6/14/12- The Orphanage

Today was the first day that we went to the orphanage where we will be doing majority of our work, it is called C.P.O. It is not in the city so it is a bit of a drive to get out there but espicially by tuk-tuk, the whole entire ride I could not wait to meet them and share my love with them. I wanted to know what they were like, how many there were, and what we were going to do to help. As soon as we got there we were greeted with huge smiles, hugs, and laughter. When I got out two girls instantly ran over and hugged me and took my hand and guided me to where I could put my bag down. The first 15 minutes was introductions and finding out names and age, which was a little difficult because most only knew how to say "Hi my name is..." and nothing else in English but the language barrier was not an issue to them or us. As we started to get to know each other the more and more games and fun we shared. We played alphabet games, counting games, and other fun little games. While we played with them Lisa Marie and the other adults (including the translator, Meng) talked to the woman and man that owned the orphanage about what we could do to help. They came to the conclusion that we would get them a new running water source which they had never had before. We would also extend the roof so that when it rained the kids wouldn't get soaked, we would rebuild the chicken coop, pick up all the trash, organize the place, and delouse all the kids. In the process of all this I met two little boys who instantly melted my heart with their smiles and love. Their names were Ja-Heng who was 6 and Arron who was 5. I played with these two little boys for the mojority of the day just playing games, playing soccer and volleyball and just sharing laughs. We arrived at the orphanage at 7:45 and didn't leave until 5:00. Every second I was dreding leaving these two little boys and all the orphans. But when the time came we got so many hugs and love and as we were driving away in the tuk-tuks all the kids starting running after us for awhile waving and smiling. It made my heart melt and I can never ever forget today.