Çambodia Day 10

Cuz Baby you're a fire-work!

Dance party in session! These kids have some serious rhythm and moves. I mean, I don't condone Justin Bieber, but when the kids are jumping around, Thong and Kia are break dancing, and Hin is wiggling his little booty, I can allow a little Bieber fever in my life. We sweat ourselves silly, but it was so worth it.

Today is hard. I think I've shed tears three or four times, but each time I pull down my shades as to not concern the kiddos. Tears are a sign of something wrong, but seriously, I have to leave my precious Cambodian kiddos? :( I am going to miss pulling up to the orphanage in the tuk-tuk being greeted by the many smiling faces. I know we make their day, but oh, how they make mine. They know tomorrow is our last official day at the orphanage-they don't cry, they just hug, and I mean really hug-the tightest yet occurred today when we were leaving.

I dread the thought of departing, knowing that Monday morning no one will be there to read books to them, no one will be there to tend to their wounds, no one will be there to stock the medicine cabinet or bathe them or de-lice them or sing to them. BUT, I know they will be okay, for they are all in continuous survival mode. They take care of themselves, they take care of each other. While sitting with kids on the swing today fixing hair and blowing bubbles, I witnessed Isaal (5 years old) take off his clothes, turn on the hose, fill up the plastic tub with just the right amount of water, add body wash, get in, scrub down, and rinse. No help needed, just taking care of himself. I immediately thought of Axel's baths. How different. I mean, yes, Axel is becoming independent, wanting to add the bubble bath, but nothing close to what I curiously watched this afternoon. I think I'll try this when I get back home: place a plastic tub outside on our deck, hand Axel the water hose and soap, and tell him to wash himself. Ha! 

Survival mode-24 hours a day, every day of the year. These 10 days we've been here...the kids have been able to step out of survival mode and enjoy life. During these 10 days we lightened their load...instead of sweeping the floors and mopping, they got to play soccer with Tabor and Jack. Instead of sitting alone in the corner, they got to color and draw with Kassie, Anna and Nina. The kids love our kids. As a token of appreciation, they've created handmade bracelets and rings for us. In turn, we've supplied them with fresh fruit , veggies, and tons of love. For the orphanage children, it will be back to survival mode on Saturday...it kills me to think about this. I feel the sadness throughout my body; it's overwhelming as I sit here on the computer. I breathe. I shed a tear. I breathe again. I will come back. This is only the beginning.