As I drove up to my house yesterday morning at 1am, I stepped out of the car into pitch blackness, complete stillness, utter silence. It was peacefulness, a moment to treasure. I appreciate the still night.
As I stood in front of my home, I immediately thought about how ridiculous I looked, trying to punch in the code to my front door, delirious and sleep-deprived. I couldn't remember the code! I appreciate the feeling of security.
As I showered, my thoughts started racing back to the procedure for showering back at the orphanage. The shower, toilet and sink are combined into one small cubicle. Their shower is not a shower...it's a bucket of water with a cup in it. I appreciate the accessibility of fresh water and hot water heaters.
As I reached into the fridge to get some eggs, I was immediately grateful for my accessibility to food. However, I do miss the streetside market and the availability of fresh, unaltered fruit and vegetables. There were days in Cambodia where our schedule was unpredictable, and all I wanted was an apple, but I couldn't find one. It was a mental struggle, not being able to purchase what I wanted at the moment I wanted it. I had a glimpse, in that moment, how it must have felt to be a civilian during the Khmer Rouge.
As I walked the aisles of the grocery store with Axel last night, I felt a transformation within myself, for I purchased items on a need/want basis. Of course Axel "needed" the Hallmark cards that sing, the juiceboxes with characters on them, and the fancy yogurt tubes. What did I do? I resisted. I even lectured him about the fact that he didn't really "need" them just because he "wanted" them. As we checked out, my cart was not nearly as full as it usually is, granted, I spent a little more to get some organic items, but I felt refreshed, knowing that the items in our cart were things we really did "need." I appreciate my experience in Cambodia, for it gave me a new perspective.
As I sit here on the computer at 4:30am, (can't sleep), I appreciate the fact that I have a means by which to share my thoughts with all of you. I can share my story, my experiences, my thoughts. The children at CHA can't do this. It is my job to share their stories with you, to create an awareness of their situation, to be an ambassador for Children's Global Alliance, to recruit new student volunteers. The pictures I have to show will give a clear picture, but one has to truly visit the orphanage to experience the powerful feeling of love that results from this. An enormouse sense of responsibility has been fostered within me; I am now forever responsible for the continued "sharing of love" at C.H.A. I am committed. I am grateful. Thank you, God, Thomas, Axel, Mom, Dad, Jason, Jamie, all four grandparents, Dawn, Derek, Dayna, the Bullingers, the Troikes, Aunt Heidi and Kierstin, relatives abroad, Lisamarie, Jack, Anna, Tabor, Nina, Kassie, my Greeley girls, my girlfriends here in the valley, anyone I have ever taught with, my teachers throughout my lifetime, my current colleagues, my friends from MLS and MLC, Dan K, all parents of students I have ever taught, my students, my pastors, anyone who has been in my life up until now...thank you for playing a part in my life...you all have a piece of my heart. I am truly blessed. Ok...tears rolling down...love you all! Will write more later...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Reflections...
I'm already back to reality, sitting at the Seoul airport in the Hub Lounge for 9 hours now, checking emails and Facebook, eating something other than rice and tofu, and not one mosquito or sweat bead exists. Strange as it may sound, I miss my other atmostphere "had" for the past two weeks. No one is giving me hugs, yet rather stares, for I'm the foreigner here right now. No one to de-lice or bathe, no one to bring fresh pineapple and watermelon to, and no one to read "I love you, Stinky Face" to in the melting sun. How quickly my service has ended, yet I know the extension of my love will last a long time in CHA's hearts. What I would give at this moment in time to have a little Cambodian orphan sitting right next to me, here in the airport, booked for my same flight, only to take them home and smother them with love, schooling and food. I feel ripped apart and it's only been a short time since we said our tearful goodbyes on Friday night.
