Say Cheese!!!

Most are orphaned because their parents have died of AIDS. The oldest is 14, but due to malnutrition, she looks like she’s just 10 or 11. She is very smart and speaks English quite well. She devoured all the books Colleen gave as presents. She would play with my "C" necklace every time she gives me a hug.

The youngest is 2 and just stares at you with his big black eyes, all the while munching on his sugary gum and playing with his toy car. He rarely smiles and never makes a sound. He is like a wise, old man watching everyone around him.

I remember another young boy, whom everyone thinks is my perfect match. He looooves the camera and said, “Say, cheese!!!” about a hundred times that afternoon. He will have giggling fits after.

The boys had a delicate operation the day before, so it was quite impressive to see them come out to play with us that afternoon!

There were 3 girls who just love “swings”. They’d stand in front of you and balance themselves as they loop their arms over yours. They’d say, “swing, swing!” as you swing them around. One would get up the platform and launch herself towards you until you catch her and twirl her around. Definitely the workout I’ve been looking for!

Then there’s this girl, with a giggle so contagious, you can’t help but giggle with her every time she breaks into laughter. She’s lovable and we’re happy that she’s found a home with a Canadian couple that will bring her home in a few months. She deserves the bright future waiting for her.

Rehema, the lady who founded the orphanage, is not much older than me. I am so impressed and so touched by what she is doing for these children. She told Gloria that with the stuff that we have given them, they feel like they are having Santa in March. To this, we said, these kids gave us an afternoon so fulfilling that what we have given them do not even come close to the joy their laughter have brought us.

More photos here.