Total Eye Opener

So I thought the school I was at was a new experience! I started at the orphanage this week and I have been in total amazement since I walked into that place. First of all- their are 10 kids there which makes for a great, manageable number. But there is one lady who takes care of them who is 25 years old and has malaria. Second they have one bedroom that all 10 kids sleep in. They have one twin bed and a double bed. The 3 older girls (13,10, 9) sleep in the twin and all the other children sleep in the other bed. Then they have one small room with a mat in it to play in all day. They are not really allowed to go outside bc they get dirty and only bathe once a week. It just breaks my heart everyday I am there as they just cling to you bc we are basically there only contact, both physically and emotionally, that they really experience. Only 3 of them go to school (older kids) but come home at lunch bc they have chores to do. The entire situation is something that you see in movies or on the "sponsor this child" commerical. The older girls are soo good to the younger ones and basically act as a mother bc the woman is so sick and tired all the time to really do anything. Today for example, a little boy, Toshi, had to use the restroom (#2 mind you) and they dont have toilet paper and the older girl came over and used water to help him wipe. I dont know any 10 year old girls that would do that-- Im 24 and had a hard time with it!

After I have gotten over the initial shock of the place, I am quite happy with my placement. I feel my help and work is really appreciated by the mom and the children. We are learning colors, how to use scissors, and say objects in English. It is very frustrating but since I am hear for at least 3 weeks I am hoping to see some progress. Thank you for the game ideas-- they definitely need to be simple as it is usually the 3-6 year olds playing. We are cooking hot dogs for them tomorrow, which they have never eaten, which should be a great time. Next week I am going to get some paper to color masks for them to wear. They LOVE songs-- so any song suggestions would be great! I am having a hard time remembering songs! Cousins get your thinking caps on-- I want to know some songs! If you have a suggestion I will record them singing it so you can all hear! The children are soo sweet. Some of them definitely have problems from the malnutrition and the lack of parental contact- I am hoping to help them feel more confident and loved while I am there.

I will be looking into purchasing 3 bunk beds next week for the orphanage. Hopefully with all the donations from everyone and the help of other volunteers it ill be possible! So Thank you in advance!! I will keep you posted and hopefully post pictures of the children in the next 2 weeks!