I didn't mention the Friday night goodbye yet...it hurts my heart to think about it. I mean it when I honestly say our goodbye session lasted a good hour and a half. And I'm talking tears, real tears, sobbing and trying to hide it, laughter tears, hugs so strong I could feel the pain the kids were feeling from us departing. Every SCCS student cried, even Jack. What? Boys don't cry! Hardly. I felt a rush of accomplishment when I saw Jack crying, kids hanging on every inch of his body, crying along with him. Not once did one of the CHA children cry during our visit (except for ChonTim...mentioned in an earlier post), but Friday night was a different story. They tried with all their might to fight back the tears, as did we, but we couldn't hold back. You know when you try to resist crying and your throat starts to hurt? Yep...it didn't last long. I was genuinely upset, crying so hard at one point I couldn't breathe while hugging Nuch, because I hope and pray that they'll all be there the next I can visit. They told me that Jesus loves me and that I'll always be in their heart-in return, I told them to be strong, take care of each other, and keep smiling. I promised I would come back.
I miss them...
I didn't mention the Friday night goodbye yet...it hurts my heart to think about it. I mean it when I honestly say our goodbye session lasted a good hour and a half. And I'm talking tears, real tears, sobbing and trying to hide it, laughter tears, hugs so strong I could feel the pain the kids were feeling from us departing. Every SCCS student cried, even Jack. What? Boys don't cry! Hardly. I felt a rush of accomplishment when I saw Jack crying, kids hanging on every inch of his body, crying along with him. Not once did one of the CHA children cry during our visit (except for ChonTim...mentioned in an earlier post), but Friday night was a different story. They tried with all their might to fight back the tears, as did we, but we couldn't hold back. You know when you try to resist crying and your throat starts to hurt? Yep...it didn't last long. I was genuinely upset, crying so hard at one point I couldn't breathe while hugging Nuch, because I hope and pray that they'll all be there the next I can visit. They told me that Jesus loves me and that I'll always be in their heart-in return, I told them to be strong, take care of each other, and keep smiling. I promised I would come back.
I miss them...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Cambodia Day 12/13
What a privilege...
As we departed by van from Phnom Penh, I witnessed the horrifying reality for those individuals living in poverty. In the rural communities we passed shack after shack, each of which provided less protection than our tents for camping. Amidst the literal shambles for housing, little tiny tan butts ran around playing in the dirt, water buffalo comprised of nothing more than skin and bones, worked without complaint, and near-collisive situations between motos and monstrous transport vehicles presented themselves every 1-2 minutes.
As we passed immense school structures, hundreds of uniform-clad Cambodians play happily in the yards while the mothers worked purposefully selling vegetables and fish on the roadside, fathers in the fields up to their collarbones in water. No midmorning massages, yoga classes or pedicures, yet hard, sweaty, dedicated labor. As the saying goes, "There's no rest for the weary." This is truly an understatement...they are not only weary, they are severely fatigued, malnourished, and poverty stricken. My heart breaks for them. I wanted to stop at every vegetable stand, get out and hug each one, telling them how much I respect them.
Chong Kneas, a floating village, gave me a gutwrenching feeling in my stomach upon arrival. A village in existence for over 100 years, Chong Kneas is home to many individuals, both Cambodian and Vietnamese. Homes on stilts or floating barrels, floating schools, a floating pharmacy, and a floating church...it was all there in the middle of Tonle Sap Lake. My description here doesn't do the village justice, so my photos will provide the reality. (to be uploaded to FB when I get home)
Our final destination this weekend was a beautiful privilege granted to us, so thank YOU, Lisamarie. Angkor Wat, meaning City Temple, was built for King Suryavarman II during the late 12th century. Just north of Siem Reap, I had the privilege of exploring many temples filled with beautiful architecture and breathtaking decor. I learned that Buddha holds 8 positions with his hands, each holding a meaning: meditation, forgiveness, and Earth as a witness. We also visited Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. :) Our tour guide, Vi-Sna, built our background knowledge extensively in just 6 short hours.
A beautiful ending to a beautiful opportunity...
As we departed by van from Phnom Penh, I witnessed the horrifying reality for those individuals living in poverty. In the rural communities we passed shack after shack, each of which provided less protection than our tents for camping. Amidst the literal shambles for housing, little tiny tan butts ran around playing in the dirt, water buffalo comprised of nothing more than skin and bones, worked without complaint, and near-collisive situations between motos and monstrous transport vehicles presented themselves every 1-2 minutes.
