Well, today was better. We planned activities on a smaller scale, and limited it to 2 rooms and outside...we also rotated our groups every 30 minutes to keep our spirits up. Our craft was to make a picture frame, and I am amazed at how much some of the kids loved it! A few of the kid never left that room...and even some kids who I would have never thought could glue stickers, let alone punch out small items did a fantastic job. We had a music room with our Ipods and kids music--dancing, and singing, and playing musical instruments. They enjoyed this a lot, and again, the kids tend to stay in the same room most of the day. One of the Down's children even bursted out with English "Happy Birthday" when it came on the Ipod! It was incredible! We also had outside where we played ball (they love standing 5 feet apart and throwing the ball back and forth over and over and over)...we brought out the parachute again which they LOVE. There were so many smiles, and happiness. The kids are for the most part good at helping--they seem to sense when it is time for us to go. They start to clean up our things, and point us towards the bus. I think we all feel positively about today, and are thrilled that Leslie was able to met with the director to purchase items for the new orphanage, and again thank you for your wonderful donations that made this possible!! Tomorrow, we are going to the grasslands (vacation area for Chinese in Mongolia) with several kids from the orphanage. Several of these kids we have not met. We will ride on horseback, eat toasted sheep (not me the vegetarian!) and drink milk tea! The kids have new shirts and shoes to wear (much needed) and this is a trip that will be very memorable for them. We are excited to interact more one and one with the kids, and eager to learn more about each of them.
I enjoyed that today more children were drawn out...kids we had not seen much of yesterday. They seem to be more comfortable today. I drew chalk outside with one of the boys for awhile. He copied my shapes, then copied the entire alphabet. Another boy wanted us all to sign our names on construction paper so he could keep it in his room. I am taking pictures of my boys tomorrow and one of my cub scouts to share with those kids. They love looking at themselves in our digital cameras...they are all getting a picture of themselves on Thursday. As much as we felt joy today, I also feel a sadness for the kids. This is their life...we all wish we could take them and bath them, and clean the orphanage. The new facility will do wonders for them... the Chinese government is really building a great area for them! I do feel like there is a need for general hygiene improvements...dental care, clothes washing (thank you for those who donated!). We will work on that for the future. Yesterday, I would have never said the word future. Today, I can think it. I can also think as painful as it is to think about these children being alone, I pray that I will meet them in Heaven again one day---clean, happy, strong, and no longer challenged. Peaceful....LOVED.
I apologize if this is a bit tangential--we are pretty tired tonight.
Love,
Eve
1 comment:
Eve and Team,
I am one of the team leaders from last years team. It is wonderful to see pictures of the children who God used to change our hearts and see His awesome hand at work. Now He is blessing you with the same blessings we had. Thank you for being open to all HE has for you and for the children.
We learned that the children are not the handicapped ones, but we were... until the time God showed us our incredible need for Him and how we were called to be His hands and feet to the children and nannies.
The children have far more potential than we originally realized. You will see them transform as the week goes on.
Keep smiling and loving them. You are the only Jesus they may see.
Judy
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