Orphanage Trip

This morning, I was able to go an visit a local orphanage. Well, it wasn't too local, but rather about an hour outside of the city. However, I was glad that I went.

After hearing different rumors, stories, and seeing peoples reactions that have gone to the orphanages around these areas, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. In all honesty, I thought the place would be dirty and smelly. It was neither of these things.

The building was in good repair, relatively new to the naked eye, and the children seemed to be in good spirits. I didn't quite know where to go, considering all the kids, but decided to start in the nursery. Can we talk about cute overload? The babies were so precious and cuddly. I was sad that I didn't speak Mandarin, but I spoke to them anyways, shook rattles with them, and will be praying that they will be adopted soon enough. I couldn't believe how small one of the babies was. It had only been there two days and looked to be nearly a brand new newborn!

After the babies, I followed a friend into a different room. The room consisted of 4 children who were bed-ridden. Most of the children have special needs, and these were extreme cases. One of the children was born without eyes, another seemed to struggle with his breathing, and all were unable to speak. I usually am a little put-off by severe special needs…not because I am judging them, but rather because I don't really know how to respond and am a little nervous about the unpredictability in their responses/actions. However, I stayed in there the remainder of the time and just sang to them. Another person that came with us, joined in with a guitar and it was very sweet. Of course I prayed for them and sang them 'this little light of mine' and I hope that even though they weren' table to fully respond, that they knew they were loved and cared for.

Having the heart and dream to start orphanage/schools one day, it is always good to see how they are successfully run. I never really took into consideration the possibility of special needs children needing care as well, but it seems to be very needed, at least in this particular orphanage.

Though the orphanage is different than one I would like to run, I am grateful to have seen it, met the sweet children, and plan on returning (hopefully on a regular basis) to establish a relationship with the children and staff. Yet another reason to work hard on my mandarin lessons :)