As we passed immense school structures, hundreds of uniform-clad Cambodians play happily in the yards while the mothers worked purposefully selling vegetables and fish on the roadside, fathers in the fields up to their collarbones in water. No midmorning massages, yoga classes or pedicures, yet hard, sweaty, dedicated labor. As the saying goes, "There's no rest for the weary." This is truly an understatement...they are not only weary, they are severely fatigued, malnourished, and poverty stricken. My heart breaks for them. I wanted to stop at every vegetable stand, get out and hug each one, telling them how much I respect them.
Chong Kneas, a floating village, gave me a gutwrenching feeling in my stomach upon arrival. A village in existence for over 100 years, Chong Kneas is home to many individuals, both Cambodian and Vietnamese. Homes on stilts or floating barrels, floating schools, a floating pharmacy, and a floating church...it was all there in the middle of Tonle Sap Lake. My description here doesn't do the village justice, so my photos will provide the reality. (to be uploaded to FB when I get home)
Our final destination this weekend was a beautiful privilege granted to us, so thank YOU, Lisamarie. Angkor Wat, meaning City Temple, was built for King Suryavarman II during the late 12th century. Just north of Siem Reap, I had the privilege of exploring many temples filled with beautiful architecture and breathtaking decor. I learned that Buddha holds 8 positions with his hands, each holding a meaning: meditation, forgiveness, and Earth as a witness. We also visited Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. :) Our tour guide, Vi-Sna, built our background knowledge extensively in just 6 short hours.
A beautiful ending to a beautiful opportunity...
Cambodia Day 11
Such a different life...
Little Mimi, prounounced my-my, is 2 years old, the youngest at the orphanage. Although she has living relatives, including her mother, she calls the orphanage her home because her mother has cancer and cannot provide adequate care for her. We had the privilege of meeting Mimi's mother, and what a lovely lady she is, so happy and enthusiastic to be able to spend time with her daughter on her "better" days. I can't imagine the thought of having to do this, but Mimi is in good hands at the orphanage. The older boys see to it that she gets the approrpriate amount of help and care she needs.
ChanTim, a 15 year old female, has apparently been sick for many years with swollen lymph nodes in multiple areas, painful stomach issues, and extreme fatigue and depression. Lisamarie discovered her under the sheets the other day, sobbing beyond her own control. She replied with, "I'm okay, no problem." Cambodian people do not cry, it's not common in their culture, so this was a rarity for us to witness. After scanning her body and locating points of pain, we drew a diagram for the doctor and she was taken by the director to the private hospital, for the few prior hospital visits yielded no results. We found out later that night she has TB, and treatment was started immediately. I pray she gets well. I made sure to give her extra hugs as I was leaving, kissed her several times on the forehead, and told her she'd be okay. God bless you, ChanTim.
As I watched the younger girls engrossd in play with their new mini dollhouses today, memories of my childhood started flashing before me. The girls were so immersed in play, keeping themselves entertained for a lengthy amount of time. I was that child, engaged in play with Barbies at my Grandma Schrenk's house. My cousin Jess and I could sit for hours playing "House" and "Happy Family." My Grandma Dahlquist and I would play "Foot Fashion Show," hold up a curtain, put Barbie shoes and boots on our fingers, and present dance numbers for each other. Grandma D and S, thank you for encouraging "play," and providing me the time to explore my creativity. I never had the latest gadgets, the newest toys in the commercials, but I was given the opportunity to truly "play" and explore myself as a person. As I watched SreyKim, Tira and Tita play, I saw myself, and I firmly believe they will grow to be competent, independent individuals.
I am blessed. I cannot repeat this enough. My husband never knew his father, let alone the fact he had two brothers, until three years ago when he was connected with them. After holding intimate conversations with several children at CHA, I now understand the pain my husband must have been internalizing so discretely. Thomas, I am so happy you've been reconnected with your father and two brothers. The connection with my brother and sister is something I treasure, a bond that is so strong it's difficult to explain to my middle school students...but they will realize it one day, just like I did.
A large banner hangs in the city of Phnom Penh: "Volunteers are the Backbone of the Community." I am proud to resonate with this banner-I am grateful for this opportunity extended to me. The more kids and adults I can expose, the more lifelong assistance that can strengthen the backbone of Phnom Penh, and specifically aiding the goal of self-sustainability of the Cambodian Hope Association.
