This morning was a special morning as we were invited to visit a camp where about 75 orphans spend their summers. For the past two years my dad's organization has been developing a relationship with this particular orphanage and several of the people with us recognized a number of the children from their past visits.
The camp was built in the 1930's and doesn't have many modern amenities but the buildings are in relatively good shape and nicer than what I think many of us expected. Still, the children bring up their water from the well and chop the firewood to keep the cabins heated if needed. The orphanage director explained that she would rather have the orphanage moved out here permanently rather than spending the majority of their year in the city. This was for a couple of reasons: 1) the children seem to behave themselves better while here because they get a lot of exercise and fresh air plus they are further away from the temptations of the city, and 2) this is more relevant to the type of life they will likely live when they 'age out' of the system as they will likely be very poor and not able to afford living in the city.
When we arrived we were greeted with some traditional Latvian snacks and then given a tour of the grounds. The little ones (my guess is ages 2 - 6) were coloring on the porch when we arrived to their cabin. Once they warmed up to us - a process sped up by the offer of American candy that my Aunt Gwen brought - they took us by hand and showed us their toys. Aaron was a massive hit as he let many of them chase him around in the yard!
The older kids (ages 7 - 18) were also enjoying some recreation and we toured their cabin as well. Afterwards they took us to their dining hall and some of the girls performed some Latvian folk songs, the orphanage's anthem, and a popular song. Then the entire group taught us a number of Latvian folk dances - they were simple enough that we could all easily join in the fun.
Aaron and I are the youngest on the tour - by a whole generation - so many were teasing us asking if we were going to adopt 1 or 5(!) of them. Others said that since Aaron was such a hit with the kids that if he wanted to stay behind as one of the directors that I'm sure he would be welcome. :)
It was a bitter sweet experience. Heartbreaking because I of course left thinking about the empty parts of their hearts that only a family can fill. Also a little sweet because they seem to be in good care - the orphanage director certainly sees it as her personal mission to keep these kids well cared for as best possible. Also, the interest and the support that the people from our group are showing to help alter the course of some of these kids lives for the better gives hope. I am certain that there are other children who aren't even as lucky as these to land in such capable and warm hands.
The camp was built in the 1930's and doesn't have many modern amenities but the buildings are in relatively good shape and nicer than what I think many of us expected. Still, the children bring up their water from the well and chop the firewood to keep the cabins heated if needed. The orphanage director explained that she would rather have the orphanage moved out here permanently rather than spending the majority of their year in the city. This was for a couple of reasons: 1) the children seem to behave themselves better while here because they get a lot of exercise and fresh air plus they are further away from the temptations of the city, and 2) this is more relevant to the type of life they will likely live when they 'age out' of the system as they will likely be very poor and not able to afford living in the city.
When we arrived we were greeted with some traditional Latvian snacks and then given a tour of the grounds. The little ones (my guess is ages 2 - 6) were coloring on the porch when we arrived to their cabin. Once they warmed up to us - a process sped up by the offer of American candy that my Aunt Gwen brought - they took us by hand and showed us their toys. Aaron was a massive hit as he let many of them chase him around in the yard!
The older kids (ages 7 - 18) were also enjoying some recreation and we toured their cabin as well. Afterwards they took us to their dining hall and some of the girls performed some Latvian folk songs, the orphanage's anthem, and a popular song. Then the entire group taught us a number of Latvian folk dances - they were simple enough that we could all easily join in the fun.
Aaron and I are the youngest on the tour - by a whole generation - so many were teasing us asking if we were going to adopt 1 or 5(!) of them. Others said that since Aaron was such a hit with the kids that if he wanted to stay behind as one of the directors that I'm sure he would be welcome. :)
It was a bitter sweet experience. Heartbreaking because I of course left thinking about the empty parts of their hearts that only a family can fill. Also a little sweet because they seem to be in good care - the orphanage director certainly sees it as her personal mission to keep these kids well cared for as best possible. Also, the interest and the support that the people from our group are showing to help alter the course of some of these kids lives for the better gives hope. I am certain that there are other children who aren't even as lucky as these to land in such capable and warm hands.
1 comment:
Wow! That is so awesome that you visited there. I also think its awesome that they are so well-taken care of. You hear about orphans being treated like crap or even ignored or there future not really an issue. It sounds like the director lady is VERY caring for the kids so much so that she's teaching them activities of daily living for their future.
I swear I need to be more philanthropic. I'm a nurse for Christ's sake... I'm in need! For now, though, I'll take solace in the fact that I'm starting with my two PADS (Punk Ass DogS) as practice for maybe adopting in the future. I will become the next Angelina Jolie....
Can't wait to read on....
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