our home.  The living arrangements were all in flux – it would be a wild but phenomenal ride that would help us grow in understanding God, our world, and our family even more.  Nikki had emailed me a little stressed – I’d been gone, and they would be picking up Ti a few days before I arrived home. I’m trying to give Nikki moral support and the kids paternal encouragement . . .

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8/1/2001 – 3:48:55 am

Nikki,
When I woke up this morning – you were on my mind. . . . I’ll be home soon so you can relax . . . . give this to the kids . . . .

Ben and Jill, how I wish you were here with me.  I’ll be home soon.  I got you both surprises.  I know our lives are going to change some and I know you’re probably somewhat nervous about opening up our home to someone new and from a different country and religion.  I am too – but I know we are doing the right thing.  Over and over again the Bible, Jesus and Paul tell us to practice hospitality – that means more than being polite and inviting people over – it means opening our homes and lives to those in need.  This may be the biggest thing we’ve ever done with that. 

In Acts they sold their stuff and gave to one another – we have a nice home with good things and awesome blessings that most people in the world don’t have.  How sinful it would be if we lived our lives not giving to others.  It could be, and I believe this is true, that the reason God has blessed us so much is that what he gives us we give away, if we ever stop giving, we go broke, not just financially – but spiritually.  We cease to be a channel that God can flow through and make a difference in.

This is a decision we all made – one that I was for but refused to push any of you in because it had to be something all of us felt calling us to.  God will do things in your life as a result of this.  Doing God’s will means sacrifice – it always has and it always will – but sacrifice always leads to immeasurable joy because we know we are living in the Kingdom In and the result is the Kingdom flows out.
Help your mother – she is tired.  I’m sure you are too – but work as a family.  We love you both so deeply – we could not imagine our lives without you. 

I love you - Dad

From Mr. Tu to the Roberts Family

8/1/2001 11:08:21 AM

Dear Nikki, Bob and the entire family,

This letter would come to you with Ti, but we were in such a rush to prepare for his departure and he did not take it with him, so this has to come to you by e-mail.

Right now, Ti is during his flight and will arrive at your place in some hours.  Your sincere enthusiastic letters and our short meeting with Nikki gave us total relaxation about Ti living in your family.  I believe that Ti will learn many precious things from you.  One year living with you will bring him a great turn in his life.  We send you our beloved son.  I understand you will love him with all your kind and lucid heart and will treat him as if he were your own son.  But please also claim from him as if he were your own son. 

Ti is bringing with him USD 2,500 for his allowance.  Please keep it for him and permit him USD 250 every month.  If there is any unexpected need, please use that money and we will send him more.
Dear Ben and Jill, Ti will be your friend, your brother.  He is from a country very far from America, a very different and poor country and we are sure he has many weak points and many bad habits.  We hope you will love and help him.  With your love and help, one short year living in your family will make a great change in Ti’s life.

Our sincere thanks and our best wishes to all your family.

Mrs. Thuc and Mr. Tu

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And Ti – my Vietnamese son – you changed all of us and we love and do claim you as a Roberts with all our hearts.  We are so proud of you and happy to have a Vietnamese son.  Give Nikki and I many grandchildren so you can take care of us when we are old!!!!!