Little Mimi, prounounced my-my, is 2 years old, the youngest at the orphanage. Although she has living relatives, including her mother, she calls the orphanage her home because her mother has cancer and cannot provide adequate care for her. We had the privilege of meeting Mimi's mother, and what a lovely lady she is, so happy and enthusiastic to be able to spend time with her daughter on her "better" days. I can't imagine the thought of having to do this, but Mimi is in good hands at the orphanage. The older boys see to it that she gets the approrpriate amount of help and care she needs.
ChanTim, a 15 year old female, has apparently been sick for many years with swollen lymph nodes in multiple areas, painful stomach issues, and extreme fatigue and depression. Lisamarie discovered her under the sheets the other day, sobbing beyond her own control. She replied with, "I'm okay, no problem." Cambodian people do not cry, it's not common in their culture, so this was a rarity for us to witness. After scanning her body and locating points of pain, we drew a diagram for the doctor and she was taken by the director to the private hospital, for the few prior hospital visits yielded no results. We found out later that night she has TB, and treatment was started immediately. I pray she gets well. I made sure to give her extra hugs as I was leaving, kissed her several times on the forehead, and told her she'd be okay. God bless you, ChanTim.
As I watched the younger girls engrossd in play with their new mini dollhouses today, memories of my childhood started flashing before me. The girls were so immersed in play, keeping themselves entertained for a lengthy amount of time. I was that child, engaged in play with Barbies at my Grandma Schrenk's house. My cousin Jess and I could sit for hours playing "House" and "Happy Family." My Grandma Dahlquist and I would play "Foot Fashion Show," hold up a curtain, put Barbie shoes and boots on our fingers, and present dance numbers for each other. Grandma D and S, thank you for encouraging "play," and providing me the time to explore my creativity. I never had the latest gadgets, the newest toys in the commercials, but I was given the opportunity to truly "play" and explore myself as a person. As I watched SreyKim, Tira and Tita play, I saw myself, and I firmly believe they will grow to be competent, independent individuals.
I am blessed. I cannot repeat this enough. My husband never knew his father, let alone the fact he had two brothers, until three years ago when he was connected with them. After holding intimate conversations with several children at CHA, I now understand the pain my husband must have been internalizing so discretely. Thomas, I am so happy you've been reconnected with your father and two brothers. The connection with my brother and sister is something I treasure, a bond that is so strong it's difficult to explain to my middle school students...but they will realize it one day, just like I did.
A large banner hangs in the city of Phnom Penh: "Volunteers are the Backbone of the Community." I am proud to resonate with this banner-I am grateful for this opportunity extended to me. The more kids and adults I can expose, the more lifelong assistance that can strengthen the backbone of Phnom Penh, and specifically aiding the goal of self-sustainability of the Cambodian Hope Association.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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.
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.
Cambodia Day 9
Doctor Gutmann, at your service. I took the initiative today, after examining several kids' feet, to drench toes and fingers in hydrogen peroxide, apply antibiotic cream, and wrap wounds with band-aids. Not even a flinch when the peroxide bubbled out of control...it didn't even phase the four boys. I'm not surprised their feet and hands are damaged, for they are constantly climbing trees, playing soccer, and peeling their own fruit with knives. It's just the way it's always been for them...they get hurt, they either brush it off or take care of it themselves.
Brusha, brusha, brusha...
The kids do not, under any circumstance, brush their teeth. It is not enforced, and the kids, especially the littles, are not disciplined enough to keep track of a toothbrush and toothpaste, let alone brush regularly, in a house of 70+ kids. So...Lisamarie handed them out when they were bathing today. It worked! I just hope and pray that the orphanage helpers regularly remind them to brush.
On our lunch break, again...complete silence as we are escorted through the town. We continue to take it all in. I feel at peace during our tuk-tuk rides-I don't even notice the excessive noise anymore. Road rules do not exist and neither do carseats. Newborns and little ones ride on laps in the front seats!
