Day 4 at Thuy An Orphanage

Thursday afternoon here, I have a quick break before working with the children this afternoon.  One story to note from yesterday.  After our work with the children needing exercise for their atrophied limbs, my team worked to help some children who cannot eat on their own.  I worked with one boy, maybe 9 or 10 years old, wheelchair bound.  The only movement he could do was open his mouth to accept some food.  Trying to keep his spirits up I tried smiling for him, no response, only just a glazed over look.  I can't help but feel a great sadness when helping a child like this.  I don't know how long he has been at the facility, but he is quite sickly, flies are all over his face, yet he cannot brush them away on his own.  He is relegated away from all of the other children and has just the help from the permanent staff as companions. 

For Christmas, we are going to prepare a day with the children, sing some songs, and give our books, toys and art supplies as gifts to the children. 

There are some boys maybe between 8 and 14 who like to play soccer.  We have been playing with them every evening.  Some are actually pretty good.  There is also a pool table where some kids play, also the adult teachers working at the orphanage.

Today I was walking around with some butterscotch candies to give to the kids.  One boy, who likes playing with string (making some designs then you have to try and do another design with the string and so forth) has become my companion during a lot of the free time, we were playing on a see saw and carousel.  He is deaf, but very playful and likes to get piggy back rides!!

Take care, and another update to come.

Cheers,


Jeremy