The orphanage

I spent my evening at an orphanage last night. I had wanted to go to an orphanage (there are several!) but the guidebooks all say it's not a good idea, because it takes staff away from their duties. They don't have time to show you around. But, the single girl I sat by at the show the other day told me about this orphanage. The children do dance shows in the evenings. The show is free, but they encourage you to donate money or rice. I loved being there!


First, they took me on a tour of the facilities. It is not much! Even less than not much! You would not believe where these children live! But, at least they are loved and taken care of and have food. They also get an education and are taught English and Khmer traditions and skills. They had a facility, but it flooded. They are trying to save money to build a new facility and have plans for that. Now, they live in almost nothing. It looks worse than the sheds behind Tessa's house. The tables for eating are all outside. And, they put cots out for sleeping on at night. There isn't much in-doors, but there is a little. The place they sleep has a covering over it. They just got a bathroom. There is a little school room where they teach English. The kids go to public school.

No matter where you go or how much they have, kids are kids! They laugh and play and are so much fun to be around. They did their little show. Then, I played with them. I got out my bubbles. They loved blowing bubbles! I left them there. One of the workers said they need a nurse volunteer. It's very tempting! :) I would love to do that!  It really was so much fun! And so rewarding to see them smile. And so humbling! They have a board with all the children's faces. Many of their parents have died. Some, just can't afford to raise them. Some come from large families with 16 or 12 kids.