Afternoon yoga...wait, let me rephrase that...hot yoga so hot that beads of sweat drip from your forehead into your eyes, your shirt ever so still because you'd have to literally peel it off. We did some yoga again today at the request of Kia, the little boy that appears to be a pro at headstands. We have a blast doing yoga in the church...a little "tree"here, a little "warrior" there...priceless. What do they love? Crow/Bakasana. ;)
The kids at the orphanage can come and go as they please, one in one out. Anna and I decided to take a couple boys on a bike ride today. We didn't have to sign any consent, we didn't even have to tell anyone we were leaving. Why would we? We took them for a ride, bought them some candy at a little stand, and enjoyed the breeze.
Never underestimate the power of the Cambodian sunshine.I am on fire. I am not complaining, but man, the heat! The sun! It doesn't even phase the kids. I went boldly to Cambodia with fair skin and I'm coming back boldly kinda burned...haven't had a sunburn like this since I was 10 in Florida. I have learned to embrace the heat and sun on this trip.
Hin, love of my Cambodian life, has grown on me in the past 48 hours. I am going to miss him so much. Those big brown eyes, the wife beater and skinny little arms...I have already dreamed about him. I don't want to leave him...my heart hurts.
Appreciation Note:
How much do you love your coffee maker? Well, Lisamarie and I really had to work hard to keep our habit satisfied. We just couldn't fathom swallowing another drop of guesthouse coffee this morning, so I picked up a bag of ground coffee from the supermarket. Silly Jen thought we could mix it with water...nope. When we asked for assistance we received a miniature butterfly net, literally. Let the science experiment begin.
Brusha, brusha, brusha...
The kids do not, under any circumstance, brush their teeth. It is not enforced, and the kids, especially the littles, are not disciplined enough to keep track of a toothbrush and toothpaste, let alone brush regularly, in a house of 70+ kids. So...Lisamarie handed them out when they were bathing today. It worked! I just hope and pray that the orphanage helpers regularly remind them to brush.
On our lunch break, again...complete silence as we are escorted through the town. We continue to take it all in. I feel at peace during our tuk-tuk rides-I don't even notice the excessive noise anymore. Road rules do not exist and neither do carseats. Newborns and little ones ride on laps in the front seats!
Afternoon yoga...wait, let me rephrase that...hot yoga so hot that beads of sweat drip from your forehead into your eyes, your shirt ever so still because you'd have to literally peel it off. We did some yoga again today at the request of Kia, the little boy that appears to be a pro at headstands. We have a blast doing yoga in the church...a little "tree"here, a little "warrior" there...priceless. What do they love? Crow/Bakasana. ;)
The kids at the orphanage can come and go as they please, one in one out. Anna and I decided to take a couple boys on a bike ride today. We didn't have to sign any consent, we didn't even have to tell anyone we were leaving. Why would we? We took them for a ride, bought them some candy at a little stand, and enjoyed the breeze.
Never underestimate the power of the Cambodian sunshine.I am on fire. I am not complaining, but man, the heat! The sun! It doesn't even phase the kids. I went boldly to Cambodia with fair skin and I'm coming back boldly kinda burned...haven't had a sunburn like this since I was 10 in Florida. I have learned to embrace the heat and sun on this trip.
Hin, love of my Cambodian life, has grown on me in the past 48 hours. I am going to miss him so much. Those big brown eyes, the wife beater and skinny little arms...I have already dreamed about him. I don't want to leave him...my heart hurts.
Appreciation Note:
How much do you love your coffee maker? Well, Lisamarie and I really had to work hard to keep our habit satisfied. We just couldn't fathom swallowing another drop of guesthouse coffee this morning, so I picked up a bag of ground coffee from the supermarket. Silly Jen thought we could mix it with water...nope. When we asked for assistance we received a miniature butterfly net, literally. Let the science experiment begin.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Cambodia Day 8
How much do you appreciate your mops, cleaners, scrubbing brushes and dustpans? After today, I appreciate them so much more. Imagine this...suds, suds and more suds, little naked bodies sliding on bellies across the floor, brooms pushing the soapy water out the door, little hands on giant sponges scrubbing the stained walls, ants running in terror, toilets turning white again, t-shirts wiping the floor somewhat dry, fans blowing to finish the drying, giggling ringing through the orphanage...teamwork is an understatement. The last time the orphanage was scrubbed down like this was a year ago, seriously. The FlipCam material for today is going to be an absolute joy to view. One minute I would see a bubble-covered brown body, and then the next minute he was sliding under the bed and to the other side of the room. Loved it!
