A Walk To Remember

The countdown of days at the orphanage has begun. We have a schedule for the next week so we can pack as much into the days as possible. Tomorrow is our last official day helping. We will be there Sunday for church and the feeding program and next Thursday to say goodbye.

The team split today so the guys could take all of the older boys to the market to get school uniforms and clothes. They also took them bowling. James said they had no balls that he could get his fingers into, consequently he bowled a 51. Yeah, that's bad. He said the boys teased him about it, but of course they all had fun. All of us girls were on the ferry when the other ferry brought the boys over, it was cute to see them all dressed up with their hair all combed, they were looking pretty spiffy. They were obviously happy to get to go. I am glad for them.

We worked on the never-ending uniform sewing project at the orphanage and a couple others worked on organizing some toys, books and puzzles. When it came time for vbs, we all headed up to sing then we took the kids out on a walk. They love to get out of the walls of the orphanage since it doesn't happen often. Time spent with them playing and visiting is priceless. I am struck often by their individual stories. The children you see in the pictures have experienced more pain in their short lives than any of us will ever have to deal with. They are strong and courageous and still just love being alive. They stronger ones help the weaker ones, all living, loving and healing together. They don't really talk about their pasts, although if you ask you will get a very matter-of-fact answer to any question. I know many of their stories and they are heart wrenching, it is sad to hear them talk about it like it was just normal. There are a few with stories of abuse, one child curls up in the fetal position and cries. He is getting better about it and has less and less of these episodes, he was severely beaten by his family before he came to Sovanapoom. There are a few other stories that I cant write, they are just to sad. All of this makes watching them sing praise songs at the top of their lungs a sight to behold. I hope that we can all do right by these kids, sharing all that we have in the same manner that Christ has shared His inheritance with us and walking in the freedom of forgiveness.