Isaal...my clone of Axel...I want to bring him home. From across the room this afternoon I watched him dress himself in Axel's overalls. A little too short, but so adorable. I have to admit that I'm a little obsessed with him and would bring him back home with me in a heartbeat, if it was allowed. Cambodian children are only allowed to be sponsored from overseas. To adopt him I would need to live in Cambodia. He's five and only a tad bit taller than my Axel who's almost three. His eyes, oh his eyes...I can just see the pain inside, so I hug him, hug him, hug him. Nalin, a lady that works at the orphanage, told Isaal in Khmer today that Jen wanted to take him home with her-he shook his head no. Then she told him that I had a little boy like him-he then considered my offer. ;)
Ah...how could I forget the fruit/veggie/meat stand purchase with Lisamarie today...seriously. Meat hung from wires, all kinds, and the giant heart, ick.Fish without heads, limes engrossed with flies, and unique looking items that we weren't sure whether or not they were fruit or veggies? We were dying laughing, gagging from time to time. But again, to witness the smiles on the faces when we arrived...so worth the swatting of flies and near-vomit sensations. Watermelon for all! Potatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, pork, etc. AND...all organic, and I mean organic. ;)
Round 2 of de-licing today...we realized, after reading the label on the bottle this time, that dry hair was the prerequisite...woops. After lathering little heads, the kids had to stand on the wall and wait for 10 minutes, the magical numbers of minutes required for the shampoo to kill the lice in their hair. Ah yes, I will be de-licing myself tonight as well. The lice is present in mostly females, but the boys feel left out. So...I washed Thong's head as well...I think he just wanted a scalp massage-I don't blame him.
Final note...these kids have some rhythm. I placed my earphones into tiny ears, flipped on some Timbaland and Will.I.Am...and the shoulders started rockin, the heads began shakin...priceless! I love to just watch the kids in action. By doing this I get a sense of their personality, their likes and dislikes-it's then that I can jump in with conversation, kick a ball around, or simply hug them.
I <3 Cambodia.
Isaal...my clone of Axel...I want to bring him home. From across the room this afternoon I watched him dress himself in Axel's overalls. A little too short, but so adorable. I have to admit that I'm a little obsessed with him and would bring him back home with me in a heartbeat, if it was allowed. Cambodian children are only allowed to be sponsored from overseas. To adopt him I would need to live in Cambodia. He's five and only a tad bit taller than my Axel who's almost three. His eyes, oh his eyes...I can just see the pain inside, so I hug him, hug him, hug him. Nalin, a lady that works at the orphanage, told Isaal in Khmer today that Jen wanted to take him home with her-he shook his head no. Then she told him that I had a little boy like him-he then considered my offer. ;)
Ah...how could I forget the fruit/veggie/meat stand purchase with Lisamarie today...seriously. Meat hung from wires, all kinds, and the giant heart, ick.Fish without heads, limes engrossed with flies, and unique looking items that we weren't sure whether or not they were fruit or veggies? We were dying laughing, gagging from time to time. But again, to witness the smiles on the faces when we arrived...so worth the swatting of flies and near-vomit sensations. Watermelon for all! Potatoes, onions, cucumbers, carrots, pork, etc. AND...all organic, and I mean organic. ;)
Round 2 of de-licing today...we realized, after reading the label on the bottle this time, that dry hair was the prerequisite...woops. After lathering little heads, the kids had to stand on the wall and wait for 10 minutes, the magical numbers of minutes required for the shampoo to kill the lice in their hair. Ah yes, I will be de-licing myself tonight as well. The lice is present in mostly females, but the boys feel left out. So...I washed Thong's head as well...I think he just wanted a scalp massage-I don't blame him.
Final note...these kids have some rhythm. I placed my earphones into tiny ears, flipped on some Timbaland and Will.I.Am...and the shoulders started rockin, the heads began shakin...priceless! I love to just watch the kids in action. By doing this I get a sense of their personality, their likes and dislikes-it's then that I can jump in with conversation, kick a ball around, or simply hug them.
I <3 Cambodia.
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